Khan 'optimistic' about Delhi job

By Zaffar Abbas
BBC correspondent in Islamabad

Pakistan's newly appointed high commissioner to India has said he hopes the two countries will resolve their outstanding disputes through dialogue.

Mr Khan is confident about relations between Delhi and Islamabad

At his last news briefing as the official spokesman of the foreign ministry, Aziz Ahmed Khan said the recent peace overtures by the two sides have created an atmosphere of optimism in the region.

He also expressed hope that the process would soon pick up momentum to improve relations.

Mr Khan has not yet said when he will take up his post in Delhi.

He said his decision was not linked to the arrival of his Indian counterpart, Shivshanker Menon.

Mr Menon is not expected to give up his present post in Beijing before Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to China later this month.

'Good neighbours'

Mr Khan said he hoped negotiations would be held in a meaningful manner, with an open mind and a positive attitude.

He said both sides should have the aim of resolving all outstanding concerns, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Khan said if such a development takes place the people of India and Pakistan would be able to see peace and to have good neighbourly relations.

No explanation was given for the slow pace at which normal ties are being resumed. Mr Khan said air and bus travel would start once experts from both are able to resolve technical matters.

But he said there was a certain amount of optimism in the air and that the normalisation process - initiated by the prime ministers of the two countries - would soon pick up momentum and allow the two sides to tackle their outstanding disagreements.