As expected, the recent Indo-Pak talks again ended on an unpleasant note without a joint statement being made. As usual, talks remained 'inconclusive with reference to the root cause of tension between the two countries. The Foreign Ministers talks provided an opportunity to break the current stand-off in relations that has continued since the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008. The Indian Foreign Minister Mr S.M. Krishna did invite his Pakistani counterpart to visit New Delhi for further dialogue but Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi is clear on the subject. He told reporters in a Foreign Office briefing on July 17 I will not visit India for a leisure trip. I would go only if India is ready for meaningful talks and the environment is conducive for parleys. The FMs statement reflects Pakistans anxiety on Indias unwillingness to talk about the core and critical issue of Kashmir which is a source of instabilitya veritable stumbling rock if you willin the normalization process. Mr Qureshi has complained that Indian Foreign Minister was given a limited mandate by the government which India denies hotly. I am of the opinion that continuation of the Indo-Pak dialogue is an imperative despite reservations on both sides. This is the only way the stand-off would be broken. Both countries must proceed with constructive and serious dialogue to bridge the trust gap and to eliminate misconceptions. There is no substitute to a purposeful dialogue. And if the dialogue has to be purposeful, India must talk and not just talk but settle some issues like Kashmir and water. In talks Indias role has always been negative. At the same time, I deeply deplore Pakistans decision to provide transit facility to India for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. There is no way any patriotic Pakistani would accept that. -KHAMESOO KHAN ABRO, Tando Adam, July 21.