THE report that secret talks between India and Pakistan could get under way in the near future in an attempt to resolve the Kashmir dispute would be received with relief and expectations by all those who feel for the sufferings of the Kashmiris and see the prospects of both the countries joining hands in the economic development of the Subcontinent, once the issue is out of the way. If anything, it is Kashmir that stands in the way of creating a climate of trust and peace that is necessary for that purpose. Pakistan has been calling for the resumption of talks under the peace process that was suddenly disrupted in November last year when New Delhi implicated, with little credible evidence, Islamabad in the Mumbai incidents. Although India was seen shying away from coming to grips with the Kashmir dispute at the composite dialogue, apparently back channel talks were bearing fruit. Former Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh revealed some time back that the two countries were close to its settlement when the Indians sensed that General Musharraf had lost public support and any agreement signed with him might not be honoured by the succeeding administration. Nevertheless, it points to an obvious reality that given the political will, the two sides can find common ground to settle it. Now with the renewed American interest that Pakistan should wholeheartedly focus on the militants in the north, undisturbed by any concern about the eastern border with India, the need to resolve Kashmir has been felt once again by influential political circles in the world. In public statements in response to Islamabad's calls for the resumption of talks, the Indian leadership continues to insist on the precondition of punishment to the Mumbai 'culprits' and destruction of 'terrorists' infrastructure. But it seems that covert pressure from outside is working and New Delhi has decided to initiate secret diplomacy with the aim of resolving the dispute. Let us keep our fingers crossed and hope that India does not find another excuse to halt the process. Pakistan must ensure that the outcome is in line with the aspirations of Kashmiris expressed through the agreed principle of a UN-sponsored plebiscite.