ISLAMABAD, July 10: With this year’s round of Pak-India dialogue completed, except for the political review by foreign ministers that is slated for September, there is hardly anything to cheer about.

The status quo on different issues discussed in various segments has led many to believe that the so-called ‘Thimphu Spirit’ which had helped the two countries to revive the peace process is fading fast.

It has been a story that has been repeated year after year, according to analysts. The excitement generated by small steps makes one forget that these are not sustainable till the larger issues are addressed.

But, the fact that the issues have got complicated and more difficult to resolve plus the hardening of positions in the two capitals make observers think if the real powers that had given the nod for the rapprochement had lost interest in the process.

At the start of the second round of dialogue this year, both sides promised to liberalise their commercial ties. It looked certain that the two had agreed on the trade route to build their much-needed political trust.

But segments that met afterwards, including interior secretaries’ meeting, talks on Siachen, negotiations on Sir Creek, and now the foreign secretaries’ meeting on peace and security, Jammu and Kashmir, conventional and nuclear confidence-building measures, and cultural exchanges have failed to produce progress. Even the much anticipated liberalisation of visa regime couldn’t materialise despite an agreement in principle.

“Trade is important but we should move forward on other issues also. We should progress on water disputes, Sir Creek, Siachen and Jammu and Kashmir. It is very important,” a senior official, who participated in talks with India, said on the customary condition of anonymity while sharing the official assessment of the just completed round of talks.

Statements issued at the end of the meetings of the various segments had nothing except platitudes.

“Talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to make serious, sustained and result-oriented efforts for… It was agreed that next round of talks would be held in… on dates to be fixed through diplomatic channels,” has virtually been the standard format for the press releases issued after every meeting.

The official regretted that Pakistan moved forward on trade despite strong opposition at home, but the gesture did not translate into increased Pakistani exports through removal of trade and non-trade barriers. The confidence-building measures agreed previously haven’t been implemented yet.

Instead, India’s focus at the talks has been on counter-terrorism.

The two sides have “affirmed the strong commitment...to fight and eliminate terrorism in an effective and comprehensive manner to eliminate the scourge in all its forms and manifestations” but what does that mean practically other than the Foreign Office refrain “India should give us evidence and we’ll look into it”.

So here is clearly a case of unfulfilled and mismatched expectations.

Despite the lack of progress, optimists still want the engagement to continue. “Efforts need to be made even if we progress inch by inch,” a Pakistani negotiator said.