KARACHI: India has formally proposed to Pakistan that a joint move should be made to initiate across-the-table talks with South Africa over the treatment of Indians and Pakistanis in the Union, according to authoritative sources in Karachi. The Government of Pakistan, it is stated, are still considering India’s suggestion and no final decision has yet been reached. It is, however, considered likely that Pakistan will give its full support to the move since the two Dominions have more or less identical views on the subject as against South Africa.

Should South Africa agree to hold tri-partite talks it will be in line with the latest resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, which stipulated round the table talks between India, Pakistan and South Africa before the matter could again be taken up by the United Nations. Well informed sources in Karachi said there was at present no likelihood of India and Pakistan lifting trade sanctions imposed against South Africa in view of her policy of racial discrimination against Indians and Pakistanis.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2024