Pakistan's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said the country's constructive diplomacy, international pressure and domestic lobbies have made India take a step forward to thaw relations with its neighbour, according to reports.
"India changed its hostile attitude towards Pakistan because of our constructive diplomacy, international pressure and domestic lobbies in India," PTI quoted Aziz as saying in reply to points raised by senate members.
However, he cautioned against "unrealistic expectations" about the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan as the process invloves difficult decisions on important issues.
The talks will be scheduled by foreign secretaries of the two countries during a meeting on 14-15 January.
"The foreign secretaries will meet on January 14-15 and draw up a map for the next six months for talks on 10 identified subjects," Aziz said.
He added that some issues will be settled soon while it will take time for progress on others.
Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 December visit to Pakistan, he said it was a goodwill visit, which has been welcomed by majority of people in both the countries as well as the international community.
He also expressed optimism, saying the warmth of ties created during Modi's Lahore visit would have a positive impact on the talks.
Dismissing rumours about Modi's entourage arriving in Lahore without a valid visa, Aziz said the prime minister and 11 of his personal staff members were given a three-day visa, followed by a full immigaration process.
He also clarified that the rest of the dignitaries stayed inside the airport and were not allowed to enter the country.
