The theme song of Lahore Declaration has been ‘reduction in dangers of war and put in place the confidence-building measures to improve the security environment’. Ironically or otherwise this itself is being seen as ‘logical outcome of post nuclear-tests US dictums and efforts of Strobe Talbot’ and steps just short of CTBT signings. Whatever it may, Lahore Summit has achieved the logical outcome of past few years of Indo-Pak efforts in downscalation of tensions. The foreign secretary meets, foreign minister summits et all.

Lahore Declaration calls for

• More efforts in solving all issues including Kashmir
• No interference in other’s internal affairs
• A vigil on terrorist activities
• Advance information on testing of ballistic missiles
• To implement Simla agreement in letter and spirit
• Broader economic ties, the two chamber of commerce have set up a joint body for this
• Issues related to nuclear disarmament
• Broad interpersonal and cultural ties and easing of visa procedures

Whether any, or some or all of these will be achieved only time can tell, but that the two countries have sat down to talks is symptoms of the goodwill and hopes still left in both the countries for a meaningful solutions. The MOU between two foreign secretaries after the declaration on the specifics of the declarations also aims and micro level solving of the issues.

The declarations apart the symbolisms, the joint Press Conference has also added upto these measures. Vajpayee was evidently on a foot backward with repeated questioning on Kashmir at the press conference by the Pak Media, it was left to Sharif to cheer up. At the banquet speech, both the PM insisted on leaving the impression on generations and generations next for a lasting peace.