Zain Verjee: The outlook from Pakistan

Zain Verjee is a CNN International anchor and presenter for Q&A South Asia, based at the network's global headquarters in Atlanta.

CNN: Welcome Zain Verjee and all to CNN International.

ZAIN VERJEE: Hi!

CNN: Zain, you've spent time now in India and Pakistan covering the story of the summit and the aftermath. What are your impressions about both sides' points of view?

VERJEE: From the people that we have spoken to in New Delhi and Islamabad, there seems to be a sense of disappointment after the Agra Summit. But we keep hearing from both sides that there is a desire by both leaders to move forward with some kind of framework, some kind of process to resolve tensions between the 2 countries. It is clear though that Kashmir is a sensitive point for most of the Indians and Pakistanis that we have spoken to, there is also the feeling that Indians and Pakistanis are inherently similar people. They share the same culture, they enjoy the same music, have similar taste in food. All of which is more unifying between the two peoples rather than divisive.

VIDEO CNN's Satinder Bindra reports on the vast differences that still separate the neighboring countries Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Zain Verjee discusses the prospects for trade between India and Pakistan with India's trade minister Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)   EXTRA INFORMATION CNN Special: Agra Summit     RESOURCES Kashmir:  Where conflict rules Mesage board: India and Pakistan     CNN.com Asia More news  from our Asia edition

CHAT PARTICIPANT: Why has Kashmir not being looked after by the United Nations?

VERJEE: Because according to previous agreements, both sides have agreed to resolve the issue of Kashmir bi-laterally. India has been insistent that there will be no third-party involvement as it discusses Kashmir with Pakistan. So that includes the UN, the United States, and even the idea of Nelson Mandela being a third party.

CHAT PARTICIPANT: Zain, in your opinion, will the summit bring a better relationship between both sides?

VERJEE: I think there is a conscious effort by both leaders to see where the other is coming from. Both articulated their positions clearly in Agra. Positive dialogue and engagement can bring about a greater understanding. While the two sides stand far apart on the critical issue of Kashmir, if a process is eventually worked out that has both sides committed to finding a solution, of course it will bring more understanding, and a great peace in the disputed area, Kashmir, and between India and Pakistan.

CHAT PARTICIPANT: What's making them fight over Kashmir?

VERJEE: You can trace it back to 1947. During partition the princely states of India had to decide whether to join India or to join Pakistan. Kashmir was ruled by a Hindu prince, but was majority Muslim. The prince, Hari Singh, could not decide whether he should join India or Pakistan. Then, there was a Pakistani incursion into Kashmir and the prince decided to go with India. In 1989, a separatist movement began in Kashmir and there was increasing militancy in the region. The Kashmiri separatist groups wanted to have a say in what happened to them and still do. India says Kashmir is an integral part of the country and important to its secular make up. Pakistan believed that the Kashmiri people should decide whether they join India or Pakistan. The two countries have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, the latest in 1999 in Kargil. India has accused Pakistan of supporting what it calls cross-border terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge and says that it only gives moral support. That's it in a nutshell.

CHAT PARTICIPANT: Zain, do you think the entire exercise by Musharraf was only to consolidate his position in Pakistan rather than talk out some solution for Kashmir? Do you think he is strong enough to take any stand on Kashmir?

VERJEE: That's a good question. Before Musharraf left for Agra he consulted politicians, he consulted the intelligentsia, and the religious groups. There is definitely a feeling that Musharraf went there with the support of the majority of the Pakistani people. There is no doubt that Musharraf has tried to legitimate his position and garner credibility in this process. He made himself president before he left. Most people have a wait and see attitude about Musharraf's performance, but so far he seems pretty well positioned and pretty well supported.

CNN: Thank you for joining us today, Zain Verjee.

VERJEE: Bye! Be sure and watch tomorrow, I'll be talking to the Finance Minister and I'll want to hear from you too!

Zain Verjee joined the CNN.com chat room by telephone from Islamabad, Pakistan, and CNN provided a typist. This is an edited transcript of the chat which took place on Monday, July 23, 2001.