"The long-standing issue of Kashmir, however, should be included in the India-Pakistan dialogue on priority basis," he said at a talk on 'India-Pakistan relations and peace process' organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in the city.

Dr Pervaiz, chairman of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), said the chambers of commerce of the two neighbouring nations meet regularly, while confidence-building measures are increasing gradually. "Trading and economic relations are very impressive."

Peoples of both the countries also support peace, which forces the leaders of Pakistan and India to hold peace talks, he said, adding that the international community's interest in and support for the peace process is also very encouraging.

Several agreements between India and Pakistan, including rail communications, have also helped strengthen people-to-people contact, he said, adding that political approach is more viable than military approach.

About the regime of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Dr Pervaiz, author of more than 100 research articles, said a leadership with the confidence of people cannot make unpleasant decision.

"We have a very strong parliament, strong media and the judiciary, but the only thing that an army chief of the staff is our president," he said.

Asked whether the nuclear power of both the countries is an obstacle to establishing peace between them, the political scientist said the nuclear power of Pakistan would be used as a last resort to ensure its security. Although the purpose of India's nuclear power was different initially, it is now maintained for security purposes, he added.

BIISS Director General Major General Mohammad Sharifuddin, in his concluding remarks, said the India-Pakistan conflict must be resolved for the greater interest of South Asian countries.