The UPA government claims a thawing of ties with Pakistan as one of its high points in office. Not only are the two "warring neighbours" talking, they are talking peace. Every few months a new bus route opens up linking the two countries, as it did last week. Generally, it is believed "people-to-people" relations are much better than it ever was. Yet….

Yet, the denial of a visa to the poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar to attend the Karachi premiere of K. Asif's Mughal-e-Azam by Pakistan this week points to how tenuous it all is. The Pakistani high commission has now tried to do some damage control by issuing a visa. But will the two countries ever be able to overcome their old fears and suspicions?

Also see: Are Indian Muslims better off?