'Mutual dependencies' to drive Indo-Pak peace process: Aziz

One such step would be the proposed Iran-India gas pipeline via Pakistan as it would create "mutually beneficial interests", Aziz told Daily Times in an interview published Sunday.

Aziz was hopeful of "palpable progress" on the pipeline in the next 12 months but saw little chance of a bus service beginning soon between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad even though Pakistan "really" wanted to make progress on the Kashmir issue.

The bus service is one of eight issues to be discussed by Indian and Pakistani officials in November-December as part of their composite dialogue process.

Aziz asserted his priorities were to engage India in a dialogue on Kashmir while simultaneously working on the gas pipeline project.

"The best CBM (confidence building measure) for Pakistan is to engage India in two things -- dialogue on Kashmir and progress on the gas pipeline. I really believe in it.

"When you create a mutual dependency, you open many other doors. Their (India's) views may be different than ours. But if we open up a door which is not in the benefit of both the countries then it will not work.

"I am not saying the pipeline will be installed overnight, but the dialogue will start, at least. We really want to make progress on the Kashmir issue. The dialogue process should move on. And I think this is a realistic approach," Aziz maintained.