Islamabad: September 17, 2007 - Pakistan Foreign Ministry has lodged its protest over Siachen.  The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam summoned an Indian Deputy High Commissioner today to protest against an Indian plan to open the disputed Siachen Glacier to tourists. She commented that the plan could make an adverse effect on the present peace process.

The Indian army is planning to take a group of trekkers to the Himalayan glacier, where rival forces have faced off since 1984 across what is known as the world's highest battlefield.

"It is told to the Indian deputy high commissioner that the Indian plans to open up the disputed territory for tourists is a serious affair and of deep concern to Pakistan," Tasnim Aslam told media.

"The area remains a conflict zone and the reported move by India to open up Siachen for tourism could intensify the situation with serious consequences that could vitiate the atmosphere for the ongoing peace process."

India in 1984 had first dispatched a contingent into the remote Siachen region in, 5,500 meters above sea level. In reply Pakistan also sent their troops and as a result of this action, some clashes took place. 

Both countries have been making sincere efforts to find out an amicable solution between their countries that could allow them to withdraw their troops but India shows its reluctance to withdraw their force from the glacier until Pakistan officially substantiate their actual positions that they hold.