Kashmir dispute
NEW DELHI has realized that dialogue is the only way forward to discuss all outstanding issues. So says Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Mr Aizaz after his recent visit to India, terming Kashmir to be a core issue.
Pakistan’s policy on Kashmir has changed with every change in government. The transformation from dictatorship to democracy, terrorism, extremism, and a weakening economy along with a war on the western border have influenced Pakistan’s policy toward the dispute.
General Musharraf tried a change of tack to resolve the Kashmir dispute through bilateral inter-action but failed because New Delhi refused to see reason. Prime Minister Sharif visited New Delhi to attend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration but his act of good faith was rewarded by Indian intransigence.
The on-going military operation against the Taliban in FATA shows that the government’s top priority now is countering terrorism in KP, FATA, and Balochistan. Nonetheless, both states need to solve the Kashmir issue.
The regional political landscape is changing rapidly with new actors like China emerging in the region. A majority of the China-funded mega projects in Pakistan are in AJK and G-B. Given Pakistan’s dependence on energy sources located in Azad Kashmir, and an overwhelming focus on the counter terrorism campaign, it appears reasonable to argue that any change in Pakistan’s policy toward Kashmir is unlikely in the years to come.
The world community, however, has a responsibility. It did not allow apartheid to be perpetuated in South Africa nor Indonesia to rule East Timor by force. Turning a blind eye to the violence in Indian occupied Kashmir is asking for grief. Under peaceful circumstances, India and Pakistan have a huge potential for economic prosperity. The continued conflict over Kashmir denies full realization of this potential.
Courtesy by Daily Dawn
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