Daily Times

In a recent interview with an Indian television channel, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif made quite a few references to India and how he wishes to see his country’s relationship with it — and all of them were positive. He unequivocally stated that, if elected, he would make sure that Pakistani soil would not be used for malicious intentions towards India. In the light of the Mumbai attacks of 2008, such a statement can only mean that he is reaching out to our neighbouring country on whom that event has left an irreparable scar. The fact that he is mentioning efforts aimed at improving relations with India during his electioneering does not come as a surprise although it is most welcome. Nawaz Sharif’s track record in this regard has been good. He is the one who initiated the hassle-free bus service between the two countries, committed to mutual economic cooperation, invited then Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to visit Pakistan when Nawaz was premier and so on. Mr Sharif comes from a business background and he understands the enlightened self-interest in a normalisation of relations with India, which is a hugely rising economic power in the world. He also understands the ramifications of foregoing such an opportunity. The peace dividend accruing from normalisation of relations with a country such as India and opening up of trade could make Pakistan an energy and trade corridor in this region — in fact a new silk route. Nawaz Sharif has been such a proponent of peace with India that when Pervez Musharraf’s debacle in Kargil happened, it led to Nawaz attempting to dismiss the latter, followed immediately by the military coup that ousted Nawaz.a

What really tickles interest though is Nawaz Sharif’s stance on how the military must work under civilian supremacy and how the ISI will be investigated to see if it had any links with the Mumbai attacks. This open put down of the military and intelligence establishment is both rare and risky. The army has always maintained a demeanour of denial as far as any connection to the attacks is concerned even though India has always suspected the involvement of our intelligence agencies. Whilst no solid proof in this regard has surfaced despite accusations and allegations, an investigation is necessary to get down to the truth. Pakistan’s posture of denial of any state actors’ role has failed to convince the world, let alone India, which froze its dialogue with Pakistan for an extended period until the imperatives of the region compelled New Delhi to reconsider. Even though dialogue has resumed, the relationship suffers from strain. Nawaz Sharif’s honing in on the military establishment means that he wishes to not only address India’s concerns but also end the impunity with which the army and intelligence agencies function. If a full investigation is carried out and any person or institution is found responsible, they must be brought to book. That is the only deterrent to any such future adventures and the way forward to ensure a new dawn for Pakistan-India friendship. *