Daily Times

Sir: This is with reference to the great tragedy at Siachen due to which 138 brave sons of this soil lost their lives. The magnitude of this natural calamity is so huge that in spite of continuous rescue efforts by the army, air force and foreign disaster management authorities, no success is visible. I do not understand what had prompted India to occupy the peaceful Siachen Glacier. Pakistan was left with no choice but to defend the motherland and since then both sides have locked horns. Billions of dollars have been spent by both countries and God knows how long it shall continue. As it is said, “The soldiers fight and the kings are heroes.” Governments issue policies and directions and the soldiers follow them obediently. There have been many initiatives and confidence-building measures but no irritant or dispute has ever been solved, may it be Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachen or the water issue. One hopes that the recent tragedy at Gayari, Siachen proves instrumental in bringing both the governments to the negotiation table to resolve longstanding issues. It is high time that bold initiatives are taken for peace and prosperity in South Asia.

SHAHID ZAHUR

Islamabad