Daily Times

Pakistan and India are both knowledge corridor countries, as both have geo-strategic and geo- economic importance in the region. Both can bring a peaceful revolution in the region for the prosperity and happiness of their people, if they unite and can fulfil their basic needs by utilizing their natural and man-made resources. Even though they achieved independence in the name of peace and development, unfortunately the bidding of super powers never allowed them to truly work together.

Pakistan and Indian relations have rarely ever been good, with India’s hegemonic designs for the region apparent even back in 1947. Those were terrible days for Muslims, and were followed by India’s infiltration of Kashmir in 1948, which left Pakistan with no choice but to retaliate. Nevertheless, India has no experience of fighting a modern war, as during 1965, they were beaten heavily in air and ground attacks by Pakistani forces, while during 1971, they only emerged as victors due to the full support of East Pakistan dissidents, civil political unrest and geographical limitations that ultimately led to the disintegration of our country.

A massive uprising has occurred against the use of pellet guns, murders, mysterious disappearances, false encounters and other human rights violations by the Indian army stationed in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK). Their heavy handed tactics have brought the Kashmir issue in the focus of the international community and human rights activists, as hundreds of innocent people were severely injured or killed due to the actions of the Indian forces. The UN has also finally taken notice of this issue, which is a disturbing development for India.

The initiation of peace, in order to provide a world free of poverty and hunger should be India’s main goal, instead of war. Why not open the borders between the two warring nations to promote business and cultural exchange, as it will ultimately be the most beneficial move for all parties concerned

Pakistan has developed its political economic culture, along with its military muscle, based on lessons from its past experiences and threats, primarily due to their involvement in the War on Terror, and various UN peace keeping missions. Few other countries have more extensive experience in fighting extremists, or hostile neighbouring states as Pakistan, and the world should realize that they have sacrificed everything to maintain peace and progress in the region.

Pakistanis only want peace, yet they are prepared to give a befitting response if their sovereignty is attacked by a foreign power. Its citizens are ready to support the forces, as they are fed up of Indian atrocities both within and outside their borders, as well as the destructive actions of the Indian spy agencies within Pakistan.

Wars are not fought in isolation, and India must understand that China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran are supporting Pakistan in its stance on Kashmir. On the other hand, Pakistan has repeatedly called for improving relations between both countries, and dialogue seems to be the best policy in this regard. The initiation of peace, in order to provide a world free of poverty and hunger should be India’s main goal, instead of war. Why not open the borders between the two warring nations to promote business and cultural exchange, as it will ultimately be the most beneficial move for all parties concerned. Additionally CPEC has been a bitter pill to swallow for India, and has also affected the relationship between Pakistan and the US, who have resorted to blaming Pakistan for their many shortcomings in Afghanistan. Even though India is trying to get closer to the US as a result, they should learn from Pakistan’s experience, and instead look towards China for better regional cooperation.

In the end, let peace prevail, and any attempts by India to attack Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, will only invite a destructive response from the vigilant Pakistani armed forces. India must learn to live in peace, focus on improving human rights, resolve the Kashmir issue according to the UN resolutions, and focus on peaceful initiatives, instead of the warmongering that has been observed in the recent past.

The writer is a PhD and a former economic and commercial analyst. He can be reached at majormuhammadali123@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, October 4^th 2018.