Daily Times

Being next-door neighbours, India and Pakistan cannot remain aloof. This has been famously reiterated recently by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi but is the fact not known to us all?

Whoever is up to something good should be an example for others to follow. We should not shy away from speaking out against deceit, prejudice, inequality, violence, terrorism and all sorts of extremism.

International organizations dedicated to working for peace and development should be allowed to make their contribution. They should strive to live up to their mission.

The policy paradigm of Greater Middle East is destructive on account of its inhrent injustice. No wonder it is causing so much death and displacement. Selfishness always makes for bad politics. People everywhere look for peace which promises a solution to all kinds of problems.

Tensions between India and Pakistan must be eased to pave the way for peace and prosperity. The poverty stricken masses of these countries need peace to sustain the hope for a way forward. They deserve an opportunity to live with dignity.

Political leaders of India and Pakistan have to have a shared vision of improving the standards of living of their people. All outstanding issues between the two countries need to be resolved through dialogue. The sooner the dialogue can get under way the better.

Restoration of peace requires a genuine understanding of the resentment and hostility among people on both sides. Millions of people feel that they have been wronged, betrayed or abused. Our leaders have to be aware of the significance and power of empathy which is the true basis of all human relationships. It is important to know how people get hurt and why communications fail. One must not make a mess of oneself through isolation and baseless hostility. Instead one should be prepared always to seek cooperation for success.

We can do well only when we know ourselves and do not misunderstand others. There are bound to be situations where one is at a loss for clues. There are also situations where one is better informed or capable than others and can help and guide them. A free and frequent exchange of views can clarify the issues for everyone. This creates opportunities to tackle real issues effectively. Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. Empathy is enlightening because it allows one to learn from the experience of others. It also creates a good feeling on both sides.

Restoration of peace requires a genuine understanding of the resentment and hostility among people on both sides. Millions of peple feel that they have been wronged, betrayed or abused

Irrespective of how a problem started and who got hurt, there needs to be an objective analysis before a way forward can be found to solve the problem. Meanwhile, one needs also to address the feelings of resentment and abuse. Efforts to get to the facts and identify the root causes of important issues have to be carried on continuously. Success is a journey, not a destination. The journey to seek knowledge and solutions to problems confronting the people must continue. The pursuit of peace and security has to be our top priority.

Cheers and smiles must return to the two neighbours. This is important for both of them as well as for regional and global peace and stability. There is an urgent need for sincere efforts to promote positivity. Leaders of public opinion must work hard to debunk prejudice and banish hate. They must strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and understanding for peace and socio-economic and cultural development.

Instead of focusing on our differences, let us start looking for commonalities; let us proceed with good intentions, without prejudice; let us let the past be past; let us be clear that war is not a solution to any of our problems; let us acknowledge that the poor in the two countries have already suffered enough.

We need to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions. Open societies with shared values can save humanity from the shock and hurt that visit us every now and then. Let us promote sensible ethics and better ways of life. We can win peole’s hearts if we make an effort. One can reign and rule with or without formal authority. Influencing others is fast becoming a science, a common sense.

Meaningful conversations are free of deliberate confrontation and personal prejudice. Making an impact through conversation demands positivity and knowledge. One should aim always to remove confusion and lead to the right conclusions. Empathy is a key ingredient in all effective communication. It lends credibility to the institutions and enhances trust in the leadership.

Our dream of seeing cheers and smiles return to us and our neighbours can come true if we think collectively to do good. We need to mind our language and conduct because these things make a difference. Pakistan is a great nation. We have to make it greater.

The writer is a former director of the National Institute of Public Administration and author of Post 9/11 Pakistan and Existential Question for Pakistan