Eminent Pakistani journalist-turned-diplomat who served as ambassador of Pakistan in Washington has in her recent article raised very relevant questions on the dispute pointing towards its possible solution as early as possible. She elaborates the source of dispute, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, how significant was the June 1989 breakthrough and how was it prevented, the authentication was main sticking point, opportunities were missed, the Kargil complicated the talks on the issue and the last round of talks in May 2011 made no progress.
True that the dispute has to be resolve as early as possible, but this has to be kept in mind that the negotiations should not be made under pressure, as Pakistan has emerged the worst victim, given the recent incident of grave consequences, however, it has to be seen whether a similar kind of realization exists on the other side amongst Indians or not. HAARP or no-HAARP, what happened had such an incident been occurred on the Indian side of the glacier.
The dispute has to be resolved not under coercion or putting one side under pressure but on merit because Indian is also paying very heavy price for it. A former editor of a Lahore daily’s suggestion that both the countries should accept the current deployment position of Pakistan and Indian armies as a line of control does not seem to be helping towards resolving the conflict; rather it would further complicate it.
Declaring the glacier as dimilitarised zone and agreeing on who would allow expeditions from where under the international umbrella would be wise as a positive step forward. Otherwise the human beings would continue to turn into body bags.
MARYA MUFTY
Lahore
