Peace, but of course
It is in Pakistan’s best interest to improve relations and consolidate ties with India. Thus alone can it hope to bring down its defence expenditure and improve its economy. Kayani’s remarks in April this year regarding the importance of peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours so that everybody can concentrate on the well-being of the people were quite realistic. Attempts to improve the relations suffered a set back first on account of the Kargil misadventure and then on account of the Mumbai terrorist attacks. The incidents strengthened the Indian extremist fringe which is as opposed to good relations as their Pakistani counterparts.
Pakistan’s long awaited agreement to give India the MFN status has finally broken the ice. A fillip was given to the efforts to improve the ties by President Zardari’s India visit in April this year. Pakistani entrepreneurs became the most vocal supporters of friendly relations with India. They also dispelled the notion that trade with India would harm Pakistani industry. Talks were held on the level of home secretaries leading to agreements on easing restrictions on the visa regime. The agreement could not be signed because the Pakistan side wanted more time. While the Siachen issue came under discussion in the meeting between the defence secretaries, no agreement could be reached as the Indian side had toughened is stand of the matter. Despite goodwill gestures from both sides, there has been little substantive achievement.
All eyes are now turned towards the forthcoming talks between the foreign ministers. What is needed are courageous moves. India has to realise the need to abandon Siachen to the elements. Besides putting an end to unnecessary sacrifices on the altar of national chauvinism, the measure would generate enough goodwill. New Delhi has also to remove the non-tariff barriers that create hurdles for Pakistani exporters. Pakistan needs to step up the pace of legal proceedings against the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks. Meanwhile, it has to stop the extremist leaders of banned parties from spreading hatred against India through public meetings and the media. Unless this is done, there is little hope of the upgradation of talks to the prime ministerial level.
Two sentences in the article that dislocated the whole Editorial.
1. Kayani's sudden enlightenment regarding peaceful co-existence and concentrating on welfare of the people.Wow! peaceful co-existence will begin as soon as cross-border terrorism ends. Regarding the welfare of the citizens why don't we leave it to the respective countries to define and implement?
2. India's toughened stance on Siachen – If Pakistan is broke and cannot afford to maintain a credible force on its side of the glacier – then go back home. India on its part should double the amount spent to make sure that its forces are provided all the comforts to defend the place. When India cannot afford it, their forces will go home too.
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