Not an easy relationship
The relations between Pakistan and India merit a case study. One day both are toasting to laying one of many rounds of foundation for a lasting friendship and not long after that they are swearing against each other on some misunderstanding or an issue that never was there. The latest spate of calls for undoing the efforts of normalisation of relations between the both has significance due to a different reason. This time both countries were moving forward on trade and commerce front. But the elements with myopic approach want to drive a wedge in this blooming friendship, as is usual with them.
Ever since the 26/11 incident, the Indian political leadership has been vocal about eliminating terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and bring to justice the ones responsible for that tragic incident. Their demand is not irrational, per se, but the way the proponents of peace suddenly give way to the hawks on both sides of the border is actually what upsets the applecart. Violent incidents on LoC a few weeks ago have brought the talks on normalisation of relations, which had taken a nosedive after the Mumbai incident, to glacial speed. However, the desire to be friendly and have relations with as few glitches as possible appears to be the casting call of both nuclear armed states. But certain circles, the establishment on both sides to be precise, and terrorists to a great extent, don’t want to see them living in a peaceful environment; establishment because it would hurt their vested interests, and terrorists because they thrive only in an environment of hatred, discord and terror. But going this way there sure are going to be some problems, for peace, it seems, is what the people in both South Asian countries are asking for.
The Indians have apparently stalled the progress on peace initiative on one pretext or the other. They are reluctant in removing non-tariff barriers on Pakistani exports to India and thus have failed to offer a level playing field to Pakistani exporters which consequently has forced Pakistan to delay granting MFN status to India, as stated by Amin Fahim, Commerce and Trade Minister. His ministry lays the blame on the Indian side and will submit a report to the Cabinet for complete normalisation of trade relations with India in due course. Meanwhile, State Minster for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Hammad has said that due to Indian rigidity, the Sir Creek border issue has not been resolved either.
True that peace process has been stalled, this should, however, not be the case. For once both should move ahead and bring peace to the region one step at time by managing their problems, a much more proven course than a more ideal but almost impractical method of problem solution.
