A good omen
The Heart of Asia Conference is in session in Islamabad. The mere presence of Afghan President and Indian Foreign Minister is a step forward. The widespread international support for the Conference is also a positive development. Meetings between the officials of the three governments have already taken place. There will be talks between the political leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India today. The world is growing increasingly perturbed over the menace of international terrorism. What adds to its concerns is that any possible outbreak of hostilities between the nuclear states Pakistan and India might not remain confined to conventional weapons. The Conference, therefore, has the support of major powers including the US, China, Britain and Russia.
Pakistan, Afghanistan and India stand to gain a lot if they decide to cooperate. The prevailing insecurity in the region, combined with mutual hostility among these countries stands in the way of realising their full economic potential. With trade routes from Central Asia to the Indian Ocean open and an energy corridor in place, all countries in the region stand to benefit from the resulting social and economic development. This can only happen if they agree to resolve their differences through meaningful talks while at the same time upgrading economic and trade relations, and taking measures to facilitate people to people contacts.
Powerful delegations from the three countries are attending the conference. Despite international pressure for cooperation, they have yet to get rid of the backlog of mutual distrust which has over the decades seeped into important state institutions in these countries. The leaders, therefore, faced internal opposition as they proceeded for talks. These pressures are likely to slow down progress. While it would be too much to expect a breakthrough at this stage, it would constitute a considerable achievement if the leaders show determination, agree to keep the borders peaceful, continue the dialogue and enhance mutual cooperation step by step over time.
