All war represents a failure of diplomacy
The joint military parade on Pakistan Day was an impressive show of force. This was the third consecutive display of military preparedness since the resumption of the Pakistan Day parades in 2015 indicating that the terrorist offensive had in the main been stemmed, terrorist networks driven out of the country or forced to take shelter in inaccessible pockets along the Pak-Afghan border. As the military units passed by the saluting dais the commentator pointed out the ones that had played a role in Operation Zarb-i-Azb emphasising the vital anti-terrorism role of the armed forces.
The parade conveyed two messages. First, Pakistan has the will and the required weaponry to defend itself and inflict grievous losses on any aggressor. Two, attempts to isolate Pakistan have not succeeded. The country is by no means short of reliable friends and allies willing to stand by it at time of need. What should however be realised is that the country’s existential fight against terrorism is not over and will have to be continued with full concentration till final victory is achieved in coming years. Pakistan cannot meanwhile afford to divert its attention from the war against terrorism.
To ensure peace in the region Pakistan needs much more than military muscle. Most of all it needs friendly relations with all the countries in the region. For this there has to be greater reliance on diplomacy than seen in the past. While Pakistan’s allies have helped strengthen its economy and improve its ability to defend itself, none favours war in South Asia. Pakistan has to complete CPEC which can become a game changer with greater participation of Pakistani engineers, workforce, entrepreneurs, and by safeguarding the interests of local stake holders.
Pakistan and India have no doubt serious disputes which need to be settled. Both countries have fought costly wars which adversely affected their economic growth but have failed to resolve the outstanding issues. Diplomatic resolutions of disputes require give and take. India should enter into meaningful talks with Pakistan on all issues including Kashmir. Pakistan needs to show urgency in punishing the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot attacks.