Need for a more productive security-cum-foreign policy
The Defence Day marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1965 war was celebrated with traditional fervour and solemnity across the country and with tributes at the GHQ to soldiers who laid down their lives.
The 1965 war was a sequel to the Operation Gibraltar in Indian occupied Kashmir which in the words of Gen Musa envisaged on a short term basis, sabotage of Indian military targets, disruption of communications etc., and as a long term measure, distribution of arms to the people of occupied Kashmir for the initiation of a guerrilla movement there. There was no rebellion in the occupied valley, as anticipated, while the Indian hold over Kashmir became more repressive in the decades that followed. The Operation led to India attacking the international border. Lahore, the prime Indian target, was however saved by the sheer bravery of the Pakistani soldiers.
The 1965 war ended after 17 days of fighting, under pressure from both the US and the Soviet Union. Soon after Pakistan’s economy faced a rapid decline as both internal and external investments came to a grinding halt. The doctrine of ‘defence of the East lies in the West’ added to the feeling of estrangement in the eastern wing that had grown as a result of Ayub Khan’s dictatorial rule. Pakistan was divided within six years of the 1965 war.
There is a need on the part of the ruling elite to do some soul searching. Pakistan no doubt has serious problems with India which need to be resolved, Kashmir being on the top. Three wars with India have failed to resolve these issues. This raises the question if the game of war is worth the candle? Despite decades of differences, Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan had never degenerated to the present level. Doesn’t Pakistan need a better security policy along with a better foreign policy which should be able to utilise whatever space is available under the circumstances to reduce tensions with its neighbours. Isn’t it time for India to bid farewell to doctrines like “cold start” or “Utoot Ang” and for Pakistan to “strategic depth” and other, similar, counterproductive doctrines.