The Forman Christian College History and Political Science Departments held a talk by former Indian diplomat and cabinet minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, titled ‘Pakistan-India Peace: Can It Happen?’
Speaking to a packed hall of over two hundred, Aiyar underscored the need for a dialogue between the two countries. Calling the countries ‘Siamese twins’, Aiyar said the best way to establish better relations was to ‘keep talking.’
He Aiyar suggested that both the countries should set up a meeting table at the Wagah border so that no one would be have to leave their respective countries and stances.
The diplomat said continuous talks will improve relations adding that India needs good relations with Pakistan as it had 150 million Muslims living in the country.
Aiyar also emphasised that India needs to solve its problems with Pakistan in order to emerge as a world power as India will never get that coveted seat in the UN Security Council unless its major issues with Pakistan are resolved.
Similarly, Aiyar said Pakistan needs to emerge from its ‘we are not Indian’ mentality and develop into a self assured country. “Pakistan should stop being a frontline state for other countries, and look after its own interests,” he said.
Fighting against terrorism, which plagues both countries, is another factor which he thought is an important reason for both countries to come together.
“Pakistan has suffered from terrorism more than any other country. It needs India as an ally to counter it, just as India needs Pakistan,” he stated. In response to a question, Aiyar said both countries needs to move beyond the issues of the past and look towards the future.
The former minister also invited students from the FC College to visit India so that people-to-people contact might increase between the two countries.
Academic Affairs Vice-Rector Dr James Tebbe thanked Aiyar for his honest talk. Dr Yaqoob Khan Bangash introduced Aiyar and moderated the talk.
