Friendly ties between Pakistan, India an Afghanistan can usher in a new era of development and progress
Narendra Modi’s reply to Nawaz Sharif’s letter would encourage those who are keen to see South Asia develop and prosper. The governments of the two countries armed with nuclear weapons owe it to their people and the world at large to act responsibly. They simply cannot allow any thoughtless move which has the potential to wipe out all the gains made by the people of Pakistan and India through hard work and self sacrifice spread over decades. The two sides can realise their immense potential only if they maintain friendly ties and go for mutual cooperation. Enhancement of regional trade can bring down costs of inputs and reduce prices of finished goods, generate more jobs and provide opportunities to the youth. Confidence building measures, combined with resolution of outstanding disputes, can lead to reduction in defence expenditure and diversion of extra funds to economic and social development and curtailment of poverty.
Border incidents should be immediately brought under control by energising the existing mechanism, as was agreed in December between the two DGMOs. The fire that was ignited on LoC on Friday must not be allowed to spread to other places as happened during the last two years. Agreements related to economy and visa liberalisation should be enforced and talks on substantive issues revived.
Islamabad needs to welcome and reciprocate the sentiments expressed by Afghan presidential hopeful Abdullah Abdullah who has said he would seek Pakistan’s cooperation. Weeks before, he told a questioner that he was looking forward to improving relations with Pakistan. Pakistan should not let this chance of developing good neigbourly relations with Afghanistan slip out of hand. Friendly ties between Pakistan, India an Afghanistan can usher in a new era of development and progress. With better avenues for the release of energies made available, it will be possible to wean away the youth of the three countries from extremism and terrorist activities.
