The writer’s suggestion that solving the Kashmir issue will end terrorism in Pakistan contradicts her own statement.
LONDON: This is with reference to Sabina Khan’s article of June 10 titled “AfPak struggle and ties to Kashmir”. Within Afghanistan there is a prominent movement which does not want any deal with the Taliban. Pakistan is as unwelcome in Afghanistan as Isaf. The Taliban are viewed as proxies, and while the Taliban may make a deal with Isaf that spurs on a withdrawal, they will be viewed as illegitimate and a Pakistani plant. In the same way, Kashmir remains disputed, and there is a no overwhelming majority in Indian Kashmir that wants to merge with Pakistan.
The writer’s suggestion that terrorism in Pakistan is linked to Kashmir and that solving the latter issue will help end terrorism in Pakistan contradicts her own statement to the effect that the Taliban want to impose their own brand of sharia in Pakistan. If this is agreed to be the case, then it is quite unlikely that resolution of the Kashmir conflict will have any bearing on what the Taliban do or don’t do inside Pakistan.
Nadir El-Edroos
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2011.
