As long as Mr Modi is in power, we might as well forget about resolving our strategic issues.
KARACHI: This is apropos the article, “Relating to Modi’s India” by Talat Masood (May 21). I would like to suggest that we, as Pakistanis, should not give in so easily. Granting the Non-Discriminatory Market Access on Reciprocal Basis (NDMARB) status to India will be counterproductive. If we only concentrate on trade with no strings attached, we will come to a point where our strategic issues will go into cold storage for good. If this happens, the consequences for Pakistan will not be very encouraging. The Indus Waters Treaty, which is currently being violated by India most blatantly, will practically cease to exist. Then there is the Kashmir issue and the Sir Creek issue which will be practically forgotten in the whirlwind of trade. Finally, the Siachen issue, on which Pakistan spends a substantial amount of money to ensure a status quo, will go into hibernation.
I am by no means implying that an aggressive foreign policy will help solve problems. As long as Mr Modi is in power, we might as well forget about resolving our strategic issues. Under the present circumstances, the best we can do is to at least keep the issues alive and hope against hope that at some future time, we may be able to resolve the problems if saner elements come to govern India.
Mr Modi is far too aggressive for a weak or passive foreign policy. His attitude towards Pakistan is most unfriendly and biased. He needs to be tackled shrewdly. It should be made clear to him in no uncertain terms that he has to deal with Pakistan on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Anything less is not acceptable.
Tanvir Mohajir
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2014.
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