Political dilemma: Dialogue only way to resolve issues between India, Pakistan: Kasuri

Diploma in Indian Studies is first of its kind in Pakistan

LAHORE: The bilateral enduring issues between India and Pakistan could not be resolved by war. The only solution of their issues is the resumption of dialogue process between both the countries.

These views were expressed by former foreign minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri while addressing the launching ceremony of one-year Post-graduate Diploma in Indian Studies at Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS) on Monday, a press release issued stated.

Former high commissioner to India Shahid Malik, Sahara for Life Trust Chairperson Abrarul Haq, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Dean Prof Dr Iqbal Chawla, Centre for South Asian Studies Director Prof Dr Umbreen Javed, faculty members and others were present.

While speaking to the participants, Kasuri said, “There is a need to strengthen Pakistan intrinsically so that we can counter India logically and rationally.”

He added, “India cannot isolate Pakistan but Pakistan’s intrinsic situation is isolating it from the comity of nations.”

He said that China was not in favour of confrontation between the two countries but it wanted them to sit on the negotiation table.

Shahid Malik said that a number of institutions were working in India conclusively on Pakistan. He said that a huge number of books had been published on Pakistan in India that shaped the cognisance of researchers.

He said, “Launching the diploma is also a timely initiation that would help researchers, students and policymakers to comprehend India’s mind.”



He opined the only solution of Kashmir issue was dialogue between India and Pakistan with third-party mediation.

Meanwhile, Prof Iqbal Chawala appreciated the untiring efforts of Prof Dr Umbreen Javaid for commencing the diploma, holding lectures, conferences and publishing books. He said that all these efforts would help the experts and intellectuals to understand India’s intensions incited by various organisations working in India.

Abrarul Haq said that India had always blamed Pakistan for terrorist attacks on its soil.

He pointed out that by initiating this diploma, a counter-narrative will be inculcated based on patriotism and nationalism.

CSAS Director Prof Umbreen Javaid thanked guests as well as other distinguished speakers and the audience for gracing the event. She said the diploma in Indian Studies was the first of its kind in Pakistan.

She added earlier, the centre had also launched the Journal of Indian Studies.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2018.