Every little bit helps

Kokhrapar-Munabao border gates opened 12 years ago to return body of an Indian Muslim woman who had died in Pakistan

The eternal and miserably unresolved conflict between India and Pakistan is occasionally brightened by an act of humanity. One such was the opening of the Kokhrapar-Munabao border gates to allow the passage of the body of an Indian Muslim woman who had died in Pakistan whilst visiting her family. It is 12 years since the gates were last opened, and although it was little more than a symbolic gesture it was proof positive that dialogue can produce results tiny as they may be.

The politician who brokered the exchange was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Rajasthan, Manvendra Singh, who once the formalities were completed expressed the view that the Khokhrapar crossing ought to be accorded the same status and operated in the same manner as the Wagah border crossing and it is difficult to disagree with him. The Thar Express plies the route from Karachi to the Zero Point station at the border at which the passengers trans-ship to a train on the Indian side to travel onwards to Jodhpur. The train is passenger only, no freight, and it is an obvious and unexploited opportunity for both sides.

The potential for cross-border trade between India and Pakistan is almost beyond estimation but ‘vast’ would probably be an understatement. The Pakistan government under PML-N rule maintained a positive stance regarding India but gained little traction despite its efforts. The Modi government for its part has pursued and enhanced the nationalist agenda that brought it to power and the Line of Control (LoC) has seen numerous incidents in the last year where civilians died. The Kashmir issue is tangential to the opening of a pair of border gates but is linked, as are all the points of friction that have so bedevilled and impeded development on both sides of the border. With Mr Modi now offering a ‘new beginning’ to the putative incoming government there may be, yet again, a glimmer of light in the stygian gloom of bilateral relations. If there is a fix at all it will not be quick, but if the new government hits the ground running vis-à-vis India then more than gates may be opened.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2018.

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