Pak-India ties: 'new optimism'

Despite Imran Khan’s anti-Modi rhetoric during his election campaign, a ‘new optimism’ is in the air in India as regards the ever-tense bilateral relationship. At least this is what India’s High Commissioner to Islamabad Ajay Basaria — who called on the PM-inwaiting to congratulate him over his election victory at his Bani Gala residence — suggests. A cricket bat signed by the Indian cricket team that the high commissioner presented to Khan points towards an expectant cricket fraternity on the Indian side. Many more from the celebrity class, including Bollywood stars and media personalities, were quick to respond with goodluck and goodwill messages as Khan had delivered his victory speech just days after the July 25 vote. In talks with Basaria, meanwhile, the PM-to-be called for the resumption of stalled dialogue process between the two countries to discuss all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute. A cricketer Imran Khan is what’s known by the Indians thus far. And what they know is that Khan was strong enough a captain to keep all powerful figures in the team and the board at bay when it came to calling the shots. But Khan has now donned a different and difficult-to-handle garb, and whether he will be able to lead from the front on matters of vital diplomatic interest — especially the talks with archrival India — is something that will determine his strength as a politician in charge of affairs. The relations between the two countries have touched the lowest of the levels in recent times, with obtaining visas becoming difficult even for pilgrims, artistes and intellectuals from either side. Given his vision of a Madina-like welfare state, Khan cannot afford confrontation with any of its immediate neighbours and would want to give peace a chance. The contentious issues between the two countries though need out-of-the-box solutions.

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

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