Both Pakistan and India need to understand that the only loser in the conflict is the population of about 1.5 billion
ISLAMABAD: This refers to the prime minister’s speech at thec World Economic Forum in Davos. The PM’s determination of not becoming a part of any other conflict is encouraging. His address also highlights the realisation that Pakistan cannot grow its economy without peace and stability and that the moment Pakistan and India’s relationship becomes normal and trade resumes between the two countries, immense opportunities for growth will emerge. The PM has himself been quoting the example of the peace established between France and Germany, who used to be arch enemies. In a recent TV talk show, the ambassadors of both these states described their experience. Existence of political will and action between the people of the two communities formed the basis of their friendship. Why can’t India and Pakistan establish peace? There is no point of no-return in international relations. Both states need to understand that the only loser in the conflict is the population of about 1.5 billion. To initiate the process of peace through practical steps is, probably, the most difficult task. What neither of the two states understands is that the winner in the conflict will be the one that initiates the process of peace by unilaterally capping its nuclear missile programme, withdraws its forces from borders, reduce its defence budget to one-fifth, introduces liberal visa policy, exchanges visits of artists and intellectuals and opens its borders for trade. The state that will do so will be remembered long in history for its favour upon the 1.5 billion people. Let us watch and see who the winner is!
Sikander Aqeel Ansari
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2020.
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