And yet, the day was marked the same way as it always is. Mandatory speeches that have long crossed the threshold of cliché, and statements that by now any Pakistani would be able to recite by heart. The same approach, in fact, has been the characteristic of our entire diplomatic handling of the Kashmir issue over the past year, even though for once it seemed that the world was willing to listen to Pakistan’s say.
Alarming and despicable as Modi’s trampling of Kashmiris’ dignity and aspirations is, his August 5 move to repeal Articles 370 and 35A, and convert the disputed territory into an open air prison for its natives has also presented something of an opportunity. For once, there is no way Indian representatives can brush off their regime of repression in IOJ&K.
Many experts and analysts have pointed out that there was much in tangible terms the Foreign Office could have done to build international pressure on India. From building diplomatic capabilities and appointing a special envoy on Jammu & Kashmir to mobilising Pakistani missions for a diplomatic offense that could leverage the court of public opinion, their various suggestions all called for a more proactive approach.
As one former diplomat put it, to convince the world, the Pakistan government had to first demonstrate its own seriousness towards Kashmir. By sticking to same tired old playbook, it has done anything but. Six months on, it is hard to shake the feeling that complacency has gotten the best of us once again.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2020.
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