Bringing India and Pakistan on the table is an earnest desire of the peace-loving constituents. The wish was reiterated by the Foreign Office spokesperson as it said it wants to have good relations with all the neighbours, including India. The spokesperson, however, said the onus is on New Delhi to reciprocate in all sincerity, and the scope of dialogue must also include addressing the issue of Kashmir. With diplomatic relations at their lowest ebb, especially after the unanimous decision of the Indian Supreme Court to scrap the special status of occupied Jammu & Kashmir, not much could be expected as an environment of hostility rules the roost. But it is a welcome development that Islamabad has put forward the proposal in so many words to talk it out.
Resumption of dialogue is a must, and should not be put at the back-burner to appease petty political interests. At a time when multilateralism is ripe, and states with bilateral disputes are rallying for a common position, what ails the two South Asian states from cooperating? Pakistan’s desire for BRICS membership should come through, and India should be seen on a welcome note. This will not only help India uphold its stature as an emerging power, but also open a new vista of interaction. Likewise, greater activity in SAARC, which is otherwise defunct, can help integrate the region. All this depends on how bilateralism is carved out, and the prospects of connecting the region are taken forward.
There are dividends for both the countries if they decide to shun prejudice, and start working on common denominators. Furthering the mosaic on cultural, sports and people-to-people contacts can be a great beginning. It is ironic that divided families have to trail for visas at the hands of deep-rooted suspicions. As proposed in several bilateral accords, irritant issues can take a backseat, and kickstart the process of getting along in all humility. BRI, CASA, TAPI and many such ventures await the first baby steps from India and Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2023.
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