Peace with India

Pakistan is eager for a thaw with India. The desire to normalise relations with India were squarely reflected as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called on the BJP dispensation to opt for a ‘sober reflection’, helping put an end to the pestering animosity between the two immediate neighbours. Dar, who is also the Foreign Minister, minced no words in saying that Pakistan does not believe in ‘perpetual hostility’, and wants the diplomatic tirade to be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. This is the second time an olive branch has been extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he assumed his third-term in office. Earlier, in a congratulatory message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sought mending of ties for a better future in the region.

The ball is in India’s court. New Delhi should not only exhibit reciprocity to the goodwill gesture, but go a step ahead to lead from the front in kick-starting the stalled dialogue process. That will help in making a decent headway for pushing the envelope of CBMs. Islamabad believes it’s time for geo-economics to flourish, which is why it has prioritised regional cooperation to ensure that all policy actions are in sync with the broader international community. This is why Pakistan is looking forward to mending fences with both the estranged neighbours on its eastern and western frontiers, soliciting a similar response from Afghanistan too to act against non-state actors for a formidable peace in the region.

Dar, however, pointed out Pakistan will not submit to any hegemonic designs, and looked up to the resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir, on a level-playing field with India. This consideration is not new, and is in need of a befitting response from India. It’s high time to do away with the baggage of history and chart out a course of action for ushering in durable peace in the region. All multilateral developmental projects and regional initiatives are at a standstill for decades owing to the bad blood between India and Pakistan, and it is time statesmanship triumphs over politics of brinkmanship.