Whither Kashmir solution?

Letter February 12, 2012
The Kashmir problem has continued for decades, all our leaders seem unable and rather unwilling to solve the problem.

KARACHI: Another Kashmir Solidarity Day passed with nothing but speeches from our leaders and no concrete action. The solidarity day has been observed since 1990 but the actual Kashmir issue has remained unresolved for 64 years.

Every Pakistani ruler that is elected emphasises the importance of Kashmir to the nation and terms it as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”. The day only serves as an empty reminder that the statements and speeches made are meaningless as they coerce or pressurise no one.


The Kashmir issue was very close to being resolved under former President Pervez Musharraf. It was in 2004 that the peace process with India began and tensions between the two countries were eased. Musharraf’s four-point proposal on solving the Kashmir issue was opposed by many and seen as very radical and controversial. But at least it was a result-oriented solution. He wanted to find a middle path and not concentrate on the extreme positions both Pakistan and India had been taking for decades. He was the last leader of Pakistan who actually made a sincere attempt at solving the Kashmir issue. Unfortunately, like many other of his positive achievements, this is also ignored.


The Kashmir problem has continued for decades and all our leaders seem unable and rather unwilling to solve the problem. The plight of the Kashmiris can no longer be ignored as the atrocities against them keep on increasing. It is time that the government comes up with a tangible solution to this issue.


Masooma Imran


 Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2012.