He further said that neither Pakistan nor India stood to gain anything from the stand-off on the world’s highest battle-ground; rather it pandered to the respective egos of the two states, while it is possible that the conflict would cost both sides dearly in terms of their peoples’ welfare. He also said something that “cut both ways” in his typically nonchalant impartial manner: “India wants to talk on the Sir Creek issue first, we want to talk about Siachen first — the same issue of egos”.
The following day, the minister, who now holds the portfolio of the ministry of water and power, denied that he had said anything of the sort, saying that he had been misquoted. Even if that were the case, the fact is that the reason that issues such as Siachen or Sir Creek are left unresolved, or that the recent planned visa agreement between the two countries is now in limbo, is because powerful vested interests on both sides do not want permanent peace. These may be institutions or elements in certain institutions with significant backing from like-minded individuals/groups.
The reality, whether one admits it or not, is that in Pakistan, it is the military which — still — calls the shots on policies related to India. Even the case of the issue of Most-Favoured Nation status, which is an important development and should help strengthen bilateral ties is being prolonged, because the military establishment is on board. The implication in this context also is that it will be the military who will decide what is to be done with Siachen. Of course, one should also be reminded of the situation in India where the reality is more or less the same, with the Indian Army often saying that it will never withdraw from Siachen on its own. Reports in the Indian media indicate that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is keen to have this and other issues resolved but that a hawkish civil-military establishment, led presumably by some of his own advisers, is resisting this and wants to make an example of Pakistan, especially following the Mumbai attacks of 2008.
The truth, regardless of what Mr Mukhtar actually said, is that the armies of India and Pakistan are in the way. The Indian point of view is that the two sides should sign off on the present positions and then redeploy, which means “climb down from the high mountain peaks”. Pakistan favours climbing down without signing off because any document on positions would legitimise India’s deployment on Siachen. On both sides, the armies are dictating terms but there are differences of approach that must be pointed out.
The Indian government is under pressure from public opinion which is quite strongly anti-Pakistan. Indian public opinion is negative because of the terrorist activity of the Pakistani non-state actors inside India. We could dismiss it as state propaganda which has seeped into the public mind, but the truth is that the entire world is of the same opinion. In Pakistan, things are different. Credit is due to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif for saying that the Pakistan Army should withdraw from Siachen unilaterally. Sections of the mainstream media here reacted with disapproval over Mr Sharif’s ‘unilateral’ suggestion after the army chief negated it.
The real issue is who bleeds more? Pakistan certainly, because of its faltering economy, which is much smaller compared to India’s and which is growing at a much slower rate as well. We know that we have to make the move, not so much for the honour of the military top brass as for the well-being of ordinary Pakistanis.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 5th, 2012.
COMMENTS (21)
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"Who doesn't want peace?" - Everybody wants peace. It is easy. Pakistan stop demanding this and that of India in Kashmir, Siachen and elsewhere and minds it business, there will be peace. If not there will be no peace. It is about as laughable as India trying to tell China to get out of Tibet.
It's heart breaking and soo said that we should re deploy from Siachen it wasnt Pakistan who went and captured the peaks . The reason India captured the peaks was becuase so that they can dry Pakistan and make it a desert.
Mr. SHARIF who is more corrupt then ZARDARI needs to understand that the army is not sitting on the worlds higest peak for fun or iin COMPETITION with the Indians YES we are bleeding more but doesnt mean that we should re-deploy. Indians need to step down and i assure you Pakistan will aswell.
this is the reason i hate Sharif he is too stuck and too arrorgant agaisnt the army no wonder why Mushraff kicked him out of Power. I wish that PMLN doesnt come in power EVER agin .....
Murad:
Let's take your argument further. The very same Musharaf, whom Indian army was supposed to trust to deliver on a deal, was the one who went behind the back of his own Prime Minister to break the Peace deal between Vajpayee-Nawaz Sharief?
The very same Musharaff, who then staged a coup and arrested a duly elected PM, held Constitution at abeyance?? The same Musharaff, who followed the double dealing policy with Americans, which is acknowledged today by even Pakistani leaders?
Indian army was supposed to trust him??
It is because I have studied and read so many books on Indo-Pak relations, I can say this. The biggest problem between India and Pakistan isn't border - It is trust. Trust that comes from knowing the other party can deliver on an agreement and the majority of the nation stands with the deal makers.
The truth of the matter is India is in a advantageous position in siachin. Pakistan cannot dislodge Indians from there. The talk about peace is not a one way street. Prithviraj chauhan forgave Ghori In the first battle but he returned the next year to beat him. There is no sympathy in military world. Pakistan has to validate current position and only then India will return from siachin to lower levels. Sat Sri akal... Peace everyone
@harkol: Its disgusting to know that even education would not help people, to ward off mumbo jumbo fed by media. Blaming Pakistan Army, will not help here my friend. What will you say to a fact that when our then President Musharraf and your Prime Minister were about to reach an agreement about redployemnt of forces in Siachen, it was your(Indian) Army Chief, who totally negated such a move. So we, and no matter what is said about our Army, are pretty much in favour of mutual redeployment, and coming to terms mutually on re-location of troops, but we are not that weak that we should be dictated and the rules of engagement made a mockery off, just because India feels itself in a better position. Thats just bad diplomacy, and arrogance sometimes comes back to haunt.
NOT AT ALL..Pakistan should never withdraw unilaterally, ofcourse the Army is not sitting there for funs sake! And as for the faltering economy, Pakistanis should learn to pay taxes, and deployemnt of 7000 troops will not be even worth mentioning, thats how negligible it will be. I agree, totally agree. its such a useless thing to do, having a war-front in a place like Siachen, but ofcourse that does not mean we should give into aggression and accept fait accompli. Its just sad, that we dont pay attention to the real economic problems and now based on frustration we are making statements as if we are the final authority on what would bring Pakistan out of this economic condition.
I am all for Pakistani troops to withdraw to Point XJS-2491-ER from the current lateral that is 2 degrees North-East of Point NRP-QE-744. But the Indians are insisting that Pakistan should move its forces south of Point NRK-PS-9332 !!
What may be claimed as illegitimate by Pakistan is legitimate as for as India is concerned. To we, Indians Pakistan’s occupation of part of Kashmir is illegal, and people from Pakistan think otherwise and proclaim it to be Azad Kashmir; still both countries have recognized line of control and to large extent it has helped in fostering peace. Why the same process be not followed in Siachin. Probably time has come that we recognize LOC as international border for next 20 years, some Kashmiries may have objections; but it will be good for one hundred forty crore people of subcontinent including Kashmiries, of whom about forty crores are Muslims.
Editor Sahib I salute you for what you have responded with. Of course we have an agenda here and it is to unite the Grass Roots of both India and Pakistan. The real peace and development will only come about if both the sovereign nations sent their Armies behind the Barrack Doors for Good and created an air of unity like USA and Canada have. This includes Kashmir too. That day is not very far on the horizon. However the responsibility lies on your shoulder along with the 'Jang ' Group of papers on the Pakistan side. There should always be an article that promotes cultural similarity and oneness between the two countries. If media can reach the minds of people like what Bollywood has done no force on Earth will shake our march to the freedom of the minds. Apna kaam karte jao and leave the results to me.'Mein hoon na!'. I will make sure there will be lasting peace between the two estranged brothers.
Regards and God Bless
Viren Naik
@Rajendra Kalkhande: Kamran Shafi has often made the same point as you have.
Peace is not just about borders. It is about intentions and actions. Pakistan army has always been a revisionist power for a long time, and wants to change status-quo (in Kashmir and in other areas too) thru the use of violence (Non-State actors).
In such an environment, naturally both the armies will have confrontational attitude and a higher say in matters regarding security. The way forward is for Pakistan to reign in its rogue army, and set policies that's firmly in civilian sphere.
Trust will automatically develop, when civilians in both countries know they are in charge and can deliver on any understanding.
Fully agree with writer that PK Army should withdraw for the sake of Pakistanis who are going through with economic crunch of their life time!
@vasan: Very valid questions and they should be honestly replied but the deep state does not care about the people on either side of the border. In fact even if they could they would not try to calm the situation. Sorry, I cannot say anything except the answers are obvious. Regards, Mirza
"Indian public opinion is negative because of the terrorist activity of the Pakistani non-state actors inside India. We could dismiss it as state propaganda which has seeped into the public mind, but the truth is that the entire world is of the same opinion." Would ET explain why the world is of the "Same" opinion unless it is the truth. And what has Pakistan, if I may ask, done to stop and eliminate the "non state actors" presumably supported by "State actors".
Worst of things between India and Pakistan is not Siachen, Kashmir or sir creak. The worst are these pictures which whole world sees at Wagah border each day. Frenzied mob from both sides claps and hoots each other. Siachen and sir creak are difficult problems. Wagah border nonsense is the easiest to stop. Can People from both side force their governments to stop this mad show? Instead let Wagan become a venue of our shared culture where artists can perform each evening. I feel ashamed of being a south Asian when I see Wagah border mad show videos.
I would wait few more years before relations become normal. Let mullahs takes its course in Pakistan and reach its logical point by either decimate others or being decimated. World will have a better clarity what they r dealing with
First things first Indian has never been involved in coups , second they are held accountable by the civilian govt , sometimes we treat them badly just show them who is the boss, our army might have corrupt generals but they are courtmartialed. As for saichen it's is Indian territory, lik POK is which means Pakistan is in illegal occupation of Kashmir
Pakistan certainly, because of its faltering economy, which is much smaller compared to India’s and which is growing at a much slower rate as well. We know that we have to make the move, not so much for the honour of the military top brass as for the well-being of ordinary Pakistanis.
This sums up the story ...
Mr. Mukhtar is oartially correct. Since he was defence minister until recently, he could very well be aware if Pakistani army was getting in the way. When it comes to India, Indian army is not an independent institution the way it is in Pakistan. When the Indian army chief asked to meet with PM personally recently, the PM said please convey your concerns to the defence minister who can in turn convey them to me. Under the circumstances, to imply that the army somehow has the ability to hold up something that the cabinet wants to do is laughable.
Yes there WERE hawks and doves in India once upon a time on the Siachen issue and hawks had an upper hand. But after Kargill, there is a unanimity of opinion not just between foreign ministry and defense ministry but between BJP and Congress as well. The logic is simple despite the Lahore peace accord, if Pakistan could send its soldiers to Kargill which was clearly the Indian side of LoC simply because it was not occupied by Indian military, why would it not do the same if Siachen was demilitarized. On top of that if the AGPL was also not signed then in effect India would be giving up an advantage it had held for 28 years where despite military and militancy Pak army did not succeed, just to appear dovish?
If the intent is to demilitarize where is the harm in signing the AGPL? All that the Pak army is acknowledging is the fact i.e. India occupies the Siachen peaks and it has been unable to dislodge India in 28 years.
All that we ask is that you inform the Pakistani public of the terms of the Karachi agreement (Point NJ9842 and thence north to the glaciers) with a map showing where point NJ9842 is - one line from there straight upwards, and where Siachen is in relation to this line. In all these days there have been scores of articles, blogs and tweets by twits but no one has tried the picture that can save a thousand words. Second, I think it is ridiculous that Pakistan, which wants a revision of the status quo, actually has the temerity to indicate that it does not want to discuss Sir Creek first. Third, no one wants to make an example of Pakistan, you are managing quite admirably to do that yourselves. But I like Mr. Mukhtar - he has guts.