Contact between people is important. It is all the more important when it comes at the official level and involves India and Pakistan. As we all know, it is vital that the two countries establish more harmonious ties if the region is to find the peace it has sought for so long.
In this sense, the visit by a delegation consisting of Pakistani parliamentarians and businessmen to New Delhi and Bihar is important. Parliamentarians, of course, have the power to change opinions in assemblies and influence people within their own constituencies. It is, therefore, important that they gain the opportunity to meet up with their counterparts in India and thus gain a first-hand experience of life in India and the prevailing opinions there. This is also important as it will enable us to look at things from the Indian side of the fence where bias is no less common than in our own country.
What is also significant is that the delegation led by the deputy chairman of the Senate, Sabir Baloch, is to encourage yet further contact at the provincial level for the future. Haji Muhammad Adeel, the representative from Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa and Khurram Dastagir, from Punjab, are both expected to invite parliamentarians from Bihar to visit Pakistan and their respective parts of the country so that dialogue can continue. This is an important process. Until now, too much of the news on crossing borders is gained through sometimes inaccurate media accounts rather than genuine events. The real views of ordinary people — who for the most part seek an improvement in their lives — do not cross borders.
The parliamentary delegation’s visit can help change matters. It is expected that a fairly wide range of issues will be discussed, with businessmen forming a part of the contingents crossing the Wagah Border also likely to put forward their own concerns and suggestions. What we need, however, are many more visits like this one. We must hope that these links can be expanded and ways found to build the structure for a solid relationship that can lead us towards cooperation we so badly need with our eastern neighbour.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2012.
COMMENTS (16)
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Indians don't mind having relations with Pakistan if we, like other neighbours, are too small for them to challenge them. . I still believe that we Pakistanis should avoid India till we are in a good financial situations. A SELF RESPECTING nation must not bear the TAUNTS of a NEWLY RICH neighbour!
@Knotty: " .... I think we Pakistanis should avoid India till we are in a good financial situations. A SELF RESPECTING nation must not bear the TAUNTS of a NEWLY RICH neighbour ... "
It has nothing to do with wealth. No Indian for instance objects more interaction with Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, etc. Why ?
We do not need interaction, we need higher walls
I agree with our Indian neighbours that we should not go there (e.g. G. Din, Vikas, Nitish). . It is a material world. When my father became poor, he avoided his relatives for 14 years till he got really well off. When he was at par, he started meeting them. We have a very good social relations thanks to our fathers' untiring spirit and hardwork for those fourteen years. . I think we Pakistanis should avoid India till we are in a good financial situations. A SELF RESPECTING nation must not bear the TAUNTS of a NEWLY RICH neighbour (e.g. comments of truth is bitter above).
Please don't stay back. But you count on Indians to not to do anything if you decided to.
@Baqar: The fact is that Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Nepalis are arriving in India in multiple folds to earn including Pakistani artists and singers and to name a few, Adnan Sami, Atif Aslam, Veena Malik. Name any Indain artist or singer who has come to Pakistan to earn and live. Do not just write whatever that comes to your mind. Show with proof.
@Som: Do not worry we are not destabilized. Appeasement does not solve any problems. Vikas is right. Right now, Pakistanis should stay home as they are not only unwelcome in India but everywhere else, too. Wounds of 26/11 continue to hurt!
@Som: And we dont like pseudo secular like you.....go to pakistan.
@Vikas: And we Indians dont want people like you to be in india... People like Vikas spread only hatred and distabilizes the country.
We don't want Pakistani on Indian soil.
Good omen , for stability in the region and to contribute for the larger interests for both country and as well as cross border communities whose loved ones are a parted by LoC
I am all for peace, but is this really necessary? Parliamentarians should be here in Pakistan to address concerns not in some foreign conference.
Interaction between people can only help improve understanding between people of the two countries and should be encouraged.
Hardly any one even knows or cares. ET, as usual, showing its Aman ki aisha obsession.
Excellent move! Fully support these actions.