Setting the ground
But aside from the symbolism of a visit by the Indian PM, there are other, more practical matters to deal with. Mr Krishna said that a patient, consistent approach and sufficient perseverance could lead to the solution of entrenched issues such as Sir Creek and Siachen. Certainly, an effort must be made to sort these issues so we can progress towards a true easing of tensions and take on that key issue of Kashmir. Mr Krishna also confirmed that on this visit, a new visa regime, already agreed on at secretary-level talks, would be finalised and greater access would be given to people to move across borders.
All this is significant; but what is most important is that Pakistan and India have reached out to each other again, with the 2008 Mumbai attack and its damaging aftermath finally put aside. However, one must not forget that the peace process has and will remain extremely prone to accidents for a long time. Therefore, the two governments should take extra care not to send their respective media on wild goose chases against each other by leaking any negative development. Negatives should always be discussed away from the media glare at the highest institutional levels so as not to jeopardise the overall peace process. We must hope that the neighbours will continue to move towards the ultimate goal of long-lasting peace. Mr Krishna’s visit constitutes a key stepping stone in this process, with his quite evident eagerness to move on, offering a great deal of hope for the future.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS (13)
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India has played all right cards to improve relations with Pakistan and its up to the latter to reciprocate for a lasting peace in this region. There may be many in Pakistan who would still harp on Kashmir and for them the message is that we both could find no solution for the past sixty five years therefore let us maintain status-quo on the same and move on for other agreements.
All this is significant; but what is most important is that Pakistan and India have reached out to each other again, with the 2008 Mumbai attack and its damaging aftermath finally put aside
Astute observation. It is all over though it may not be said so officially.. Some noise may still go on for political reasons to keep the domestic constituency of a certain type satiated. Otherwise the episode, immensely tragic as it undoubtedly was, will not be the cause to hold destiny of millions to hostage. Similarly, Samjhauta tragedy too will not be a stumbling block to the inevitable march towards peace just as Parliament terrorist attack & subsequent sabre-rattling was not allowed to be. All the paper tigers, rabble-rousers & internet warriors on both sides will have no choice but to pipe down eventually & get on with life.
with the 2008 Mumbai attack and its damaging aftermath finally put aside." Pakistani establishment is following: Dramatism, an interpretive communication studies theory, was developed by Kenneth Burke as a way to analyze public speaking. Dramatism focuses on the role of the critic and their responsibility of uncovering a speaker’s motives. In this theory, Burke discusses two important ideas – that life IS drama, and that the ultimate motive of rhetoric is the purging of guilt. There are three key concepts associated with dramatism – identification, the dramatistic pentad, and guilt-redemption
Burke claimed that the speaker could purge their guilt in one of two ways: The first way is through victimage, or the process of scapegoating. Here, the speaker blames an external source for his ills.The second way the speaker purges their guilt is through mortification. This is a confession of guilt by the speaker and a request for forgiveness. Pakistan is at stage first and may or may not come to stage two.
@G. Din: Pakistan is hoping that visit by Singh will give them the redemption from 26/11..
@M.Ahmer Aili: "Would you like to explain that what about the Samjhota Express’ incident in which extremist Hindu groups was involved" Samjhota Express incident was in accordance with Din's Law:" Provide a provocation, receive massive retaliation." Samjhota Express incident was just one retaliation for continuing provocations all through 65 years of Pakistan's existence Just remember, Gandhi and Nehru are dead. The people in charge now are their orphans who, unlike Gandhi and Nehru, have nothing to leverage. They cannot deliver on anything. The "bhai-bhai" generations in India are either dead or dying out. The new generation that will take over shall take off the velvet glove and lay bare the tempered steel knuckles underneath. It is in Pakistan's interest to make peace with India now at India's terms. Those terms, be they on Sir Creek, Siachen, Kashmir or IWT, are bottom line; they are not likely to change in any substantial way. This is not a threat but wills in India are hardening and the next reckless adventure may prove fatal for Pakistan.
@G. Din: “…with the 2008 Mumbai attack and its damaging aftermath finally put aside.If you really think so, you are daydreaming. Mumbai attack shall never be put aside by India, much less finally. That attack shall cast a shadow on our relations far out in the future!" Would you like to explain that what about the Samjhota Express' incident in which extremist Hindu groups was involved and I think you are trying unsuccessfully to camouflage this event by using Mumbai attack's issue in the world whereas Ajmal Qasab has been given death sentence?????? And as far as this sentence is concerned "We must hope that the neighbours will continue to move towards the ultimate goal of long-lasting peace. Mr Krishna’s visit constitutes a key stepping stone in this process, with his quite evident eagerness to move on, offering a great deal of hope for the future" then we have been hearing these words from a long time instead of taking practical measurements/steps to resolve all the burning and core issues including Kashmir first and foremost on top priority basis as soon as possible.......
“…with the 2008 Mumbai attack and its damaging aftermath finally put aside.*
What nonsense! Just because you want it put aside, you think you can be blatantly presumptuous?
It is in Pakistan's own best interest to bring the guilty to book for Mumbai. That will be the first step towards being accepted as a civilized nation by the rest of the world, and also towards showing that you have a Judiciary which is not scared of the most prominent members of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council and other Tahreeks. When that happens, you will be on your way to being free from the daily rape of your nation.
Zarra Sochiye.
"...with the 2008 Mumbai attack and its damaging aftermath finally put aside. " If you really think so, you are daydreaming. Mumbai attack shall never be put aside by India, much less finally. That attack shall cast a shadow on our relations far out in the future!
@ali: You make a lot of sense. Let us start with baby steps and build confidence. I agree the best and fair solution of Kashmir is full autonomy and open borders. The whole region must be free of terrorists and let the local people rule their own land according to their own laws and customs. This way nobody loses and nobody is humiliated and everybody wins when Kashmiris are happy. Let us continue to tear down the walls of hatred and build bridges one at a time. To the editor, a very fair and balanced editorial and thanks for that. Thanks and regards, Mirza
If solution to Kashmir (not Jammu and Ladhak) is annexation by Pakistan or complete Independence.......There will never be a solution for India......
i think the best the Indian govt can give is complete autonomy(like catolania) and open borders........both kashmir can form a cultural union........
but i don't see this happening...........There is no solution to Kashmir for atleast next 20 yrs.........
Talking is wasting time........
If solution to kashmir(not Jammu and Ladhak) for Pakistanis is annexation to Pakistan or Total independence.........There will never be a solution ..........
As a Indian I feel the best the govt.(suppose) can give is full autonomy....(like catilonia) and open borders............Both Kashmir may form a cultural union......
Regarding army presence if insugency stops and full peace returns the army will be the happiest and would like to return to barracks; as they hate operating in civilian areas...............
But i don't see any solution..........not for the next 50 yrs surely............
I hope Pakistan experiences on a daily basis the indians experienced, Indians are such dramebaza they keep harping about one Mumbai, these Indians should be given visas to visit Pakistan and experience such terror acts live everyday It is so much fun u know