Both India and Pakistan want to keep control over their parts of Kashmir. Both have hopefully realised after three wars that they cannot get the other part. Two major opinion surveys conducted on both sides of the border in Kashmir over the period 2007-2010 have shown that less than 10 per cent ( real figure is closer to five per cent) of the Muslim population of Indian Kashmir would like to join Pakistan. Likewise, Pakistani Kashmiris do not want to join India. Therefore, it seems, the Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir are not as keen to join Pakistan as the Azad Kashmiris are for them to do so.
Given these realities, Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmiris will lose control over Pakistani Kashmir and gain very little in return if an independent Kashmir were to be formed. It is, therefore, not in the interest of Pakistan or Pakistani Kashmiris to press for a plebiscite or an independent Kashmir. India has always been unwilling to consider an independent Kashmir as an option anyway.
Since even the Muslim Kashmiris in India do not want to join Pakistan, and the Pakistani Kashmiris do not want to join India, a division along the Line of Control, i.e., a formalisation of the status quo, is in the best interest of both the countries. Please note, I am not saying that this is the best deal that Pakistan can get but it should be the primary thrust of Pakistan’s Kashmir policy since the alternative is not in the interest of Pakistan.
Ali Hashim,
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2013.
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I am just repeating what two oponion surveys on both sides of the border say.
You are truly mistaken if you think Kashmiris in Indian occupied Kashmir - most of whom are Muslim do not want to join Pakistan. Given the choice between India and Pakistan, most would join Pakistan for obvious religious, racial, and geographic regions. The majority Muslim Kashmiri population do not identify themselves as Indian at all but have been convinced to think that an independent Kashmir is in the cards which is not in accordance with UN resolutions. When you ask a clear question of India vs Pakistan for occupied Kashmir, the answer will always be Pakistan. Why do you think so many Kashmiris escaped to Pakistan from occupied Kashmir? Yes some people say forget about Palestine and other occupied territories but doesn't justice demand that the rights of people and their wishes be respected?
Mr. Hashim, your comments would not be liked by many Pakistanis but let me tell you, Indians would welcome it. That is the only practical solution and this is what Indian government is trying to tell Pakistan in a subtle manner. I understand new government in Pakistan might consider the same however Pakistan army would reject the idea without a second thought.