It would also be in the interest of both countries to curtail such outburst of allegations, counter-allegations
ISLAMABAD: The recent inopportune and highly provocative statement made by Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at a function in New Delhi a few days ago, that terrorists should be used to “neutralise terrorists” left everyone at the helm in Pakistan totally aghast. Pakistan’s reaction to the irresponsible demeanour of a person of no less a stature than that of the Indian defence minister, naturally was that of shock. The statement has, in fact, sent a wave of anger among the ranks that matter.
The Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs, Mr Sartaj Aziz, did not waste a second in responding to the Indian defence minister’s provocative statement. He expressed Pakistan’s immediate concern over the issue and stated that the comments merely confirmed Pakistan’s apprehensions that India has been involved in terrorist activities inside our country. Pakistan has been voicing its concerns over Indian intelligence agency RAW’s involvement in terrorist activities inside Pakistani territory for a long time. Our assertions in this regard have gained strength by the recent spate of statements from senior Indian civilian and military officials.
In the backdrop of these developments, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that Defence Minister Parrikar’s comment vindicates Pakistan’s assertions. It could also be justifiably concluded that the most unusual and unexpected comments coming from a senior official from any government is not without a certain purpose. Pakistan’s defence minister, responding to his counterpart’s comments, too, fully endorsed Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz’s statement about India sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. This is indeed what the Indian defence minister’s remarks seem to suggest. The suggestions have not yet been satisfactorily denied by those at the helm of affairs in the Indian government nor has any attempt been made by the relevant quarters to clarify the situation.
In order to ensure damage control, it would be wise on the part of the Indian government to promptly clarify the situation in an appropriate manner. It would also be in the interest of both countries to curtail such outburst of allegations and counter-allegations against each other to the maximum possible extent. Perhaps, this is the only way both countries can ensure improvement in their ever-deteriorating bilateral relations, and bring progress and prosperity to their people and the region.
M Fazal Elahi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2015.
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