Why should back door diplomacy take so long to initiate and make a Pakistan/India PMs meeting possible? Why should PMs of two powerful neighboring countries be so wary of the two (Pak & Indian) most cacophonic media in the world as depicted in this link?
tribune.com.pk/story/2036798/…
To solve issues like Kashmir both PMs need not be apologetic and must speak openly about their respective country’s stances in joint conferences held after frequent and publicized meetings.There is no secret at all.Delhi and Islamabad are just short flights away for modern jets
A series of direct meetings between the PMs of Pakistan and India arranged by their relevant staff at short notices aimed at genuinely solving Kashmir and other smaller disputes will bring relief to the Kashmiris and the whole of South Asia. The two PMs should try doing this
BUT, as a first step a resolve MUST be shown by both Pakistan and India that they are determined to solve all issues through negotiations and that the option of any war is conclusively renounced by both sides. This should be in a manner that people of South Asia rejoice on it
In the given circumstances India must be more forthcoming by instantly coming to peace with the people of Indian Held Kashmir and reassuring them that their right to self determination will be the main component for bringing about a comprehensive negotiated settlement of Kashmir
The whole of South Asia will take a sigh of relief. 1.5 billion people will get back to work and bring prosperity to South Asia. The hungry will get fed, the homeless will get homes while the sick will get medical care. Outstanding leaders in history have done such great things
Superb statesmanship and a high degree of leadership can achieve this.For e.g.Pakistan wasn’t ready to recognize Bangladesh after the 1971 debacle.Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rehman was a prisoner held in Pakistan. At that time Pakistan was trying to hold the famous Islamic Summit at Lahore
The Islamic world’s leadership asked the then President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto((ZAB) 1)to recognize Bangladesh 2)to release Mujeeb ur Rehman and 3)to invite Bangladesh for the Summit for the sake of Islamic unity.ZAB then made a whirlwind tour of Pakistan;spoke to Pakistanis openly
At a time when every wall in Pakistan was chalked saying ‘No to Bangladesh’(Bangladesh Na Manzur) ZABhutto would explain things to the masses who were lesser educated than now and ask them vociferously ‘Bangladesh Manzur?’and the people would shout back louder ‘BANGLADESH MANZUR’
Therafter, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto released Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rehman.He was flown to Dacca on a special Pakistani plane where he was accorded a hero’s welcome.Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rehman was extended an invitation to attend the Islamic Summit as the Head of State of Bangladesh.Wasn’t easy
It was then a near impossible thing to do.ZABhutto did this by taking the people of Pakistan in full confidence after having explained openly to the people of Pakistan, in a series of political gatherings, all the pros and cons of what he wants Pakistan to do in that situation
South Asia now needs a fast paced genuine initiative at the top most levels of Pakistan and India if South Asia is to be given a chance to survive,thrive,prosper and develop. Can present Pakistan-India leadership sway their people towards peace like Zulfikar A Bhutto did in 1972?
Last but not least I will say that, sooner or later,Kashmir will find its own solution and both, Pakistan as well as India,will then have to bow to that Kashmiri solution and either accept it peacefully as fait accompli or plunge South Asia in a tail spin due to a devastating war
Peace,peace and nothing but absolute peace is what the people of South Asia genuinely desire and crave for in their hearts. Can Pakistan and Indian leadership of today bring about that PEACE by starting from bringing immediate peace to Kashmir and then moving on to peace forever
Pakistani and Indian leadership must realize that they have to find a solution for peace which includes Kashmir on top of the IMMEDIATE list before the Kashmiri solution humbles them both and relegate them to a long dark era of resurrection which too may, or may not, be possible.
Post Script:-Bold diplomacy and statesmanship at the highest levels are the only options left for the leaders of Pakistan and India. One more past example of bold diplomacy that succeeded was Gen Zia UL Haq’s cricket diplomacy in 1986 which averted a certain Pakistan-India war
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