Aman Ki Asha: The Indo-Pak Peace project

[RameeX Xaved]

RAW organizes seminar with aim to target Baluchistan

‘Selected’ participants invited to discuss issue of Autonomy of Baluchis and Kashmiris n show set to be held mysteriously at Delhi’s India International Centre

From Christina Palmer

NEW DELHI—While a leading media group of Pakistan has signed an agreement with an Indian media group to promote peace between Pakistan and India with the title Aman Ki Aasha( the hope for peace), the Indian Intelligence Agency Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) is organizing a charade seminar at New Delhi’s India International Centre from January 10th to January 12th, 2009, reveal the findings of The Daily Mail.
These findings indicate that the seminar, titled ‘India-Pakistan Conference-A Road map towards peace” is being hosted by a RAW-run organization Focus on Global South, in a rather mysterious manner as a very few people have been informed about it and there has been no publicity about the event made by the organizers and even a very few people from amongst the Delhi-based local and foreign journalists have been informed and invited to the said seminar. The Investigations indicate further that even the official website of the India International Centre (IIC) does not indicate that the said seminar is amongst the event, listed to place on the said dates at IIC.
The Daily Mail’s investigations reveal that though a reasonable number of participants have been invited from Pakistan to take part in the seminar but one particular segment of the seminar that targets Baluchistan province of Pakistan, titled “ Issue of Autonomy: Kashmir and Baluchistan”, is epically drafted by RAW to draw a comparison between the freedom movement in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the RAW sponsored separatists movements in Baluchistan province of Pakistan where RAW is super-actively engaged for years. For this part of the seminar, The Daily Mail’s findings indicate, no senior journalist or intellectual from Pakistan has been selected to speak but merely one nationalist journalist from Baluchistan who runs a separatism nationalists Online newspaper from Baluchistan and got his Journalism degrees from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai India and is known for toeing the RAW lines regarding Baluchistan has been invited from the Media side. The Baluchistani journalist, Siraj Malik has graduated from Asian College of Journalism at Chennai India while Chennai is known as the hub of RAW-run think tanks and it is an established fact that the RAW people keep nurturing the foreigners, linked to Indian education or research organizations.
The Daily Mail findings indicate that the overall Pakistanis, invited for the said RAW arranged seminar include former Information Minister (PPP) Ms. Sherry Rehman, former Law Minister (PPP) Iqbal Haider, Human Rights activists Aasma Jehangir, Baluchistani journalist Malik Siraj Akbar, Senator Hasil Khan Bazinjo, some Farooque Tarique of some Pakistan Labour Party, some economist Akbar Zaidi, defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqua, and women rights’ activists and theatre artist, Madeeha Gauhar, all known for having a very soft corner for India and having a very pro-India mindset. However the speakers for the main target and rather the nucleus of the seminar that would bee focusing on Baluchistan, the “selected” speakers from Pakistan include, Asma Jenagir, Malik Siraj Akbar and Senator Hasil Khan Bizenjo. While all the participants of the overall seminar from the Indian side are very well known for their staunch anti-Pakistan mindsets.
The Daily Mail’s finding indicate that through the particular segment of the seminar that relates to Baluchistan, RAW plans to draw parallels between the freedom movement in Indian Occupied Kashmir and the RAW funded separatists’ drives in Baluchistan.n however, surprisingly the organizers have neither invited anyone from among the officials of Pakistan government or Delhi-based Pak diplomats nor have they opted to invite anyone from amongst the Baluchi tribes that confront the militant and rebellion Sardars like Bugtis Marris etc. ,
The Daily Mail’s findings also reveal that the said scheduled seminar is not the first of its kind to promote the separatism in Baluchistan as in past, many foreign intelligence organizations have been indulging in such exercises. These finding indicate that RAW, in connivance with the British and Israeli intelligence agencies, has been organizing many such forums to benefit the separatist movements in Baluchistan. According to these findings, different foreign agencies including India’s RAW have remained actively involved in the formation of different militant and separatist outfits like Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baluchistan Rights Movement (BRM) etc. these foreign agencies have been continuously using such outfits in Baluchistan and have been patronizing them. The Daily Mail’s findings indicate that apart from the funding and provision of arms and ammunition to the militants in Baluchistan, these foreign intelligence agencies have been organizing media and intellectual support programmers for these organizations.
These findings reveal that in one of such endeavors,on 27th June 2006, when Pakistani security forces were gaining immense success in restoring peace and disarming the militants in Baluchistan and hundreds of mercenaries started surrendering to the government authorities, a UK based , so called think tank Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) organizes a highly confusing seminar on Baluchistan, titeled ‘Baluchistan at the crossroads’. Surprisingly, the FPC organized the said seminar with open collaboration of Baluchistan Rights Movement (BRM), which is merely an extension of BLA, an outfit that has been banned and declared as a terror organization, not only by Pakistan government but also by the government of England while the FPC organized the seminar at no where else but right at the committee room number 16 of the House of Commons. To add to it, and make the credentials of the said seminar even dubious, the organizers neither invited anyone from among the officials of Pakistan government or UK-based Pak diplomats nor did they bother to invite anyone from amongst the Baluchi tribes that confront the militant and rebellion Sardars like Bugtis, Marris etc, just the way it is happening at New Delhi in this latest episode. However there was a comprehensive representation from the three Militant tribes and leaders and workers of BLA and BRM. It is learnt that that a Board member of FPC, a British politician and a fomer member of British Parliament, Stephen Twigg was the main spirit behind the holding of this seminar.
The UK Seminar. The Daily Mail’s investigations indicate that in the said seminar, chaired by Hugh Barnes of FPC Mehran Baluch, an active member of BLA and a senior activist of Baluchistan Rights Movement, Mr. Sanaullah Baloch, whose, close association with warlords of Baluchistan and millatnt outfits like BLA are known to everyone, Dr. Naseer Dashti another associate of Bugti and Marri and BLA, Fredric Grare of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace etc expressed their views and analysis about situation in Baluchistan. All the participants of the said seminar blamed Pakistan government for usurping the human rights in Baluchistan and treating the people of Baluchistan like animals. They also declared Baluchistan to be a separate state and accused Pakistan of illegally occupying it. They one-sidedly accused Pakistan government and people of Punjab in particular for usurping all rights of people of Baluchistan and portrayed militant Sardars like Bugti and Marri as heroes of Baluchis people. Fredric Grare blamed Pakistani media being in control in Pakistan Army while member of European Parliament from Poland Ryszrd Czarnecki went on to claim that Baluchistan was not a part of Pakistan and a “Punjabi Army” was ruling them he also went on to say that Pakistan came into existence through a restrictive voting. So in other words, the seminar was merely an attempt to malign Pakistan, Pakistan government and Pakistan Army and media as well. All attempts were made to lay the fundaments for the separation of Baluchistan from Pakistan and to encourage the separatists and militant activists in Baluchistan while the seminar concluded with pledge from the chair to hold more sessions on similar debate in near future. A similar conclusion is expected when the Delhi seminar’s episode regarding Baluchistan would end as the Chairman of the said segment former Indian Judge Rajendra Sacchar is expected to come up with similar conclusions, as desired by RAW and the government at New Delhi.

The Daily Mail - Daily News from Pakistan - Newspaper from Pakistan

 

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The Times Of India: Page 2, January 7th 2010.

 

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Joint venture for peace
Iqbal Haider

In the most gloomy atmosphere around us in Pakistan, we had no reason to celebrate New Year's Eve. The morning of Jan 1, 2010, however, gave us a pleasant surprise when we read that the editors of the Jang group in Pakistan and of the Times of India group have taken a bold initiative to join hands for promotion of peace, economic prosperity, education and health much needed by the one-and-half-billion people of our two countries.

This was not the only good news on Jan 1. The civil society in Pakistan, realising the importance of peace had also observed a solidarity day under the banner of "Aman Ittehad" and took out rallies in more than 35 cities of Pakistan on Jan 1. Despite a hartaal in Sindh and fear of the terrorists, the peace rallies all over Pakistan were well attended by exuberant citizens from all walks of life. These successful demonstrations once again vindicated the burning desire of the people for peace.

I can state with confidence that the ordinary people of India equally desire peace with the same keenness, desire and sprit. It is for this reason that supporters of peace in India have once again convened a conference in New Delhi on Jan 10 in search of "A Road Map Towards Peace." We greatly appreciate this initiative of the intellectuals, political leaders, human right activists, NGOs, journalists and people from different walks of life, including Mr I K Gujral, former prime minister of India and Kuldip Nayar, a former member of the Rajya Sabha, who are two of the hosts of this conference.

The vast majority of the people do agree that war is not the solution. Over the past 62 years, the three wars with India and two battles of Siachen in 1987 and Kargil in 1999 could not help in resolving any issue. The untimely and unwarranted recent expressions of persons like Gen Deepak Kapoor about his determination to prepare for "two-front war" with China and Pakistan and deal with asymmetric and fourth-generation warfare, enhance strategic reach and joint operations with the air force and navy, etc., do cause alarm and promote a war of words between the generals of the two countries.

Pakistan is already at an unending war for the past over three years, with the worst enemies -- i.e., terrorists within Pakistan. I hope all thinking sections of the public in India would appreciate that, now or in future, Pakistan cannot afford to indulge in any aggressive designs or adventurism against India. Hence, there is nothing to fear from Pakistan. However, such expressions of war preparation, by any of the civil or military leaders of the two countries, only result in promotion of tension and strain our relations further. These statements also make the task of the peace activist much more difficult.

Not only were the wars in the past six decades destructive, but equally counterproductive and destructive was the strategy to promote jihad and jihadi organisations in Pakistan, on the pretext of keeping the Kashmir issue alive. The activities of the jihadis and extremist militant religious terrorist in the past three decades have only resulted in further loss of life, places of worship and properties not only of the Kashmiris but more so in Pakistan. The so-called jihad could not force India to budge an inch or motivate any country, including our closest allies, to pressure India to resolve the issue peacefully. Nor was the Indian economy or its image damaged by the jihadis in any significant manner.

On the contrary, it is Pakistan that is bleeding profusely on account of the undeclared ,endless war unleashed from within by the terrorists, by whatever name they may be called: Al Qaeda, or Taliban Pakistani or Afghan or any other segments of he Taliban or Fazlullah or Sufi Mohammad or Baitullah Mehsud or any other brand of terrorists. They all have a common agenda to take over the state institutions and resources of Pakistan.

Indeed, the people of India have suffered many terrorist attacks, including the attack on the Houses of Parliament of India, the tragedy of Nov 26 in Mumbai and bombing of the markets in Delhi are some of the most heinous, condemnable crimes against the state and people of India, I share the grief of the people of India and join them in condemning these terrorist forces. I would however, draw the attention of the people in India to the fact that the people of Pakistan are suffering such disasters and barbaric incidents of far worst terrorism almost every day in every nook and corner of Pakistan, where several thousands innocent citizens have lost their lives and properties. Hence, peace is our need not only for our country but also for the entire region. We can only succeed in eradicating the terrorism, in all its forms with concerted efforts and joint line of action between our two countries, without any further loss of time.

Not only the people but also the governments of the two countries agree that all disputes can be resolved through dialogue, with sincerity of purpose. In terms of priority, the first and foremost issue that needs to be addressed immediately is the futile war over Siachen.

The presence of the army of the two countries on the glaciers of Siachen is not only an avoidable heavy burden on the exchequer of the two countries but is also rapidly destroying most precious reserves of water. How ironic is the reality that the people of the two countries are already facing acute scarcity of water, but this unending war is destroying the water reserves, which will be needed by our future generations also. Hence, it is of utmost importance that the armies of the two countries must withdraw forthwith from Siachen and resolve the issue of boundaries on the table, rather than on the mountains.

I urge both India and Pakistan to show flexibility in their respective pronounced positions on Kashmir. Instead of insisting on resolving the Kashmir issue first, the emphasis should be on an end to hostilities in all forms and building confidence and trust between the two countries which is imperative for meaningful dialogues. I am not suggesting that the issue of Kashmir should be shelved or given up. All that I want to emphasise is: don't give Kashmir priority over the wider national interests of the two countries.

Our national interest always warranted "peaceful co-existence" with our neighbours. Hence, in the first place dialogues between the two countries must resume unconditionally and with the sincere commitment to resolve the issues. There is no harm if both the countries agree to accept the Line of Control, with some necessary adjustments, as the international border, at least de fecto, for the time being. With this agreement, it would be most prudent and in the best interest of the people of Pakistan, India and Kashmir, if the two countries agree to establish visa-free borders or at least visa on arrival on all points of entry and exit, as well as free exchange of economic, cultural, academic, intellectual groups and free access to the electronic and print media, etc., in all walks of life.

I am conscious of the fact that such bold decisions cannot be implemented without mobilisation of not only the opinion of the public but also of their leaders. Here I see the most vital positive role that can be played by the media of the two countries. We are fortunate that at this crucial juncture, the two biggest groups of publications -- i.e., the Jang group and the Times of India group in India -- have come forward to save one-and-a-half billion people of our region from wars, prejudices, terrorism and poverty which are most detrimental to their interest, prosperity and protection of their life and property. The two media giants, owning largely circulated print media and most popular television channels in the respective countries, are bound to succeed in influencing the opinion of the people and their leaders in breaking the deadlock and creating the environment for a meaningful dialogue between the two countries, for achievement of the aforesaid objectives of utmost importance and national interest of the people of the entire SAARC region.

Joint venture for peace

 

[Hari]

RAW organizes seminar with aim to target Baluchistan

‘Selected’ participants invited to discuss issue of Autonomy of Baluchis and Kashmiris n show set to be held mysteriously at Delhi’s India International Centre

From Christina Palmer

Just FYI, there is No journalist named Christina Palmer in Delhi

Now About the Seminar

Its a "peace seminar" on various issues on which this is one topic. Most of the speakers are from Pakistan as well to give their view point.

The organisation is India International Centre that was founded before RAW was even formed in late 1960s.

More info here
India International Center

 

[ssheppard]

One anthem for Indo-Pak

Shankar Mahadevan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan lend voice to Gulzar’s lyrics for Aman ki Asha — an initiative by Times of India and Pakistan’s Jang .

There's going to be a new anthem for India and Pakistan, written by Gulzar and sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as part of Aman ki Asha - the cultural and emotional people-to-people peace initiative by The Times of India and Pakistan's Jang Group. It's sung in Hindi, naturally, because language is one of the first big things common to both nations. Followed by an unequivocal love for music, films, the fine arts... all based on a common culture that was tragically cut down the middle on August 15, 1947. Now Aman Ki Asha seeks to build bridges between the people of the two nations 63 years after Partition (or is it Independence?) starting with the campaign's tune called Nazar Mein Rehete Ho Jab Tum Nazar Nahi Aate. It has taken on a life of its own and become a full-fledged song already, dispelling ignorance and fostering trust, based on the fervent belief that Indians and Pakistanis want peace and stability.

BT dropped in on Gulzar and Shankar when they were recording the song for Aman Ki Asha at a Mumbai studio. Shankar, who put together the vocals and tune for Nazar Mein Rehte... said, "It has a heart-to-heart appeal, sounds warm and personal, and through its simple message of brotherhood between both sides of the border represents something that everybody would love to see happen. It took me just a minute to get the melody. Certain lyrics in this song are so powerful that they just reach at you and dictate a melody. While reading Gulzarsaab's lyrics, I spontaneously sang it, and that was the melody."

Gulzar, who provided the words to the song, was full of praise for Shankar. "The spontainety that comes from him is unmatchable," he said. As for Rahat's contribution, Mahadevan added, "We're planning to use his voice from Pakistan. We've worked together in Bollywood and our chemistry is heart-to-heart. We apprecaite each other and love each other's music. It's a lovely relationship. We're going to send the music to him and he's going to overdub his parts."

You may catch Nazar Mein Rehte... on Times Now and Radio Mirchi from today, the lyrics are contagious, especially the lines Nazar Mein Rehte Ho Jab Tum Nazar Nahi Aati, Yeh Sur Bulatey Hai Jab Tum Idhar Nahi Aati... Of the song, Gulzar said: "This subject is very close to my heart. I was born in Dina, Pakistan, so I have a soft corner for that country. There is not a day where I don't talk to someone about this, Being an Urdu writer, that's my playground and I have got a lot of recognition there. This friendship is inborn; so there is no 'effort' involved in being friends with them. At the same time, what's all this about 'differences' between Indians and Pakistanis? Are there no differences between Indians? You must meet one-to-one respectfully, give and receive respect."

Aman ki Asha - Times of India

 

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Paranoia
Sunday, January 03, 2010
By Gibran Peshimam

When Aman ki Asha, a grand collaboration for peace, was launched between India's and Pakistan's premier media outlets, it was, of course, expected that there will be some, or perhaps many, on either side of the border who will look at the initiative with a degree of scepticism. The misgivings of a large majority of these antagonists will, one hopes, be assuaged with time and sustained reasoning. That is the objective: it is all encompassing. Everyone needs to be taken on board. After all, an isolated peace movement cannot be successful.

There are a few others, on both sides, that will oppose this effort to stimulate a paradigm shift based on little but blind hate for those across the border. They will almost certainly look to sabotage this, or any other peace initiative, at all given opportunities right from the get-go. They are the ones who derive strength and comfort from a paradigm of distrust and hostility. The ones who enable hate and suspicion, perpetuate lies and twisted facts to fit their worldview. They are the ones who, if I may minutely alter an expression, make hay while the bullets fly.

The thing is, their hatred, if dissected, is based on nothing but misplaced arrogance. It is unreasoning, obsessed and, at the end of the day, superstitious.

Yet, it is important to take into account this mindset because no peace can be sustainable without debunking popular misconceptions and fallacies. After all, it is these fallacies that fuel the distrust and derail peace processes. Therefore, as a first step, these few must be shown for what they are: paranoid.

Take for example one adverse reaction to the peace process in a mainstream media outlet. It states that:

"Once more a new propaganda offensive has been launched by segments of Indian civil society, including its media, in the shape of a 'hope for peace.' That it is propaganda is evident from the fact that it has come at a time when the Indian military is sending threatening messages to Pakistan with its new war strategies."

Right off the bat – a non-sequitur, if there ever was one. How is what India's military is saying related to a peace campaign that has been initiated by media houses on either side of the border? In what warped way is this "evident"? Do all Pakistanis agree with what their government says? Then why is what the Indian government is saying suddenly reflects the mindset of a billion people? In fact, extensive polls carried out as a part of the peace initiative have shown that an overwhelming majority want peace. And only a handful wants war. These are concrete numbers. Not vague ideas. It is exactly this contradiction between policy and people's desires that needs to be addressed.

Then it is said, "Even worse, this 'peace' offensive is designed once again to sidestep the real conflicts of Kashmir, water and arms build-ups by the Indians along the Pakistan border."

Once again, no reasoning, just a sweeping statement about what this initiative is all about when the project has barely taken off. What is the evidence? Well: "It is interesting to note also that while all the major poets of the subcontinent have been recalled in the 'peace' context, Iqbal, who is linked closely with the idea of a Muslim homeland that came to be Pakistan, has been ignored. Surely such an omission could hardly be accidental?"

Indeed.

Then the initiative is attacked by its being called a "diversion."

The initial published article announcing the launch clearly stressed that: "The project aims to provide the ultimate mutual platform to bring up for debate the major sticking points in the hitherto fickle peace dialogue on both sides of the border – whether it is Kashmir, the water dispute or security." The launch article also stressed that the goal is to, "to resolve amicably all outstanding issues that serve as hurdles to peace and campaign for collaboration on economic, cultural issues through a media-led civil society movement."

But this has been conveniently ignored – over and over again. As for all the accusations that have been made before the campaign has even started in full, they fear the worst, with no evidence to support it. Not seeing things that are there, and seeing things that are not. This is a condition called paranoia.

Moreover, the suggestion made in the same editorial that Indians who want peace are government-supporting conspirators, while Pakistanis "have a genuine desire for peace," is inherently ludicrous. Such an argument ought to be put under the category of xenophobia.

The dividends of peace far outweigh the gains of war. History has proved this time and time again. It is heartening to see that the two biggest media houses on either side of the border have realised this and now wish to campaign for it. Better late than never, right? This initiative should be welcomed and supported on both sides of the border. Even those who are sceptical should at least give it a chance. We have seen what confrontation has given us for six decades, which is nothing. Shouldn't we now explore what amity has to offer?

It has been stressed, almost exhaustively, that this campaign looks to activate civil society to seek peace recognising that there are unresolved issues, which have over the years regularly sabotaged goodwill. This is an initiative to seek answers. Not dodge them. Peace does not mean "sidestepping" issues; it means looking for resolutions so as to end sources of conflict – which is what this campaign will hopefully look to do.

Arguments will not be watered down or trivialised. They will just be systematised and brought onto a single platform, where they can be debated meaningfully. Perhaps this is why some elements are screaming foul. They do not want their untenable worldview to be shown up; they do not want to be exposed.

This is not a censorship campaign; it is a resolution campaign. It is an attempt to connect policymaking to the aspirations of people.

Isn't that what democracy is all about?

Aman ki Asha - Destination Peace - Jang Group and Times of India

 

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The Times Of India: Page 15, 8th January 2010.

 

[FreekiN]

India has given Pakistan lots of sympathy! They even offered surgical strikes! LOL.

 

[jaunty]

 

[sikander zaman]

sad but it is a fact that these kind of projects are totally futile.india still dose not accept pakistan as a state and indian alaways tried to destablize pakistan.

 

[Chanakyaa]

India has given Pakistan lots of sympathy! They even offered surgical strikes! LOL.

Lets Not Dilute the Morale of Thread My Friend.

 

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The Times Of India Page 2: 11th January 2010.

 

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Energising the peace process -Talat Masood

The recent bold initiative of two leading media groups to launch a comprehensive drive at bringing peace between the two nuclear armed antagonists of South Asia should be welcomed as a positive development. It will be a Herculean undertaking considering the complex nature of India- Pakistan relations, but is undoubtedly worth the cause.

It is fundamentally question of changing mindsets and making the cold-war weary people of both countries realise that confrontation has gone on far too long and done enormous damage to the people. In bringing about this transformation the vigorous media of India and Pakistan with the help of civil society can play a major role. In fact, some elements of media in both countries have been whipping up frenzy and ultranationalism that has prejudiced the minds of people. This tendency had reached new heights after the tragic Mumbai episode and it appeared as though patriotism was a direct function of how much one poured venom against the other.

Hardly had the announcement of this endeavour been made when the self-proclaimed defenders of Pakistan decried it as a ruse to bypass Kashmir and surrender of our cultural and national identity. It was also alleged that this was a cover to expand the commercial interests of media giants. As though quest for peace would erode Pakistan’s identity and making money and promoting valid commercial interests was a crime! In fact, one of the major incentives of improved relations is enjoying the benefits of a larger market, not just for the media but all segments of society. Moreover, national identity is strengthened when people have a stake in the state that provides economic prosperity, political stability and personal security and not by promoting a xenophobic culture of animosity.

Meanwhile, another development that served the interests of the hard-liners was the Indian army chief’s provocative presentation in a seminar, of simultaneously fighting a two-front war with Pakistan and China. He also claimed to be preparing for a limited war under a nuclear umbrella and equipping the military with highly mobile integrated units, capable of launching an offensive and completing the assigned mission within a span of 96 hours, as a part of “cold start” doctrine, something that has been known for sometime. General Kapoor might have been projecting a worst-case scenario for which India had to be prepared. Irrespective of whether this was deliberately or inadvertently leaked, it has further emotionally charged the Indo-Pakistan atmosphere.

The leak may also mean that the Indian military is serious in its preparation against a potential threat from China and needs all the support from the US and the western world. This policy converges with US long-term goals that it would like China to be challenged at the regional level so as to dissipate its capacity to be a serious challenger at the global scene. The very basis of India’s strategic partnership with the US is meant to balance China’s growing economic and military clout.

Additionally, India professes to remain a staunch partner of the west in the fight against radical Islam and “cold start” is meant as a fast punishing response to a militant attack by non-state actors who in connivance with Pakistan’s state institutions or autonomously commit any act of terrorism in India.

General Kapoor’s statement invited firm but measured response from Chairman JSCS and COAS and triggered a debate in the media that was over-reactive and unnecessary. There was talk in the strategic community that Pakistan’s nuclear posture that is recessed, opaque and weaponised should go operational, implying that war heads should be mated to delivery systems. The logic being after all Pakistan will have to adjust to India’s aggressive doctrine, its developing strategic alignments and threat perceptions and be in a higher state of readiness. This would indeed cut across the concept of strategic restraint and stability of which Pakistan has been an ardent proponent.

Thus, there are two clear options for India and Pakistan. Continue on the confrontational path that has generally characterised their relations for the last 62 years or take the route of finding peaceful ways of coexistence that could genuinely benefit the two people.

The advantages of cooperation are unlimited. If Pakistan is to take advantage of its strategic location, it must open its road and rail network for India’s trade with Central Asia, Iran and points beyond. Most importantly, South Asia’s energy needs can only economically met if this route is open. Presently, Pakistan’s eastern route is practically closed and on the western side it can hardly exploit the benefits due to instability in Afghanistan and the tribal agencies. Moreover, Afghanistan is where both countries are fighting their proxy wars instead of jointly working for its stability.

Besides, there are other distinct advantages in a cooperative framework. The present situation is leading to high defence expenditures, is aggravating poverty and inequalities and strengthening militant forces. Pakistan’s defence expenditure is nearly 1.9 times more than its combined public expenditure on health and education. This adverse relationship is costing the two countries socio-economic damage, loss of investment, diplomatic costs, weakening of institutions. Siachen is another classic example of how both countries are frittering away their scarce resources by the millions.

In addition, ecological damage that is taking place could cost the region a heavy price. Notwithstanding India’s impressive economic growth, there are still over 400 million people below the poverty line. Class disparities are leading to insurgencies that are spreading in several districts of north-east and moving downwards. For Pakistan, succeeding against the challenge of insurgency, overcoming its economic crisis and sustaining democracy are vital for preserving its integrity, and recovering its full sovereignty. All this would require peaceful borders.

We tend to forget that India and Pakistan not only “share boundaries but a shared civilisation”. The urgent need of today is that they work together in facing the challenge of eliminating poverty and combating terrorism and place themselves to adjust to the forces of globalisation and modernisation. This is also the only way forward for creating an amiable environment for addressing Kashmir and other complex issues that have bedeviled their relationship.

Energising the peace process

 

[pagans]

India has given Pakistan lots of sympathy! They even offered surgical strikes! LOL.

And surgery is good for those who have cancer.

 

[pagans]

TOI-Jang bhai, bhai
Haindava Keralam - global community of dedicated Hindu Keralites with a peace mission