War between India and Pakistan can never resolve disputes. It will only plunge the two countries into deeper economic and political crisis. In order to reverse the collision course, it is necessary that efforts be made to settle all disputes through dialogue
THE fluid environment on our border with India is a matter of concern for every Pakistani, and it should be equally so for the people on the other side of the dividing line. Though the relationship between the two countries has always been plagued with doubts and questions, yet, at times when the two countries agree to talk on contentious issues, the extent of publicity and coverage in the media, big smiles and hearty handshakes when negotiations resume, make it look like a promising opening — giving people a glimmer of hope that it will pave the way for a pragmatic approach in all future dealings.
But the hope soon fades away, like it always happens, as these meetings conclude — because of India’s uncompromising attitude — without bringing the kind of result that would lead to stability in the region. Perhaps it is India’s overly exaggerated notion of “supremacy” and “political clout in the region” that has made them inconsiderate, inflexible and intolerant — especially towards Pakistan, and this leads to developments that are more uncomfortable and bizarre. What India fails to realize is that this kind of approach is not helping the cause of peace, and in the present tense situation a minor spark can even trigger conflagration. It might even trigger a nuclear engagement resulting in unimaginable catastrophe.
“War can never resolve disputes. It will only plunge the two countries into deeper economic and political crisis. Therefore, in order to reverse the collision course, it is necessary that efforts be made to settle all disputes through dialogue,” a senior executive of a multinational bank opined.
In order to find out as to what Pakistanis have to say about the ongoing tension that has marred relations between the two countries and brought them time and again on the brink of war, this scribe recently carried out interviews of 70 randomly selected persons, from a cross section of society, living in Karachi. The main questions, beside others, put to the respondents were: Will there be a war? Will it trigger a nuclear engagement? What is the core problem between these two countries? Who should be held responsible for the crisis? Can the UN help in bringing peace in the region? Do people favour lifting of visa restrictions to facilitate people-to-people contact?
The statistics of opinion interviews are summarized below. Besides, some interesting replies from respondents have also been quoted verbatim. If nothing else, these answers will at least serve as a reflection of our national sentiments.
Some 87 per cent interviewees were of the opinion that the core problem is Kashmir, whereas three per cent held the view that India’s threatening postures and heightening rhetoric and mutual mistrust have spoiled the relationship between these two neighbouring countries. The majority, however, believed that unless the Kashmir issue is settled peacefully, it will continue to inspire tension in the region and that may lead to another war-like situation in the future as well.
“The continuous tension in the region is like a ticking time bomb and, therefore, every possible diplomatic channels should be used to defuse the situation before it gets too late. And unless India stops treating the Kashmir issue with indifference and disdain, the chances of tinder getting ignited cannot be ruled out,” an engineer, serving in a reputed national company said. “How can we have peace if we leave the root cause — the Kashmir issue — to fester,” a Kashmiri fruit vendor said bitterly.
A human rights activist said: “India is dubbing the Kashmir freedom movement as act of terrorism to seek the world’s sympathy and to put international pressure on Pakistan.” He insisted: “The casualties of innocent and unarmed Kashmiris in the Indian-held Kashmir during the last 10 years is more than 75,000 — a figure much higher than what the Israel’s occupation of Palestine have produced in the last three decades. An economically strong, united and a self-reliant Pakistan will be in a much better position to make the world take notice of the human rights violations and atrocities committed by the Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir.”
India’s track record will confirm that they are never satisfied with whatever steps Pakistan has taken to improve relations. The events during the last 55 years are enough to show India’s extreme dislike for Pakistan.
“India, it appears, doesn’t seems to be in a mood to take a step forward to remove hurdles they have themselves created,” a university student opined. “Pakistan is a geographic reality and India must over come the legacy of disrespect towards Pakistan,” is how another student felt.
Eighty per cent interviewees held India responsible for the crisis, whereas 20 per cent blamed the Western media, particularly the electronic media, for their unkind remarks on Pakistan from time to time, their too obvious tilt towards India and their continued insensitivity towards the plight of Kashmiris have done more damage than defusing the tense situation. These factors, to a considerable extent, have made India more rigid and fixed in an attitude of “no compromise”.
Among those interviewed 90 per cent were disappointed by the way the UN was carrying out its business. “The UN has not shown the spirit and commitment needed to address elusive global challenges that are threatening world peace. It has never seriously attempted to create an environment — through sensible and creative diplomacy — to help inspire mutual trust and confidence between warring member countries to promote peace,” was how a journalist expressed herself.
Fifty-two per cent favoured the setting up of a framework to promote economic ties and cultural exchanges and for lifting visa restrictions to facilitate people-to-people contact. The remaining 48 per cent were, however, of the view that these issues are only secondary and can be taken up once the thorny issue of Kashmir is politically resolved.
People unanimously endorsed Pakistan’s brave stance of not accepting the Indian dominance, but at the same time were of the view that Pakistan should show generosity and a blend of flexibility and India too should respond positively. By coming out of their “illusion of strength” and sitting on the negotiation table with a changed mind-set will help the two sides to carry out open, candid and straightforward discussion to end the suffocating nodal point — the Kashmir issue — and come out with solution that offers hope. If this is not done, people are bound to feel the reverberations.
People felt that only the world community, particularly the US, can make India realize that stalemate can be very dangerous and can develop into something very serious. In the present scenario, although there is no light at the end of the tunnel, there is still a hope that efforts from every quarter for a durable peace in the region will ultimately resolve the issues.
War between India and Pakistan can never resolve disputes. It will only plunge the two countries into deeper economic and political crisis. In order to reverse the collision course, it is necessary that efforts be made to settle all disputes through dialogue 
