TRYING to introduce a semblance of normality in the Pakistan-India relationship must rank among the most patient endeavours ever attempted. Ant-like, a pattern towards at least a working relationship is attempted — until someone pulls out a piece from somewhere and it all comes crashing down. Bridge-makers then reappear to resume their task. This is how it has been for many decades. And now, once again an opportunity to improve relations has appeared in the form of the Pakistan-India Davis Cup games due in Pakistan a few weeks from now in September. It has been more than half a century since India last sent its players over to Pakistan for a Davis Cup tie — even though an official on that side of the border is now quoted as saying that, because it was an international tournament, no permission was needed from the government in New Delhi for the Indian players to undertake the tour, and that all that was required was an invitation from Pakistan. It is a remarkable statement, and an almost casual one in the context of moving forward on sporting ties between the two estranged, often skirmishing neighbours.

Realistically speaking, no one expects the two countries to compromise on their respective positions for the sake of a few languid sets of lawn tennis. But the sport does underscore the existence of a variety of methods to help hostile countries engage with one another in an environment that is otherwise fraught with divisions. The prospect of the Indian tennis players taking on local talent creates hope not just for sporting events between the two countries, but for the return of international sports in Pakistan in a big way. Between now and the scheduled Davis Cup ties, we are likely to see all kinds of attempts being made to stop the event. The real test for the Pakistan-India peace train lies in its sustained response to attacks from those who oppose better ties. Will it move on or derail?

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2019