THE guns have fallen silent on the Line of Control (LoC). Both Pakistan and Indian armies have suddenly agreed to cease fire and to exercise restraint in line with the agreement of 2003.

However, the situation then was different as Article 370 had not been revoked and the India-occupied Kashmir enjoyed a special status, and the re-endorsement of the earlier agreement now is believed to have been achieved through backdoor diplomacy.

Speculation is rife about the Biden administration’s pressure on Pakistan to normalise relations with India and put its action of Aug 5, 2019, on the backburner. The government is on record having repeatedly ruled out any talks with India unless its action of Aug 5, 2019, was first revoked.

As per reports, New Delhi has also agreed to let Pakistan hold the long delayed SAARC summit in Islamabad, which it had earlier opposed.

If the summit does take place, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can visit Islamabad to attend the meeting. Prior to the summit, full diplomatic relations between the two countries may be restored that were downgraded by Pakistan, and the respective high commissioners may be posted.

It may be followed by resumption of trade ties which were suspended by Pakistan.

If true, such reports create a perception that Pakistan has diluted its consistent stance on India’s action of Aug 5, 2019.

The silence of the Foreign Office on the matter is only strengthening the foregoing perception.

Erum A Baig
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2021