AT the time of partition back in 1947, as much as 91 per cent of the economy of what constituted the subcontinent was controlled by what subsequently became India, and just 9pc was controlled by areas that later comprised Pakistan. Keeping the channels of travel, trade and investments open with India would have made sense had it not been for the political tensions between the two countries. The biggest issue was, and remains, the status of India-occupied Kashmir.

Since 1971, right after its birth as an independent nation, Bangladesh has established firm relations with India without losing, or even compromising its identity. The issues between Pakistan and India may take time to get sorted out, but people’s welfare comes first.

Pakistan has seemingly insurmountable issues to deal with. We will do ourselves no harm in being mentally sharp and alert to various possibilities ahead.

Navaid Husain
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2022