KARACHI, April 25: A visiting Bangladeshi scholar, Professor Emdad-ul-Haq, has observed that there is a strong possibility of resolution of Kashmir dispute if there is a sustained peace process. The ongoing peace process is a very positive sign, according to him.

Prof Haq, Chairman of the Department of International Relations, Chittagong University, Bangladesh, was speaking on Pakistan-India Peace Process at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi. The seminar was held on Monday under the programme “Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution”.

He gave a historical sketch of Pakistan-India disputes. He said that the peace process had started long ago. It has now been intensified due to greater people-to-people contacts. He highlighted the problem in a multidimensional manner.

According to him, cricket diplomacy will further pave the way for peaceful relations between the two countries. Trade, in his view, can be one of the catalysts to give a boost to the peace process. Cultural interaction is no less important and it should also be made more frequent. Both the countries have realized that war is no option and that a solution to any problem lies in dialogue.

The need is to promote an atmosphere of confidence and trust between the two countries. He noted the current trend of bilateral trade in this regard.

Talking about the regional scenario, he cautioned that any strong understanding among Pakistan, India and China could precipitate US resentment.

Professor Haq said that although there was no instant solution to the Kashmir problem in sight, there was a methodology that could lead the two countries to a possible settlement. “That methodology is the promotion of free flow of people, goods and ideas across the borders,” he stressed.

He pointed out that the settlement of the Durand Line in the late 19th century was a historical precedent in the subcontinent’s history which could become an analogy for resolving the Kashmir issue. In his views, there are two possible options in the foreseeable future — recognizing LOC as the international border, and an independent Kashmir.

He pointed out that Dhaka was highly supportive of normal relations between Pakistan and India. The ongoing peace process may go a long way in strengthening the efforts for regional cooperation in South Asia. According to him, people of Jammu and Kashmir should be given the right to self-determination because people of that region have rendered enormous sacrifices in order to achieve their rights.

He, however, cautioned that a military solution to the Kashmir conflict might trigger off another round of hostilities between the two countries. “Therefore, the best way to deal with the Kashmir issue is to continue the process of dialogue, involving not only Pakistan and India, but also the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir, and the process should sustain.”     His presentation was followed by a question-answer session.

Responding to a questioner, Professor Emdad-ul-Haq said that Indian media was fast realizing the importance of conciliatory and peace-oriented approach towards problems.

Among others who participated in the seminar were Programme Director Prof Moonis Ahmar, faculty member of the IR Department Mr Fahimuddin, and Mathematics Department’s Prof. Arif Kamal.