THIS is apropos of M. Yasin Malik’s article ‘Where is Kashmir in the new order’ (May 29). The writer may be assured that Kashmir has a glorious future.

There is no need for confrontation with India. Your best approach and campaign lie on a diplomatic turf.

Let us analyse which way the wind is now blowing.

India and China are biggest partners in mutual bilateral trade. Together, both account for almost half of activist world demography. Both are fastest growing economies with China in the lead.

There is no room for isolationism in this fast-moving world. The world is rapidly integrating geopolitically and economically. Economic statecraft has now assumed the driving force. Trade and commerce now transcend borders and boundaries.

Economic forces are pushing India and China towards a nexus of power. Both are big consumers of oil.

There is no substitute to the whole Middle East for supplies of oil at competitive rates and price levels.

Trade and commerce are carried by international rules. Both create incredible prosperity which brings peace and amity.

Pakistan is a vital link in the geopolitical integration of the big region.

This comprises Iran, the emerging Central Asia, Afghanistan, all Saarc countries and China.

There is no room and place for the barbaric Taliban that have no economic life support. Terrorism doesn’t mix with trade.

Now this is the big picture in which one finds Kashmir as a jewel in the crown of emerging Asia.

SHER MOHAMMAD Karachi

Atiq’s statement

RECENTLY I was surprised to read the statement by former Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister Sardar Atiq in a section of the press that he and other Kashmiris would never allow Azad Kashmir to be a province of Pakistan.

A few weeks ago I heard Hurriat leader Yaseen Malilk say that 80 per cent of Kashmiris want an independent Kashmir.

The attitude of the people of Azad Kashmir was also disappointing, if one noticed, when they protested against the participation of Pakistan-based political parties in elections and said they would not allow ‘outsiders’ to contest elections.

As a Pakistani, the statement of Sardar Atiq cuts me deep.

ASIF K. TANOLI Jacobabad