Indo-Pak Relations: A Challenge for the Diplomats and Leaders
Indo-Pak Relations: A Challenge for the Diplomats and Leaders
India and Pakistan are both nations which have a lot of challenges ahead of them. As two countries in the Asian region which have constantly sparred with each other in a wide number of fields, India and Pakistan continue to be rivals in everything from a cricket match to nuclear technology. The birth of Pakistan was the creation of a partition that separated two communities based on religion. When India regained its independence, it was a bittersweet moment as Pakistan was lost to us forever. In present times, relations between the two countries have continued to take dramatic turns depending upon factors such as political leadership and defence tactics.
With 2013 being a year of cross-border skirmishes and intentional violations of the Line of Control, the situation was quite explosive for those aiming to douse the fire. India has always had deep concern regarding the differences with Pakistan. While diplomats and leaders from both sides have tried to heal the breach, the state of Jammu and Kashmir remains a major point of conflict for the two nations. The fall of Pervez Musharraf was the moment when civilian power came to the fore in Pakistan. Yet the military and defence forces of this region seem to be impervious to any attempts to heal the breach.
The skirmishes were termed as counterproductive for business and economic alliances. Pakistan has experienced a change in leadership in the year 2014. The post of the PM has passed from Ali Asif Zardari to Nawaz Sharif. The Chief of Army Staff is now General Raheel Sharif. The Chief Justice is Tassaduq Hussain Jillani currently. These significant changes might impact Indo-Pak relations in the coming years. However, the question remains whether ties will be normalized between the two nations or frosty and bitter battles will continue to brew.
There is a lot of cynicism regarding the healing of relationships between the two nations. The Pakistani military has become more concerned with strategic planning and expansions in recent years. Ever since India gained independence in 1947, Pakistan has been locked with our nation in a bitter battle for Kashmir. The ISI have also laid several traps for Indian defence personnel. In such an attitude of hostility and rivalry, it becomes even more difficult to lay new foundations for a healthier relationship between the two nations. The disputed part of Kashmir has become a major cause of concern at state and central government levels in India. This issue has always remained at the forefront of any negotiations between India and Pakistan.
To get over this difficult issue has not been easy since the time India and Pakistan were separated from each other. Despite continued efforts by national and international agencies, there are no possible solutions for those who want to make a sincere effort for promoting peace and non-violence between the two nations. It becomes a constant battle to try and ink any new deals either. Pakistan has indicated that it will wait for the new government to form before the issues can be discussed further. A bilateral peace dialogue has become a difficult matter to pursue because of the complexities of any negotiations or discussions between the two countries.
Militancy is a massive cause for concern where Pakistan is concerned. India is a peace loving nation but such as longstanding dispute cannot be resolved through a few diplomatic initiatives or meetings between the two nations. The media and citizens of these nations can play an important role in furthering peaceful and productive relations between the two countries. Institutional inertia cannot solve the problem. There is need for greater discourse and clarity regarding the deeper issues. It is only then that Indo-Pak relations will enter a new era of friendship and peace.
