When it comes to India-Pakistan
relations there seems a gradual hide and seek in developing the bilateral
co-operation. If we move back only in 2015, there was a meeting between
Pakistan’s National Security Advisor and his Indian counterpart and discussions
held on peace, security, terrorism, Jammu & Kashmir and other important issues
i.e., restlessness across Line of Control but came out with none other than
speculations regarding the hope of settling the issues. The Indian Foreign
Minister said to have raised the issue of Mumbai attacks and called for a probe
against the perpetrators during her visit to Pakistan in December last year. She
also affirmed that India and Pakistan will go for “Comprehensive” dialogue on
all issues likewise peace, security, Kashmir. Both foreign secretaries meet and
expressed their righteous concerns on issues impeding the bilateral relations.
The most recent breakthrough was being anticipated in April this year when
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary meet Jaishankar and raised the issues of National
concern likewise RAW’s involvement in CPEC, Kashmir Issue and also said to have
called for a fair trial in Samjhota Express attack case. The March 2015, meeting
between Aizaz Chaudhary and Indian Foreign Secretary S.Jaishankar also earmarked
the discussion on Samjhota Express case, terrorism, India’s interference in
Balochistan and ceasefire violations.
During each meeting both countries seems to have realized that the resumption of
peaceful dialogue is the only gateway to peacefully settle all outstanding
issues. No doubt the connectivity between India and Pakistan has improved so far
but negotiations on all outstanding issues awaits settlement. The India-Pakistan
dialogue on Kashmir issue sounds no further than”Kashmir Issue” in recent
meetings held between the state officials.
The hourly visit of Narendra Modi to Rivand was being conceived as a good
gesture to ease the inter-state enmity but rests only by replacing the term
‘Composite” dialogue with “Comprehensive” dialogue.
The way forward to draw down the inter-state hostility between India and
Pakistan is to facilitate the trade ties across the border both by public as
well as private sector organizations. To respect one another on humanitarian
grounds will also help in improving the bilateral ties. We can also give a boost
to the industrial sector by vacating the hindrances confronting inter-state
commercial exchange. Pakistan and India should move on to ascertain
trade-friendly ties. To maintain cordial relations with immediate borders is one
of the most deciding aspect concerning economic fate of a nation.
Both countries can also give a push to inter-state tourism. This can be made
possible by easing the public transport in between them. The resolution of all
outstanding issues demands bilateral dialogues; yet to be established. The
organization of inter-state Olympic events is another good option for India and
Pakistan, the two states can also globalize the technical educational skills
i.e., in the fields of fabrication, construction, households etc. The ease of
tensions between the India and Pakistan would also improve the effectiveness of
regional organizations(SAARC., ECO). Another promising feature of India-Pakistan
cordial relations is that it would cut the widening defense expenditures and
would enhance the disbursement on other areas of development i.e., education,
health, infrastructure and transport. Noshin Bashir.