“There is a realization on part
of India that dialogue is the only way forward to discuss all outstanding
issues, “These words said by Mr.Aizaz Ch.the foreign Secretary of Pakistan, who
visit the two or Three days ago. teeming Kashmir a core issue, he said the
matter of the occupied land should be resolved in line with wishes of Kashmirs,
and the resolution of United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Pakistan’s policy toward the Kashmir dispute is important for its relations with
India. As for Pakistan’s policy, it has Changed time to time. Every government
in the country has devised its own method, so the importance of dispute has
varied from time to time. In addition to domestic political Factors, the
international scenario has also substantially Influenced Pakistan’s policy,
especially after the 9/11. The Ensuing war on terror has significantly shaped
the course of Pakistan’s foreign policy toward its neighbors, India and
Afghanistan. The external factor, therefore, has also affected The Kashmir
policy. Simply put, the transformation from Dictatorship to democracy, change in
governments, terrorism and extremism, and a weakening economy along with an
imported war on the western border have substantially influenced the course of
Pakistan’s policy toward the dispute. Second, in Pakistan, politicians and Army
have rarely been on the same page. If such an alliance existed, Army was on the
driving seat. As stated above that the Kashmir policy has Historically remained
a business of Army, the politicians find it difficult to manage India-Pakistan
bilateral relations whilst keeping the issue intact. In this regard, they appear
unable to do any breakthrough except internationalizing the issue, which
the PPP government did. Overall, Musharraf’s attempt to make the dispute
bilateral and solve it through dialogue has been a bold step of Pakistan, but
India’s response to his proposals has weakened the position of the moderates who
advocate peaceful bilateral resolution of the conflict.
Third, Premier Sharif’s visit to India on the inauguration of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in an attempt to normalize Relations with India and the start of
military operation against the Taliban in the Federally Administrated Tribal
Areas (FATA) region suggest that Pakistan is unlikely to go for militancy option
in the IAK, at least in the near future. At the Movement, the top priority of
the government and military Establishment is countering terrorism and militancy
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), FATA, and Baluchistan. Nonetheless, both states
need to solve their bilateral problems related to J&K such as the water dispute
for long-term stability and Peace in the region. The conflict on natural
resources may Become inevitable if the leadership in both countries does not
take appropriate steps and develop an understanding on Management of conflicts.
Last, the regional political landscape of South Asia appears to be changing
rapidly. New actors are endeavoring to Increase their reach and influence in the
region. For instance, China has increased its presence in AJK in particular and
the Region in general. A majority of the China-funded mega Projects in Pakistan
are in AJK and GB. Therefore, given Pakistan’s dependence on energy sources in
PAK, an Overwhelming focus on the counterterrorism campaign, and The increasing
Chinese presence in the region, it appears Reasonable to argue that any change
in Pakistan’s policy Toward the Kashmir dispute that may change the status quo
is Unlikely in years to come.
The world community has a responsibility to prevent two nuclear-laden countries
from driving into extinction one-fifth of humanity living in South Asia. The
world community did not allow apartheid to be perpetuated in South Africa or
allow Indonesia to rule East Timor by force. Turning a blind eye to these
lessons of history will only result in an escalation of Kashmir’s already bloody
situation.
Under peaceful circumstances, India and Pakistan have a huge potential for
economic prosperity. The continued conflict over Kashmir denies full realization
of this potential. It has created restricted borders and thus loss of trade and
missed opportunity for development both within the Indian subcontinent and
between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.