Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri has condemned the current India-Pakistan relations as severely strained, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for resolution. He recalls historical instances where relations improved unexpectedly and stresses that persistent tensions hinder the nations’ progress. Suggestions from Ashis Ray highlight cultural diplomacy as a pathway forward. Overall, Kasuri advocates for immediate and constructive dialogue to foster peace.
Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has characterized the current state of India-Pakistan relations as among the worst in recorded history, outside of wartime. Speaking at an event organized by the Institute of Peace and Connectivity, he emphasized the necessity of dialogue to resolve outstanding bilateral issues.
Kasuri highlighted that, despite historical conflicts, India and Pakistan typically managed to reinitiate peace talks swiftly after wars. He expressed regret over the possibility of both nations failing to seize the opportunity for peaceful resolution, particularly regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue, for which he mentioned a previously established four-point formula.
With experience working under both BJP and Congress governments, Kasuri articulated his belief that the silent majority in India desires peace with Pakistan. He observed that, historically, relations between the two countries could pivot positively at unexpected moments, citing instances such as the cordial reception of President Musharraf in India and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in 2015.
Reports indicated PM Modi’s planned visit to Pakistan in April 2021, intended for a pilgrimage and to meet with Prime Minister Imran Khan, underscoring potential future diplomatic advances. Kasuri remarked on the significant geopolitical shifts since President Trump’s election that could provide a platform for improved relations between India and Pakistan.
He lamented the ongoing poverty in both nations, suggesting that persistent tensions hinder development when compared to more prosperous countries. Kasuri reiterated a call for continued dialogue as the sole solution to resolving their differences, while also cautioning that terrorism remains a significant threat to bilateral ties.
Journalist Ashis Ray proposed using cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges as means to break the deadlock in relations between the two countries, asserting that constructive dialogue should commence immediately without delay. He drew parallels to the thawing of relations between the United States and Russia to argue that similar advancements could be achieved between India and Pakistan.
In conclusion, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s remarks underscore the urgent need for dialogue between India and Pakistan, given the troubling state of their relations. His observations on past shifts in diplomacy and the persistence of poverty in both nations highlight the potential consequences of ongoing tensions. Furthermore, suggestions from Ashis Ray for cultural exchanges suggest practical measures for initiating thawing relations. Ultimately, constructive engagement is essential for resolution.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
