Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri describes the current low in India-Pakistan relations, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue for resolution. He refers to historical precedents of reconciliation and suggests a four-point formula for the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Ashis Ray, a journalist, advocates for cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges to improve relations between the two nations.
Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri has characterized the present moment as one of the most challenging in India-Pakistan relations, rivaling only periods of direct conflict. He emphasized at an event, organized by the Institute of Peace and Connectivity (IPAC), that dialogue remains the pivotal solution to resolving the disputes between the two nations.
Kasuri lamented that even following wars, Pakistan and India had managed to re-engage in dialogue swiftly, and he stressed the importance of seizing opportunities to resolve disputes. He referred to the four-point formula proposed by former President Pervez Musharraf regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue as a viable roadmap for peace.
Having served as foreign minister from 2002 to 2007, Kasuri noted his experience with both BJP and Congress governments, affirming his belief that a considerable segment of the Indian populace is still inclined towards peace with Pakistan. He acknowledged that despite the prevailing tensions, relations between the two countries can experience unexpected positive transformations.
Kasuri recounted instances from his tenure, such as President Musharraf being welcomed in New Delhi despite his role during the Kargil conflict, and Prime Minister Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in 2015 to meet then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He expressed optimism for future positive surprises and suggested that changes in global geopolitics under President Donald Trump might hold promise for enhancing bilateral relations.
Highlighting the socio-economic plight faced by citizens in both nations, Kasuri pointed out that both countries possess significant poverty levels, attributing this to ongoing tensions since independence. He reiterated that dialogue remains essential to addressing the outstanding issues, while also warning that terrorism continues to threaten the peace process.
Additionally, journalist Ashis Ray proposed utilizing cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges as tools to thaw the currently frozen relations. He advocated for immediate constructive dialogue between the nations, referencing the successful thaw in US-Russia relations as a model of hope for India-Pakistan relations.
In summary, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri asserts that India-Pakistan relations are at a nadir, and emphasizes the necessity of dialogue as the sole means for resolution. His discussions reflect historical precedents of reconciliation and highlight the urgent need for addressing socio-economic issues through cooperative engagement. As calls for renewed diplomatic efforts emerge, the potential for positive change remains contingent upon both nations prioritizing dialogue over conflict.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
