Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri described India-Pakistan relations as critically low, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve disputes. He noted past instances of unexpected positive engagements and highlighted a four-point formula for Kashmir proposed by Musharraf. Additionally, he stressed socio-economic issues and called for cricket diplomacy to foster better ties between the nations, underscoring the importance of constructive dialogue.
Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, the former foreign minister of Pakistan, recently characterized the current state of India-Pakistan relations as one of the worst in history, only surpassed by periods of actual warfare. Speaking at an event organized by the Institute of Peace and Connectivity (IPAC), he emphasized the necessity for dialogue as a means to address outstanding issues between the nations.
Despite historical precedents of initiating peace talks post-conflict, Kasuri lamented the missed opportunities for both countries to resolve their disputes peacefully. He highlighted a four-point formula regarding the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, proposed by former president Pervez Musharraf, as a potential framework for resolution.
Serving as foreign minister from 2002 to 2007 and currently chairing IPAC, Kasuri expressed confidence that the silent majority in India desires peace with Pakistan, despite the current adversarial climate. He recounted instances of unexpected positive developments in relations, such as Modi’s meeting with Nawaz Sharif in 2015 and envisioned similar possibilities in the future.
Additionally, he noted the geopolitical shifts since Trump’s presidency as an influencing factor for improved relations. Kasuri criticized the prolonged poverty affecting citizens in both countries, attributing it to persistent tensions since their independence. He reiterated that dialogue remains the sole solution for resolving outstanding issues and warned about the risks terrorism poses to their relationship.
Furthermore, Ashis Ray, an author and journalist, advocated for cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges to help mend relations between India and Pakistan. He urged both countries to initiate constructive dialogue without delay, suggesting that if relations can thaw between the U.S. and Russia, there is hope for India and Pakistan as well.
In conclusion, the current India-Pakistan relations are deemed critical, with former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri advocating for dialogue as the key solution. Despite a historically challenging backdrop, the potential for sudden positive shifts remains, underpinned by shared desires for peace among ordinary citizens. Collaborative efforts, including cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges, may further facilitate improved relations between the two nations. The need for constructive dialogue is urgent, as both countries confront ongoing socio-economic challenges linked to their adversarial history.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
