The recent visit of Pakistan Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif to India received wide media coverage in both countries.
Both countries have agreed to ease visa restrictions, increase trade and
resolve disputes through dialogues. But the reality is that without
solving their long disputes between the two countries, cosmetic steps
and media speeches will not bring any change to the region.
Despite growing poverty and unemployment,
both the countries are spending huge amounts of money on arm purchases.
Tension remains high at borders. In case of any terror activity in
India, New Delhi accuses Pakistan of terrorism and Pakistan, on its
turn, sees an Indian hand in unrest in North-West Frontier and
Baluchistan provinces. Unfortunately, governments in the two countries
are also not able to make any decisions which could go against the
wishes of hardline elements of extremist parties.
Several key issues Kashmir, Siachen and
construction of controversial dams also make things bad to worse.
Pakistan has recently decided to move the International Court of
Arbitration against the construction of the Kishanganga dam. A proxy war
is also going on in Afghanistan between both countries. Until and
unless both countries are able to solve basic issues like these, dreams
of peace can’t come true in the region.
Khawaja Umer Farooq
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