INDO-PAK RELATIONS

Former MOS K. Natwar Singh on Indo-Pak Relations

We must assess, analyse and examine the dynamics of Indo-Pak relations with realism. Neither sentimentality or serendipity have any place in this exercise. We must not confuse facts with hope.

Indo-Pak relations have, by and large been over-burdened by events, not ideas. The time has now come to terminate the adversarial relationship. For this, new thinking is called for by both sides. The establishment in both countries has acquired vested interests and an arms race of staggering financial proportions continues unabated. Here President Clinton can play a decisive role by clipping the wings of the Pentagon pundits whose influence in the military set-up in Pakistan is deep, wide, harmful and pernicious.

Although the voter turn-out in the recently held elections in Pakistan was low, the verdict of the people was unambiguous. PM Nawaz Sharif obtained a two- thirds majority in the National Assembly.

In Pakistan, we now have a government which for the foreseeable future is in no imminent danger of being replaced. A similar situation does not exist in India. In the past few days Nawaz Sharif has given us his views on how he sees Indo-Pak relations in the coming months and years. There is a definite change in his thinking. Prime Minister Deve Gowda had reciprocated warmly. The atmospherics are, therefore, very propitious for a fresh look at our bilateral relations.

Both countries carry the baggage of the partition. The heaviest item is Kashmir. Over the last 50 years, the world has changed. Only India and Pakistan are prisoners of the time-warp. While no two situations are similar, the fact remains that when it comes to Indo-Pak relations, every silver-lining has its dark cloud. How do the two countries forge a harmonious, good-neighbourly and steady relationship? This is the challenge.

Now let us look at the Pakistan scenario the President of Pakistan, a few days before the elections, had announced the formation of a National Security and Defence Council. Will Nawaz Sharif wind up this outfit or will his government be under its scrutiny?

Will the armed forces continue to be the final arbiters or will Nawaz Sharif be able to free himself from this extremely powerful group? The US in general, and the Pentagon in particular, has always had a say in Pakistan's foreign policy decisions. It is to be seen if there is a genuine change in American attitudes.

All these are extremely complex and intricate issues. They require expert, urgent and skillful handling over a period of time without the glare of publicity and media hype ... Pakistan also must give no encouragement to terrorists in Punjab and Kashmir.

The sensible thing would be for both countries to proceed empirically and take one contentious issue at a time. We should also activate SAARC to ensure that trade, commerce, travel, etc. become a reality in the region. Eventually the subcontinent should have a common stand on foreign, defence, fiscal policies. That is the sensible route. Confrontation should be ruled out. (Source: The Mainstream, 1 March, 1997)

P.M. Deve Gowda's Felicitation Message to Nawaz Sharif, 17 February, 1997

I have great pleasure in sending you my congratulations and warm greetings. I wish you success in the heavy tasks that lie ahead.

I have noted the positive statements made by Your Excellency to improve relations between our two countries. I reciprocate your sentiments in full measure. We believe there are a number of opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. We approach these opportunities in a positive and constructive spirit, for it is our firm conviction that cooperation between us will lead to genuine benefit for both our peoples.

To this end, we seek an early resumption of dialogue between our two countries, at appropriate level. We are ready and willing to have wide ranging comprehensive talks on all issues of mutual concern.

US Secretary of State M. Albright on Relation with India and Pakistan

"As we enter the 50th anniversary year of independence for both India and Pakistan, we will again consider the prospects for reducing the tensions that have long existed between these two friends of the US", she said in a prepared statement. "We have a wealth of equities in this region, and a particular concern about the regional arms race and nuclear non-proliferation, ... India and Pakistan should both know that we will do what we can to strengthen their relations with us and encourage better relations between them and that we expect both to avoid actions calculated to provoke the other".

(Source: The Washington Times, 22 February, 1997)

Acting P.M. of Pakistan M. Meraj Khalid On Pakistan's 50th Anniversary

The nation has no reason to celebrate the 50th year of the creation of the country when its sovereignty was at stake, political stability non-existent and social unrest rampant. "I think we should be ashamed of ourselves instead" . "Instead of being a nation we have become a crowd. Looking back at what we have done in the past 50 years, do we have a right to indulge in activities like celebrating the golden jubilee?"