Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri describes the current India-Pakistan relations as among the worst historically, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue to resolve disputes. He notes that past conflicts did not prevent resuming peace talks. Kasuri calls attention to opportunities for improvement in relations, while journalist Ashis Ray suggests cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges as potential catalysts for progress.
Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former foreign minister of Pakistan, characterized the present state of India-Pakistan relations as among the worst historically, barring actual wartime situations. Speaking at an event organized by the Institute of Peace and Connectivity (IPAC), he emphasized that both nations must engage in dialogue to address ongoing disputes, as they have previously found ways to re-initiate peace talks after wars.
Kasuri noted that despite historical conflicts, an agreed framework exists for resolving disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue, referring to a four-point formula proposed by former president Pervez Musharraf. Kasuri, who served from 2002 to 2007, expressed confidence that a silent majority in India desires peaceful relations with Pakistan, even amid current tensions.
Reflecting on past experiences, Kasuri indicated that India-Pakistan relations can unexpectedly improve, recalling instances like President Musharraf’s warm reception in New Delhi and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Pakistan in 2015. He mentioned Prime Minister Modi’s planned visit to Pakistan in 2021, suggesting that similar positive developments could happen again.
Kasuri highlighted the changes in global geopolitics due to the election of President Donald Trump, suggesting this could create opportunities for enhanced relations between Pakistan and India. He lamented that both nations continue to grapple with significant poverty and are lagging behind in development compared to other nations like China and Japan due to ongoing tensions since independence.
Lastly, journalist Ashis Ray advocated for cricket diplomacy and cultural exchanges as a means to thaw the strained relationship. He urged for immediate constructive dialogues, drawing parallels with the thaw in US-Russia relations to suggest that India and Pakistan too can find common ground effectively.
In conclusion, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s remarks underline the critical need for dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve disputes, particularly focusing on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He pointed out the historical capacity for relations to improve and expressed hope for future progress, despite current challenges. Both Kasuri and Ashis Ray advocate for diplomatic engagement through cultural initiatives to foster peace between the two nations.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
