Peace and war

As the world joins in a chorus seeking an end to tensions which have brought India and Pakistan closer to war than at any time since 1971, calls for dialogue continue to come in from Pakistan while the harsh rhetoric warning that combat could lie ahead pours in from India. Both their government and the media seem determined to ensure the hostilities continue; in India itself, there is increased speculation that the main purpose is to seal the BJP government’s fortune in the upcoming elections. We all hope sanity will prevail and the peace offered by Pakistan accepted. The determination to force war has already brought with it a heavy price for the Subcontinent. Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed the country has been battling terrorism for years and will continue to do so in the future as well. For a firmer narrative on this to go out to the rest of the world, Pakistan is already using diplomatic channels. On Friday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi stated in the continuing joint session of parliament that Pakistan has accepted Russia’s offer to facilitate talks with New Delhi. The country has also reacted strongly to the OIC’s unexpected decision to invite Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to the OIC summit as guest of honour; Pakistan has declined to attend the summit.The effort for peace was also pushed forward strongly by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to release captured pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Abhinandan, who has already gained huge publicity in both countries through the social and mainstream media, returned across the Wagah border on Friday. India’s continued viciousness following this gesture, with Prime Minister Modi hinting that more action may follow, means that sadly tensions may remain high in the region.There are, however, signs that gradually things are slipping back into normalcy. Pakistan’s diplomatic handling and refusal to be lured into an exchange of words or gestures has been applauded around the globe. Many parts of Pakistani airspace were opened up on Friday for most flights, and while a high alert remains in place, we must hope lasting peace will return before too long. But the immediate conflict should not detract us from what remains to be done. As leaders warned in parliament on Friday, the people of Kashmir must not be forgotten. Their struggle lies at the core of what is happening today. Pakistan too must deal with the issues that arise at home and hope that India will soon agree to dialogue as international pressure increases so that the process necessary for good relations and a return to calm can take place.

from The News International - Editorial https://ift.tt/2GWaiPu