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arooq’s thought-provoking letter (May 13) suggested that Pakistan was looking for another option! Pakistan does need to reflect inwards for new options with an open mind by tracing its steps backwards to figure out what brought it to its present condition and then try to “undo” these steps.

I don’t know what Pakistanis feel, but we Indians feel we are basically from the same stock. We appear, think, dress and (barring beef) eat alike! Some Pakistanis are surely as resourceful and talented as we Indians are. I am sure that when Pakistan decides to stand on its own feet, they will also come up winners just like we Indians have! For its economic development and for building its basic infrastructure, Pakistan could take loans, but it should refuse to take “free” aid as such, since aid always has strings attached.

I can cite an example of India. In 1991, the Indian economy hit rock bottom and it didn’t have the foreign exchange it needed for its day-to-day requirements. In those dark days, India had to pledge (and actually shift) its bullion to the IMF to get foreign exchange. India took this humiliating step but still refused all “free” aid.

Such decisions have made Indians tough and tenacious! I hope Pakistan emulates this example on its way to greatness! The day would be written in letters of gold when Pakistanis realize that India is their genuine (and best) friend. Nawaz Sharif expressed these feelings the other day in Karachi when he urged them to stop looking at India as their biggest enemy. I really admire his courage and statesmanship to say this, because it ushers in a new golden era of Indo-Pakistan friendship. I sincerely hope that Pakistan extends its hand of friendship toward India. Borrowing a line from President Obama’s inaugural address I say India will extend a friendly hand toward Pakistan if it is willing to unclench its fist.

India has no interest in occupying any Pakistani territory that genuinely belongs to Pakistan. Though Partition was painful, Indians have gotten over it. If there had been no partition, Pakistanis, as a part of undivided India, would have been under uninterrupted democratic rule with all the freedoms Indians enjoy!

Their country would have enjoyed a high growth rate, respect in the World community and financial comforts that Indians enjoy: the widening gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” notwithstanding! Though we are split by partition, we can and must live as friendly neighbors. I feel it’s time to bury the old hatchet and start a new friendship with India!

K. B. Kale
Jakarta