R

ecent dialogue between Pakistan and Indian foreign ministers got wide media courage. After the recent visit of Pakistan’s foreign minister, now the Indian foreign minister will visit Islamabad next year. Now both countries have agreed to resolve all disputes through dialogue.

The reality is that despite frequent visits by key personalities, without solving genuine issues and long-standing disputes between both countries, only cosmetic steps and media speeches can’t bring any change in the region.

Unfortunately, despite growing poverty, unemployment and increasing prices of basic commodities, both countries are still spending huge amounts on arms and the arms race is still going on between two nuclear power rivals.

For the past several years, tensions have been very high along the borders. Whenever there is any terrorist activity on Indian soil, India accuses Pakistan of terrorism. Pakistan sees Indian hands in the worst peace situations on the Northwest frontiers and Baluchistan province.

Unfortunately, both governments are also unable to make any decisions against the wishes of hardline elements of extremist parties. Several other key issues in Kashmir, Siachen, the construction of controversial dams, frequent acts of terrorism in both countries have also helped things go from bad to worse.

Only a few months ago Pakistan decided to go to the International Court of Arbitration to oppose the construction of the controversial Kishanganga dam. A proxy war is also going on in Afghanistan between both countries. Until and unless both countries are able to resolve genuine issues and long disputes, the dream of peace can’t come true in this region.

Khawaja Umer Farooq
Jeddah