With Pakistan National Assembly being dissolved to pave way for the national elections without Imran Khan, and India set to hold parliamentary elections next year, there is not even a distant hope for a dialogue between India and Pakistan. Despite that, the outgoing Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently urged India to resume talks. This was followed by the country’s ambassador to the US saying that refusing to talk would have dangerous consequences for all. He also said that there should be “some resonance of reciprocity” from New Delhi as well to Pakistan’s overtures.
However, India has refused to resume talks with Pakistan, saying that Islamabad needs to create an environment for peace before the talks can resume. New Delhi has also said that it wants normal relations with Pakistan, but only if there is no support for terrorism or violence from Islamabad.
Considering India and Pakistan are the nations born out of a single nation in 1947, it makes a great case that the neighbours make up and work together for the prosperity of their people. This makes more sense in the backdrop of the changing global geopolitical landscape.The rise of new power centers, changing alliances, and economic interdependence have highlighted the interconnectedness of nations and the futility of prolonged conflicts. Both India and Pakistan possess immense potential for growth and development, and a peaceful resolution of their differences could unlock opportunities for progress, not only for their citizens but for the entire region. The people of India and Pakistan deserve a future free from the shadow of hostility and conflict. Diverting resources from defense expenditures towards socio-economic development and welfare initiatives would certainly improve the lives of millions. The importance of a dialogue becomes even more apparent in light of global challenges such as climate change, and the growing economic instability.
But as things stand, there is little hope that the two countries can go back to engagement anytime soon. Since the withdrawal of Article 370 in August 2019, the neighbours have moved too far away from each other to start a dialogue. And with the two countries looking forward to their respective national elections, the chances of an engagement have further ebbed. Now, if at all, any meaningful talks can happen only after the new governments are formed in the two countries which would happen only after 2024. Thereafter too, it depends on the nature of the future governments in the two nations for any dialogue to materialize. Here’s hoping that the two see it in their interest to engage and live as a friendly neighbours.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
