The problem with Pakistani intellectuals appears to be their meaningless and contradictory approach to Indo-Pak relations. One such gentleman is Raza Rumi, Director of the Jinnah Institute, a Pakistani think- tank, and an author of the book:"Delhi by Heart-Impressions of a Pakistani Traveller".
In an article:"Give Sharif a chance", published by the Indian Express(August 9), Rumi has emphatically pleaded that India should adopt a "new Pakistan policy" in which giving a "chance to Nawaz Sharif", Pakistan's new-elected Prime Minister, should be an essential "part" and "stabilising and supporting Pakistan's democracy the central plank". Curiously, Rumi deliberately overlooks the fact that in his nearly two-month-old rule, Prime Minister Sharif has taken no concrete step nor sent a clear signal that he is in full command, ensuring stoppage of anti-Indian acts of terror emanating from his territory. In response to the charges of beheading of an Indian soldier in January this year, and the recent killing of five Indian jawans, Rumi cites Pakistani charges of Indian troops killing a few Pakistani in the same period. Understandably, as a Pakistani, Rumi has to defend his army's aggressive and bloody forays into our territory, but what about the recent bomb attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad, Afghanistan? The Pakistani side flatly denied all the incidents, including the killings on the LOC, whereas the Indian side has accepted the killing of Pakistanis as they intruded the Indian territorywith terrorist intentions. Thus, Pakistan is in a permanent denial mode.
If Rumi believes that Pakistan is committed to peace with India, why his government is aiding and abetting infiltration into J&K? As a supposedly enlightened thinker, why can't he realise that the only possible, practical, peaceful solution is for Pakistan to accept the present status quo. No other solution will be acceptable to India, although formal claims would be forwarded that the entire J&K belongs to India because of its accession in 1947. However, because of Pak occupation of a sizable portion of the original State, the only possible peaceful solution is for both parties to accept the existing situation and settle it once and for all. Raza Rumi will be doing a great service if he tries to convince his countrymen to that effect. In the interest of peace in the subcontinent, Indians would be agreeable to treat the LOC as a permanent border between the neighbours. The alternative is a permanent conflict and tension that would be more harmful to Pakistan which is already facing internal disarray and the bitter reality of a failed State.
In an article:"Give Sharif a chance", published by the Indian Express(August 9), Rumi has emphatically pleaded that India should adopt a "new Pakistan policy" in which giving a "chance to Nawaz Sharif", Pakistan's new-elected Prime Minister, should be an essential "part" and "stabilising and supporting Pakistan's democracy the central plank". Curiously, Rumi deliberately overlooks the fact that in his nearly two-month-old rule, Prime Minister Sharif has taken no concrete step nor sent a clear signal that he is in full command, ensuring stoppage of anti-Indian acts of terror emanating from his territory. In response to the charges of beheading of an Indian soldier in January this year, and the recent killing of five Indian jawans, Rumi cites Pakistani charges of Indian troops killing a few Pakistani in the same period. Understandably, as a Pakistani, Rumi has to defend his army's aggressive and bloody forays into our territory, but what about the recent bomb attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad, Afghanistan? The Pakistani side flatly denied all the incidents, including the killings on the LOC, whereas the Indian side has accepted the killing of Pakistanis as they intruded the Indian territorywith terrorist intentions. Thus, Pakistan is in a permanent denial mode.
If Rumi believes that Pakistan is committed to peace with India, why his government is aiding and abetting infiltration into J&K? As a supposedly enlightened thinker, why can't he realise that the only possible, practical, peaceful solution is for Pakistan to accept the present status quo. No other solution will be acceptable to India, although formal claims would be forwarded that the entire J&K belongs to India because of its accession in 1947. However, because of Pak occupation of a sizable portion of the original State, the only possible peaceful solution is for both parties to accept the existing situation and settle it once and for all. Raza Rumi will be doing a great service if he tries to convince his countrymen to that effect. In the interest of peace in the subcontinent, Indians would be agreeable to treat the LOC as a permanent border between the neighbours. The alternative is a permanent conflict and tension that would be more harmful to Pakistan which is already facing internal disarray and the bitter reality of a failed State.
