Policy Perspectives

Pak-India Peace Process:

An Appraisal
Ershad Mahmud

 

Abstract

[The current composite dialogue between Pakistan and India, generally known as the peace process, started in January 2004 after a meeting of President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in Islamabad. The meeting helped thaw the bitter relations and, after it, a joint statement was issued that covered Indian concerns about “cross-border infiltration” as well as Pakistan’s emphasis on the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. The composite dialogue has continued since then despite several ups and downs. However, a brief review of the peace process suggests that both countries remain unable to seek out practical and sellable solutions for the unresolved issues. Even the less intractable problems, such as the Siachen and Sir Creek issues, are far from being settled. Whatever has transpired, so far, between Pakistan and India with reference to the Kashmir issue has little conformity with the peoples’ wishes and their sacrifices. The self governance and de facto recognition of Line of Control (LoC) as permanent border never had surfaced in the Kashmiris’ struggle for self determination.  On the other hand, the Indians have not yet visualized any solution beyond its constitutional four walls. Pakistan’s shown flexibility could not bring any paradigm shift in New Delhi’s thinking.  Nevertheless, it seems that an interim solution is around the corner which may widen the scope of people-to-people contacts, free trade and business opportunities across the LoC. This paper is an attempt to critically analyze the approach of the two countries for the settlement of disputes as well as to study the convergence of their interests. It also underlines a few points that need to be taken into consideration before making any decision or compromise on the future of the peoples’ right of self-determination – Author].

 

Back