By Mirza Kashif Baig
Pakistan and India’s dispute is one which requires maturity and tolerance to resolve. Conflict or threats of war is not the solution to this problem as both sides are nuclear with each reportedly having enough nuclear arsenal to destroy earth at least once. Based on this reality the world needs to realize that fueling Pakistan India dispute would not benefit anyone, in fact it would culminate into a nuclear war which would mean the end of all life on earth. Pakistan is rich in resources and enjoys a great geo-strategic location. India is a huge market and enjoys a similar advantage in terms of geographical location. Both countries have a high illiteracy rate, high unemployment rate and high levels of poverty. Resources of both the countries are being allocated more towards defense rather tackling these social evils. All defense policies of India are Pakistan centric and vice versa. It is crucial that the countries should find a diplomatic solution to their problem for neither of the countries can grow as a world power with the constant threat of war from their neighbor. There are many sub issues between Pakistan and India which fuel this overall dispute. First and foremost among these issues is the conflict of Kashmir. When the British left the subcontinent they were sure to plan way ahead in such a way that both the nations could never live up to their full potential, which is why issue like that of Kashmir were never fully addressed leaving the newly formed states at a loss. Dispute of Kashmir has brought both the nuclear powers to the battlefield facing each times a few times before. The matter, however, remains un resolved to this day. Indian held Kashmir has been denied even basic human rights. Women are being raped by the India army, children are being blinded are killed in the most inhumane fashion, young and old men alike are being killed without cause and the whole world is silent. People of Indian held Kashmir have expressed the desire to join Pakistan but the Indian authorities are denying them this basic human right by the use of brutal force. Second important matter between the two countries is that of water. India is making dams on rivers which flow into Pakistan despite having signed a treaty with Pakistan on the same matter. The forming of dams is not only restricting the supply of water to Pakistan but is also a major reason for floods in the country which results in the loss of precious civilian lives, loss of livestock and loss of crops. Despite clear violation of water treaty by India, world powers choose to remain silent on the matter. This silence compels both the countries to act how they see fit. Pakistan has logged protest on this but the request is falling on deaf ears. These two are very serious problems which are slowly and steadily developing into a serious problem and it may eventually result in a devastating war between the two nuclear powers. One of the greatest matters which deteriorates Pakistan and India is India’s intervention in the state of Pakistan through non-state actors. India has very openly state that it will resort to arming terrorists in Pakistan, if need calls. The same Indian minister also mentioned that India will not shy away from equipping terrorists with nuclear warheads so that they may use it against Pakistan. Indian sponsored terrorists have killed many civilians and military personnel in Pakistan and have left a deep-rooted effect in the hearts of Pakistan’i. Despite all of this Pakistan’s PM Mr. Imran Khan Offer to shake hands with Mr. Narendra Modia for the betterment of the region and for the restoration of peace. This friendly gesture was rejected by the Indians and instead they have resorted to provocative tactics. It is important to understand that Paksitan is looking to shake hands with India for the better prospect of both the countries and the region. India, however, is not in the mood to accept this gestures instead they have resorted to their war mongering. It is India’s delusion that a war could solve their problems by conquering or destroying Pakistan. What our neighbors don’t understand is that we are now prepared for all eventualities but the only thing stopping Pakistan is its conscience and maturity.