The world today is pointing at the irony of the Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and his military boss ‘Field Marshal’ Asim Munir recommending US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. It is well known that Pakistan is in dire straits, be it the economy, or national security. And, yet, its leadership behaves as though it is a major international power that has a role to play in geo-politics. Its sponsorship of terrorist groups against India and its western neighbours has further entrenched a radical belief system that does not permit economic or social progress. Consider how more than twenty persons have died in protests against the killing of Iranian leader Khamenei – what did they achieve except a self-imagined martyrdom? In the ongoing drama, they neither belong to the bride’s side, nor the grooms – ‘Begani shaadi mein Abdullah diwana!’
All of this continuing meltdown would be of little concern to India were it not for the fact Pakistan is an immediate neighbour. The consequences of its miscalculations are bound to be felt here in numerous ways. Attempts have been made in the past to assist it in becoming a functioning democracy with a positive attitude towards its neighbours, as a path to mutual progress. Unfortunately, lasting peace is anathema to the Pakistani military, as its dominance would greatly reduce, even end altogether. It is well known how its officers have prospered from the many commercial ventures that have been launched for their benefit.
To make all this possible, the people have to be kept high on the fundamentalist drug – ‘Ghazwa e Hind’, ‘Liberation of Kashmir’, concern about the blasphemous acts of minorities – all regardless of their own miserable condition that forces multitudes to go and beg in other more prosperous Muslim nations.
Over time, India has realised that Pakistan is best dealt with by building barriers that allow as little interaction as possible – good or bad. This process began even before Modi came to power. It is not just responding with overwhelming power to cross-border terrorism, now even handshakes are avoided if possible. The message is clear – work out your problems, evolve to a civilised level, and then engage. Till then, suffer the continued humiliations being presently experienced.
