The worst fears have come true. The fragile peace process, which included granting of the most-favoured nation status to Pakistan and relaxation of visa restrictions, is under threat. Heavy firing from Pakistan has led to an escalation of violence. In short, we are headed back to square one.
It seems unlikely that peace can be restored anytime soon. With Pakistan’s puppet civilian government heading for elections, whom does India talk to? On the other hand, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, in spite of being on extension in service, continues to pull the strings, scorching all hopes for a solution to the current crisis.
Pakistan’s belligerence must be studied keeping in mind the geopolitical situation in the subcontinent. With the Nato withdrawing forces in Afghanistan by 2014, our neighbour is eyeing a key role in the war-ravaged country. Such a role would also enable Pakistan to extract a pound of flesh, so to speak, from the US.
For substantial fiscal and military aid, it can convince America about the importance of having Pakistan as an ally. To achieve that, India must be shown in poor light.
Our response to this crisis must factor in these possibilities. The world must not
think that India is needling Pakistan to destabilise the neighbourhood.
