Time to normalize relations between Pakistan and India

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, March 12,  2022: A grim situation is facing India, Pakistan, and billions in South Asia as a result of using ballistic missiles by “ mistake” against Pakistan as per India’s official version. But without discussing this Indian notion, one calls upon New Delhi and Islamabad to reconsider their policies and stop also proxy wars between them.

In this regard, the two nations should abandon conducting foreign policy in the media. If they fail to hold direct talks on Kashmir and other pending problems, they can revive the track-ii option with the help of international organizations, especially Pugwash.

Parallel to this option, the two countries must restart confidence-building measures especially the resumption of bilateral trade and a halt of hate speech.

Fortunately, Prime Minister Imran Khan is an open advocate of the normalization of ties with India. Most probably, this trend is derived from his fascination with Rumi to the extent he continues to urge his political workers and youth to read Rumi,

It so happens that Rumi eloquently said, “ You are the comfort of my soul in the season of sorrow. You are the wealth of my spirit in the heartbreak of loss. The unimaginable, the unknowable- that is what you give my soul when it moves in your direction.”