- The entire world is aware of the terrorism factory of Pakistan that perpetually churns out terrorists, fundamentalists, jihadists, and the hardcore jingoists hell-bent on perpetuating terror, especially upon neighborly countries. It is well documented how the Pakistani establishment goes about funding and sponsoring terrorists whose sole intention is to inflict terrorism-related injuries on India. This is happening ever since the independence and there are no signs of abating when the entire universe is looking at progressing ahead rather than getting stuck in counterproductive measures.
PC: Amb Satish Chandra
- Such a state-sponsored policy has yielded nothing in return so far has not dissuaded Pakistani authorities from indulging in terrorist activities. Against this backdrop, reports emanating from across the western borders about unveiling Pakistan’s first codified national security policy that reportedly seeks peace with India and no hostility for a century needs to be digested with a pinch of salt. It is surprising to see the policy does not even rule out the normalization of trade and economic ties without waiting for a final resolution of the Kashmir issue. While applauding Islamabad’s strategists for thinking long and deep is in order, there is no denying the fact that such thinking is useless unless Pakistan gave up its use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy forthwith.
- As per the latest Indian military inputs, Pakistan continues to host 350-400 terrorists at border launch pads. Further, with the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, which simply would not have been possible without Islamabad’s support, it is doubtful that Pakistan’s military-ISI complex is ready to abandon its tried and tested strategy of promoting cross-border terrorism anytime soon. Needless to mention, if at all Pakistan is serious about peace with India and wishes to benefit from geo-economics, the ball is in its own court. It is Pakistan that has to give up its destabilizing activities in the region.
PC: Press Trust of India
- We all know its anti-India obsession has had disastrous consequences for Pakistan’s society and economy. Sadly, it also holds the inglorious distinction of approaching the IMF for bailouts a record 22 times between 1958 and 2020. Moreover, its current growing indebtedness to China makes it a likely candidate for a Chinese vassal state-like status as a consequence of its ill-advised and lopsided policies pursued over the decades. Look not far than Bangladesh to understand how wrong-headed and self-goal scoring the Pakistani leadership has been as erstwhile East Pakistan achieves one success after another.
- In fact, it is worthwhile to mention how Bangladesh has overtaken India in per capita income and other human development index indicators like women’s labour force participation. Nonetheless, the Pakistani economy will benefit enormously if relations with India are normalized as two-way trade potential is estimated to be between $10 billion $20 billion. Mind you, it is in the realm of possibility if only Pakistan foregoes its anti-India stance as so much can be achieved mutually benefiting both countries. Of course, it certainly cannot afford to take 100 years to get there. Will the military-ISI complex allow the strategists to pursue the stated objective? No way!
