Start of Dialogue between Pakistan and India-Finally the Ice has Broken

The first round of secretary level formal talks between Pakistan and India has concluded on 25 Feb 10. Pakistan raised the issue of Kashmir, followed by Indian interference in Balochistan and water dispute. India brought under discussion the issue of terrorism and urged Pakistan to take immediate action against the masterminds of Mumbai attacks of 26/11.

It’s a good omen that ice has finally broken. Better sense has prevailed and India has agreed to start the long awaited dialogue process with Pakistan. Lack of dialogue and communication has never been helpful in resolving the disputes and settling the issues. Attaching pre-conditions to the dialogues can also be a serious non-starter in such circumstances.

Both the countries should be aware of the fact that many people with vested interests in the region will always be ready to throw the peace process into disarray. The blast in Pune just prior to meeting of the delegates is one example. So let the talks continue and the countries should not become hostage by a handful of terrorists.

Another worrisome point being noted in the recent talks is the myopic view of the delegations. It seems as if Pakistan and India tried to focus the discussion on points of their own interest. India was shy of talking on Kashmir whereas Pakistani team considered the issue of Mumbai attacks as a trivial one. As a matter of fact all the issues are co-related and cannot be separated from each other. Delay in resolving Kashmir issue may promote ‘jihadi’ organizations / mindset in Pakistan. Hence a sincere, wide-ranging, comprehensive, and meaningful dialogue, without any pre-conditions and without any apprehensions, is need of the day. And the sooner the better.

March 2010 may see repealing of 17th Amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan

As Mr. Asif Ali Zardari is set to address the joint session of the parliament next month, the government would like to precede this important occasion by repealing the 17^th Amendment in the constitution.

The amendment which was incorporated by General Pervez Musharaf, ex president of Pakistan, has given wide-ranging powers to the president as compared to the directly elected prime minister and the parliament. Its repeal has been the pressing demand of opposition, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), led by Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Mr Zardari’s address to the joint session of the parliament is a constitutional obligation upon him and will be the 3^rd one after his assumption of the office. After a recent row with the apex judiciary on matters of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) and the appointment of judges, Mr. Zardari is not likely to take chances of confronting the opposition on this issue now.

PML-N has already hinted that if 17^th Amendment is not repealed by 23^rd March 10, the party will launch a protest movement against the government. The Constitutional Reforms Committee has already completed most of the work. It is hoped that the government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will resolve this crisis amicably as it has done in the case of judge’s appointment in the superior judiciary.

Beautiful Pakistan

With diverse landscape, climate and culture, Pakistan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.