PEACE PROCESS IN SOUTH ASIA

BY ASMA YAQOOB

The region of South Asia occupies a very important and prominent place in global politics. Geographically, demographically, economically and above all militarily, this region comprises of two major actors of South Asia i.e. India and Pakistan. Three wars have been fought and there has been tremendous tension between the two countries, which has appeared in the form of nuclearisation of South Asia. Kashmir is a flash point and a burning issue between the two countries the Kashmir has been on International Agenda for more than four decades. Kashmir is a main hurdle in establishment of Peace Process in South Asia. Initially, the Indian stand over Kashmir maintained: "The question of accession of the State Jammu & Kashmir to India and Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite. Our assurance that we shall withdraw our forces from Kashmir as soon as peace and order is restored and leave the decision regarding the future of this State to the people of state is not merely a pledge to your government but also to the people of Kashmir and to the world."

Mr. Jawalharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India) in a communication to Prime Minister of Pakistan 31^st October 1947 said Kashmir is a main hurdle but there are some other factors which contributed a significant role in construction of Peace in South Asia Region".

Now both these states have become the nuclear states. Therefore, the chances of Nuclear War have been increased for more than ever in the region. So its up to these two countries to work together for Nuclear Disarmament in the region. After the Nuclear explosion by India & Pakistan there is an urgent need to maintain balance of power situation and to make efforts to stop more war like situation.  Under the track II approach both countries have talked several times about a wide variety of issue but could not reach agreement.  They have also discussed the issue that they should spend much of their budget on educational and social development and rather than on defense and they should try to create more opportunities to get their peoples closer so that they can exchange their views and share their feelings, ideas and opinions independently with each other role of business communities between countries very vital for friendly relationship.

India and Pakistan should try to establish good business relationship between their business communities.  These communities will make their own agreements and will try to remove all restriction against trade & commerce between India and Pakistan. In Indo-Pak relations, another important matter is arrangement of seminars and discussions and workshops on different issues.  Both countries can arrange seminars or conferences & lectures of experts to address these issues and express their ideas to clean Public Opinion easily through these efforts.  This will to create peaceful atmosphere in the region for strengthening democracy and development of both sides as well.

The main difference between India and Pakistan is the difference of religion.  It is necessary to avoid religious clashes so that they can resolve the problem of religious extremism ("those who demolished the Babri Mosque serve as Minister in the India government how can this issue be tackled under the existing circumstance).

It is necessary for the solution of the hot issues between the both countries to make it possible to exchange information from the borders of both countries.  This freedom can be helpful in building peaceful environment.  They can exchange their T.V programs and their cultural heritage. They can exchange modern technology with each other and improve the standard of trade and marketing both countries can establish research institutions to improve the quality of education and ultimately it will let to social developments the region India and Pakistan are facing the problem of unemployment and poverty.

Agriculture is the main resource of both countries and it is necessary for them to work together for the betterment of their agricultural sector. Both countries are facing smuggling problem.  It is necessary to resolve this problem and to create atmosphere for fair and honest trade.  It is also necessary that the political trader of the both sides should talk with one another on different issue including Kashmir.

Kashmir is a main hurdle in as far as the establishment of meaningful peace in South Asia is concerned.  All these efforts will have a stable effect for peace in the region.

* Asma Liaquat is student of B.A (Hons) IIIrd Year at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

All content (C) Department of International Relations, Karachi University

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