THE SCOPE OF CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES IN SOUTH ASIA
by Asma Yaqoob * "Even this hostile world is ruled by rationality". (Deutsche) INTRODUCTION South Asia represents the decades old hostility
and animosity between the two unequal partners- India and Pakistan. This sorry state of affairs, for its larger part the outcome of two main factors: the role of extra regional powers and the divergent security perceptions of the
concerned states. These two combined with other elements like the vested interests of the elite class, the chauvinistic forces, and the unequal level of development in the two countries, hindering the process of peace and
political reconciliation in the region. In this scenario, South Asia represents a challenging but palpable scene for the future potentialities of confidence building measurements (CBM) in the region. This paper
attempts to identify the area of potentialities where Pakistan and India can launch programs of cooperation. The basic objective is to give the building of a environment as an element of necessity through a "step-by-step approach" .
THEORY OF CBMS
CBMS-a means to conflict resolution , tends to reduce tensions by bringing the rival parties into a state of peaceful-coexistence.
Theoretically ,CBMS provide a mechanism not only for war avoidance and conflict management , but also help to promote socio-cultural and other types of cooperation between hostile states and groups.
SIGNIFICANCE OF CBMS IN SOUTH ASIA
In the context of today's world , when the cooperation among the regional powers is most
crucial for the relaxation of tensions , with its every step forward towards conflict escalation, gives a position to regional cooperation. According to Michael Krepon, President, The Henry L. Stimson Center, 'In
conflict prone region like South Asia, CBMS assume the dual role. In the absence of political reconciliation in this tense region, the negotiation and implementation of CBMS have been critical in maintaining the peace and
preventing the use of weapons of mass-destuction.'2 If CBMS have improved relations between other
states then it could have serve the same purpose in South Asia as well. The need is to evolve internalized or indigenous CBMS for South Asia addressing our own problems and remove mistrust specific to the region.3
NEED FOR AS STEP-BY STEP APPROACH
The present
situation of South Asia indicates that the failure in building a security environment in South Asia lies in the continued existence of deep-rooted suspicions and fears against each other. Only their removal can ensures a future
peace environment. And for that we need to start from the lower contentious issues i-e cooperation in the mutual problem areas, creating an interwoven security environment, thereby facilitating the resolution of high
contentious issues i-e Kashmir. PRE-CONDITIONS FOR FUTURE COOPERATION 1-An integrative cooperative approach cannot be utilized unless dwarfness in the fields of economics and military has been reduced between
India and Pakistan. 2-Future changes will not depend exclusively on governments, they will come primarily from the actions of people at the grass roots.
3- A collaborative government and private diplomacy for peace, need to be worked upon. 4-Need for the redefinition of security concepts –'Human Security is not a concern with weapons, it is a concern with
human dignity.'(Mahbub-ul-haq) 5-An environment free of accusations and allegations against each other. 6-Establishment of a' joint peace initiative' forum at the governmental and
non-governmental level which can contribute in resuming the peace process despite setbacks in bilateral relations. 7-An active and free media.
8Extra-ordinary political will and institutional arrangements, to work in non- –military areas. 9The psyche and attitudes of common men needs to be changed by removing all the substance from electronic and printed
circles of community, generating enemy images FUTURE AREAS OF COOPERATION Learning from the experiences of other regions, which gained successful results of CBMS by embarking on
non-military cooperation in the initial stages, Pakistan and India also needs to identify the areas of mutual concern. In case of US-Soviet rivalry, peace process starts by the mid 50's when Khruschehv adopted the 'policy of
peaceful-coexistence ,in response to the Eisenhower's policy of massive retaliation. In case of Europe, this path of peace runs from coal and steal community to the Treaty of Rome and on to Maastricht.4 There is scope of CBMS in
South Asia, in areas,mentioned as below: ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION
5-Issues like deforestation, leading to floods, irrigated agriculture leading to water-logging ,salinity, malnutrition , cross-border smuggling , pollution of rivers and
famines – indicates that there is a natural need for SAARC countries to cooperate with each other and share experience and resources in their common endeavor to ensure a safe , sustainable and better future for their peoples.5
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS. The SAARC nations can cooperate : 1-in poverty eradication ,India's Public Distribution System(PDS)and Pakistan's Social Action Program(SAP) can work on regional
bases in health , education and population sectors. 2-in combating corruption by establishing a regional anti-corruption commissions.
3-in reducing levels of violence, dowry deaths , civil strife and white-collar crimes. 4-in the growth of civil society organizations (CSOS).With 10,000 NGOS in Pakistan and 25,000 in India , social welfare program
can have a combined approach towards the problem .6 5-On human rights issues ranging from trafficking in women and children to migrant workers , refugees , and indigenous people that require transborder cooperation
, there is an incentive for regional cooperation among the SAARC nations.7 6-in strengthening South Asia Forum For Human Rights (SAFHR) ,to address the challenges of refugees , minorities , black laws , intolerance,
militarisation and inter-state and intra –state conflicts.8 ECONOMIC INTEGRATION 1-Granting most-favored nation (MFN) status to each other. 2 –Bi-lateral trade can mutually be beneficial , as Indian
commodities are generally noted for their cheap prices whereas Pakistani goods are regarded as qualitatively better.
3-To combat smuggling and illegal trade varying from $100million to $1billion annually, economic cooperation is necessary. 4-To reduce trade deficits and freight charges . 5-The combined producers
and consumer losses in Pakistan alone are estimated to be RS 800 million., These losses can be turned into profitable opportunities if bilateral is increased. 6-Bi-lateral trade also means more public revenue .
India and Pakistan can continue to trade while maintaining a negative import list of key items that they wish to protect from each other for a defined period.9
7-Integrated global economic approach through the WTO forum . 8-Creation of socio-economic coalitions like ASEAN and implementing SAPTA measures of economic cooperation. 9-Cooperation and interaction
between medium and large size enterprises, between professionals in areas like software, IT, consultancy and management at the regional level. CULTURAL AND FORUM ORIENTED DIPLOMACY FOR PEACE 1-Promotion of tourism. 2-Relaxation of visa regularities. 3-Combined television channel for people of common ethnic groups in India and Pakistan, i-e The Punjabis, Gujratis, Marathis ,the Pathans.
4-Promotion of cultural contacts under the aegis of governments, like Banglore Peace Conference through Pakistan –India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy. 5-Removal of historically rooted enemy images from the
minds of people through the existing forty dialogue channels in South Asia. 10 CONCLUSION The conflict between India and Pakistan is more psychological than territorial. To address to the
underlying causes of the conflict i-e suspicions , mistrust, both the countries need to have a cooperative security environment which can only be built by embarking upon the mutual areas of concern –economic, environmental,
human developments, etc. Such a people\human security environment can lead antagonists states to resolve their centuries old conflicts and can ensure a stable future peace environment.
*Asma Yaqoob is Student, M.A (Final) at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi. Her e.mail address is: ay_asmayq@hotmail.com
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