Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s remarks on ties with India and other neighbours that Pakistan cannot afford to be selective in relations with them are contrary to what has traditionally been our foreign policy. It appears emotions, rather than pragmatism, have become dominant in this regard. Not only does this reflect a betrayal of the Kashmiris suffering under India’s brutal occupation, but also the disputed state’s singular importance to our very survival. Terming Kashmir as jugular vein is not a philosophical view, but a hard reality.
In its quixotic venture to cosy up to the Indians the government seems to be fascinated by the idea of bilateral trade. Ms Hina’s view that we can’t be selective in relations means compromising on this core issue. Peaceful co-existence can follow when Kashmir is resolved according to UNSC resolutions? As of now India is not even ready to talk about this outstanding issue? The government cannot be blind to Indian armament programme also that makes its intentions to push Pakistan to the corner, militarily as well as economically, quite clear.