Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He made it clear that his country could not afford wars in the 21st Century. He put the stress on prudent policy and national consensus. He however highlighted the Kashmir issue as the cornerstone of his foreign policy. Pakistan is committed to give moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. His nation and all political parties in Pakistan were united in this regard. But being a responsible country and a responsible nuclear power, it had to pursue responsible policies. Gilani cited India’s flourishing democracy and its difference from his country. He regretted that no elected government had been allowed to complete its term in Pakistan. Even now conspiracies were being hatched against his government to prevent elections to the senate.
Gilani has probably infused some new thinking in his government’s policy. His party (PPP) had been consistently anti-India since the time of Z.A. Bhutto. The government of Benazir Bhutto did not soften the stand significantly. At that time, Pakistan received full support from the US. But the political scenario has changed since 9/11, the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, its foray into Waziristan in Pakistan and the ISI’s known links with it. US policy has changed considerably. Internally, the Pakistan government is in collision with the army and the ISI. Periodic army coups have prevented democracy from striking root in Pakistan. However, Gilani’s changed tune should be regarded with skepticism. Pakistan’s support to the Jihadis in Kashmir will continue to embitter relations between India and Pakistan.
