PRIME Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken the first steps to resolve the crisis after the attack on the Indian base at Pathankot. Pakistan has cracked down on the Jaish-a-mohammed members linked to the attack and India has welcomed it. The two countries have agreed to reschedule Foreign Secretary level talks for the near future instead of calling it off. India has agreed to host Pakistan’s special investigation team (SIT). Indian intelligence agencies will cooperate with Pakistani counterparts. The decision to defer Foreign Secretary level talks was taken after national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Goval met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More time is required before the foreign secretaries can meet away from the shadow of the investigation. This attitude should pave the way for resumption of the comprehensive bilateral dialogue (CBD). At the same time, India should ensure that Pakistan’s military does not derail the peace process. Military retaliation against terrorism will only tell on India’s growing economy. Dialogue is the only way to a settlement especially because that will strengthen the hand of the Pakistani business community and sections of Pakistani society interested in peace.
It is state of the nation address; President Barack Obama said that Pakistan was a terror haven. Evidently, Pakistan taking urgent action to look into the Pathankot attack has been prompted by US pressure and China’s nudging. Pakistan’s military has fallen in line in the hope of achieving demilitarisation of the Siachen glacier. India is also driven by its strategic interests which is all to the good.
