South Asia, Kashmir and importance of its resolution

The issue of Kashmir is in the limelight once again after recent legislation by the Parliament of India on August 5 to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Laddakh – as a part of India. The bill was approved and enacted on August 9, 2019.

Pakistan has taken a grim view of the developments in Kashmir. Pakistani government opposition parties and their military have unanimously refused to accept the decision made by Indian parliament.

It’s quite interested to mention that quite a similar measure has already taken by Pakistan in August 2009 by introducing the Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order. The order granted self-rule to the people from disputed region of the former Northern Areas, now renamed Gilgit Baltistan, by creating, among other things, an elected legislative assembly.

Pakistan and India both want a peaceful resolution of the issue as per United Nation Security Council resolution 39 in 1948. It’s been 71 years since then, and the world didn’t take the matter seriously. Pakistan’s economic and political situation is strenuous and vulnerable, and it cannot afford another war with India under the prevailing scenario. Any miscalculation and misjudgment of the situation could escalate the issue to the next level, which I is what I fear will happen. Why? Because both countries have refused to talk directly and not even interested in arbitration.

In my personal opinion, US President Donald Trump has the will and tendency to calm the situation, even to convince both governments to move forward for a permanent solution. In a recent visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US president offered to mediate between Pakistan and India even though Indian government categorically refused any sort of mediation. I am still hopeful that the current US president is naturally equipped with a strong and agreeable resolution on the Kashmir issue, as he had by announcing Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. People of Pakistan and India are also looking for such strong will and determination, and I hope the world powers play their part to create stability in the region. Peace!