I have written two seemingly contradictory articles on Pakistan. In the first article, ‘The burning Pakistan’, I had heeded to the urgency of India standing up to save Pak from going the Afghanistan way and ending up as a dangerously splintered and Talibanised nation. In the second article, ‘Let’s shout and not talk’, I had advocated India to stand up openly against the Pakistani forces in a passive manner, until they start taking our peace attempts seriously. I must thereby, bring the two articles together and conclude the discussions it has led to.
Broadly, I see three distinct kinds of forces in Pakistan. First, the jehadi groups, which has grown considerably large and strong with time. The recent pay hike will lead to greater growth in their number. Two, the military establishment, which has supported the jehadis, and for years, have waged proxy wars through them, but are now under pressure to withdraw this support. And third, the civil society, which wants what people everywhere want- peace, prosperity and a good future for themselves and their children. This, I believe, is the most of Pakistan!
Unfortunately, what I see going on, is a war against the civilians of Pakistan. I am totally against preventing their musicians or cricketers from coming to India. The stronger civil society gets, the weaker will be the support for extremism, and the the military and terrorists will loose importance. That is why I supported increased cultural exchanges with Pakistan in my first article. I don’t think this should inhibit us from taking strict actions against Pakistan’s terrorist infrastructure- this is what my second article was about!
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