Page 7 - Pakistan Link - August 25, 2023

OPINION PAKISTAN LINK - AUGUST 25, 2023 - P7
n By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai New Caretaker Government of Pakistan: If a person genuinely believes that the
Washington, DC Four Point formula is the only way out,

t is reported that Ambassador Jalil Was Jalil Abbas Jilani Misquoted? let him announce in Lal Chowk (Times
Square of Srinagar) that this form of self-
Abbas Jilani, new foreign minis- governance is not what we were striving
Iter of Pakistan, told The Express for. Self-governance is neither freedom
Tribune on August 17, 2023, that ‘im- The drafters of the four-point formula nor independence. Self-governance is
provement in relations have been quite conscious of the senti- the declaration that Azad Kashmir is
with India was contin- ments of the people of Kashmir. They an integral part of Pakistan and Jammu
gent upon the resolu- knew that the resistance to foreign occu- & Kashmir that of India. Let there be a
tion of all outstanding pation that began in 1931 and continues referendum and the people of Kashmir
issues, including the until now does not accept de facto rule should get a chance to decide. If they vote
long-standing issue by any country over Kashmir. Therefore, in favor of the formula that verdict must
of Jammu and Kash- they wanted to play a linguistic game and be final and acceptable to all.
mir. But his public position aside, the came up with the idea of self-governance Agha Shahi, one of the most rec-
sources said, Jilani was of the view that which is a deceptive and misleading term ognizable diplomats of South Asia,
Pakistan should explore different op- that gives an appearance of sovereignty wrote in his letter to me on November
tions paving the way for resurrecting without any substance. It is purely a 8, 2004, “Reversion to our principled
the peace process during Musharraf- mask. It prohibits further discussion on stand need not be impediment to im-
Manmohan time.’ I hope and pray that the subject of independence and pro- provement of relations with India to
Ambassador Jilani, a seasoned diplo- motes internalization of the Kashmir the extent possible, short of full nor-
mat and truly a well-wisher and great dispute. Without actual sovereignty for malization. We have lived with such a
friend of the people of Kashmir was Those who believe that the people of Kashmir should accept Musharraf’s Four- Kashmir, under the Four-point formula, situation for decades (1972-1999) and
deliberately misquoted. point formula should be bold enough to say exactly what it is, i.e., that the for- the people of Kashmir will have to ac- can live with it in the hope of a change
India is not pretending. It has not mula gives the people of Kashmir only choice and that is to be part of India. cept the supremacy and rule of India on the geopolitical landscape. At least
raised the issue of Kashmir and does There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it over their lives, and the possibility of that the present status quo does not call for
not intend to raise it at any interna- being eroded by whatever whim, fancy the sacrifice of our vital interests.”
tional forum. There’s been no change ders of Kashmir. However, people of lished permanently as an international or circumstance may intervene in the However, I still believe that in order
in its stance on Kashmir – that Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir will be allowed to border. Such an option is an insult to future. Perhaps self-governance now, de- to reach an imaginative settlement of
is frankly not in dispute and not up for move freely across the Line of Control. the intelligence of the Kashmiri people. signed and managed by external powers, the Kashmir dispute, all parties con-
discussion. Otherwise, why lock up the 3. Self-governance without inde- Self-governance undoubtedly which is subject to the will of those for- cerned – Governments of India and
pro-resistance leaders? Why to have pendence has broad meaning. Self-governance eign powers without due respect for the Pakistan and the leadership of the
900,00 miliary and paramilitary forces 4. A joint supervision mechanism means freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Kashmir and all the inter- people of Kashmir - will have to show
stationed in the Valley of Kashmir? in Jammu and Kashmir involving In- autonomy. It means that the people national protections that accompany it, flexibility. But in the Four-point for-
There have been numerous at- dia, Pakistan and Kashmir. would be makers of their destiny. It also has the appearance of a step in the right mula the only party which becomes a
tempts, certainly, in the past to present Let us analyze these four points. means that one has to be the shaper of direction but on an extremely slippery sacrificial lamb and shows flexibility
proposals for resolving Kashmir dis- Demilitarization is an option that one’s future. So, the term self-gover- slope. Self-governance is a mere illusion: and makes sacrifice are the people of
pute, but none has seemed to take hold. was suggested by the United Nations nance by itself is not an issue but the what is given can be taken away, when it Kashmir. That should not be an option.
The revival now of Musharraf’s Four and in particular by Sir Owen Dixon concept of self-governance within the does not in fact include true sovereignty. The demand for self-determination is
Point Formula, which was widely dis- of Australia. This has been the demand parameters of Four-point Formula is. It Have we forgotten the abrogation of Ar- greater now than it has been in many
cussed in 2006, has again been raised as of the leadership of the Kashmiri resis- is problematic because under this plan, ticle 370 and 35A? years. It’s time for all parties to recog-
a solution that offers the most promise tance that demilitarization from both self-governance excludes the option of Those who believe that the people nize the realities on the ground.
of hope to those who have grown weary sides of the Ceasefire Line will pave the freedom or independence. In fact, it of Kashmir should accept Musharraf’s The United Nations still has the
of the struggle and are willing to accept way for a serious and thoughtful solu- clearly says that the people of Kashmir Four-point formula should be bold ability to persuade both India and Pak-
serious compromises in the interest of tion to the Kashmir dispute. will be given self-governance with- enough to say exactly what it is, i.e., that istan to resolve the conflict once and
alleviating some suffering. Let there be Yes, the Line of Control is in fact out independence. Will India retain the formula gives the people of Kashmir for all. It must also find the will to do
no doubt that Musharraf’s four-point a line of conflict which needs to be the power to tax the Kashmiris? Will only choice and that is to be part of India. so. If that happens, peace and stability
Formula does not want to resolve the eroded so that the people of Kashmir people have a hand in the politics and There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. will be guaranteed not only in Kashmir
Kashmir dispute but to dissolve it. can move freely from one area to the influence who has the mandate to rule? Famed jurist and author A. G. Noora- but in the region of South Asia – home
General Musharraf’s Four-point other. But the problem arises when the Will they pass new laws which infringe ni was correct when he said on Novem- to one fifth of total human race.
formula involves the following: ‘Four-point Formula’ says that borders on the limited self-rule the Kashmiris ber 2, 2009 (The Hindu), “The solution (Dr Fai is the Secretary General
1. Demilitarization or phased with- cannot be withdrawn. That is a very possess? Where does self-rule begin (of Kashmir) should be such that a of World Kashmir Awareness. - gn-
drawal of troops loaded phrase. That means that the and where does it end, if Kashmir does Kashmiri leader could announce it in Lal fai2003@yahoo.com, www.kashmi-
2. There will be no change of bor- Line of Control should in fact be estab- not possess sovereignty over its land? Chowk.” I totally agree with Mr Noorani. rawareness.org)

n By Ashraf Jehangir Qazi The Taliban Govt in Afghanistan, Long Considered pro quo that India move away from
Pakistan military cooperation with Russia, neu-
Pakistan’s Protégé, Is No Longer Friendly trality on Ukraine, and economic co-
fghanistan’s internal develop- operation with China.
ments are of importance to Why would India object given the
Aits neighbors, especially Paki- The rest of Afghanistan blames Pak- importance of being a de facto non-
stan. But far more important is Paki- istan for having imposed the Taliban NATO military ally of the US which
stan’s Afghanistan policy mess which on them and for the vicious regime that would significantly advance its re-
is a direct consequence of Pakistan’s oppresses them — especially women gional hegemonic aspirations? One,
political situation. — in the name of Islam. They prefer In- because India prizes its own status as
Let us take a brief look at Pakistan’s dia to Pakistan — and not just because an emerging great power which choos-
external relations. Its relations with In- of India’s economic assistance. Paki- es its own strategic options; and two,
dia are hostile largely due to India. Its stan’s assistance to Afghanistan on a because ironically a closer strategic
relations with Afghanistan are strained per capita basis has actually been more alliance with the US actually reduces
because of strategic short-sightedness. than India’s but it has not brought any India’s options for regional hegemony
Its relations with Iran are dubious be- political goodwill. This is the measure in South Asia despite the dwindling
cause of US diplomatic and economic of the failure of Pakistan’s Afghanistan strategic significance of Pakistan.
leverage over Pakistan. Its relations policy. It has allowed India to poten- This is because China would be
with China are stable but static because tially develop a strategic pincer or two- compelled by the US-India military
of its structural inability to avail of Pakistan, is no longer friendly. It sees which has fenced almost its entire front situation against Pakistan. alliance to dramatically raise its own
transformation opportunities. Its rela- Pakistan’s policy towards it as wavering border, complains of terrorism from There is, however, a larger regional strategic profile in the Indian Ocean
tions with Russia remain undeveloped between furtive support and kowtow- Afghanistan? Is it because Pakistan context that has to be considered. In- and among all the neighbors of India,
due to Pakistan’s elite deference to the ing to American demands. Its enemy cannot contain the TTP which actually dia seeks regional hegemony in South including Afghanistan which does not
US and India’s continuing influence in at home is the Khorasan branch of the operates from inside Pakistan with on Asia. As long as Pakistan was perceived actually border India. Even with US as-
Moscow. Its relations with the US, de- Islamic State. It cannot and will not and off support from certain quarters? as a viable state its relations with China sistance, India does not have the capac-
spite its elite deference, have declined treat the TTP as an enemy even though Or is it because the other neighbors of presented an impossible obstacle to ity to overcome such a Chinese chal-
because of its diminished strategic rel- Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has Afghanistan are more committed to India’s regional ambitions. This posed lenge. India’s strategic planners know
evance as well as India’s rising strategic openly declared that attacks in Paki- stopping TTP terrorism? The Taliban a strategic dilemma for it. The closer it this and unlike their counterparts in
profile in Washington. stan are not jihad. government of Afghanistan denies it got to the US against China, including Pakistan do not fool themselves.
In this bleak situation, Pak-Afghan Mullah Akhundzada also asks per- allows TTP terrorism against Pakistan a quantum jump in critically important Accordingly, they know India’s ‘effi-
relations are crucial. The Taliban gov- tinent questions. Why out of Afghani- from its territory. However, it concedes military technology cooperation, the cient path’ towards hegemony in South
ernment, long considered a protégé of stan’s six neighbors only Pakistan, it has not been able to stop it altogether. more the US would demand as quid (Continued on page 23)
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