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Do you think the exchange of Indo-Pakistan delegations at different levels can pave the way for restoration of friendly relations?

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Your Opinion  

Certainly this is the beginning, there should be many more similar exchanges of delegations in other fields. For example, culture, arts, medicine, media, sports, etc. Exchange of youths and school children of both the countries could also achieve a change of mindset.

There will unfortunately never be peace in the region until all the core issue as Kashmir is resolved and there is no third party interference.

External parties will never allow Pak-India to have peace in the region, because schisms will benefit them giving them undue influence for their personal material gains, e.g. selling of arms.

Why would a third party government want peace between Pakistan and India? Unfortunately only the small and powerless are interested in morality and Justice, the powerful capitalist nations are interested in only personal material gain and extending their hegemony in the region.

It would appear that people from India and Pakistan are getting closer. It is a good thing and we all should support this effort.

It is high time India and Pakistan sat together to resolve disputes amicably and embark on
new road of progress to get strong economies

J. Abid
Sydney

Exchange of delegations, trade & commerce, cultural exchanges will serve no purpose for Pakistan as these are just time gaining tactics by the Chanakia's disciples, in order to get a permanent seat in the UN Security Council using hook & crook designs in collaboration with Israel and US anti-democratic & imperialistic Mafia represented by CIA and the like entities.

Aleem Qureshi
USA


Relations between the two neighbouring countries can not be improved until the core issue of Kashmir issue is solved. Exchange of delegations, and their personal comments can possibily deteriorate the situation.

Ansari
UAE


I am extremely in favour of exchange of delegations between the two countries which could pave the way towards peace, because the people of both the countries want peace. 

M.S hafi Chaudry
Lahore


It's not just my thinking but I believe also that the exchange of Indo-Pakistan delegations at different levels can pave the way for restoration of friendly relation.

In fact the general public from the both sides do want close relationship between two countries but the Leaders are playing with the sentiments of general public due to some known or unknown reasons. Unless both the countries do not cut back their defense budget the problems of general public can not be solved. 

A. Majeed 
UK

After reading the previous opinions it is a sign of encouraging that people from both sides wants peace. Just imagine how wonderful will it be if both the countries have a friendly kind of amiable relations. 

I being an Indian I do not agree with some opinions in this section that we hate each other. It should not be ignored here as to we have the second highest Muslim population in world.

A Kumar 
Bangalore, India


This is in response to Mr. Mohammed Quereshi who is so quick to come to the support of Mr. Naqvi. If any one has followed Mr. Naqvi, it would be very much clear that Mr. Naqvi has not concealed his hatred for India. He has blatantly accused the education system in India of spreading hatred against Pakistan and so forth. It is better to do some investigation before mouthing off the way he does. 

An Indian


Well, for my opinion there is lot of things to consider in this regard. But first we should look where is the benefit of Pakistan because if our country will leave then we'll. So lets go and make relationship with Israel.

Qamar Iqbal
Malaysia 


What has not been resolved in 50 years, I am not sure, cannot be resolved in 50 months or 50 weeks.

I agree with my Pakistani friends, lets resolve other issues first. I believe that the children of the post partition need to know one another and get the politicians out of the business of making peace.

About Prof. Naqvi's observations carried in this section. I can safely say having gone through the Indian schooling system that no such thing was taught. 

Romin Puri
INDIA
rpuri6@comcast.net 


Good relationship is not possible because both countries have weak governments. Even in Pakistan there is a semi civilian government incapable of independent decisions. 

Apart, this exchange of delegations is just a show-off to convert the attention of both countries' people from their actual problems and follies played with the nation. These visits would be just dinners and photo sessions and obliging politicians of both countries.

Hidayatur Rahman
Waterloo Canada


I do not think that exchange of delegations will help restore friendly relations as because of the Kashmir issue mistrust is so deep-rooted in the psyche of the rulers and politicians of the both countries.

Delegations will come, spouting forth fiery rhetoric, have a whale of a time and then go back, singing praise for their hosts and that will be the end of that. Of course, a lot of common people on both sides desire peace and friendly relations but who has ever listened to the masses? I firmly believe that the Kashmir issue cannot be solved over night. Its solution lies with India who will have to totally withdraw its hold over Kashmir and let it have its stand a separate independent land, and frankly speaking I cannot see India doing this. After claiming that it is an integral part of India since more than five decades, giving it freedom would amount to an acceptance that it was occupying it forcibly.

India wields a lot of clout in the world today. Despite being almost 'wedded' to Russia, it has succeeded in wooing over the sole superpower, USA who sees regional events through Indian eyes. India has excellent relations with Israel, UK and the other powerful European countries. In pragmatic terms, Pakistan does not have even a single all-weather western friend; its current relationship with the USA is also because it needs Pakistan. 
This 'friend' continues to fire salvos, accusing Pakistan of engaging in cross-border terrorism and of managing terrorist training camps. It remains totally deaf and blind to Indian atrocities in held Kashmir despite these being reported by various NGOs and other bodies. As luck would have it we have been used and discarded more than once by America. China has always been our only ally, staunch and trusted but India, after a masterly stroke has also managed to earn China's trust and the two are on good terms now. What is Pakistan doing during all this? Its politicians and government is engaged in a bitter fight for survival.

Many will not agree with me and brand me with probably not any good name, but this is what I think and see in the given scenario. The Kashmir problem will be solved only when there is a mass uprising, a revolution, the likelihood of which has seldom been seen. And until that happens, the situation will continue to be as it is today.

M. Aslam


With respect to opinions of Prof. Naqvi and people alike, If you say that Indian kids are being thought to hate Pakistan and undo the partition what about us and our children. 

Asif
Canada

It is quite evident that neither India nor Pakistan alone can execute the power game in the region after the balanced nuclear capability. In my opinion governments in both the countries may not be able to get rid of the shyness at their own. It will only be possible if people from both the countries are allowed to exchange and decrease the heat between these two great nuclear powers, which will help to resolve the core issue of Kashmir. 

Ziaur Rahman 
ziaurahman@kalpoint.com 

If the disputes between the two neibhouring countries are solved then how will the military and civil establishments justify huge extravagant spending on defence and security. 

Musa Kazim
Canada


I just wanted to reply Mr. Rajesh Gupta's opinion carried in this section. Sir Professor Naqvi has not mentioned anything which shows that he has feelings of hatred against India. He has just mentioned how Indian media treat us. So I guess he wants to say that a very first step is to tell the Indian people that the people across the border are just like us. 

if a single little thing goes wrong in India, Pakistan is blamed for that. we never do that. you talk about infiltration. I would say just one thing. who is responsible to protect your borders. why the hell your army not let any one enter your country. if any militant tries to enter your country, just arrest him or shoot him. why blame Pakistan? or just say that since our army does not have a capability to protect our borders so please we request you that can you ask the Pakistan army to help preventing the infiltration. 

Now the question of Kashmir. I would simply suggest you that keep your Kashmir but please stop killing the Muslims over there. 

Muhammad Imad Qureshi
Chicago, Illinois


We all know that Kashmir is the bone of contention between Pakistan and India. But now I think both should forget this and solve the other matters as soon as possible , because already we both have lost a golden period of 50 years. Now we should act wisely and friendly neighbours.

Syed Ashar Imam
Karachi - Pakistan

The root cause of mistrust between the two nations is basically created by inefficient politicians and fundamentalists and racialists on both sides. 

India is on the forefront of every negative propagation against Pakistan and is making all-out efforts to destabilize Pakistan. India never accepted the creation of Pakistan whether somebody wants to hear it or not. If the trend changes, if those in authority in India realize that for the betterment of both people, the best way is the way of peaceful coexistence and not confrontation. If we don't realize that the region shall go into ruins and the only outsiders will benefit. 

We should, therefore, take full advantage of this conducive atmosphere which has shown some signs of positive changes in understanding each other across the border. If we capitalize the situation, both countries would benefit equally. 

N.M. ABBASI 
LUSAKA/ZAMBIA
noor.abbasi@zambrew.com.zm  

Pakistan and India at times had friendly relations during the last 5 decades when the core issue of occupied Kashmir was put in cold storage by both the governments. But when Pakistan and India take hard stand on Kashmir they had fought three wars and had also missed the opportunity of taking advantage of each others resources.

There is a need to soften the stand of both the governments on Kashmir issue. But this is only possible when the hardliners of both the countries will meet each other, either in Pakistan or in India to soften their stand on Kashmir issue as the sentiments of hardliners are also taken into consideration by the respective governments when both Head of the States meet each other.

I see no problem between the relations of the people who live across the border. Exchanging delegations, restoring air and rail links, resumption of bus service, appointment of Ambassadors are the primary requirements for normalization of friendly relations.

If the hardliners of both the countries can show some relaxation in their attitude, the tone of both Head of the States will also change accordingly. There is no other way to solve this issue, expect through dialogue and to conclude a meaningful dialogue, the attitude of hardliners need to be changed through exchange of hardliners delegations.

Syed A. Mateen
Karachi-Pakistan
pakistan@attglobal.net  

I want to tell to both Pakistan and India that the whole world is laughing at us. Open your eyes and identify the true enemy. And, every body knows that our true enemies are countries outside the region of South Asia, where leaders are criminal and most of them spend their time even in prison. I am proud to say that I am Pakistani. Please stop hating each other and live in a peace.

Abbasi Ghulam Rubbani
Hong Kong


Mr. Tastogi writes from Canada that he was shuddered by the hatred that the Pakistanis have shown towards India while discussing prospects of rapprochement between India and Pakistan. 

The gentleman is obviously at fault. Most of the Pakistanis have expressed to see friendship between two regions. We do not see any desire of Indians to have friendship with their neighbour, which is always considered as an enemy. 

Indian newspapers are full of venom against Pakistan and the political parties irrespective of being liberal or otherwise are against the very existence of Pakistan and the destruction of our country is the first item on their agenda. On he contrary, It is Pakistan that has always extended its hand of friendship and there has been no positive response from India. 

Anti-Pakistan policy of India is an established fact and all claims of desire to have friendly relations with us are false. 

Professor Mukhtar Ali Naqvi
Orlando, Fl. USA 


I think this is an illusion that such good relations may be established between the two countries in the future. However, both should try for it and understand each other's position that war and unfriendly relations would lead them to a big holocaust.

Syed Zulfiqar Hussain. 
UAE


Yes. Only the small cross-country delegations without any shadows of political, military and religious intentions will bring Pakistan and India to the everlasting brotherhood. All the journalistic media must support and encourage such delegations at all costs.

Romnik. Dave
Germany


Being a Hindu from Kashmir and after my family having directly affected by the ethnic cleansing of Hindus from Kashmir by the Muslims who are supported by Pakistan, and still the Pakistanis only talk about Muslims who are affected in held Kashmir and other parts of India, with no words about Hindus who are affected, I don't think any measures will improve India and Pakistan relations. If people like Prof. Naqvi have enough hatred for the Hindus and Indians, we have the same too, as we are human beings also.

Rajesh Gupta
New York


I just want to refresh this thing that present Indo-Pak relation is only a Drama which is go to end soon. Because, our base or basic concepts on behalf of which our representative give statements is so weak that statements just float around.

Hafeez Usmani
Saudi Arabia 


Exchange of Indio-Pakistan delegations at different levels can pave the way for restoration of friendly relations, but Pakistan should not forget the Kashmir Issue. We must focus on Kashmir through friendly negotiation with India. India must give the right of voting to poor Kashmir people. 

Samra Tariq
Lecturer of Political Science
Toba Tek Singh


Pakistan's foreign policy towards India is not something to take pride on. India is buying time it will never be sincere. There are benefits it want to gain as always.... our leaders had always been dull....see the past history. 

Khalid M. Chaudhary
Denmark. Copenhagen

No relationship based on mistrust works, even if you have a queasy relationship. It is built on false pretence. Since the separation there has been mistrust between the two countries, and until both parties come to the table with both arms in front and with true trust in the heart, no talks will do any work. We, living abroad see the situation from outside of the bubble and some times do not know the severity of the situation but I can tell you that living outside of those two countries people have a wonderful relationships among both Hindus and Muslims alike. 

A peaceful relationship between both countries not only will save thousands of lives but will benefit coming generation, we will stop spending so much money on building weapons of mass distraction, instead we will focus on educating our children for better tomorrow. Imagine living a life a serenity and peace instead of constant threat of war and loss of precious lives.

Behzad Khan
Mississauga, On. Canada
trinpak@hotmail.com 


Exchange of delegations from the various walks of life is a silver lining for the people of subcontinent. All, especially Muslims in Kashmir, have been victim of all kinds of transgression, oppression.

In my opinion, the days of animosity because of religion, race or tribal affiliation have become irrelevant. Why has America managed to put such issues aside when dealing with India, China and Russia? It is because, doing so has allowed the US to advance it's economic interests.

China and India understand this as well and have begun putting their past issues on the back burner. So why not India and Pakistan? It is because of this animosity between the two countries and political instability within Pakistan that we have not attracted a single major foreign investor, especially in high tech, in Pakistan.

Akram Chowdry


Such sort of exchange of delegations, for sure, can improve the relationships between the peoples of two neighbouring countries. We can exchange ideas and views and establish business opportunities for development of both the countries. 

The delegations can also accede mutual respect and tolerance between the both governments. 

Khurram Shahzad
KARACHI


Resolving bilateral issues through exchange of delegations is just a melodrama, the reality is that both the countries don't want to resolve the issues that have stalled their relations and trade ties since long.

ANAS ISLAM KHAN
Karachi
gaddar_rulz@hotmail.com 


Idea in my mind after going through various responses on this page shudders, reading so much hatred of Pakistanis towards India. We must first realise that these two countries are part of similar geographical area with almost similar food, cultural habits and mental dispositions. However, it is the type of education and environment created by the rulers of these two countries which has moulded two different perspectives towards looking for a solution. A solution in a democratic setup might be arrived late but the constituents, i.e. public and leaders, consider their moral duty to honour it, while same is not true in a non-democratic setup. 

P.C.Rastogi,
Toronto, ON-M1V 2L4 
pc_rastogi@hotmail.com 


If we talk of good relationship with India then yes certainly the exchange of delegations from India and Pakistan would be fruitful. 

Aziz-ur-Rehman 
Sheikh Okara 

I also would like to say only one thing that it is necessary that we must be very clear & Specific that we never ever had any friendly relations at any levels with India. 

Syeda Fatima Bibi
Karachi


I don't think that these delegations will do any good to this fragile relationship untill India decides to settle the Kashmir Dispute. 

M. Sher Ali Khan 
Sultanate of Oman 


Since last fifty years this type of drama is going on that after every 5 to 6 years India and Pakistan starts talks and exchange of delegations at different levels starts. But everybody knows that until and unless the most important issue of Kashmir is resolved, nothing substantial will happen.

I think both countries should talk on the main issue -- Kashmir -- and try to resolve it according to the will and wishes of the people of Kashmir. After that business relations can be established. If on the borders, exchange of fire is taking place every day, exchange of delegates will not get any fruits

Muhammad Suhail 
Malaysia 


I would like to say only one thing that any sort of relationship can only be built up on the basis of sincerity and goodwill and in the case of Pakistan and India on the both side there is no willingness for friendly relation because every Pakistani and Indian wants to do something against to each other.

Beena Sabeen
beenagr8@yahoo.com 


I think exchanging such delegations will be very useful. Most importantly, it will be able to highlight the mutual respect and tolerance as well as concordance in the ways of life between the people of the two countries. 

That is why, when in abroad like in UK and US, people of these two countries mingle freely and develop long-lasting friendships as well as excellent working relationships at their jobs. Let them experience and reinforcing what a lot of the people from the two countries find out when they are abroad in their own countries will be very helpful. 

Also remember that the distrust is a bit more at the Indian side as well as their suspicion that the Pakistani counterparts are very unfriendly and hostile to them. Once they meet, they are surprised how they can even discuss very controversial politics amicably as well as watch an exciting cricket match between the two countries together

Nadeem S. Ali
nadeemmd98@excite.com 


I suppose the hostile attitude that both the countries have adopted over the decades has never provided relief to the people of India and Pakistan. We should go ahead with a solution in trying to solve the issues for good and live as friendly neighbours for all time to come. This will not only strengthen both the nations but also bring prosperity at large. 

Dr. Saqib Sadiq
Ontario, Canada L5N 1R2


I am dead definite that any exchange of Indo-Pakistan delegations at different levels can pave the way for 
Restoration of friendly relations? We must be very clear & Specific that we never ever had any friendly relations at any levels with India. 

It is simply out of question and if somebody have any doubts, should consult history clearly indicating what 
the Hindu had been doing to undo Partition -1947.

To me, it is living into fools paradise 

M. Shahid Hanif
Dy. Manager Int'l Accounts,
Lahore - 54000, Pakistan
shahid.hanif@tlpk.com  


If we think that these delegations can do any good thing, then it will be for India not Pakistan, because Indians think first for the benefit of their country whether they are in government of opposition and our leaders and parties think of themselves first and then for their country. 

I think these visits of delegations are fruitfull for India not for Pakistan. If India accepts the UNO resolution on Kashmir and ready to give self-determination right to kashmiri peoples. As once President Pervaiz Musharaf said that core issue between India and Pakistan is Kashmir. 

Mohammd Jamil Rathore
Jeddah - KSA 


In a shorter span of time, such exchanges of the delegations may lead to a reduction in tension between the two countries. However, in the longer run, the leaderships of both countries must have absolutely sincere and serious intentions to resolve the conflicts plaguing vital interests of the two nations. 

There is no doubt that this region has an immense potential for development. Mutual peace, trust and cooperation may push both India and Pakistan to the category of economically leading countries of the world.

Dr Imdad Hussain, 
Department of Economics
University of Gävle
Sweden 


Yes of course this is the best way to interact with the Indian Leadership. Only at people level relations improvement can help to improve at countries level. But the sincerity is a first step forward to restore all the amicable relations between the two countries. 

Anwar Iqbal 
Rawalpindi


I think it is essential for both the countries. And, it is a way by which we can proceed further. One thing that we should bear in mind that "if you are making a friendship you have to give a sacrifice".

Farzan Raza
Nazimabad-Karachi


In my point of view, the exchange of the delegations at different levels can pave the way for restoration of friendly relations between India and Pakistan. The solution of the "Kashmir Issue" is tantamout to the backbone.

Ali Ahmad Dogar
Senior System Analyst
State Bank of Pakistan
Pakistan


Yes, it will definitely improve our ties. It is also an unfortunate that person like proffessor Naqvi comments without knowing the truth. In India, it is not taught to undo the partition rather it teaches us Pakistan as a neighbour of India. 

Unless persons like Mr. Naqvis change their orthodox attitude to both sides, it is very difficult to embrace ourselves as good neighbours.

The steps taken on both sides are positive and I think it will help a lot in future. 

Sinah, Yash
India


No. I don't think it will pave the way. Because the Indians have never accepted Pakistan from the heart and they are still working for Akhand Bharat. Not a single Indian political person have accepted that Kashmir is a
disputed territory instead they are harping "atoot-ang". So how could you sort out the things.

India is trying its best again to harm Pakistan; this time through our Northern frontier with the help of Northern Alliance. 

Shaukat Chauhan,
Virginia, USA


What we are doing to date is to normalize the relations to the conditions existed before India massed up millions of army along with our borders for almost a year. They broke diplomatic ties to the highest level, cancelled air services, and banned flights over their territory and cancelled bus and train services. 

They did all that to tell the world that the freedom fighters in Kashmir are terrorists and Pakistan is training and arming them. Once all these services are re-established which India cancelled with Pakistan, then we will stand where we were in early 1992. That was the time after the failed Agra Summit. 

What India has to do is to tell it's people that they have killed more than 80,000 innocent Kashmiris, demolished their homes, raped their women and have almost 800,000 troops stationed in the Kashmir valley to suppress the genuine Independence movement. Once, this is done then they pave the way to hold plebiscite in the Jammu and Kashmir to find out what the people wants. Once that is done then peace and friendship will start.

Mumtaz
USA 


There is no question of restoration of friendly relations with India. Friendly relations between the two countries have never existed. Those who think that reciprocal visits of the delegations will reduce the animosity of between India and Pakistan are not aware the political parties, the educational institutions and the press have turned the majority community of India into real bigots.

Every child in India is taught that the national goal of every India must be to undo partition and regain the lost territory of Azad Kashmir. The bigots are not willing to listen to anything of wisdom.  Hindus are dreaming that Pakistan can be made a part of India by military force. Their dream will never be realised. There is not the least possibility of India reconciling to the reality that the sub-continent has been finally division.

Professor Mukhtar Ali Naqvi    
8712, Scenic Oak Court,               
Orlando, Fl.32836     

I think it is far better to pay heed on developing good trade relationships with India

The goods are in any case smuggled through our borders. It is better to have legitimate business relationships, which might give relief to our people especially in Pharmaceuticals.

Ashraf
England

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