In an article in the Pakistani newspaper, Dawn, one commentator noted that “Kashmir is not a core issue but a corps commanders’ issue”. Contrary to what the General Pervez Musharraf and his corps commanders think, Pakistanis do not want Indo-Pak ties to remain hostage to the Kashmir issue, although they certainly would like the issue resolved quickly.A group of Indian parliamentarians, journalists and experts, who had visited Pakistan to attend the conference of the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) some weeks ago came back with a similar impression, after speaking to ordinary people, who do not necessarily belong to the traditional peace constituency. There are other significant pointers, too. Take, for instance, the strike of Pakistani cable operators against a move to ban Indian channels, or the pressure being exerted by the business community in Pakistan to remove all trade restrictions with India. The Pakistani media has focused extensively on Indian democracy, comparing it with the situation at home in which coup after coup has destabilised and bankrupted the nation. As for the oft-repeated excuse of Pakistani rulers that powerful religious groups oppose friendship with India, it does not appear valid after the visit of the Jamaat-ul-Islam chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to India, and the statements he made — both here and in Pakistan.The Pakistan government, however, does not seem to be in a mood to respond positively to these developments. General Musharraf for one continues to remain obstinate over Kashmir, insisting that issues aired at the people’s level can only be taken up after formal negotiations on Kashmir begin.I recently had occasion to interact with Pakistan High Commissioner Aziz Ahmed Khan, in New Delhi, and asked him if there was any chance of the peace process progressing, at least in trade — even without any movement on the Kashmir issue. He was adamant and stressed that nothing could proceed without Kashmir being tackled first.Clearly, the desires of people do not feature on Musharraf’s or the Pakistani army’s agenda. The General wants to have talks only on his terms. He is even ready to sacrifice around $2 billion trade with India by denying India the Most Favoured Nation status. He appears to be under the false illusion that being tough with India on Kashmir will keep his armed forces happy and enhance his popularity. He continues to believe that terrorist outfits, sponsored and supported by him, will force India to make peace with Pakistan on his terms.Therefore the ‘reverse response’ of the Pakistani establishment to the latest 12-point peace proposal by India really comes as no surprise. In fact, India has made many attempts at pursuing peace with Pakistan. It has already shown tremendous restraint, despite repeated and grave provocations, in the belief that people-to-people contacts are the only way to get around the hostility and prevarications of the Pakistani military establishment. But to no avail, alas, at least for now.(The writer is a fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses)
