Let’s forget the past

in matriculation. For six years, I was in the glorious Government College of Lahore, and was acquainted with each pillar of its buildings.

We had a big house in Lahore. It was called the Shourie Building, outside Quila Gujjar Singh. On the top of its facade, my father had got inscribed the words: “Fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man.” I am told that this inscription is still there. My guiding light in life has been this edict.I had the pleasure of being the city magistrate of Lahore for three years, from 1944 till the eve of the Partition in 1947.

Earlier, I had the privilege of being the city magistrate of Rawalpindi for two years. I was also posted to Mianwalli; my father had earlier a posting in Peshwar in the military accounts department; my uncle was a professor in Sialkot. I have cherished friends in Lahore. I am perhaps unique in always carrying in my pocket a small notebook, with a compilation of about 800 selected Urdu couplets of known poets, recorded over the years.

I approach you, with folded hands, in all humility, in the interest of bringing about amity between our two countries. I have faith that the people of India, including those at the top, are also for friendship with Pakistan. I am sure that millions in India will endorse what I am writing.

You are a graceful man. You have a fine family, with a lovely wife, handsome elders and charming youngsters. You are as much moved by humanitarian considerations as anyone else. Your smile is very pleasant and shows the existence of basic human values in you.

I am acutely aware that it is not an easy task to forget all the five decades of tension between our countries and the unfortunate eruptions of hostilities, but on both sides there is need to apply the healing balm. I have always been inspired by the motto: “It can be done.” Hands can be extended and grasped in friendship. When India’s leaders went to Lahore, the warm approval of the event in the country showed what can be achieved. There is obvious need to get down to the brass-tacks, nitty-gritty of the problem.

Mere exhortations and expressions of hope will not suffice. There have been serious differences. These have erupted in battles, entailing losses and anguish to both. These have created suspicions about intentions, brought about moves to seek international intervention and assistance of allies.

The fire of estrangement continues to be fanned by certain actions, including sponsorship of and support to terrorism, creating disturbances leading to the loss of lives and extreme agony to the affected families. These are highlighted by the media, particularly TV. There are continuous attempts to inculcate antagonism against “Bharat” in every generation, including children in schools; you will surely be aware that Pakistan TV almost invariably starts its news programme with a recount of depredations by “Bharat”. The major problem between the two countries is Kashmir.

Pakistan is surely aware of the vast Muslim population in India. Under no circumstances can India afford to hurt its minorities by ceding any demand that the main territory of Kashmir be detached from this country and made either a part of Pakistan or even an autonomous unit. India’s resolve not to do so is evident. No war, or international intervention, will alter this resolve. I beseech you to recognise these realities which cannot be ignored.

No useful purpose will be served by continuance of the Kashmir problem, by generating an atmosphere of unrest in the Kashmir Valley or its surrounds. A stage has now arrived for Pakistan, and you as its Chief Executive, to realise the utter futility of continuing unrest and alienation between the two countries. A Line of Control got delineated by circumstances of decades ago. In order to usher in an era of friendship, amity and progress, both the countries need to forget the past of hatred and come together. It can be done.

With respectful regards.

The writer is Director, Common Cause