Tag Archives: Pakistan-India tensions

A leading Pakistani think tank reports unusual rise in the civilian cost of conflict between Pakistan and India along the Line of Control. Almost 550 civilians and military personnel have been killed in skirmishes between the two South Asian rivals in the past four years, says Center for Research and Security Studies in its latest report.

Overriding commercial interests prevent powerful Western and even Muslim governments from condemning the aggression that India has committed against Kashmiris. Islamabad can perhaps get a good value for its political and financial capital by helping the affected Kashmiris abroad instead of wasting precious public funds on five-star seminars, argues Imtiaz Gul.

Unfortunately, Pakistan's Foreign Office, the Foreign Minister and the embassies so far have failed in getting Kashmir the attention that is needed. While Kashmir has been a focus of foreign policy of Pakistan for many years, its treatment has become a command exercise in the embassies with dull programs for the ‘inner circle’ only without creating an impact in the host society.

Modi and his hawkish followers did their best to divert the attention of the international community from the Kashmir crisis and isolate Pakistan. But they utterly failed.

Pakistan should avoid any major armed clash with India but should gear up its diplomatic war along with China to put India on the back foot. At the diplomatic front, it should also capitalize on the strong anti-India sentiments fueled by Modi’s intransigent move and galvanize world opinion against Indian rights violations in Kashmir.

Secretary Pompeo's salvo against China and Pakistan will likely further harden Beijing’s resolve in preserving its alliance with Pakistan at all costs.

India's dramatic U-turn on talks with Pakistan and its army chiefs bellicose language against Islamabad has pushed volatile South Asia towards renewed tensions and uncertainty.