LONG LASTING AND SUSTAINED PEACE IN THE REGION IS KEY TO PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY FOR INDIA AND PAKISTAN – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 26th November 2004  

In the post World War I & II era, although we witnessed several wars but none of these wars escalated into the Third World War. Because people of all the countries and regions of the world realised that for the larger interest of their countries, it is essential to develop better economic standing, social development, defence, education, health, hygiene, transportation, communication, technology and electronics etc. The countries at loggerheads with each other began the process of close relations instead of confrontation. Ultimately, in Europe, we witness an unannounced and undeclared form of loose federation. Several European countries use Euro as the single/common currency and talks are underway for a common defence system in the future. In this manner the sovereign status of these countries will be transformed into a Federation within Europe. During the Cold War, the United States of America and Soviet Union, with a view to serve their national interests allied with different countries of the world. Eventually, with the disintegration of Soviet Union, the Cold War ended and the USA emerged as the unipolar super power of the world. As a result, even the United Nations appears toothless to take any action against the USA when it violates the UN Charter. Based on geographical locations, various blocks were formed, i.e. the American Block, the Asian Block, and the European Block etc. Similarly, on the other hand, religion has also become an important factor and today we hear of the Christian World, the Muslim World etc. Moreover, the political scenario of the world significantly changed post 9/11 whereby the USA declared War Against Terrorism and declared “either you are with us or against us”. It was made crystal clear to all that if they were not with the USA in its war against terrorism then they were against the USA, with the fanatics, extremists and those who believe in violence and terrorism. In the post 9/11 scenario we saw that the countries, considered to be super powers and having veto in the United Nations, appeared weightless. We accept that the Islamic countries, the Third World countries and the underdeveloped countries were not in a position to challenge the American actions and policies – even then France and Germany (with veto powers) initially opposed the war on Iraq but had to step back from their original stand. We also learned through international media of a list of countries, which are to be dealt with after Afghanistan and Iraq. Pakistan’s position in the war against terrorism is that of an ally and friend of the USA. But on the other hand, it is being presented as a rogue state and accused of training the religious extremists and fanatics from all over the world to become jihadis. We also saw yet another dramatic change that Dr Qadeer Khan, the respected and revered national hero of yesterday, has been placed under house arrest. The people at the helm of affairs today consider it a risk even to mention his name. The situation changed to the extent that the founder of nuclear bomb in Pakistan was disgraced, whereas the founder of nuclear bomb in India has become the President of the country. Regardless of world events and global scenario, the political and religious parties of Pakistan stupendously continue to operate on adhocism, totally unaware of the changes around the world and its affect on Pakistan – is Pakistan amongst the countries included in the “list” – and if Pakistan is next on the “list” then what policy needs to be adopted by the rulers, the religious parties, the political parties and the people of Pakistan?

The religious parties of the country also participate in the political system of the country so Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam must be categorised as religio-political parties and then further into groups A, B or C etc.

Immediately after 9/11 the rulers of Pakistan were left with two options either to side with the USA or not. It is very easy and convenient to criticise but when the super powers of the world (also having veto power) kept quiet then how could General Musharraf be slated for blindly siding with the USA in its war against terrorism? The USA blatantly violated the will of the United Nations and declared war on Afghanistan and Iraq and the other super powers remained silent spectators. These critics must say what line of action Pakistan should have adopted? Should Pakistan have declined the US offer – and do we have the necessary ammunition to fight with the super power? The high and rugged mountains of Afghanistan were demolished and by challenging the USA, Pakistan would have faced the same fate as Tora Bora. Throughout the war on Afghanistan, the religious and political parties of the country rhetorically raised the slogan of jihad but now that the USA has set its bases in Afghanistan – surprisingly we no longer hear or see any signs on walls for Afghanistan Jihad. Instead, the religious and political parties now seem more interested in the issue of LFO and uniform. Let us accept for a moment that because Afghanistan and Iraq are sovereign nations and we must not interfere in their affairs and should be concerned only in what is happening in our country – even then the vast majority of Pakistanis are not aware of the LFO, and furthermore not interested in this subject. But the religious and political parties have wrecked havoc over the issue. They shrewdly avoid the issues of public interest, i.e. education, health, hygiene, basic necessities etc. If for an instance, the President leaves his uniform then would this in any way resolve the water crisis? These religious and political parties do not organise rallies, protest demonstrations or long march over public issues. In this Twenty First Century of Information Technology, when India is second in the world in computer technology –we in Pakistan are still trapped in meaningless debates. No one today appears to be sincere in solving the problems faced by the people of Pakistan.

While attending the two-day conference in India organised by the Hindustan Times on regional friendship – partnership and growth, I have expressed my views on the division of the subcontinent. The visit to India further strengthened my views on the division. One can disagree with my views but it is not fair to term me a traitor because I speak the truth that the subcontinent was not divided geographically but in fact, it was the division of the Muslims of subcontinent.  Even today, there are more Muslims in India than in Pakistan. Why Pakistan, which was created for the 100 million Muslims of the subcontinent, was not able to provide refuge to all? The borders should never have been closed for the Muslims of India. Moreover, a third nation, i.e. Bangladesh, emerged from the two nations – and is a member of the United Nations. Where does the two-nation theory stand now? If the Muslims in India protest over Raam Mandir or the Gujarat riots etc then would Pakistan provide them refuge? Was Pakistan created to for a few or a specific community of the Muslim population? When it was realised that the All India Congress will abolish the feudal system then a party was “created” by the Nawaabs and the well-offs. History stands witness that the Nawaabs or kings never create a revolutionary party struggling for the rights. During my visit to India, I witnessed cycles, motorcycles, cars etc, which were made in India. Even the cars in use of the ministers were made in India. In contrast, the Pakistani Prime Minister, President and the Cabinet feel ashamed to use cars made in Pakistan. The one-nation concept can truly be witnessed in abundance in India. We see that if division had not taken place then Muslims, i.e. of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, would have been a powerful force in the subcontinent. How can such a division of Muslim power in the subcontinent be justified? During my visit to India I stated that division is now a reality and we must not debate whether it was right or wrong – instead we must accept, respect and honour each others dignity and sovereignty. And also for the sake of God, have mercy on the people of Kashmir as they have undergone enough bloodshed. When I suggested that LoC can be accepted as the temporary border to start negotiations – the Pakistani foreign office and those on the agency’s payroll started their propaganda campaign that this is not acceptable. Again these “critics” conveniently decided not to discuss on three other options, which I presented on Kashmir Issue. I would like to once again put this on record that before reaching to an initial/temporary agreement over the Kashmir Issue – meaningful dialogues cannot take place for the permanent resolution of Kashmir Issue. If my suggestion of LoC is not feasible then other temporary resolution can be agreed. The reason behind presenting the LoC as temporary border to start negotiations was that LoC exist as a border. If the army from either side crosses this line of control then battle takes place. This means that line of control is even today considered as an international border, therefore, we are only suggesting to acknowledge this as a temporary border to start negotiations. The Pakistani officials continue to blame the Indian Government for not being sincere in dialogues and similarly the Indian officials blame Pakistani Government as not being sincere and responsible for infiltration etc – and the Pakistani Government will accuse the Indian Army of oppressing the Kashmiris etc. We must arrive at a common ground of agreement over the Kashmir Issue for its resolution and for the resolution of other issues between the two countries. Don’t we witness temporary cease-fire for three days, ten days, a month etc – then why we cannot agree on a temporary solution to start negotiations between the Governments of Pakistan and India towards a permanent solution to the Kashmir Issue and other issues. The Kashmiris must also realise that enough blood has been shed, huge losses have been inflicted and as their sympathiser and brother I would like to say that we understand their sentiments and can feel their losses as we have also buried our loved ones, our members have also been extra-judicially murdered – so we can very well understand their feelings. I request them to please sit together, get united on minimum points or on a one-point agenda, merge the smaller parties and unite under one leadership as this will be beneficial for the Kashmiri people and the Kashmir Cause.

Division of the subcontinent has taken place, and now we must accept each other, India must recognise Pakistan and Pakistan must also recognise India with an open heart. Instead of warfare, we must start building brotherly and friendly relations between the two countries and towards establishing long-lasting and sustained peace in the region, which is the key to progress and prosperity for both the countries. We must also refrain from extremism, fanaticism, the extremist attitude, strong language and inflexible approach. People of both the countries need basic necessities of life, health, education, employment etc – and they do not want war. This is the consensus of the people of both the countries. It is very unfortunate that even today there are people on both sides who have not met each other since the division took place in 1947, whereas some have died in anticipation. Pakistan and India have fought three wars.  The European countries also fought several wars over centuries but now they have realised that war is not the solution and are on the path of progress. India has also progressed and developed because soon after independence they abolished the feudal system but unfortunately we in Pakistan failed to do this and the feudal system is still prevalent. For God’s sake, do not declare each other as traitors. Everyone has the freedom of expressing his views and we must stop issuing certificates of treachery. Every individual has his own ideology and logic – this must be confronted with logic. Have I ever suggested to break Pakistan? When did I suggest that Pakistan should merge with India? One must not make false allegations on a grand scale.


(MQM Founder & Leader Mr Altaf Hussain delivered this speech at the Eid Milan Party for journalists organised by the MQM in Karachi on 26th November 2004)