Zardari on Kashmir

Pakistan's political crisis triggered by Musharraf's March 9 unconstitutional acts not only seriously strained the fabric of internal peace and harmony but also dealt a serious below to Pakistan's interests and image abroad. The emergency proclamation followed by other illegal acts and strong resistance by the civil society and legal fraternity consumed national time and energy and the progress achieved in foreign policy arenas received a huge set back.

The peace process with India, whatever it is worth, after four years persistent efforts was showing signs of some forward movement in regard to Kashmir. The general elections on February 18 and the political crisis that has since affected the country on terms of engagement between the PPP and PML-N has further contributed to this paralysis.

Lack of progress on Kashmir however did not minimise its status as the prime hurdle in the normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan. The coalition between the PPP and PML-N having floundered and the PPP left as the sole ruling party, its chairman Zardari before his assumption of the presidency aired his views on foreign policy issues in an interview with Indian TV anchor Karan Thapar. Zardari declared that Indo-Pak relations cannot be held hostage to the Kashmir issue. The resolution "can wait" and set aside for future generations to solve.

Elaborating his party's position on the issue Zardari stated that there is a need to focus on other issues. Once there is improvement in the political climate due to increased economic interaction and closer people-to-people contact the issue could lend itself to resolution - a reflection of India's historical position long rejected by Pakistan.