Noman Ali Akbar
The issue of Kashmir has been a longstanding point of contention between India and Pakistan since 1947. Both countries claim the region of Kashmir, and the conflict has resulted in several wars and ongoing tensions between them. Pakistan has consistently emphasized that the dispute should be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while India maintains that Kashmir is an integral part of its territory.
Pakistan has pursued various approaches to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Diplomatic avenues such as bilateral engagement through the Simla Agreement and efforts to involve a third party as a mediator have been attempted, but with limited success. Additionally, Pakistan has strategically focused on less complex political issues like Siachen, Sir Creek, visa regulations, and people-to-people connectivity to create a conducive environment for dialogue in addressing the Kashmir dispute.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Pakistan sought to utilize Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and composite dialogue as a strategy to change India’s stance on Kashmir. However, the issue became further complicated during the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, leading to heightened hostilities between the two nations, especially since 2019.
Recent discussions in Islamabad have centered around Occupied Kashmir and the future of Pakistan-India relations, particularly in light of electoral changes in India. There is hope that these changes might alter the political and strategic dynamics between the two countries, paving the way for the resumption of bilateral trade and an improvement in diplomatic relations.
Pakistan’s strategy regarding Occupied Kashmir is anchored on four fundamental principles: internal consolidation, strategic patience, fostering global partnerships, and developing an ‘integrated Kashmir strategy’ (IKS). These principles are aimed at achieving political stability, exercising patience, building strong partnerships within the international community, and developing a cohesive strategy to address Indian diplomatic and military actions in Occupied Kashmir.
Hence, the issue of Kashmir remains complex and deeply rooted in the historical, political, and cultural context of the region. Both India and Pakistan have vested interests in the territory, and finding a mutually acceptable and peaceful resolution to the conflict remains a significant challenge.
Since October 27, 1947, the issue of Occupied Kashmir has remained a central point of contention between Pakistan and India. Pakistan has consistently emphasized that the dispute should be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While upholding this principled stance, Islamabad has employed various approaches to persuade New Delhi to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Pakistan has endeavored to adopt nearly all globally recognized conflict resolution methods. It has pursued diplomatic avenues such as bilateral engagement through the Simla Agreement and attempted to involve a third party as a mediator, albeit without success. During the tenures of Ziaul Haq and Rajiv Gandhi, Pakistan strategically pursued a ‘bottom-up approach,’ focusing on less complex political issues like Siachen, Sir Creek, visa regulations, and enhancement of people-to-people connectivity. This strategic thinking aimed to create a conducive environment for dialogue that might prompt India to address the Kashmir dispute.
From I K Gujral to Manmohan Singh during the 1990s and 2000s, Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership sought to utilize Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and composite dialogue as a strategy to alter India’s rigid stance on Kashmir. However, during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule in India, further layers of complexity were added to the dispute, leading to heightened hostilities between the two nations since 2019.
Recent discussions in Islamabad have revolved around two key issues – Occupied Kashmir and the future of Pakistan-India relations. These discussions have been spurred by the hope that electoral changes in New Delhi might alter the political and strategic dynamics, paving the way for the resumption of bilateral trade and an improvement in diplomatic relations. Given these ongoing deliberations, it is crucial to understand the various facets of the Pakistan-India relationship and the Kashmir dispute. However, what is even more imperative is the development of a long-term, robust strategy for Kashmir.
Amidst the current economic and political challenges, Pakistan’s strategy regarding Occupied Kashmir should be anchored on four fundamental principles: internal consolidation, strategic patience, fostering global partnerships, and developing an ‘integrated Kashmir strategy’.
The Pakistani civil and military leadership must delineate a clear roadmap for ‘internal consolidation’ to achieve political stability and economic revitalization. Pakistan possesses all the elements that can transform it into a politically and strategically influential global player.
Strategic patience at both the institutional and public levels is essential concerning Occupied Kashmir. Quick fixes should be discouraged, and a period of internal consolidation, marked by painful structural reforms, should be managed effectively to maintain public unity and high morale.
Cultivating strong partnerships within the international community is not just a pragmatic imperative, but a crucial step towards resolving the Kashmir conflict. Pakistan must develop resilient relationships with smaller South Asian states as well as key global capitals. These partnerships will not only maintain strategic relevance in international politics but also foster a global understanding of the Kashmir dispute, potentially leading to its resolution.
Lastly, a long-term ‘integrated Kashmir strategy’ (IKS) is essential at the national level. Pakistan should defend its stance at the international stage and develop a cohesive strategy involving all state institutions – both civil and military – to effectively counter Indian diplomatic and military actions in Occupied Kashmir.
In conclusion, a shift towards ‘capacity-based’ policies is required, where Pakistan’s economic influence, strategic relevance, diplomatic acceptability, and unified stance can bolster its principled position on Kashmir while countering threats and aggressions effectively.
