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Pakistan has extended the hand of friendship to
India whereas Prime Minister Atal Behari while welcoming this offer has urged
President Musharraf to convert his gesture into concrete action quickly. Do you
think this will bring peace in the region?
Views must be focused and to the point to avoid unnecessary editing and should not exceed 250 words. No views without the full name and address will be entertained.
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send your opinions at
vf@jang.com.pk
Your
Opinion
President
Musharraf has done an excellent job in handling the ever-precarious situation
facing our Nation. All the skepticism has been rejected about his intention and
ability to lead Pakistan and, he has shown the people that he is a better leader
than the lot we have had over the last two decades.
As far as the current situation is concerned,
Pakistan's stance will not change considerably
on the Kashmir issue. What India has to realise that the reason Kashmir has come
to this state of violence is due to its own rigid attitude. If they had acted in
accordance with the resolution of United Nations the problem would have been
solved.
Taimur Shabir
Pakistan
Unfortunately, there is no equality being observed
here by India. India is disillusioned with the notion of 'superiority complex'.
If India truthfully wants 'peace' then why does she not put all the
issues-including Kashmir on the table? Let us give the Kashmiris ‘right of
self-determination. War is no solution to the core issue as India might think.
Mohammed
Amin Khan
Oklahoma, USA
No gesture of Pakistan will be sufficient to create peace in the region because
India will not agree to solve Kashmir issue and give right of self-determination
to the oppressed and subjugated people of Kashmir. If there is any evidence of
state sponsored terrorism, it exists in the Indian occupied Kashmir against
the helpless and persecuted people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdul Wahid Iqbal
United
Kingdom
It was a classic display of adroit statesmanship on
the part of Pakistani President to extend the hand of friendship even to our
principle foes. In true sense, it is not Pakistan alone responsible for peace
and stability in South Asia under the circumstances when it is facing a dilemma
of illogical, irrational and senseless blames for sponsoring cross border
terrorism as well as sub-standard, fake, irrelevant propaganda on satellite
media.
Tufail A.Baloch
Pakistan
I believe that President Musharraf has taken what is called an appropriate
action by offering the hand of friendship to India. It will decrease the level
of tension between Pakistan and India. But he must crack down on terrorists
group who are operating from Pakistan.
Manoj
Thakur
India
The gesture of friendship reinforces Pakistan continued and consistent
commitment to help assist in establishing a peace loving and tranquil
environment, and it's readiness to engage in a durable and sincere dialogue to
settle all the outstanding issues with it's nuclear rival. Pakistan considers a
friendly relationship with India - a major factor in eradicating poverty, sense
of deprivation and terrorism from the region. Unfortunately, the gesture was
reciprocated with accusations and threats from the Indian side, offering little
to pin hopes on.
Prime Minister Vajpayee, being a moderate figure in the BJP ranks, is expected
to comprehend the gravity of the situation and to stand up to the wishes of the
international community to diffuse tension, consequently blocking the way for
yet another military confrontation to erupt. He needs to chalk out a realistic
plan and to formulate a policy acceptable to the other party as well, enabling
his counterpart to be abreast in his so-called journey to peace and stability.
The time is ripe enough for both the leaders to ponder how to root out militancy
and state-terrorism from our societies, paving the way for restoration of
confidence and trust on one side and eradicating the sense of disappointment and
denial on the other side.
Pressurizing each other to budge is not going to bear any fruitful results, on
the contrary is going to push the already unfortunate and backward region deep
in to the water. A relationship based on equality and sincere friendship between
the nuclear foes is going to act as a catalyst in the process of stabilizing the
region, forging economic ties and bringing in prosperity. Peace and only peace
can help guaranteeing economic progress, attracting huge foreign investments and
exploring the highly rich natural resources; enabling the poor masses to lift
their living standards and enjoying the fruits of capitalism.
Noor Rehman
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Peace in the region can only be regained if India seriously accepts its
responsibility to talk over all sorts of issues with Pakistan including the core
issue of held Kashmir. President General Pervez Musharraf has extended his hand
with all cooperation and good intention. Now, it entirely depends on
the Indian government to reciprocate with the same sentiments.
Idrees
Bahrain
I appreciate the gesture but would like to point out to people, who think that
the Kashmiris would join hands with Pakistani brothers, which Kashmiris are
fighting for independence and not accession to Pakistan.
I hope peace prevails or else it will be too late.
Gaurav
US,
India
I whole-heartedly commend President Musharraf 's
gesture.
Feroz Afridi
Doha, Qatar
I hope President Musharraf being a proud, dare and intelligent leader of
Pakistan, he can certainly crack down on terrorists, fundamentalist schools
which adds fuel to the fire of terrorism. I wish to see a close brotherly
relationship between India and Pakistan.
Reddy
NE, USA
President
Musharraf is very keen to bring about peace with all his neighbours and has
rightly extended his hand of friendship to India but India does not want peace
that is based on justice and fair play instead wishes to impose and dictate its
own version of peace.
India purports
to be a democratic nation and yet refuses to allow the possibility of a
plebiscite to be held in Kashmir because it fears the expression of freedom by
the oppressed people. India believes propaganda and disinformation is the answer
to all its problems and Pakistan needs to counteract these dangerous
designs.
Abdul
Wahid Iqbal
Wales, United Kingdom
I don’t consider handshake as a friendly gesture.
Kiran Maiya
USA
It was a unique gesture and looked like President Musharraf is sincere about
avoiding a war. But just words and handshakes will not do this time. He needs to
act against militants. Let's hope and pray for peace between our two great
nations.
Naren Jain
India, USA
I would like to take the opportunity to say that though to extend the hand of
friendship towards Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee is highly appreciated and being a
Muslim, it shows the conviction to maintain peace in the region.
Khalid
Lahore
India
should learn lessons from history that the oppressed always won independence
from the oppressors. Whatever difficulties the oppressor creates for the
oppressed, the oppressed becomes more stronger and a time comes when the
evitable for the oppressor suddenly becomes inevitable. E. Taimour and South
Africa are the recent examples. My belief is that a time will come when the
Kashmiris will win their struggle to join their hands with their brothers in
Pakistan. How much time will it take is irrelevant and what is relevant is the
end result.
Mumtaz
USA
India would love to
believe President Musharraf but he must take concrete and real steps to improve
Pakistan’s credibility in the interest of avoiding war with India as also
ridding Pakistan itself of the menace of terrorism and regain its position in
the world community.
Arvind K Mathur
USA
Unfortunately, the Indian government does not
want to live in peace with Pakistan.
Ansar Ahmad
Indianapolis, USA
I believe, Pakistan has done enough and it is time India reciprocated Pakistan's
noble gestures for peace, instead of taking permanent offence under the facade
of terrorism.
Raza Ullah
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
I am glad for President
Musharraf's stand on Kashmir. I appreciate President Musharraf's kind
gesture.
Shahid Afzal
Wales UK
President has proved that we are serious in taking step towards peace.
Abdul Waheed Ch.
Islamabad
I whole-heartedly welcome and support President
Musharraf's gesture. He should crackdown all the terrorist organizations and
stop all religious schools and restore democracy. Then only fruitful dialogue
and peace is possible in the region.
Mohammed Azar
Chicago USA
Nothing happened at the meeting and nothing is going to happen until
Pakistan cracks down on militants. India then only will see the friendly nature
of Pakistan and both countries will live in peace and harmony.
Kiran Jaini
USA
Pakistan and India must first of all honour all previous agreements otherwise
talks are of no use.
Hari Koul
USA
I regard President Musharraf as the second best
leader after Jinnah, in the history of Pakistan. I am sure that he will spare no
efforts in bringing peace to this region. I also believe that Prime Minister
Atal Behari is a moderate leader and these two leaders will find a way to bring
peace to this region.
Amir Hameed
USA
India
has requested Pakistan to control terrorism. This will lead to peace. Pakistan
should also do so.
Mareea C
USA
Peace in the region can only be achieved if India seriously accepts its
responsibility to discuss all sorts of issues with Pakistan including the core
issue of held Kashmir. President General Pervez Musharraf has extended his hand
with all cooperation and good intention. Now, it entirely depends on
the Indian government to reciprocate with the same sentiments.
Syed A. Mateen
Karachi, Pakistan
President Musharraf, once again has proved to be an excellent politician.
Malik Daud Khan
Rome, Italy
I appreciate and strongly commend that President
Musharraf did a great job.
Mohammed Jamil
Saudi Arabia
I think President Musharraf has done the right thing but Mr. Vajpayee
should bring some flexibility in his attitude.
Azam Ali
Singapore
I believe that President Musharraf needs
to put some more effective actions behind his symbolic gesture because without
concrete actions all gestures are worthless.
Kanwal
Jit Singh
Detriot, Michigan, USA
The handshake is just for show and will accomplish nothing. General Musharraf
must crack down on all Jihadi or terrorist movements. This will bring peace in
India and Pakistan.
Mareea
C
USA
India should realise to settle the
disputed matters.
Mohammad
Manzar Husain
USA
The recent gesture shown by President Musharraf at SAARC conference was very
courageous and also showed how serious Pakistan is to solve the Kashmir issue.
But, on the other hand Prime Minister Vajpayee has shown coolness, which was
very sad. It is also clear that the Indian propaganda is very much aggressive.
I live in London and have observed that all the western media is blaming
Pakistan which is not fair.
Zafar Khan
Stanmore, Middx, UK
This is a very positive step taken by the President. It
clearly indicates how much Pakistan is interested in achieving peace in the
region.
Zeeshan Jarral
Lahore, Pakistan
A brilliant gesture by President Pervez Musharraf. Unfortunately, India does not
seem to be sincere due to its childish attitude to blame Kashmiri freedom
fighters for terrorists. If India really thinks Kashmiris are terrorists, it
might start with Mahatma Ghandi. He also wanted freedom so in this spirit he is
also a terrorist. It’s time India comes to realistic understanding.
Khalid
M. Chaudhary
Copenhagen
I
appreciate President Musharraf’s step. But, India not did not respond with the
same zeal to show its interest to de-escalate the tension prevailing in the
region.
Therefore, it can be said for sure that the peace in the region cannot prevail
until and unless both the countries exhibit their equal interest in solving the
present problems as well as the prevailing tensions in the region.
Sudhanshu Shekhar
Patna, India
Pervez
Musharraf once again scored good points at the SAARC summit over Vajpayee. By a
warm handshake with the Indian PM, General Pervez delivered a message to the
world that Pakistan wants peace and good relations with India and is ever ready
for bilateral negotiations.
Shafiq Khan
Dhahran, S. Arabia
I
whole-heartedly welcome and support President Musharraf's gesture. If this is
followed up with Prime Minister Atal Behari's request, peace process will start.
Hemanth
Davidoss
Singapore
I
salute my beloved president for his outstanding leadership ever since he took
over. The gesture of handshake with the Indian leader was wonderful attempt to
show the world community that we are peace-loving country and this shall
definitely force the Indians to join hands for peace in the region and negotiate
on the held Kashmir issue. It has build great diplomatic pressure upon India to
come forward positively else she shall be left alone by the international
community. After the Agra summit, the ball is again in the Indian court.
Syed Saeeduddin
Karachi, Pakistan
Surely, Pakistan always wanted to resolve all the problems with India peacefully
and to no success the Indian government always responded in the most crooked
style.
The
only peaceful way to resolve the Kashmir issue which India agreed 52 years ago
was to hold plebiscite. But, that promise they made 52 years ago in front of the
whole world is not yet fulfilled. Who is then to be blamed?
Mumtaz
USA
President Musharraf should first clamp down on aiding and abetting terrorists
operating in Kashmir, if he really wants a serious reply from the Indian
leadership to his offer of friendship.
Amandeep Sekhon
USA
India and Pakistan momentarily have regained their sanity. But both remain on
the verge of war. Both teetered along this war precipice in 1998.
Their mutual hatred is ostensibly all-consuming and this is very sad. The energy
by which these people expend to hate each other could be transformed into
productive peaceful cooperation. Pakistan provided earthquake relief aid to
India in the aftermath of its recent monumental earthquake.
India acknowledged Pakistan's genuine
compassion and concern. India expressed its sincere gratitude for Pakistan's
gesture of benevolence. Each side showed humanity, and
perhaps a sense of mutual affection, during the aftermath of this
Indian national calamity. Why again must hate raise its ugly head
between these two nations?
Earl Beal
USA
The way President Pervez Musharraf shook hands with
Vajpayee was magnificent act of conduct.
Sarfaraz Abbasi
Larkana
We have proved to
the world that India is non-serious. President Musharraf excellently executed
this ice-breaking step towards achieving peace in the region.
FM Endrabi
Lahore
If
both India and Pakistan ignore the previous tensions and harshness and come
together to achieve peace, no doubt it can't be achieved.
Arsalan Rizvi
USA
I think that was such a nice unexpected gesture
offered to anyone on a political level ever but Hindu mentality cannot be
changed.
Mohammed Inam Majid
Dubai
President Musharraf appears to be dedicated to the good of Pakistan and has
taken the national interests of Pakistan to his heart since taking power in Pakistan;
he has steered Pakistan astutely, shrewdly and with great leadership under very
difficult circumstances. But there is a limit to how far he can go and appease
the Indian government which is determined to use the international political
climate to its advantage and by invoking the latest resolutions of the United
Nations against terrorism and happily ignoring those resolutions requiring
it to hold a plebiscite in occupied Kashmir.
As
the President has reiterated again and again that there can be no peace between
the two countries until the issue of Kashmir is settled amicably and equitably
in the interests of the people of Kashmir, we must co-operate with him and so
should the militant groups in Pakistan.
India
will not solve this conflict as desired by Pakistan and is busy organising
international opinion amongst powers that be to regularise the existent border
between the two countries; Pakistan needs to strengthen its economic and
political and diplomatic position to counteract these designs by India.
Abdul
Wahid Iqbal
It will create an atmosphere where negotiations will be possible in a
meaningful manner. This is absolutely necessary since both countries cannot
afford to fritter away their resources in a wasteful war.
Both of them must realise that their borders cannot
be changed and that the only way to resolve is to talk across the table without
any mediators.
S R
Parthasarathy
India
The President is making us look desperate for peace in the region. We need to
hold our ground strongly. If India does not want to discuss matters, why should
we try gimmicks to get them to engage into what is called dialogues?
Iqbal Masud
USA
President Musharraf’s friendship gesture by shaking hands in front of the
heads of the South Asian nations (in SAARC conference) and millions of people
watching on their television sets, is the most generous behaviour one could
offer.
Syed
Atiq ul Hassan
Sydney Australia
The SAARC meeting has
shown a ray of hope for both India and Pakistan for a dialogue on the Kashmir
issue which is a flash point between the two countries.
Ali Safder Khan
Hvidovre, Denmark
The offer for dialogue has been made and rebutted numerous
times, even the hand of friendship has been extended by the President of
Pakistan, which has been arrogantly responded with a fake smile.
In
response, we should not react with arrogance but we must keep our pride
intact while dealing with an irrational, egotistical and narcissistic adversary.
Peace on our knees is not what we are looking for, and peace does have a price.
M Shoaib
London
I have to commend President Musharraf for his courage, political shrewdness, his
patience in the face of provocative Indian statements and rejection of all
proposals for peace offered by the mild Pakistani government.
Nafees A Mahmood
Bristol
President Musharraf has rightly extended his hands of genuine friendship towards
India at the SAARC summit but the main issue is Kashmir.
Until this problem is resolved, nobody can guarantee peace in the region.
However,
the gesture of friendship and cooperation in solving the bilateral hostilities
between India and Pakistan, shows President Musharraf’s sincere efforts in
bringing peace in the region. The other SAARC countries are also needed to
fulfil their obligations and responsibilities in this regard.
Zilley H. Syed
Karachi
Mr. Musharraf scored a diplomatic coup by his commendably positive gesture. Now
the only thing Mr. Musharraf has to do is that he must continue to clamp down on Jihadi
adventurers inside and outside the borders and India must remove all
restrictions and open all channels of communication without delay between the
two countries.
Hasan Zeya
Florida, USA
I strongly believe that, this gesture of friendship from President Musharraf
should bring peace in the region that also requires the same reaction from the
opposite side.
Mukesh Kumar Maniraj
Hamilton
As far as I am concerned, it is a good gesture of President Musharraf. But he
has to make some more concrete actions against militants listed by India. I
think that's the prudent way to avoid any imminent war between the two nuclear
rivals of the sub-continent.
Dharmarj Samuel
Ohio, USA