Doves vs hawks

The arrest of RAW agent Kulbhushan Yadav is a setback for those who have been trying to bring the two nuclear-armed nations closer. Over the years the peace lobby in Pakistan has gained considerable ground. The situation on our border with Afghanistan and improved security within the country have greatly helped in tilting the thinking of our security establishment from war mania towards peaceful coexistence. The chances of long-lasting peace in the region were becoming brighter by the day. But the latest development has dented these hopes. It has the potential of reversing the ground gain so far by the doves.

The presence of the RAW agent in Balochistan and his confession prove Pakistan’s long-held fears that India is fuelling insurgency in the volatile province. This situation has placed the peace lobby, our security establishment and the PML-N government in a difficult situation and once again given the hawks the chance to influence our policy vis-a-vis India. Both Pakistan and India should realise the importance of peace and work together to keep the hawkish lobby at bay.

Gulsher Panhwer

Johi