Need to understand US ties with India and Afghanistan stressed

Islamabad :Panellists at a seminar emphasised that the current US policy on South Asia required a thorough understanding of the US relations with India and Afghanistan and its impact on Pakistan.

They felt that the new paradigm of US-India relationship and US recent stance on Kashmir with respect to the Independence Movement and other dynamics required an in-depth analysis of the situation as well as a futuristic approach to address this regional conflict, which the world community was obliged to.

The seminar titled ‘Emerging Scenarios in India-US Strategic Ties: Implications for Kashmir’ was organised by the Riphah Institute of Public Policy here on Thursday. The event was largely attended by international relations expert and representatives of policy centres and civil society, and academicians.

The seminar was addressed by Ambassador (r) Sarwar Naqvi, Dr. M. Khan of the International Islamic University, Dr. Waqas of the NUML, Ershad Ahmad of Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms, Shahraiz Khan of the Foreign Office, Awais Wasi of the Riphah Institute of Public Policy and Dr Rashid Aftab of the Riphah University.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M. Khan said India and Pakistan have fought three wars against each other since 1947, the first two of which were over Kashmir.  The United States has played an increasingly assertive role in managing and resolving the issues between both countries and designs foreign policy goals in South Asia with respect to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan as well.  After September 11, America is trying to maintain close ties to both countries but apparently enthused towards India due to strategically diplomacy in the region. Shahraiz Khan Director Kashmir Foreign Office said Pak-US relations are always influenced by the US “South Asian Policy”. Starting from the era of the Cold War, when the US needed Pakistan to play a role against the spread of communism, it stood with Pakistan by providing it with military and economic support. And when US interests diverged with Pakistan, it adopted a different approach. Now, under the Trump administration, the US policy towards Pakistan is being influenced US relations with China and US relations with India.

Altaf Wani from HC said India might use its leverage on the US against Pakistan in the context of India’s allegations of terrorism across the border. If India exploits its leverage on the US, it implies that India would work on ‘isolating’ Pakistan by spreading a narrative that Pakistan supports anti-India elements within the country that is disturbing the regional peace.

Dr. Rashid Aftab said the Indian narrative against Pakistan holds no truth. Pakistan has successfully managed to defeat the terrorists. However, India US countries expressed to expand and deepen the strategic partnership for peace and stability in the region may impact Kashmir dispute.