Good diplomacy

The state of relations between Pakistan and India is so poor right now that those who desire peace have to take whatever little progress they can find. The speedy resolution of complaints from both countries that their diplomatic staff was being harassed by intelligence officials is one such example. The dispute was triggered a fortnight ago when Pakistan recalled its high commissioner, Sohail Mahmood, from India to brief the government on the harassment he and his family was facing. India retaliated by issuing its own long list of inconveniences and humiliations it claimed its staff had been subjected to by Pakistani intelligence officials. The complaints from both sides revealed just how ugly and petty disputes between the two countries can become. Mahmood claimed that his children were followed to school while India claimed our officials would ring the doorbell of their officials’ residences late at night and then run away. Now, thankfully, both countries have agreed to cease and desist. The Foreign Office issued a statement on Friday saying Pakistan and India will resolve the matter in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct negotiated by both countries.

The code of conduct specifically discourages over-intrusive surveillance, trespassing, following diplomat’s cars, among other measures. It also says families and local domestic staff contracted by diplomats are to be spared as well. These are stipulations that neither country has followed with any regularity. To a certain extent, it is understandable that both countries are suspicious of each other’s diplomatic contingents. Embassies all around the world are known to be filled with spies, often operating under the cover of diplomatic immunity, so a certain amount of counter-spying and surveillance is to be expected. But, at a minimum, children and spouses should be spared the daily humiliations being meted out to them. It is encouraging that both countries have reached an understanding and it is now incumbent on them to follow the given code of conduct. Even if this dispute seems like a storm in a teacup, a quick and lasting resolution could have a knock-on effect. It is only when both Pakistan and India realise that the best and easiest way of dealing with their problems is through negotiations and diplomacy that they will tamp down their violent rhetoric. We are far from reaching a place where diplomacy on larger issues like Kashmir and terrorism is even a possibility but it is only through baby steps like these that both countries will be in a position to forsake saber-rattling and threats.