KASHMIR IS THE JUGULAR VEIN OF PAKISTAN, AND THE LACK OF RESOLUTION OF THIS ISSUE HAS ADVERSE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON BOTH INDIA AND PAKISTAN:
HABIB YOUSAFZAI, KASHMIR DIASPORA ALLIANCE
ASSALAM-O-ALAIKUM!
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent statement describing Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan is definitely a step in the right direction. The Pakistani state as a whole must have a single policy prescription with regards to Maqbooza Kashmir. Division and disunity only weaken and extend a crisis situation which has for too long gone unsolved. Aside from this, Mr. Sharif’s push towards moving past the Kashmiri issue so that both states can move towards matters which really are in a dire need of being addressed; poverty, hunger, lack of education, and widespread arrogance within both nations is a refreshing observation and development. Although the plight of the Kashmiri people is dire, there is also so much more that both states must address. Rather than tirelessly working circles around the Kashmir issue, both parties should step to the table and initiate the original plebiscite which was initiated in 1948 at the UN Security Council.
As a precursor to this though, Pakistan must first constitutionally embed Maqbooza Kashmir as its integral legal territory so that all spokesperson for the state can speak as one autonomous voice with a single and coherent goal; the liberation of Maqbooza Kashmir from decades of Indian occupation. Only when this is established can Pakistan mend out the contradictions within its own internal sphere and look to solving problems which they are facing via the Indian occupation in the external realm.
At the heart of all these discussions and developments should be as Nawaz Sharif subtly hinted at is a people centered approach. Both states must come to the table and realize that real people’s lives are adversely being affected both within Maqbooza Kashmir, and abroad due to the Indian occupation. This is negatively affecting both states. When this fact is first acknowledged, only then can both states move forward and solve the Kashmir issue as it is in both of their interests.
Kashmir is Pakistan's 'jugular vein', says Nawaz Sharif
Press Trust of India: August 19,2013
Islamabad: Describing Kashmir as the "jugular vein" of his country, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said India and Pakistan should join hands to tackle poverty and disease instead of wasting their resources on wars.
Kashmir is a "national issue and the jugular vein of Pakistan" and its resolution is as dear to him as other Pakistanis, Mr Sharif said in his first address to the nation since assuming office in June.
He cautioned that Pakistan cannot achieve any target without strengthening its economy. "Alongside the Kashmir issue we will have to pay attention to strengthening our economy resolve our internal and external problems and tackle the power crisis and terrorism," he said.
Kashmir is a "national issue and the jugular vein of Pakistan" and its resolution is as dear to him as other Pakistanis, Mr Sharif said in his first address to the nation since assuming office in June.
He cautioned that Pakistan cannot achieve any target without strengthening its economy. "Alongside the Kashmir issue we will have to pay attention to strengthening our economy resolve our internal and external problems and tackle the power crisis and terrorism," he said.
Referring to his desire to forge good relations with India, Mr Sharif said both countries should realise that "instead of wasting their energies and resources on wars they should wage war against poverty ignorance and disease".
Pakistan and India will have to join their heads together to address common issues like poverty and ignorance, he said.
"History bears testimony to the fact that progress and development of a nation is deeply linked to cordial relations with neighbours. It is because of this that we want good relations with all neighbours, including India," he said.
Mr Sharif said he had "always wanted good relations with India" and the people had supported his contention during the general election in May.
Without referring to clashes along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Sharif said the country is "fully prepared to defend the motherland along with its valiant armed forces".
Mr Sharif's PML-N party won the polls with a clear majority but has been struggling with an array of challenges, ranging from a crippling energy crisis to a Taliban insurgency.
Ties between Islamabad and New Delhi too have soured since five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Pakistani troops along the LoC.
Pakistan and India will have to join their heads together to address common issues like poverty and ignorance, he said.
"History bears testimony to the fact that progress and development of a nation is deeply linked to cordial relations with neighbours. It is because of this that we want good relations with all neighbours, including India," he said.
Mr Sharif said he had "always wanted good relations with India" and the people had supported his contention during the general election in May.
Without referring to clashes along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Sharif said the country is "fully prepared to defend the motherland along with its valiant armed forces".
Mr Sharif's PML-N party won the polls with a clear majority but has been struggling with an array of challenges, ranging from a crippling energy crisis to a Taliban insurgency.
Ties between Islamabad and New Delhi too have soured since five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Pakistani troops along the LoC.
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