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 Ever since I have heared of Pakistan, since I was a kid, I have been hearing about a notorious nation. And before you come to any conclusion, let me remind you that, when I was a kid (an innocent one) it was a different world, a world without the media revolution as far as sub-continent is considered. I have been believing, each statements of my government, be it involvement of Pakistani agencies in growing terrorism in Punjab and Kashmir, or be it in any mischief happening in our country. And, since I was not mature enough to differentiate between government policies and citizen's likings, I formed a notion about Pakistani nationals aswell, and this notion was by no means promising.
But like they saying goes, change is eternal. Time changed. We saw media revolution, we saw distances shrinking, increasing communication between the citizens of the two nations (thanks to Bills , Balmers, Ellisons and all minds that worked to bring in Internet) . Everything changed. Even I was no more a kid.  I was able to differenciate between political entities and general public. Even politicans changed. Suddenly peace was in Air. Bus services, train services, confidence building measures and what not - Joint Terrorism Mechanism. I can understand the need of all such positive activities, but still I can not understand the need of political friendship? Why friendship? Why so much stress for this fancy word? By friendship what I understand is a permanent positive mutual relationship. The key here is permanent. But anyone with even the slightest of idea of geo-politics, will be knowing that there is nothing permanent in politics except the political interests. Political friendship has never been eternal for any two nations. Each time, with change of government, policies have changed. And if the government change is because of any military coup, people may even have re-invent wheel. And the process continues. So instead of friendship, lets strive to have permanent political interests. Interests which may not warrant mutual cooperation for every second thing, but atleast expects minimum political interference from both side Lets forget about friendship (politically) and talk of mutual, common interests which benefits both the nation. And if we will search out for common interests of the two nation, we will find many. As in the end, the common man from both side of border are alike. Both struggle everyday to leave a mark in this day. Both have their share of success and failures. Both have their own similar dreams. Talk about the common problems both the country share, problems of illiteracy, malnutrition, women exploitation, child exploitation. These problems exists in large numbers. Even if their is no "friendly" co-operation between the two nations, to solve such common problem, their should be political trust to such a level that both countries can spend their energy in solving their own basic problems instead of thinking about the "next political move" of the other country. Leave friendship for the common people of the two countries. People do not need a political stamp to establish friendship. Its bound to happen, even if the political relationship between two countries reaches its nadir. By and large, common people from both side have already given way for friendship. (Well, we never count fringe elements with the masses and hence i said by and large). And this friendship has flourished without any vested motive or agenda. Which proves that common people, does not really care for political friendship between the two nation. Yes, we do hope that both the nation develop a mutual trust among themselves, even without being each other's friends. Politically. |
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1. United India
Written by Shrikant Sinkar, on 10-04-2008 09:07
I am a student in one of the universities in the UK which has only PG and PhD courses. I came across many Indian and Pakistani families and single friends alike. We study and do our projects together. We had a lot of discussions on life on the other side of the borders back home...and we discovered similarity to such a great extent that my pakistani friend said when germany can unite why not we? When europeans can have common economy to counter the American Dollar why cannot we come together to create a powerful economy in the Asia?Is this only a dream of the persons who have seen the west for their homeland. Our forefathers never imagined of a separate nation and fought war for independence together. Now when the Britishers are gone back can we not teach them a lesson by uniting ourselves and creating a powerful country?Britishers used the policy of divide and rule but now also we want to stay divided and become weak and spend millions of rupees on our armed forces and countering terrorism and losing our precious lives. All these funds could be diverted to nation building! |
2. Insane Romanticism
Written by Noor, on 08-03-2007 23:06
Well composed. Bravo! |
3. @ Arsalan
Written by soumya saxena, on 01-03-2007 16:59
even if there is a war like situation...protest by the people will not help much...it may delay the war but can it create harmony or solve the dispute...it will not..
and we knw both the countries cosider their Army and their Govt. right always.. |
4. Nice article
Written by Arsalan, on 01-03-2007 15:05
After reading your article, a thought came in my mind that I would like to share. If we leave the politics aside and concentrate on people-to-people contact, we can do wonders in Indo-Pak relations. For example, God forbids, if a situation happens that our military forces get concentrated at borders for a possible war (like it happened in 2003), the people of the both countries will strongly protest against their government's decision and hence, leaving the politicians and the government alone. |
5. Written by soumya saxena, on 01-03-2007 02:00
no matter we have strong people to people contact and cultural give and take but until and unless the govt. and their policies concur with each other things r not going to be smoother..one mistake or any wrong decision by govt. of either side can sour the relation..anytime..
things cannot be settled unless we have political unanimity |
6. agree
Written by shagun, on 28-02-2007 21:44
Regarding Limited Visa processes, well I think that was a good move. No one wants a crowd in hospitals (or in blast areas). Only concerned and responsible member of the family should be allowed in such cases.
fully agree with aminur on this point. |
7. Re : Friendship on realistic grounds
Written by Aminur, on 28-02-2007 20:37
Nice thoughts from you as well. I just wanted to put that, why Friendship itself? Why not just mutual trust? Friendship require much commitment of a higher level. And we may have to wait for another glaciation period for that. Who knows?
So why not have realistic aim, and start with just having "well to do" relationship where both the countries, do not interfare in each other's business.
Regarding Limited Visa processes, well I think that was a good move. No one wants a crowd in hospitals (or in blast areas). Only concerned and responsible member of the family should be allowed in such cases.
And do you disagree that the common mass is peace loving? |
8. Friendship on realistic grounds
Written by T+nzeel, on 28-02-2007 20:03
I appreciate your thoughts but at the same time oppose your romanticism for the India Pakistan friendship, things may look fantastic in words but its quite painful when it comes to reality. Indeed we need to aim for common objectives to strengthen and regularize people-to-people contact but in reality it is not going to bear any fruit unless governments get engage in result oriented dialogue process by sorting out core issues which have been becoming hurdle since past 60 years.
Regardless of how against I am for both the governments I can't meet people across the border unless our govt permits.
You are actually putting a cart before the horse which is not quite possible as far as reality is concerned. Take an example of Samjhota express tragedy, a lot of people died in blast and people from Pakistan wanted to see their relatives in India but Indian govt. issued very limited visas to relatives of victims and this didn't really leave a very good impression of India on Pakistanis in general which shows that elements upon us are the major forces who control the situation and unfortunately we are the people who elect them, in this case we are responsible for whatever India and Pakistani govts. are doing.
Inviting celebrities and bureaucrats across the border is not a big deal but see what a common man wants. Majority of common people is not flexible on core issues which pressurizes leaders to remain on status quo. Although I am glad to see president of Pakistan doing great job proposing multiple solutions, now its your duty force your government to come and act according to the people's demand (which you claim to be peace loving?) |
9. Nice one
Written by Nithya, on 28-02-2007 07:40
Ami rocks....!!!!
BTW good tht you told you were innocent (when u were a kid..  )
As to the article..our politicians dont have friendship with themselves where will they have friendship with neighbours..
Having said this I feel there is a need of friendship in the higher levels as well along with grassroot level.
GoodWork Amii....  |
10. great
Written by shagun, on 28-02-2007 07:12
aminur bhai simply like u |
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Comments (10)
