DAWN Editorials - 15th May 2025
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 4:44 pm
Rebuilding trust
AFTER the cessation of hostilities following Saturday’s US-brokered ceasefire, it will take time, effort and political will to rebuild trust between Pakistan and India.
Though US President Donald Trump suggested that both states “go out and have a nice dinner together”, a dinner date is unlikely to melt away nearly eight decades of mistrust and animosity. Moreover, the Indian prime minister’s combative rhetoric in the speech to his nation on Monday also indicates that New Delhi will take a more hawkish line towards Islamabad.
Narendra Modi said that a “new normal” had been established, which entailed India taking military action against so-called terrorist targets in Pakistan. Mr Modi’s bellicosity seems to stem from rising domestic criticism, particularly over American involvement in de-escalation efforts. It is hoped that better sense prevails, as this Indian strategy is a recipe for disaster, and will lead South Asia into a destructive cycle of violence.
Whether it is with the help of foreign interlocutors — which the Indians oppose — or through bilateral channels, both states will have to restart the dialogue process, if perpetual conflict is to be avoided. PM Modi said that dialogue with Pakistan will only focus on terrorism and Azad Kashmir. If these are India’s main talking points, then it should be prepared to discuss all forms of terrorism in South Asia, including attempts by New Delhi to destabilise Pakistan through acts of terrorism.
Moreover, the talks should not remain limited to Azad Kashmir and should in fact include discussions on the entire internationally disputed territory. The Indian political class has taken umbrage at Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace, with leaders saying that all disputes must be resolved under the umbrella of bilateralism, with many citing the 1972 Simla accord as the main blueprint for managing Pakistan-Indian relations.
If Simla — signed between Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Indira Gandhi — is the yardstick, then India should remember that the agreement says, in black and white, that pending the final settlement of bilateral disputes, “neither side shall alter the situation”.
Political off-ramp
IN the midst of every crisis, there lies great opportunity. With the nation basking in the afterglow of Pakistan’s successful military engagement with India, there is an opportunity to quickly heal certain internal vulnerabilities. This, of course, is a reference to the bitter social and political divisions created over past years as various actors have vied for influence and control over the nation’s governance structure. As the events of the past week have taught us, no matter how strongly opposed they remain in ideological terms, all actors are steadfast and united while confronting any crisis that threatens the sovereignty of Pakistan. This realisation seems to have been missing from the national political discourse for some time now, and it is good fortune that it has now come to the fore. With feelings of national pride at their strongest in many years, the environment is particularly amenable for all stakeholders to set aside their personal differences, even if momentarily, and extend each other a hand of reconciliation. Doing so quickly will send a strong message to those hoping to prey on the country’s internal divisions.
The stand-off last week has underlined an existential imperative to strengthen Pakistan’s defences in all domains. The country must be as strong internally as it is externally. The citizenry needs to be united under a shared social and political vision, and the state needs to create space for opportunities that promote economic growth and equitable prosperity. The fruits of a stabilising social and economic realignment will ensure that the military has access to the resources it needs to keep an edge over Pakistan’s adversaries.There is no knowing when the next crisis will present itself, so there is little time to waste. At a time when nationalist fervour is high, forgiveness can be easy. A process for political reconciliation should be set in motion immediately, and social movements representing disillusioned segments of society must be approached and given a sympathetic ear. Political prisoners should be released forthwith to foster goodwill within society. It seems, at this juncture, that Pakistan can be set on a positive trajectory with little extra effort. The opportunity must not be wasted. The country has received a reality check that should shake it out of its perpetual internecine conflicts. An off-ramp is available that may help defuse many crises. It should be taken.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025
The BJP government’s unilateral scrapping of Article 370 in held Kashmir has significantly altered the situation. Moreover, the Simla accord also foresees “a final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir”. Pakistan has been consistently calling for Kashmir to be discussed, but the BJP regime is not interested in talking about the dispute.
Instead of a ‘new normal’ that sows the seeds of mutually assured destruction, forward thinking is needed to resolve Pakistan-India disputes. As matters cool down, small steps should be taken to rebuild confidence, and establish a less bellicose discourse.
One major step India can take would be to honour the Indus Waters Treaty, as Pakistan cannot afford to have its rightful share of water blocked.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025
Awami League ban
BANGLADESH stands at a key crossroads. While the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government and the formation of an interim civilian-led administration under Dr Muhammad Yunus brought hopes of a peaceful democratic transition, recent developments have cast a shadow over the credibility of the promised elections. The decision to suspend the Awami League’s registration and bar it from participating in the polls is concerning. No matter how serious the allegations against the former prime minister and her party, credible elections demand inclusivity. The Awami League, as Bangladesh’s oldest political party with deep roots in the country’s history, cannot simply be erased from the political landscape. It remains a political reality with a large support base. Banning it from participating in elections risks destabilising Bangladesh’s fragile democracy and disenfranchising a significant portion of its electorate.
India may have its own vested interests in opposing the ban, but the fact remains that excluding a major political force will only fuel claims of bias and deepen political divisions at a time when unity is most needed. The international community will also be closely watching whether Dhaka can deliver on its promise of free, fair and inclusive elections. The interim government must remember that its primary mandate is to oversee a peaceful and legitimate transfer of power. That goal cannot be achieved if political rivalries are settled through bans rather than the ballot. Dr Yunus must demonstrate his commitment to democratic ideals by ensuring all parties — including the Awami League — are given a level playing field. Setting a clear timeline for elections and guaranteeing the participation of all political actors will not only bolster the legitimacy of the next government but also help stave off the danger of a military intervention. Bangladesh’s future must be decided at the ballot box — not in courtrooms or through political decrees.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025
AFTER the cessation of hostilities following Saturday’s US-brokered ceasefire, it will take time, effort and political will to rebuild trust between Pakistan and India.
Though US President Donald Trump suggested that both states “go out and have a nice dinner together”, a dinner date is unlikely to melt away nearly eight decades of mistrust and animosity. Moreover, the Indian prime minister’s combative rhetoric in the speech to his nation on Monday also indicates that New Delhi will take a more hawkish line towards Islamabad.
Narendra Modi said that a “new normal” had been established, which entailed India taking military action against so-called terrorist targets in Pakistan. Mr Modi’s bellicosity seems to stem from rising domestic criticism, particularly over American involvement in de-escalation efforts. It is hoped that better sense prevails, as this Indian strategy is a recipe for disaster, and will lead South Asia into a destructive cycle of violence.
Whether it is with the help of foreign interlocutors — which the Indians oppose — or through bilateral channels, both states will have to restart the dialogue process, if perpetual conflict is to be avoided. PM Modi said that dialogue with Pakistan will only focus on terrorism and Azad Kashmir. If these are India’s main talking points, then it should be prepared to discuss all forms of terrorism in South Asia, including attempts by New Delhi to destabilise Pakistan through acts of terrorism.
Moreover, the talks should not remain limited to Azad Kashmir and should in fact include discussions on the entire internationally disputed territory. The Indian political class has taken umbrage at Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace, with leaders saying that all disputes must be resolved under the umbrella of bilateralism, with many citing the 1972 Simla accord as the main blueprint for managing Pakistan-Indian relations.
If Simla — signed between Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Indira Gandhi — is the yardstick, then India should remember that the agreement says, in black and white, that pending the final settlement of bilateral disputes, “neither side shall alter the situation”.
Political off-ramp
IN the midst of every crisis, there lies great opportunity. With the nation basking in the afterglow of Pakistan’s successful military engagement with India, there is an opportunity to quickly heal certain internal vulnerabilities. This, of course, is a reference to the bitter social and political divisions created over past years as various actors have vied for influence and control over the nation’s governance structure. As the events of the past week have taught us, no matter how strongly opposed they remain in ideological terms, all actors are steadfast and united while confronting any crisis that threatens the sovereignty of Pakistan. This realisation seems to have been missing from the national political discourse for some time now, and it is good fortune that it has now come to the fore. With feelings of national pride at their strongest in many years, the environment is particularly amenable for all stakeholders to set aside their personal differences, even if momentarily, and extend each other a hand of reconciliation. Doing so quickly will send a strong message to those hoping to prey on the country’s internal divisions.
The stand-off last week has underlined an existential imperative to strengthen Pakistan’s defences in all domains. The country must be as strong internally as it is externally. The citizenry needs to be united under a shared social and political vision, and the state needs to create space for opportunities that promote economic growth and equitable prosperity. The fruits of a stabilising social and economic realignment will ensure that the military has access to the resources it needs to keep an edge over Pakistan’s adversaries.There is no knowing when the next crisis will present itself, so there is little time to waste. At a time when nationalist fervour is high, forgiveness can be easy. A process for political reconciliation should be set in motion immediately, and social movements representing disillusioned segments of society must be approached and given a sympathetic ear. Political prisoners should be released forthwith to foster goodwill within society. It seems, at this juncture, that Pakistan can be set on a positive trajectory with little extra effort. The opportunity must not be wasted. The country has received a reality check that should shake it out of its perpetual internecine conflicts. An off-ramp is available that may help defuse many crises. It should be taken.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025
The BJP government’s unilateral scrapping of Article 370 in held Kashmir has significantly altered the situation. Moreover, the Simla accord also foresees “a final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir”. Pakistan has been consistently calling for Kashmir to be discussed, but the BJP regime is not interested in talking about the dispute.
Instead of a ‘new normal’ that sows the seeds of mutually assured destruction, forward thinking is needed to resolve Pakistan-India disputes. As matters cool down, small steps should be taken to rebuild confidence, and establish a less bellicose discourse.
One major step India can take would be to honour the Indus Waters Treaty, as Pakistan cannot afford to have its rightful share of water blocked.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025
Awami League ban
BANGLADESH stands at a key crossroads. While the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government and the formation of an interim civilian-led administration under Dr Muhammad Yunus brought hopes of a peaceful democratic transition, recent developments have cast a shadow over the credibility of the promised elections. The decision to suspend the Awami League’s registration and bar it from participating in the polls is concerning. No matter how serious the allegations against the former prime minister and her party, credible elections demand inclusivity. The Awami League, as Bangladesh’s oldest political party with deep roots in the country’s history, cannot simply be erased from the political landscape. It remains a political reality with a large support base. Banning it from participating in elections risks destabilising Bangladesh’s fragile democracy and disenfranchising a significant portion of its electorate.
India may have its own vested interests in opposing the ban, but the fact remains that excluding a major political force will only fuel claims of bias and deepen political divisions at a time when unity is most needed. The international community will also be closely watching whether Dhaka can deliver on its promise of free, fair and inclusive elections. The interim government must remember that its primary mandate is to oversee a peaceful and legitimate transfer of power. That goal cannot be achieved if political rivalries are settled through bans rather than the ballot. Dr Yunus must demonstrate his commitment to democratic ideals by ensuring all parties — including the Awami League — are given a level playing field. Setting a clear timeline for elections and guaranteeing the participation of all political actors will not only bolster the legitimacy of the next government but also help stave off the danger of a military intervention. Bangladesh’s future must be decided at the ballot box — not in courtrooms or through political decrees.
Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025