Reema Shaukat
Indian blame game is not new in Pakistan India relations. Since the inception of Pakistan, relations between the two neighbours remained volatile. Its known to all that India has never accepted Pakistan as a sovereign Muslim state so time and again connexion between the two countries often remain fragile. It’s not a matter of Kashmir on which two countries bilateral rapport is affected but Indian attitude towards Pakistan is always intolerant and predisposed. After Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan and meetings between foreign offices, it was expected that Indo-Pak relation will see new epoch in year 2016. But unfortunately India Pakistan cordial relations is a dream which cannot be realized and come true.
On 2 January 2016, a heavily armed group attacked Indian air-base Pathankot and as was expected India placed the Pakistan accountable for this attack. Foremost statement which came forward from Indian side was that terrorists have attacked and they have come from Pakistan. Later all statements which were issued by India regarding Pathankot happening were without any concrete evidence and were a clear depiction of Indian frustration against Pakistan. Indian hegemonic designs for region are not hidden and for Pakistan, India has always tried to derail its stability. Indian blame game has knocked the relationship between two countries in the past too. After the Pathankot episode Indian statements from their higher officials are highly disappointing as Pakistan itself is going through trauma of terrorism off and on. How a country can sponsor state terrorism which itself is fighting day and night to get out of this ordeal?
India demanded from Pakistan that attackers in Pathankot episode belonged to Jaesh-e-Mohammed, a banned outfit and that Pakistan should carry out trial of these banned organizations or give India an access to charge the attackers. Immediate statement which came from Indian Home Minister was very disturbing for Pakistan as it was clear allegation on Pakistan. Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh said, “Pakistan is our neighbouring country. We want good relations with not just Pakistan but with all our neighbours. We also want peace, but if there is any terror attack on India, we will give a befitting reply.” In response to Indian accusations Pakistan also responded equally as no country can allow to question its credibility without solid proofs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued a press release condemning the attack and offered condolences. FO spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said. “Building on the goodwill created during the recent high-level contacts between the two countries, Pakistan remains committed to partner with India as well as other countries in the region to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism afflicting our region”. Pakistan also complained that India accused the Pakistani state for the attack. Special advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Irfan Siddiqui, said, “India should understand that Pakistan itself had been one of the greatest victims of terrorist attacks on its soil.” He regretted that only after a few terrorist attacks India begins hurling baseless allegations. He advised India to review its stance by further saying, “India should create an environment of trust, as unfounded allegations only hamper the process of dialogue”.
Pakistan was allowed to carry out joint investigation and visit Pathankot. Recently, Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar gave an indirect threat said ‘Pakistan’s inaction’ against the alleged attackers of Mumbai and Pathankot has exhausted his country’s ‘patience’. “The world will see its results in next one year.” Parrikar’s statement is very disturbing one for Pakistan as he said that Pakistani investigation team will not be allowed to enter Pathankot. Parrikar’s veiled warning came despite a commitment from Pakistan that it will fully cooperate with India on the Pathankot attack. The Pakistan government has already launched a crackdown against the Jaesh-e-Muhammad detaining dozens of activists and sealing its offices and seminaries across Punjab. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also formed a high-powered committee that may travel to India to probe the Pathankot attack. So the steps by Pakistan show its commitment to eradicate terrorism from region.
One should not forget that these false accusations and confused statements shows that India has really exhausted from Pakistan’s success story against terrorism. Pakistan not only provided evidences of Indian involvement in Baluchistan insurgency to UNO but also Indian moves to sabotage CPEC were also exposed. Thus, Indian agenda in Baluchistan in connivance with traitors of Pakistan was clearly defeated and it’s stamina is believed to be shattered as Switzerland rejected Brahamdagh Bugti’s asylum plea. India apparently seems exhausted from its patience as Pakistan is doing well in Karachi operation and target killers supported by RAW were uncovered. Indian plans of using Afghan soil against Pakistan were also exposed as Ashraf Ghani proved to be wise and much serious for better Pakistan Afghanistan relations than Hamid Karzai and similarly rest of the world no more cares about false Indian cries against Pakistan.
Pakistan has come up with sincere efforts and India should respect the positive response instead of blame game. It is rightly said that actions speak louder than words, Pakistan’s immediate response by arrests of JeM organization officials and sealing off seminaries depict Pakistan’s resolve against non-state actors. While from Indian side, its agencies are seem to be mouth piece of all officials who are often caught giving rhetoric statements against Pakistan. Therefore such decree by Indian defence minister is a negative response to Pakistan’s sincere efforts to not only Indian concerns but its commitment to eradicate terrorism from all factions. Consequently, Indians must think before speaking up against Pakistan as any attack if happens in Pakistan ,its responsibility will entirely be on India.