Two men with two different religions but a common strategy strengthened their political campaign to set themselves free from the British Empire.
Due to the Second World War and the fact that their forces were scattered throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia, the British colonialists focused their attention away from the Indian subcontinent and toward the oil-rich Middle East.
At the time, Indian politicians considered non-violent resistance the only way to gain independence.
In August 1947, both India and Pakistan became independent, but the unresolved Kashmir issue drew the two newly independent countries into an unwanted war.
Despite their political disagreements and religious and ethnic disputes, India and Pakistan are of special importance for regional countries and the Third World as two neighboring and strategic countries in South Asia.
India, with its large population and high technology, was one of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Pakistan, as one of the most populous Muslim countries, is an important member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
Although the neighboring countries endured bloody clashes in 1947, 1965, and 1971 which left tens of thousands dead on both sides, India and Pakistan have now realized that direct dialogue is the only way forward.
Over the last decade, and particularly during Mr. Pervez Musharraf’s presidency, the two countries took positive steps to resolve their disputes.
Pakistan, due to its extensive political and economic relations with the Islamic world, and India, due to its extensive ties with Third World countries, can both play significant roles in international affairs, particularly in South Asia, by resolving their disputes and avoiding unnecessary tension.
Pakistan can also have a certain political influence on the process of regional developments, particularly on the issue of Palestine, in view of its economic and human potential and its special position among Islamic countries.
Naturally, Mr. Musharraf’s wise policy will put the country on the right track to realize its rightful place in the region and the international arena. This is what Muslim nations expect from Pakistani officials.
HL/HG
End
MNA