For more than 76 years, Pakistan and India have been entangled in a brutal conflict over the Kashmir territory. Till now, three wars, several skirmishes, unending suffering and bloodshed of Kashmiris and the enduring danger of nuclear escalation are the only outcomes of the struggle. The Kashmir dispute is still unresolved and a source of tension and bloodshed in South Asia despite several attempts by the international community to broker a peaceful resolution.
Indian intransigence over the years,International community’s failure to pressurise India
Pakistan’s political and economic instability are of the main factors responsible for the deadlock. Indian always took advantage of Pakistan’s Political unrest, economic instability , and never engaged in a serious dialogue.Bad Governance, corruption, sectarian violence imposed by external forces, and lack of credible Leadership, due to these circumstances, its democratic institutions, social cohesion, and economic growth have all been compromised.
The political situation of Pakistan is precarious, with regular changes in governments , frequently as a result of pressure from the influential elites. This political instability has also contributed a lot in the decline of Pakistan’s economy, and the numerous difficulties that Pakistan’s economy is currently experiencing have had a negative impact on its development and stability. The current fiscal year, which ends in June 2023, is predicted to see Pakistan’s economic growth by just 2%, according to the World Bank. This is due to the harm and disruptions caused by the devastating floods, a restrictive monetary policy, rising inflation, and an unfavorable global climate. Additionally, Pakistan is struggling with a huge current account deficit, a high level of state debt, and declining export demand in the context of global economic slowdown. Given the recent floods, which is predicted to have made between 5.8 and 9 million people poor, poverty in the hardest-hit areas will probably get worse. With a disproportionately negative effect on the poor, inflation in Pakistan is predicted to reach over 23% in FY23.
Pakistan’s political and economic unrest has been used by India as a tool for its own advantages throughout. It is well known that The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is linked to the Hindutva ideology in India, which discards Indian nationalism in favor of Hindu nationalism and divides the country between “us” vs “them” debate, where “us” represent Hindus while “them” represent Muslims, triggering a radical movement. Especially regarding Kashmir issue, the BJP has been utilizing Pakistan’s poor economy and political unrest and its fascist Hindutva Ideology as electoral tactics. One of the results, is an effort to alter Kashmir’s ethnic makeup and disadvantage India’s Muslim minority, the Indian government removed the autonomy of Indian-occupied Kashmir in August 2019, this action was promised by Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP. Additionally, The BJP has portrayed Pakistan as a failing state that poses a security danger to India by exploiting its economic hardships and political unrest. India has long been accused of meddling in Pakistan’s domestic affairs and aiding separatist movements in the regions of Balochistan, but repeatedly accused Pakistan of inciting human rights violation in its own region to weaken its argument on Kashmir issue and to remove International Community’s focus from the region. However, it is a failed attempt as Balochistan issue, being a national issue and Kashmir issue, being an international issue, are totally different, as they have different historical, political and legal contexts. But despite this India’s influence in International Community has weakened Pakistan’s arguments.
However, Pakistan has always emphasized that Kashmir is a delicate issue that must be handled in accordance with the desires of the Kashmiri people and the U.N. resolutions that call for a referendum to decide their fate. But, Pakistan’s credibility on this issue has been damaged and its inability to sway the international community on the Kashmir issue is a result of its political and economic instability too. The United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are just a few of the platforms where Pakistan has attempted to get attention and support for its viewpoint. But these initiatives have mainly fallen short of urging India to modify its position on Kashmir or bringing about any real action. Pakistan’s reliance on loans and help from nations like China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States has also limited its autonomy and negotiating leverage in terms of regional and international concerns.
Now coming towards the recommendations, Pakistan can address its political issues by reducing polarization, bolstering democratic institutions, empowering civilian administrations, settling regional and ethnic problems, and engaging in constructive communication with its neighbors. Pakistan may achieve stability and prosperity with the use of these measures. Implementing these ideas, however, necessitates a strong Leadership and political will, efficient stakeholder cooperation, and proper monitoring and assessment of results. Assuring free and fair elections, developing healthy civil-military relations, and giving more autonomy to the provinces should be the main priorities.
Furthermore, Pakistan can address its economic problems by enacting policies like reducing the fiscal deficit, enhancing export competitiveness, expanding its International Market, encouraging private investment, boosting productivity growth through investments in human capital, infrastructure, and technology, improving governance and institutional quality through accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption measures, and addressing social and environmental challenges through increased social protection, improved public administration, and other measures. However, in order for these policies to be successful, there must be a strong political commitment, efficient stakeholder cooperation, upholding of accountability, and proper monitoring and evaluation.
Therefore, Pakistan’s political and economic instability hinders the Kashmir dispute with India, which is being exploited by the BJP. To achieve long-term peace, Pakistan must resolve domestic issues and reform its economic policies. Till then, keeping the Kashmir cause alive is crucial to resolve the long-standing dispute.
The writer is a student of International Relations at National Defense University, Islamabad and is currently serving as an intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations.