Islamabad, May 26 (ANI): An editorial in a Pakistan daily has said it is time for Pakistan to decide whether to side with an unreformed jihadist or with India, which is the biggest economic power in the region, claiming that Pakistan has preferred to treat Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed as an asset rather than an enemy of the state.
The editorial stated that there are some who may complain that the process of normalising relations with India has been virtually inanimate because both countries are still fixated on Kashmir and terrorism, and hence will never be able to find a solution to these problems. There may be some grounds for pessimism, but to completely dismiss the entire peace process would be a folly, it said.
The two countries took their latest steps towards peace when the interior secretaries of Pakistan and India sought to reach an agreement to ease their harsh visa regimes allowing businessmen, pilgrims and groups to visit either country on more flexible visas, it added.
It further said that even though the negotiations have taken over a year to materialise, it has been worth it. There is no better way to foster healthier relations between people on both sides than to make it easier for them to travel to each other's countries, it added.
According to the editorial, the planned visa agreement also shows that both governments are committed to the peace process. Once the initial relatively small, non-controversial steps lead to greater tolerance and understanding, Pakistan and India can move towards thornier issues.
Next, the two neighbours should consider demilitarising Siachen, it further stated.
As much as people may scoff at this step-by-step approach, in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks it is the only way to repair relations, the editorial concluded. (ANI)
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