Zardari’s visit to India

The visit of Pakistan president Asif Zardari to India has received wide media coverage in both countries. After seven years a head of state from Pakistan visited India and as usual the political temperature is very high between both countries. Now both nations have agreed to resolve all disputes through dialogue. However, the true reality is that despite the visit of several key personalities, cosmetic steps and media speeches will not bring about any change in the region. Unfortunately despite the growing poverty, unemployment and rising prices of basic commodities, both countries are still spending large amounts of money on the purchase of weapons and the arms race is still going on between two nuclear power rivals. Tension is still very high at the border, and if any terror activity takes place on Indian soil, India accuses Pakistan, and Pakistan sees India’s hand in problems taking place in its Northwest frontier and Baluchistan province. Until both countries are able to address genuine issues and resolve disputes, peace will remain a dream in the region.
Khawaja Umer Farooq, Online response