The Foreign Policy of Pakistan

* Foreign Policy
* Pakistan's Relations with the United States.
* Relations of Pakistan with India.
* Pakistan and Kashmir Issue.

__________________________________

Q.1. Define Foreign Policy and what are the principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy?
* 1 Introduction
* 2 Definition of Foreign Policy
* 3 Pakistan's Foreign Policy in Light of Quaid-e-Azam's Words
* 4 Basic Goals of Pakistan's Foreign Policy
* 5 Guiding Principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy
* 6 Conclusion
Introduction
No country today can think of a life independent of other nations. Every country has
to develop relations with other countries so as to meet its requirements in economical,
industrial and technological fields. It is thus necessary for every country to formulate
a sound foreign policy. Pakistan is an important third world country, in its
developmental stage. It also has formulated her foreign policy keeping in mind its
geography, politics and economics.

Definition of Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy can be defined as
Relations between sovereign states. It is a reflection of domestic politics and an

interaction among sovereign states. It indicates the principles and preferences on

which a country wants to establish relations with another country.

Pakistan's Foreign Policy in Light of Quaid-e-Azam's Words

The father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam defined Foreign Policy towards other
countries of the world in 1948, as follows
Our Foreign Policy is one of friendliness and good-will towards all the nations of the
world. We do not cherish aggressive designs against any country or nation. We
believe in the policy of honesty and fair play in national and international dealings and
are prepared to make our utmost contribution to the promotion of peace and
prosperity among the nations of the world. Pakistan will never be found lacking in
extending its material and moral support to the oppressed and suppressed peoples of
the world and in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Basic Goals of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

1. Maintenance of territorial integrity.
2. Maintenance of its political independence.
3. Acceleration of social and economic development.
4. Strengthening its place on the globe.
5. Keeping cordial and friendly relations with all countries.

Guiding Principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Following are the basic principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy:

1. Protection of Freedom and Sovereignity

Pakistan came into being after great sacrifices of million of Muslims. Like any other

country, she also considers with deep regard the need for preservation of its
independence and does not allow any country to harm its freedom. Therefore, the
principle of protection of independence and sovereignity is the corner stone of
Pakistan's Foreign Policy.

2. Cordial Relations with Muslim Countries

Pakistan always tries to establish cordial and friendly relations with Muslim countries.
It has always moved its concern against Israel, India and U.S.S.R capturing
Palestine, Kashmir and Afghanistan respectively. She has shouldered high
responsibilities and used her influence for safeguarding the rights of the Muslims.
Pakistan is also an active member of the Islamic Conference.

3. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs of Other Countries

Pakistan has sought to establish normal and friendly relations with all countries
especially in neighbouring countries, on the basis of universally acknowledge the
principle of national sovereignity, non use of force, non-interference in the internal
affairs of states.

4. Implementation of U.N Charter

Pakistan's policy is to act upon UN charter and to support all moves by the UN to
implement it. Pakistan has been the member of UN since the year of its birth.

5. Promotion of World Peace

Pakistan's policy is to promote peace among nations. It has no aggressive designs
against any country. Neither does it support any such action. Pakistan has always
held that the international disputes should be settled through negotiations rather
than non-battlefield.

6. Non-Alignment

Pakistan follows the policy of Non-Alignment i.e. to keep away from alignment with
any big power bloc, and avoids taking sides in the cold war. It has also given up its
association with SEATO and CENTO and was included in NAM in 1979.

7. Support for Self-Determination and Condemnation of Racial Discrimination

Pakistan is a stomach supporter of the right of self-determination and has been in
the fore front of efforts to eliminate colonialism and racism. It has advocated the
right of self-determination of Kashmir.

8. Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Pakistan is deeply conscious of the fact that international peace and security cannot
be achieved and sustained in the world with arms. Disarmament is the imperative
condition for truly durable peace in the world. Pakistan has a vital stake in promotion
of disarmament both in the nuclear and conventional fields. It is included in the
principles of its foreign policy that a collective endeavour by countries at the regional
level to promote disarmament and enhance security at the lowest possible level of
armaments is an indispensable result to their advocacy of global disarmament.

9. Member of International Organization

Pakistan had become the member of the British Commonwealth with the time of its
establishment. In addition it is the member of United Nations (U.N), Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM), Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO), South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC),
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and D-Eight. Being a member of
International Organizations the objectives of Pakistan are to struggle for world
peace, to unify the Muslim countries and to promote regional co-operation.

Conclusion
The guiding principles of Pakistan's Foreign Policy are rooted in the country's Islamic
ideology, its rich cultural heritage and historical experience. As an Islamic and nonaligned country, Pakistan supports Islamic causes and firmly upholds the above

mentioned principles, which hold out the promise of a just and equitable world order
in which nations can live in peace and security.
Q.2. Examine critically the foreign policy of Pakistan with special reference to United
States.
Pakistan's Relation with the United States
Pakistan's relationship with the West, particularly the United States, was of major
importance. Geographically the USA is not a neighbour of Pakistan, but interests of
politician, Bureaucracy and Generals have brought both the countries close together.
The United States and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1947.
Liaquat Ali Khan's Visit 1950
In 1949, the US Secretary of State extended invitation to the Prime Minister
Liaquat Ali Khan for a visit to the United States. The Prime Minister visited USA at
the end of 1950. During his visit he tried to identify Pakistan as more near to the
West and Islam more near to Christianity than to Communism and begged for
economic and military aid.
SEATO and CENTO 1954-55
Pakistan's relations with the United States developed against the backdrop of the
Cold War. Pakistan's strategic geographic position made it a valuable partner in
Western alliance systems to contain the spread of communism. In 1954 Pakistan
signed a Mutual Defence Agreement with the United States and subsequently became
a member of SEATO (South East Asian Treaty Organization) and CENTO (Central
Treaty Organization). The U.S. agreement to provide economic and military
assistance to Pakistan and the latter's partnership in the Baghdad Pact CENTO and
SEATO strengthened relations between the two nations.
Pakistan as Washington's Closest Ally
Pakistan also used as a base for United States military reconnaissance flights over
Soviet territory. During the cold War years, Pakistan was considered one of
Washington's closest allies in Asia. Pakistan, in return, received large amounts of
economic and military assistance.
1965 and 1971 Wars and United States
The United States suspended military assistance to both the countries involved in the
conflict of 1965. However, the U.S. suspension of military assistance during the
1965 Indo-Pakistan was generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that the United

States was not a reliable ally. The United States embargo on arms shipments to
Pakistan remained in place during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and was not lifted
until 1975. Gradually, relations improved and arms sales were renewed in 1975.
United States-Pakistani relations preceding the 1971 was were characterized by poor
communication and much confusion.
Withdraw from SEATO and CENTO
Following the lost of East Wing, Pakistan withdrew from SEATO. Pakistan's military
links with the West continued to decline throughout Bhutto's tenure in power and into
the first years of the Zia regime. CENTO was disbanded following the fall of the
Shah of Iran in March 1979, and Pakistan then joined the Nonaligned Movement. Zia
also continued Bhutto's policy of developing Pakistan's nuclear capability.
Cease of Economic Assistance
Developing Pakistan's nuclear capability policy had originated as a defensive measure
in reaction to India's explosion of a nuclear device in 1974. In April 1979, President
Jimmy Carter cut off economic assistance to Pakistan, except for food assistance, as
required under the Symington Amendment to the Foreign Assistance act of 1961.
This amendment called for ceasing economic assistance to those countries that had
imported uranium-enrichment technology. Relations between the United States and
Pakistan were further strained in November 1979 when protesters sacked the United
States embassy i Islamabad, resulting in the death of four persons. The violence had
been sparked by a false report that the United States was involved in a fire at the
Grand Masjid in Macca.
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and American's Changed Policy
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 revived the close relationship
between Pakistan and the United States. Initially, however the President Carter
lifted the ban on aid to Pakistan and in January 1980, offered a package of US$
400 million economic and military aid to Pakistan which was rejected by General Ziaul-Haq, who termed it "peanuts". Under President Ronald Reagan, the United States
agreed in 1981 to provide US$ 3.2 billion to Pakistan aimed at helping Pakistan deal
with the heightened threat to security in the region and its economic development
needs. However, although the Symington Amendment was waived, the amount was
subject to the annual appropriation process. A second economic and military
assistance program was announced in April 1986, this time for over US$ 4.0 billion,
with 57 percent for economic assistance. With U.S, assistance in the largest covert
operation in history - Pakistan armed and supplied anti-Soviet fighters in
Afghanistan, eventually defeating the Soviets, who withdrew in 1988.

Pressler Amendment 1985

On October 01, 1990 however, the United States suspended all military assistance
and new economic aid to Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment, which required that
the President certify annually that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive

device". For several years, the United States president, with Pakistan's assurances
that its nuclear program was for peaceful uses, was able to make this certification.
However, with the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the Cold War,
the United States took a harder position on the nuclear weapons issue and President
George Bush refused to make the certification required under the Pressler
Amendment, and assistance to Pakistan was subsequently terminated. Further, the
supply of F-16 jet fighters was also stopped for which Pakistan had already paid
$650 million to the US.
Sanctions on alleged transfer of M-11 missiles
Pakistan's retention of the nuclear option became a defining issue in its relations with
the United States. USA another action in regard of the nuclear issue occurred in
September 1993 when the US imposed sanctions against China and Pakistan on alleged
transfer of M-11 missiles to Pakistan labeling it a violation of the MTCR (Missile
Technology Control Regime).
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Visit to US 1995
In the background of the number of unresolved issues including nuclear nonproliferation, delivery of F-16s, alleged supply of M-11 missiles by China, Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto paid an official visit to Washington in April 1995. The joint
statement failed to mention any solution to these issues. Pakistan and US signed in
Washington Memoranda of Unterstanding providing for $6 million of investment by
American companies in Pakistan.
Brown Amendment 1995
According to US officials the Pressler Amendment was a hurdle in the normalization
of Pak-US relations. As a result, on 21st September 1995, the US Senate under
Clinton Administration passed the Brown Amendment to lessen its negative impact.
The amendment opened the way for 28 undelivered F-16s to be sold to a third
country and the money refunded to Pakistan, release of $368 million worth defense
equipment, restoration of corporation in such areas as narcotics control, international
terrorism, peace keeping and the availability of US insurance cover for investment
made in Pakistan.

Nuclear Weapon Tests 1998

India's decision to conduct nuclear tests in May 1998 and Pakistan's matching
response set back U.S. relations in the region. President Clinton's visit to Pakistan
scheduled for the first quarter of 1998 was postponed and under the Glenn
Amendment, sanctions restricted the provisions of credits, military sales, economic
assistance and loans to the government. An intensive dialogue on nuclear
nonproliferation and security issues was initiated with discussion focusing on CTBT
(Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) signature and ratification. Pakistan declared that it
would sign the treaty only when India did so first.
Nawaz Sharif's Meeting with President Clinton 1998
The relations improved a little after the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's
meeting with President Clinton in Washington in December 1998. As a consequence,
the economic sanctions imposed by the US after the Nuclear Test were eased. A
notable achievement was a resolution of the F-16s issue and accordingly US released
$436.7 million to Pakistan as a claim in connection with the F-16 aircrafts. But the
October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected Sharif government triggered
an additional layer of sanctions with include restrictions on foreign military financing
and economic assistance. U.S. Government assistance to Pakistan was limited mainly
to refugee and counter-narcotics assistance.
September 11 attacks and Pakistan-US relationship
History changed its course on September 11, 2001 when deadly terrorists attacks
destroyed World Trade Centre at New York and severally damaged the Pentagon in
Washington. More than 5,000 people were killed in this attack. The 9/11 incidence
gave a new direction to the global politics.
The Pakistan-US relationship changed significantly when Pakistan moved decisively to
ally itself with the United States in its war against Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.
It gave the U.S. a number of military airports and bases for its attack on
Afghanistan. It has arrested over five hundred Al-Qaeda members and handed them
over to the United States. In response the United States stepped up its economic
assistance to Pakistan providing debt relief.
President Musharraf's Visit to US 2003
President Musharraf visited United States in June 2003 and both Presidents
negotiated on 24th June 2003 at Camp David. Afterwards President Bush announced
to provide Pakistan $3 billion economic and military aid and plainly refused about the
delivery of F-16s.

The Bush Administration expressed its desire that "an enhanced and enduring
relationship" with Pakistan would continue to thrive in the years ahead. Continuing
interest of President Bush and personal diplomacy of Secretary Powell to defuse
border tension between Pakistan and India also reflected the US desire for enhanced
constructive engagement in the region.
Pakistan as major Non-NATO ally
In March, 2004 the United States designated Pakistan as a "major Non-NATO ally".
This move will significantly enhance military cooperation between the two countries
and enable Pakistan to purchase modern military equipment, satellite technology,
depleted uranium ammunition and enhance cooperation in defense sector, research and
development with US.

Q.3. Examine the relations of Pakistan with India

Pakistan's Relation with India
Since partition of the sub-continent in 1947, relations between Pakistan and
India have been characterized by rivalry and suspicion. The animosity has its
roots in religion and history, and is epitomized by the long-running conflict
over the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Historical Background
The Indian Sub Continent was partitioned into Hindu-dominated India and the
newly created Muslim state of Pakistan after India's independence from Great
Britain in 1947. Severe rioting and population movement ensued and an
estimated half a million people were killed in communal violence. About a million
people were left homeless. Since partition, the territory of Jammu and
Kashmir has remained in dispute with Pakistan and India both holding sectors.
First Indo-Pakistan War 1947-49
At the time of partition, the princely state of Kashmir, though ruled by a
Hindu Maharaja, had an overwhelmingly Muslim population. When the Maharaja
hesitated in acceding to either Pakistan or India in 1947, some of his Muslim
subjects, aided by tribesmen from Pakistan, revolted in favor of joining
Pakistan.
The first Indo-Pakistan war started after armed tribesmen from Pakistan's
North-West Frontier Province invaded Kashmir in October 1947. Besieged
both by a revolt n his state and by the invasion, the Maharaja requested
armed assistance from the Government of India. In return he acceded to

India, handling over powers of defense, communication and foreign affairs.

Both India and Pakistan agreed that the accession would be confirmed by a
referendum once hostilities had ceased. In May 1948, the regular Pakistani
army was called upon to protect Pakistan's borders. Fighting continued
throughout the year between Pakistani irregular troops and the Indian army.
The war ended on 1st January 1949 when a ceasefire was arranged by the
United Nations which recommended that both India and Pakistan should adhere
to their commitment to hold a referendum in the state. A ceasefire line was
established where the two sides stopped fighting and a UN peacekeeping force
established. The referendum, however has never been held.
The 1965 War
In April 1965, a clash between border patrols erupted into fighting in the
Rann of Kutch, a sparsely inhabited region along the south-western IndoPakistan border. When the Indians withdrew, Pakistan claimed victory. Later
full-scale hostilites erupted in September 1965, when India alleged that
insurgents trained and supplied by Pakistan were operating in India-controlled
Kashmir. Hostilities ceased three weaks later, following mediation efforts by
the UN and interested countries. In January 1966, Indian and Pakistani
representatives met in Tashkent, U.S.S.R., and agreed to attempt a peaceful
settlement of Kashmir and their other differences.
The 1971 War Indo-Pakistani relations deteriorated again when civil war
erupted in Pakistan, pitting the West Pakistan army against East Pakistanis
demanding autonomy and independence. In December India invaded East
Pakistan in support of the East Pakistani people. The Pakistani army
surrendered at Dhaka and its army of more than 90,000 became India
prisoners of war. East Pakistan became the independent country of Bangladesh
on 6th December 1971.
Indian Troops and Siachen Glacier 1984
India's nuclear test in 1974 generated great uncertainty in Pakistan and is
generally acknowledged to have been the impetus for Pakistan's nuclear
weapons development program. In 1983, the Pakistani and Indian governments
accused each other of aiding separatists in their respective countries, i.e.,
Sikhs in India's Punjab state and Sindhis in Pakistan's Sindh province. In April
1984, tensions erupted after troops were deployed to the Siachen Glacier, a
high-altitude desolate area close to the China border left undemarcated by

the cease-fire agreement (Karachi Agreement) signed by Pakistan and India in

1949.
Tensions diminished after Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in November
1984 and after a group of Sikh hijackers was brought to trial by Pakistan in
March 1985. In December 1985, President Zia and Prime Minister Gandhi
pledged not to attack each other's nuclear facilities. In early 1986, the
Indian and Pakistani governments began high-level talks to resolve the Siachen
Glacier border dispute and to improve trade.
Kashmir Insurgency 1990
Bilateral tensions increased in early 1990, when Kashmiri militants began a
compaign of violence against Indian Government authority in Jammu and
Kashmir. Subsequent high-level bilateral meetings relieved the tensions
between India and Pakistan, but relations worsened again after the
destruction of the Ayodhya Masjid by Hindu extremists in December 1992 and
terrorists bombings in Bombay in March 1993. Talks between the Foreign
Secretaries of both countries in January 1994 resulted in deadlock.
Diplomatic Push 1996-97
In the last several years, the Indo-Pakistani relationship has veered sharply
between rapprochement and conflict. After taking office in February 1997,
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif moved to resume official dialogue with India. A
number of meetings at the foreign secretary and Prime Ministerial level took
place with positive atmospherics but little concrete progress. In a speech at
the UN, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif offered to open talks on a
non-aggression pact with India, proposing that both nations strike a deal to
restrain their nuclear and missile capabilities.

Nuclear Rivalry 1998

The arms race between the rivals escalated dramatically in the 1990s. In May
1998, India conducted underground nuclear tests in the western desert state
of Rajasthan near the border with Pakistan. In response, Pakistan conducted
six tests in Balochistan. In the same year, Pakistan test its longest range
missile, the 1,500 km (932 mile) Ghauri missile, named after the 12th Century
Muslim warrior who conquered part of India. Both sides were heavily criticized
by the international community for the tests as fears of a nuclear
confrontation grew.

The United States ordered sanctions against both countries, freezing more
than $20bn of aid, loans and trade. Japan ordered a block on about $1bn of
aid loans. Several European countries followed suit, and the G-8 governments
imposed a ban on non-humanitarian loans to India and Pakistan. The UN
Security Council condemned India and Pakistan for carrying out nuclear tests
and urged the two nations to stop all nuclear weapons programmes.
Indian Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee Visit to Pakistan 1999
The relationship improved markedly when Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee
traveled to Lahore for a summit with Sharif in February 1999. There was
considerable hope that the meeting could lead to a breakthrough. They signed
the Lahore accord pledging again to "intensify their efforts to resolve all
issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir."
Kargil Conflict 1999
Unfortunately, in May 1999 India launched air strikes against Pakistani backed
forces that had infiltrated into the mountains in Indian-administrated
Kashmir, north of Kargil. Pakistan responded by occupying positions on the
Indian side of the Line of Control in the remote, mountainous area of Kashmir
near Kargil threatening the ability of India to supply its forces on Siachen
Glacier. By early summer, serious fighting flared in the Kargil sector. The
infiltrators withdrew following a meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and
President Bill Clinton in July. Relations between India nad Pakistan have since
been particularly strained, especially since the October 12, 1999 coup in
Islamabad.
The Brink of War 2001
Tension along the ceasefire lined continued. The worst fighting for more than
a year broke out in October as India, which continued to condemn Pakistan for
cross-border terrorism, started shelling Pakistani military positions. October
saw a devastating attack on the Kashmiri assembly in Srinagar in which 38
people were killed. After the attack, the Chief Minister of Indianadministrated Kashmir, Farooque Abdullah called on Indian Government to
launch a war against militant training camps across the border in Pakistan.
On 13th December, an armed attack on the Indian Parliament in Delhi left 14
people dead. India again blamed Pakistani-backed Kashmiri militants. The
attack led to a dramatic build-up of troops along the Indo-Pakistan border,
military exchanges and raised fears of a wider conflict. Rail and bus services

between the two countries were also blocked.

Relaxation of Tension 2003
A relaxation of tension began in 2003, when then Indian Prime Minister Atal
Behari Vajpayee called for a dialogue. Rail and bus services between the two
countries resumed, and the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in Kashmir.
Summit Talks 2004
Twelfth SAARC Summit was held in Islamabad in January 2004. On this
occasion President Parvez Musharraf met Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari
Vajpayee on 5th January 2004. In this summit talk India and Pakistan
resumed comprehensive discussions with an agenda the included the Kashmir
problem, confidence-building measures, and ways to provide security against
terrorism.
No War Pact 2004
These comprehensive consultations have steadily built up trust, resulting in
agreements to continue the suspension of nuclear tests, to give prior
notification of missile tests, and to seek a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir
problem. On June 20, 2004, both countries signed "No War Pact" and agreed
to extend a nuclear testing ban and to set up a hotline between their foreign
secretaries aimed at preventing misunderstandings that might lead to a nuclear
war.
Musharraf's Unofficial Visit to India 2005
In April 2005 President Parvez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh agreed on various new confidence-building measures between
the two nations. Their talks, held during Mr. Musharraf's unofficial visit to
India on April 17, produced agreement, for example, on the passage of trucks
for commercial purposes over Kashmir's Line of Control, or ceasefire line. This
is expected to greatly help ease tensions between the countries.
The improvement of relations between India and Pakistan still involves
uncertain factors such as the activities of Islamic extremists, but efforts
should be stepped up so that the latest summit can serve as a favorable tail
wind for accelerating the thaw between the two nations.
Q.4. Write a detailed note on Pakistan and Kashmir Issue
Introduction

Kashmir, the last of the defiant states, was the reverse of Hyderabad. It had a
Hindu Ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, but his subjects were mostly Muslims, accounting
to 77 percent of the total population. The Maharaja was reluctant to join either
India or Pakistan. But Lord Mountbatten urged him to take a decision to join either
of the states before August 15, 1947. The Maharaja asked for more time to
consider his decision. In the meantime he asked the Indian and the Pakistani
government to sign a "standstill agreement" with him. Pakistan consented but India
refused.
War of Kashmir 1947
The local population of Poonch began to press the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan. In
August 1947, they held a massive demonstration to protest against the Maharaja's
indecisiveness. The Maharaja panicked. He asked his Hindu paratroopers to open fire
and within a matter of seconds, several hundred Muslims were killed. Rising up against
this brutal action, a local barrister called Sardar Mohammad Ibrahim immediately set
up the Azad Kashmir government and began to wage guerrilla warfare against the
Maharaja. By October 1947, the war of Kashmir had begun in earnest. The Pathan
tribesmen from the Noth West Frontier Province, wanting to avenge the deaths of
their brothers, invaded the valley. On reaching the valley of Kashmir, they defeated
the Maharaja's troops and reached the gates of Srinagar, the capital.
Maharaja's Coalition with India
The Maharaja sensing his defeat took refuge in Jammu whence he appealed to India
to send troops to halt the onslaught of the tribesmen. India agreed on the condition
that Kashmir would accede to India. On October 26, 1947, the Maharaja acceded to
India. Lord Mountbatten accepted the accession on behalf of India. On October 26,
1947, India began to airlift her troops to Srinagar and launched a full-scale attack
on the tribesmen. Pakistan was stunned. Despite her scant military resources,
Pakistan was prepared to send in her troops but the British General Gracey,
Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, was against it. Jinnah proposed an
immediate ceasefire and later on a fair and free plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir Dispute and United Nations
In January 1948, India took the dispute to the Security Council. There it accused
Pakistan of aggression and demanded that Pakistan withdraw her tribesmen. But
Pakistan held that the accession of Kashmir had been brought about by force. The
government requested the Security Council to arrange a cease-fire and asked both
the tribesmen and the Indian troops to withdraw so that a free impartial plebiscite

could be held to ascertain the wishes of the people of Kashmir.

Indo-Pakistan War 1948 and United Nation's Involvement
While the Kashmir issue was still on the table, the Indian troops launched a full-scale
attack and drove the tribesmen right back to the Pakistani border. Pakistan rushed
her regular troops into Kashmir and a full-scale war with India ensued. She took
control of the Azad Kashmir Army. But the Security Council on August 13, 1948
called for an immediate ceasefire the withdrawal of all Pakistani and Indian troops
and holding of plebiscite under United Nation's supervision. Both the Indian and
Paksitani government accepted the resolution.
In January 1949, the resolution began to be implemented. In July 1949, the
ceasefire line was demarcated. Pakistan's side of Kashmir consisted of some parts of
Jammu, Poonch, some areas of Western Kashmir, Gilgit and a great chunk of Ladakh
territory near the Chinese border in the North. India kept the valley of Kashmir,
Jammu and the remainder of Ladakh territory near the Tiber border. The cease-fire
has remained in existence since 1949. No plebiscite has been held and thus the
Kashmir issue still remains disputed and unresolved.
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The 1965 War
In April 1965, a clash between border patrols erupted into fighting in the Rann of
Kutch, a sparsely inhabited region along the south-western Indo-Pakistan border.
When the Indians withdrew, Pakistan claimed victory. Later full-scale hostilites
erupted in September 1965, when India alleged that insurgents trained and supplied
by Pakistan were operating in India-controlled Kashmir. Hostilities ceased three
weaks later, following mediation efforts by the UN and interested countries. In
January 1966, Indian and Pakistani representatives met in Tashkent, U.S.S.R., and
agreed to attempt a peaceful settlement of Kashmir and their other differences.
The 1971 War Indo-Pakistani relations deteriorated again when civil war erupted in
Pakistan, pitting the West Pakistan army against East Pakistanis demanding autonomy
and independence. In December India invaded East Pakistan in support of the East
Pakistani people. The Pakistani army surrendered at Dhaka and its army of more than
90,000 became India prisoners of war. East Pakistan became the independent country
of Bangladesh on 6th December 1971. Following the 1971 Indo-Pakistan conflict,
President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi met in the
mountain town of Shimla, India in July 1972. They agreed to a line of control in
Kashmir resulting from the December 17, 1971 cease-fire, and endorsed the principle
of settlement of bilateral disputes through peaceful means.

Indian Troops and Siachen Glacier 1984

India's nuclear test in 1974 generated great uncertainty in Pakistan and is generally
acknowledged to have been the impetus for Pakistan's nuclear weapons development
program. In 1983, the Pakistani and Indian governments accused each other of aiding
separatists in their respective countries, i.e., Sikhs in India's Punjab state and
Sindhis in Pakistan's Sindh province. In April 1984, tensions erupted after troops
were deployed to the Siachen Glacier, a high-altitude desolate area close to the
China border left undemarcated by the cease-fire agreement (Karachi Agreement)
signed by Pakistan and India in 1949.
Tensions diminished after Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in November 1984 and
after a group of Sikh hijackers was brought to trial by Pakistan in March 1985. In
December 1985, President Zia and Prime Minister Gandhi pledged not to attack each
other's nuclear facilities. In early 1986, the Indian and Pakistani governments began
high-level talks to resolve the Siachen Glacier border dispute and to improve trade.
Kashmir Insurgency 1990
Bilateral tensions increased in early 1990, when Kashmiri militants began a compaign
of violence against Indian Government authority in Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequent
high-level bilateral meetings relieved the tensions between India and Pakistan, but
relations worsened again after the destruction of the Ayodhya Masjid by Hindu
extremists in December 1992 and terrorists bombings in Bombay in March 1993.
Talks between the Foreign Secretaries of both countries in January 1994 resulted in
deadlock.
Diplomatic Push 1996-97
In the last several years, the Indo-Pakistani relationship has veered sharply between
rapprochement and conflict. After taking office in February 1997, Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif moved to resume official dialogue with India. A number of meetings at
the foreign secretary and Prime Ministerial level took place with positive atmospherics
but little concrete progress. In a speech at the UN, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif offered to open talks on a non-aggression pact with India, proposing that both
nations strike a deal to restrain their nuclear and missile capabilities.
Effects of 9/11 on Kashmir
If the world and the United States changed after September 11, the center of that
change is the region where Pakistan is located. When it came to begin the war
against terrorism Pakistan did not hesitate to do whatever it takes to fight against
terrorism. United States of America appreciated the efforts of Pakistan which did

not please India. So, India blamed Pakistan-based groups for the December 13, 2001
attack on the Indian Parliament. In reply, General Parvez Musharraf's speech of
January 12, 2002 which even India's hawkish Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani
termed four days later as "path-breaking", India was caught on the back foot.
National Kashmir Committee
It is in this context that Pakistan launched a new political initiative on Kashmir to
reaffirm its long standing policy of supporting the right of self-determination for the
people of kashmir that is enshrined in United Nations resolutions, initially accepted
even by India. Musharraf announced the formation of a National Kashmir Committee
headed by a veteran Kashmiri politician, and its charter made clear the purposes
behind the initiative. The challenge before the government is to promote confidence
among the people in Pakistan and Kashmir regarding Pakistan's efforts to project the
Kashmir cause as a popular and indigenous struggle internationally.
Having addressed international concerns regarding terrorism and extremism in
Musharraf's January 12 speech, the United States is now more receptive to
Pakistan's plea and is anxious to see a dialogue on all the issues of Kashmir.
Peace in South Asia and the Kashmir Dispute
Pakistan believes that the establishment of durable peace in South Asia hinges on the
resolution of the Kashmir Dispute in light of the security Council resolutions and the
wishes of the Kashmiri people. On March 17, 2004 Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah
Khan Jamali said the Kashmir dispute remains the core issue between India and
Pakistan. The two South Asian nations have fought three wars, two of which were
over the disputed kashmir region. In January this year, the two leaderships made a
decision to open the dialogue process in a bid to resolve all disputes between the two
sides.
The Dialogue Process
Pakistan always showed seriousness and sincerity towards resolution of the core issue
of Kashmir by adopting several Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). World
community. time and again has advised India to decrease the number of its force in
Occupied Kashmir and release illegally detained Kashmiri Leadership. India never
hesitated from leveling baseless allegations against Pakistan of infiltration and also
did not stop massive human rights violations in Kashmir. The need is to initiate
vigorous efforts from both sides in resolving the Kashmir issue. The basic important
dispute between the two countries is Kashmir issue and with its resolution all the
other outstanding issues would be settled very easity. Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah
Khan Jamali said that Kashmir dispute should be resolved according to the United

Nations resolution and with active participation of the Kashmiris.

Year 2005 - Road to Peace
The Prime Minister said that there wre many difficulties on road to peace but
emphasized the need to take measures to promote mutual trust and find new avenues
for a peaceful resolution of the lingering Kashmir dispute. The first formal visit of a
faction of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Jammu and
Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and subsequently,
though unsanctioned by Indian authorities to Pakistan between June 2-16, 2005 was
thus projected as a major event and development in the process of solving the

"Kashmir Issue". Indeed the visit strongly reiterated the fact that the APHC
continues to be a faithful Pakistani proxy. After his meeting with the President
Musharraf, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq declared that We want Kashmir to be divided on
geographical grounds. We don't wand Kashmir to lose its identity.... we support his
[President Musharraf] approach. During their meeting with President Musharraf, the
APHC leaders once again were assured full political, diplomatic and moral support.
This tour has been helpful in understanding the viewpoint of the Kashmiri leaders.
Their quest for a free hand to decide their future is valid. They have been living
under brutal Indian occupation since 1948. Despite promised justice by the UN 57
years ago, they have been denied their right of self-determination. It was in fact
the denial of justice and unabated Indian State-terrorism perpetrated against
Kashmir.
The recent visit of the APHC leaders was a significant development, which can be
termed as a milestone in the process of resolving the core dispute of Kashmir
between Pakistan and India peacefully. We wish both the governments to show
courage, boldness and flexibility in settling the issue.