Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has called upon the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) governments to mediate between Pakistan and India in order to diffuse tensions between the two neighbouring atomic powers and bring them to dialogue.
The governor, in a letter addressed to the EU and UK leadership Sunday, asked them to press India to sit at the table in order to de-escalate situation between the neighbouring countries in the post-Pulwama attack scenario. He drew the attention of the leaders to the war frenzy created by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Pakistani government has played a monumental role in de-escalating the situation through the release of the captured Indian fighter pilot as a goodwill gesture. The step was aimed at saving the region and the world from an imminent nuclear war, he added.
Sarwar, who is a former member of the British Parliament, reminded the international powers of their responsibility to ensure world peace. He also urged them to help resolve the Kashmir issue as per the United Nations (UN) resolutions. Following is the text of the epistle for the Punjab governor: “I am writing to you at this critical stage in Pakistan and India’s relationship where tensions between the two countries, post the Pulwama incident have escalated. As you may be aware, Indian military aircraft crossed Pakistan’s borders twice and during the second intrusion, two Indian fighter planes were shot down and a pilot was captured by Pakistan.
As a goodwill gesture and to de-escalate the situation, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan ordered release of the captured Indian pilot. However, India has continued to escalate tensions at the Line of Control.
Despite Indian aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, PM Imran Khan has been calling for peace and making it clear that India’s attempts to spread regional unrest are a result of its internal politics and PM Narendra Modi’s campaign to win the upcoming general elections.
Let me assure you that Pakistan’s offer of investigations into the Pulwama incident if India provided any actionable evidence is still on the table. Pakistan’s desire for de-escalation and peace should not be misconstrued as its weakness. Pakistan has developed a comprehensive National Action Plan to deal with the threat from terrorism.
As a former member of the British parliament, I know that the British government and our European Union partners have always played a key role in addressing international issues. Britain and EU can play a pivotal role between Pakistan, India and Kashmir. The situation in Kashmir does not seem to be abating. Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination needs to be resolved as per the United Nations Resolution. Both countries possess nuclear capabilities and any further escalation can destabilise the whole region with catastrophic loss of life. We know from the past that it is easy to start a war, however, once triggered there is no control over it as seen in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine etc. We urge the international community to play its role in diffusing tensions and mediating peace between Pakistan and India. Sense should prevail – we should resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations. In the end I would highlight that Pakistan wants peace and PM Imran Khan as well as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mr Shah Mahmood Qureshi have opened way for negotiations and dialogue. Our British and European partners can rise to the occasion and coerce India for table talks to ease the current situation post Pulwama incidence.
Published in Daily Times, March 4th 2019.
