By Zamir Ahmed Awan
Pakistan and India has been passing through various crisis, from bad to normal and again bad. Most of the time in the history of seven decades, both were on odd and fought four wars. The last one was in 1971, where West Pakistan was separated and emerged as Bangladesh. There were frequent violations on line of control in addition to “Kargil”.
But last week’s crisis has exposed India and raised many questions to the rest of world. Although Pakistan is much smaller in size and population than India. Its economy is also much smaller. Size of Armed Forces and weaponries are also out of proportion. India Defense budget is approximately US Dollars 48 billion as compared to Pakistan merely US Dollars 14 Billion only. But the incident of 26-27 February 2019 has witnessed Pakistan’s supremacy. On 26th February, Indian Airforce entered into Pakistani aerospace, was repelled by Pakistan Air Force immediately. While, on 27th February, Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian Air Force Jets and captured one of their Pilot alive.
India is “Major Defense Partner’ (MDP) with US and second biggest beneficiary of US assistance after Israel. US is providing them economic assistance, military assistance and transfer hi-tech. It is not only US, but the whole western world is kind with India and extending all sort of support and assistance liberally.
Has India proved to be dependable partner? Is it worth to assist India to protect Western World’s Interest in this region? Can India maintains its hegemony in the region? And many more serious questions.
On the other hand, Pakistan is pivotal for the region. During the cold war era, Pakistan played very positive and important role. In the war on terror, Pakistan’s role was admired and appreciated. Pakistan is the only country, who has success in eliminating terrorism from its soil. Although the price was very heavy, but we succeeded.
India has tried to coerce Pakistan and openly violated the UN charter and all norms of civilized world. But, Pakistan being a mature and responsible state has observed patience and succeeded in avoiding a full-scale war. Pakistan is peace-loving nation and understands the consequences of war. In fact, last four decades, Pakistan has suffered a lot, due to war-like situation in enamoring Afghanistan. Pakistan has sacrificed 80,000 lives, economic loss worth 250 billion, and unlimited loss in emotions and intangible form. We cannot afford any other war. We wanted Peace, stability and economic prosperity.
Although, India wanted a war imposed on us, but we would like to avoid. Especially, as both, Pakistan and India are nuclear states and any mis-adventure by India may cost heavy loss to humanity. In spite of the fact, Pakistan is capable of defending its territory and it is obligation to defend one’s country. But we observed restrained and averted the humanity from a big disaster. Pakistan has returned the captured pilot of Indian air force, who has intruded Pakistan. Such a good-will gesture are rarely happened in the history. Although the Pakistan capabilities are much more, but, Pakistan had observed “Patience”. However, a message has been conveyed
successfully that do not coerce Pakistan, as Pakistan is always ready to accept any challenge. It is our obligation and duty to defend our country.
Pakistan’s visionary leadership has saved the humanity. Whole world has appreciated Pakistan for its patience and matured behavior. It is time for all the peace-loving nations and individuals to play their role to save humanity from any big loss. Pakistan will be partner of any peace initiative anywhere any time. It is time to think and think seriously. Join hands with Pakistan for comprehensive “Peace, Stability and Development” for the whole region and contribute to global “Peace, Stability and Development”. Pakistan is a dependable partner in peace and can deliver whenever the need arises.
Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomate), Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.