Dr Moonis Ahmar

Dr. Moonis Ahmar is Professor of International Relations at the University of Karachi, Director, Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Presently, he is working on his book project, Conflict Management and Vision for a Secular Pakistan: A Comparative Study.

DOI: http://DOI Number

Keywords: Peace building, India, Pakistan, pessimism, composite dialogue, peace process, South Asia, status quo

Abstract

Peace process between India and Pakistan can only be completed if innovative and ground breaking solutions are applied with political will and determination.Despite similarities, the two nations have been at rivalry since independence, missing several peace opporunitites.  Contentious issues are difficult to resolve and hence need to analyzed through different tracks in diplomacy to move towards peace. The new PML(N) government expressed desire for peace with India which is very welcoming, and hence, new prospects to revive the process were certainly gaining momentum, but with several challenges and impediments amidst skirmishes along the Line of Control in Kashmir in August 2013. This paper will examine in detail different pros and cons of the Indo-Pakistan peace process while taking into account the issues which since long seem to have impeded the process of peace, whilst arguing how leaders of India and Pakistan can pursue a visionary approach for meaningful cooperation. Moreover, it will discuss the major requirements of peace between India and Pakistan, and the linkage between vision and peace process. The study will also discuss the future of Pakistan India peace process. The role of moderates and hardliners in the Indo-Pakistan peace process will also be examined in the context of mindset which happens to be inflexible, indifferent to the costs of conflicts and supportive to the maintenance of status quo.

First Published

September 25, 2013

How to Cite

Dr Moonis Ahmar, “Vision and the Indo-Pakistan Peace Process,” Regional Studies 31, no.4 (Autumn 2013): 3-20, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/vision-and-the-indo-pakistan-peace-process/

Issue

Volume 31, Issue 4