| Like so many Indians, I too was born in Lahore and have been
fortunate enough to revisit Pakistan numerous times since then. I say fortunate because
wherever I went I was met not with hostility but with graciousness. As others have often
commented, on a people-to-people basis a marvellous commonality exists between us. Yet
Pakistan also can be a disturbing land. I find it difficult to reconcile their hospitality
with the anti-Indian ugliness that flares there during times of tension. It is these images of hate that have been beamed into our homes ever
since both nations decided to resume nuclear testing. Considering that we have been to war
three times already in 50 years, these images leave a residue of fear. It is all quite
tragic. Two nations still warring when the entire world is searching for peace. The Cold
War is over, the two Germanys reunited, even Israel and Palestine are attempting to find a
common path. Yet India and Pakistan appear headed in quite another direction. It is a
conflict we have always recorded, having done 18 cover stories over the years on Indo-Pak
issues. Most of the blame lies with our politicians. In India, we have our share of
Pakistan-baiters but they are on the fringe; in Pakistan, mainstream politicians
constantly harp on Indo-Pak animosity, often just to further their own careers.
Ironically, Nawaz Sharif was the first Pakistani prime
minister to be elected without raising the India bogey. Yet, once India conducted its
nuclear tests, huge domestic pressure in Pakistan left him with no option but to follow
suit. As strident voices were raised across the border, Associate Editor Harinder Baweja
travelled to Pakistan. Fixing an interview with Prime Minister Sharif was not easy, still,
says Baweja, "for the first time in Pakistan Government circles, it was an advantage
being an Indian journalist for they were keen to get their views across". It was
refreshing to hear Sharif say, "I do not want an arms race with India but a trade and
commerce race." Let's hope he means it.
(Aroon Purie) |
