Kashmir First for Lasting Peace!
- Ghulam Kibria, Karachi

I BELIEVE that a large number of Pakistanis and Indians are extremely happy after the recent thaw in relations. To make this lasting, a permanent solution has to be found to the Kashmir dispute. It would make the solution far easier if:

1. India realizes that despite its far stronger military prowess, it has not been able to force Pakistan to renounce its Kashmir policy.

2. Pakistan realizes that despite spending the largest part of its budget on increasing its armed might at the cost of education, healthcare, social welfare, poverty alleviation, agriculture and industrialization, it has faced four setbacks on the battlefield.

I beg to submit the following solution:

1. Pakistan’s sovereignty should be recognized in the Northern Areas - Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, etc.

2. India’s sovereignty should be recognized in Laddakh and Jammu (minus the few areas with the Muslim majority adjoining the Kashmir Valley).

3. Azad Kashmir and the Kashmir Valley both should be given by Pakistan and India, respectively, what one might call independence. It should be something like the Indian constitution’s article 370. Kashmiris in their respective areas -Azad Kashmir and the Valley - should have freedom to rule the way they like, except for defence and foreign affairs. In Azad Kashmir these areas would be looked after by Pakistan and in the Valley by India. The shape of the mutual relationship between the two Kashmirs would be their decision.

4. The border between the two Kashmirs should be made safe to enable Kashmiris to travel, with identification papers like identity cards.●

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