The recent surgical strikes have aggravated the situation between India and Pakistan. Speaking to The Sunday Express, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Hussain Haqqani said Pakistan was in denial about terrorism and asks as to why is India spending so much time on it.
“One surgical strike cannot solve the India–Pakistan problem. I fully understand India’s anger against Pakistan because of terrorism. But why is it spending so much time on Pakistan?” asks Haqqani who is now forced in exile.
“Pakistan has some legitimate grievances and concerns about India,” he said. “But it won’t be heard at international forums until it ends terrorism. Pakistan can’t have the cake of terrorism and eat it too.”
Haqqani, once a close of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, found himself on the wrong side of the establishment in his country after he criticised then President General Pervez Musharraf.
Talking about terrorism, Haqqani said that it has created a havoc in Pakistan as well. “I am not saying Pakistan should end terrorism for India. But it ought to give it up for its own sake.”
At the same time, he added that military action by India has its own limits of effectiveness. Haqqani said that the kinetic military action by India will not make Pakistan understand the ground reality.
“Consistent and sustained political, economic and diplomatic efforts alone will bring change in Pakistan,” said Haqqani.
