Following deadly clashes between their border security forces, tension is flaring up between India and China, the two nuclear-armed Asian neighbors. The clashes, that left several Indian troops dead, led to the deployment of a large number of troops and heavy artillery being moved at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Despite engagement of both sides in diplomatic dialogues, New Delhi and Beijing are blaming each other for violating mutual agreement on LAC. China has clearly stated that the whole of Galwan valley is part of Chinses territory. On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government of BJP is under severe criticism back home for its reluctant and apologetic response to the Chinese military aggression.
Pakistan is in very good position to exploit this opportunity to build diplomatic pressure on India for reversing its Kashmir policy. According to the international relations expert and Chairman APAD Inam Ullah Khan, “Pakistan was expected to deal the situation vehemently but to his surprise Pakistan, government did not come up with a clearly defined policy to go forward”. At initial stage, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi issued a statement, saying China could not remain ignorant towards India’s illegal constructions of roads in Ladakh. He also warned about India’s aggressive behavior towards its neighbors saying that it could put regional peace and security at stake. Then government got busy in its own internal power politics, thanks to the TV interview of PTI Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhary, which occupied not only our national media but the meetings of federal cabinet and PTI leadership as well.
Although India has a history of bad relations with neighbors and border disputes with Bangladesh, Nepal, China, and Pakistan but things have got worsened after the Hindutva follower Narendra Modi’s BJP election victory in general elections.
If we delve deep into the issue it seems that India is trying to block CPEC mega project to deprive Pakistan of the economic benefits. Under these circumstances, Pakistan should focus over its internal and external security and sovereignty. Similarly, the illegitimate constructions by India are biggest concern for China because it is a security threat to CPEC, which is the backbone of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the multibillion-dollar project. So far, China is at upper hand and India is on the back foot in the conflict. However, during China-India standoff, India has fired shells at various Pakistani villages along LOC, which shows India wants to shift the attention of its angry population from the humiliating defeat at the hands of Chinese forces to Pakistan. It should be a matter of great concern for Pakistan. India in its efforts to escalate tension with Pakistan has asked Islamabad to cut the size of its diplomatic staff in New Delhi, the move appeared to be aimed at diverting the attention of its public from the situation in Ladakh, where Indian troops were badly beaten by Chinese Army. There are reports that India could engage itself in false flag operations against Pakistan. Islamabad should inform the whole world specially OIC and the friendly countries about India’s design and to avert such a possible situation.
Given the dangerous situation that Pakistan faces, it is shocking that the Federal Government and opposition political parties are too busy embroiled in egoistic petty issues. Government should reach out to all opposition political parties to forge unity against the expected Indian threat and to ensure unified stance.
