Riyadh – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Kashmir is the only issue between India and Pakistan. If this issue is resolved through dialogue, both countries will reap the immense benefits of cooperation. This will open trade routes for India to the Central Asian countries. However, Imran Khan suggested that this would not be a good time for talks between the two countries, as Pakistan just defeated India in the cricket T20 world cup. From the remarks of Imran Khan, it seems that he has not yet got over Pakistan’s win over India in a cricket match. At the same time, it’s interesting and noteworthy to find the absence of Article 370’s mention in his statements. This indicates that Pakistan has possibly dropped this precondition for having talks with India.
A few days ago, an American news channel reported the ongoing talks between the United States and Pakistan. The report indicates that Pakistan could allow the United States to use its territory for attacks against Afghanistan. In return, it expects the United States to stitch and manage Pakistan’s relations with India. However, it is essential to note that there is no condition or even a mention of Kashmir. It seems that the Pakistani establishment must be convinced that India will not compromise and will not accede even under US pressure on the Kashmir issue. Although the Pakistan Government has dismissed the report, few Pakistani journalists have claimed the Imran Khan government is exceptionally keen on opening a dialogue with India.
Pakistan economy is in dire straits; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has refused to provide additional loans to Pakistan. The IMF has refused loans unless Pakistan substantially increases the government revenue by raising taxes and cutting subsidies. Pakistan would be retained under the Grey List of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Disastrous effects of this are visible, with the Pakistan Rupee depreciating to 174 Rupees to 1 USD. Inflation is soaring with no employment generation. China has put a hold on all the investment in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On top of this, China has demanded $38 million as compensation for the killing of the Chinese engineers posted at the Dasu power project.
Along with this, China is also pressing Pakistan for the repayment of loans. Therefore, Pakistan seems to have started pleading with the United States once again. At the same time, Pakistan has appealed to Saudi Arabia, its old ally, for funds. Thus, this is considered the purpose of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia. During his Saudi visit, Imran Khan passed a remark on relations with India and tried to entice India on opening the trade routes to the central Asian countries. The growing mistrust and fury from China and the United States has forced Pakistan to change its stance. The US leaders believe in teaching Pakistan a lesson for betraying the United States by assisting the Taliban. In these difficult times, even China is preparing to turn its back on Pakistan. Some people from the Pakistan media are claiming that there is no option with Pakistan other than cooperating with India if it wants to save itself.
A few months ago, Pakistan military chief General Bajwa proposed opening trade routes to Central Asian countries for India. Imran Khan is reiterating the same proposal. But India has already identified alternate routes to connect with the central Asian countries, leaving Pakistan aside. Because of this, India is not likely to consider Pakistan’s proposals seriously.
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