Source: ET
LAHORE: “China will be the economic salvation of Afghanistan. The Chinese have bought mineral rights in Afghanistan and plan to build a railway there. India has also invested hugely in Afghanistan. Pakistan can also benefit, but it cannot do this alone. It can partner with India and China to invest in Afghanistan,” according to author Ahmed Rashid.
Rashid was in conversation with historian William Dalrymple in Cultures in Conflict, the last session of the Lahore Literary Festival on Sunday.
Where is Pakistan headed was a question put to both men. Dalrymple said there was a need for a peace deal with India so that funds could be diverted from the military to development. “Both sides are winners this way,” he said.
Rashid added that extremism must be addressed. He said the main cause of ill feeling towards Pakistan in India, the last time he visited, was the Mumbai attacks. “There is frustration that we are harbouring the culprits and not putting them on trial. The genie Ziaul Haq released must be put back into the bottle,” he said.
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Both eminent personalities are correct in their assessment. However who cares for their assessment. You can not clap with one hand. Concept of enmity between both the countries is incorrect and must be rectified. Correctly said more fault lies with Pakistan. In depth analysis reveal military brass is responsible for it. Who can change this mindset of military elite? Here in Pakistan you do not find competent leadership. Relative to Pakistan India is performing better as from the very infancy stage India outlined its priorities in correct direction and achieved most of them. Pakistani leadership still fishing in deep waters apparently a futile exercise. Might be enough is enough and current election can bring some real change. Let us hope and pray.