LAHORE

LAHORE, Jan 28: Iqbal Akhund, Pakistan's former permanent representative to the United Nations, says for the time being Islamabad should not press for the solution to the Kashmir dispute as the situation is not conducive for the purpose.

"Current internal situation and external environment don't lend Pakistan necessary strength to seek such a solution," he told Dawn here on Sunday.

According to him, India with all potential for emerging into a big power, has diplomatic and economic edge over Pakistan. "It is not only the Indian potential that makes a solution of our choice difficult but also our weaknesses -- economic and diplomatic topping the list. If we keep pressing for a solution and, somehow get it -- though personally I don't see any possibility, leave alone a probability -- it will only be somewhere around accepting the LoC as permanent international border."

He pointed out that India had been offering such a solution since the mid-sixties. "Why accept it 35 years down the line, 10 years of Kashmiri struggle and after more than 50, 000 deaths?"

Mr Akhund said: "The US will never support our efforts for third country mediation. The American indifference to the Kashmiris' plight is not because of its policy commitment but to avoid any major territorial alteration in the region. Because such division would cause more problems than it solves. So, nothing will shake US resolve to avoid geographical re-arrangements. Thus we need to re-evaluate our policy."

He was of the opinion that Pakistan needed to re-evaluate its domestic and foreign policies because any delay could seriously damage its economic viability if not survival.

Akhund's re-evaluation plan runs like this: "Delink Kashmir problem from overall relationship with India. It will, in no way, either affect our principled stand on Kashmir or the Kashmiris struggle. In a world ruled by the WTO regime, we can neither economically isolate ourselves nor our own situation allows such an adventure. Say, how can Pakistan's coal import from India will affect the Kashmiris struggle? Indian cultural invasion is almost a veritable fact, thanks to dish and cable service. What is the harm in going a bit further and soften visa restrictions? This will not only bring the regional political temperature down but also allow us much-needed time to readjust our priorities." Akhund said by allowing 'jehadi' outfits to hijack foreign policy could only lead us into more problems. "What we are already led into should shake us out of our hibernation. Receding diplomatic support even from Islamic countries like Egypt and Tunisia is a proof if we need any."On the Afghan situation, Akhund thinks that Pakistan has literally got itself into a corner. "I have no allusions that the recent UN sanctions are aimed more at Pakistan than Afghanistan. They are going to hurt us more and bring civil war back to Afghanistan. Afghans have been living under 'almost sanction conditions' for many years using Pakistan as a conduit. Now the world has moved to block this conduit and, naturally, we have to face the consequences."

Another strong possibility, he says, is return of war. Now the Northern Alliance will also start getting weapons and return to the battle front. Pakistan has virtually run out of policy options. "I really don't see any alternative to the Taliban and the world is bent upon removing them from power. Playing favourite was a mistake. These favourites first destroyed each other and are now crying foul over Pakistan."

The best solution, according to him, could have been dividing power among three groups: PDAPA (so-called communists), seven jehadi groups and the King.

On foreign policy, Akhund favours putting economy and internal cohesion on the top. "There is no alternative but torescue economy and social fabric of the society. People are not concerned with which jehadi group is doing what, they want solution to their economic crises. We need to concentrate all policies on economic revival of the country. Since our diplomacy now revolves around IMF and World Bank, we inevitably need to follow a policy that suits world community and avoids isolation. Pursue only those political and diplomatic goals that support economic agenda and avoid segmented approach to economy, politics and diplomacy."

He put regional powers like Iran, China and Saudi Arabia on second priority of the foreign policy. "We need to cultivate these important countries. Annoying Iran can be really damaging. China still has significant interest left in Pakistan. Built on this mutual interest. Saudi Arabia and US have power to influence each other. We need to use this Saudi leverage. Move forward from harping on religious affinities with Central Asian states. Religion does provide a base but someone has to build on it. We are ignoring this vital stage of diplomacy and relation building".

He said Pakistan should take the Kashmir problem down to the priority list. "I am not suggesting any compromise on principles but only stressing pursing real politics and see what is possible and what is not. Following the Kashmir policy, as we are doing right now, will bring further political, economic and diplomatic crises. Even accepting LoC would not solve the problem; it will only postpone it. Any solution that excludes the Kashmiris will not last long. I am not suggesting any compromise on principles or insulting Kashmiris' struggle but only try to favour real politics and tell what is possible and what is not."

He thinks only a visionary, popular, civilian political leader can turn these priorities into policies. "Army is a machinery designed to do things efficiently but politics, with all its uncertainties and compromises, is certainly not one of them. Only a civilian leader can do this."