Conclusion is here!
(4) The Indian mind-set: Now under the present conditions, you have to consider the "India-factor"; well where does India fit into all this? I think India is playing a really really really clever strategem.
(a)You see off late India has been experiencing record economic growth. So the current “hand of friendship” has more to do with the potential economic bonanza India stands to gain with a “friendly” Pakistan as opposed to a hostile Pakestan. The fact is that there has been an influx of multinational corporations (mnc’s) in India recently. Now many of these multinationals have investment commitments in India ranging from the short-term to medium-term time horizon (say 15-20 years max.). What’s keeping these mnc’s from establishing and investing from a long-term time perspective? Take one wild guess: the danger of an armed conflict with Pakestan!. So the mnc’s and the other consultants are of the view that India will grow at an exponential rate if it “normalizes” relations with Pakestan.
Indians are dreaming big these days and they might well achieve it. Most Indians (we have MANY here in Dubai), are very easy to deal with, hardworking. Sorry guys, but Pakestan people also work hard but they are harder to “discipline” – they are far more emotional and passionate but all that extra energy needs to be harnessed in a controlled manner for the benefit of Pakestan as a whole as well!. So India is desperate to rub shoulders with the likes of China, South Korea and, to a lesser extent, Japan and Russia in the region.
(b) A growing economy needs oil & gas: (hehheh! lucky for us in Arabia that crude oil is still needed in everything from aircrafts to computer parts manufacturing to the synthetic fibres in the very clothes you are wearing. And what is potentially the cheapest source of oil&gas for India? An overland pipe-line that runs from Iran to India; and guess what? : that pipeline will cross 1,000kms of Pakestan territory. So of course its in India’s interest that the pipeline cross 1,000kms of a friendly Pakestan instead of a “hostile” Pakestan!
Sure India does not NEED Pakestan but the fact is that there is more it gains by having cordial relations with Pakestan. So that’s the rationale for the “hand of friendship” as far as I can see. Come on Pakestan, don’t tell me you seriously believe that the current “peace steps” are based on a sudden and overnight change in people’s lives who have incessantly and openly opposed Pakestan or its driven by desires in the heart to see peace before the end of a term or life of particular politicians! Please tell me you are not that naïve!.
We can go on and on and on but maybe later. I better take my own advice here and stop discussing India! J
(5) In conclusion: my view, after spending time in Pakistan (and very little in India) is that the true thrust of Pakestan's liberation has not been achieved - it has been achieved on a world map but as long as Pakestan remains spell-bound and fascinated by India (judging from the energies expended on India), then the nothing much can change.
And BTW, I don't know what's so great about hindi movies that Pakestan people cannot live without them! I mean I have people in my home who watch it as well but I just don't get it (I don't watch them myself!) How do i know this? well - when hindi actors and actresses come to Dubai - you see Pakestan people making the most noise and booking the front seats - even more than hindi people! So I just ended up observing this on several occassions as I have Pakestan friends who try to drag me to these shows! (but I leave generally after 10 minutes!!!). And the best part is that these same people call me and grumble about a particular hindi movies plot which demonizes Pakestan! (well d'uh! what did you expect??!) - I just tell them: serves you right - why do you go the cinema and spend 3+ precious hours of your life watching hindi movies then if you don't like their plots!!!!!!!!
In a nutshell: Pakestan's moment of truth seems to be fast approaching: Indus Valley or Islam? :) (those parts of the Indus Valley culture that go blatantly against Islam).
Good luck Pakestan - you do have the potential - stop wasting it! and realize that you are worth more than a "peaceful partner growing economically in Hind's shadow"!!!. I have lots more to share but let's see if I get the chance.
While the MMA or JI or whatever may have noble intentions, I believe they are not upto the task under the present circumstances. In fact they have some controversial characters as well TODAY amongst their ranks, who may not have agreed with Pakestan's liberation (from danger of being inundated by alien influences) in 1947!.
Anyways, I hope I have evoked emotions and thoughts - I'd like to contribute positively here. Am impressed with all the knowledge being displayed here in so many posts.
Yalla, ma'salama
Fee-amanillah