New Delhi: Emphasizing that the ball is in Pakistan’s court when it comes to normalization of bilateral ties, top government sources told ThePrint that the Shahbaz Sharif government should work on its anti-terror commitments.
Sources also said that they do not expect anything dramatic to happen with Sharif replacing the Imran Khan government.
“There is no such expectation,” said a highly placed source, when asked whether India-Pakistan relations will improve as a new civilian government is sworn in.
It has been happening again and again since Sharif came to power. Estimate Relations between the two countries – which had deteriorated after the Balakot air strikes in 2019 – could see a major improvement.
While Pakistan first pulled out its high commissioner, India did the same later, and no country has posted a new one yet.
“Nothing dramatic is expected. We as a country want to have good relations with all our neighbours. Because neighbors cannot be changed. However in the case of our western neighbour, the ball is in Pakistan’s court.
Asked if this means that Pakistan needs to appoint a high commissioner first, the source said, “Kashmir is a burning issue. Jammu and Kashmir has been an integral part of India, will remain an integral part of India and will remain an integral part of India. The terror cannot continue.”
When pointed out that there are several pressure groups in Pakistan who try to undermine any steps taken for peace between the two countries by carrying out terrorist attacks, the source said, “Yes. But the government supports terrorism.” To be seen taking genuine steps to stop. We have to take steps to assure that Pakistan is serious. It cannot be business as usual.”
LoC ceasefire
The government’s claim comes at a time when terrorists carrying out targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits, political activists and non-locals are active in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, India and Pakistan have managed to implement the ceasefire agreement signed along the Line of Control (LoC) in February last year.
But defense sources said the ceasefire was being maintained as the Pakistani military wanted it as a relief so that they could focus on their western border – Afghanistan.
Sources also pointed out that India’s strong response to Pakistan’s ceasefire violations means that Pakistan has suffered heavy losses – not only in terms of the number of troops, but also in terms of their military posts and bunkers.
He said that unlike earlier, the Indian Army had in the last two years specifically targeted battalions that had Punjabi soldiers, making it difficult for the Pakistani Army to hide casualties.
Sources said that Baloch or Mujahid regiments are cannon fodder for the Pakistan Army. However, when the body bags go back to Punjab, it results in societal pressure, as Pakistan’s power structure dominates in Punjab.
He said that Pakistan is using this period to strengthen its infrastructure, and has also added better artillery firepower.
(Edited by Rohan Manoj)
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