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by Saadut
The recently concluded Pakistani elections were keenly followed in Kashmir, more keenly than they would have followed Indian elections. And this in spite of the fact that the Kashmir issue was virtually absent from election campaigns there, although it was present in manifestoes of all parties; while PML-N talked about ‘special efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue in line with UN resolutions and the 1999 Lahore Accord’, Imran Khan’s PTI claimed in its manifesto that ‘the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is one of Pakistan’s core national interests’.
People who may be claiming that the absence of Kashmir in election rallies pointed to ‘dwindling voices’ in Pakistan on ‘Kashmir’, are missing the bigger point here, of far bigger internal issues that Pakistan has been grappling with; issues of governance that elections are fought on. While Kashmir remains a common issue for all parties there, bigger internal issues of a crumbling economy, price hike, colossal power deficit and rising numbers of unemployment, coupled with internal terror attacks from extreme groups were to be confronted first.
Some people may like to believe that the absence of Kashmir from election stages signals that Kashmir has become a topic of the politically privileged few in Pakistan, but facts are somewhat different to this. Post-Afghanistan, the approach to non-state military actors has not only changed worldwide, but Pakistan has also been trying to control the exponential growth of such actors within. In such a scenario, the Pakistan state would want to be seen as extending pure political support to the struggle within Kashmir and for its resolution. This would also mean that political parties in Pakistan are keen to be seen as extending no more than moral and diplomatic support to this struggle, portraying it as more indigenous from within Kashmir. This would also point to the fact that politicians in Pakistan are keener to set their own house in order first, by focusing internally more on reviving their weakening economy, crumbling energy sector and dealing with an alarming internal security situation. This coupled with the imminent withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan and the Taliban challenges, for which Pakistan may have to be ready for, both externally and internally.
Having said that, no party in Pakistan can afford to deviate from the given position of Pakistan on Kashmir, which could virtually be suicidal for them politically. In fact, many parties like PML – N have a sizeable vote bank of ethnic Kashmiris and other communities (especially in Punjab) who have been supportive of the Kashmir cause since 1930’s (even before Pakistan was formed).
Given this internal scenario of Pakistan, Kashmiris understand (and appreciate) that presently the priorities should focus on the stability of Pakistan. A stable and a stronger Pakistan will not only mean that it commands the rightful place in the subcontinent; it also means it is better placed in pushing for the resolution of Kashmir with India.
Interestingly, Pakistani election campaigns were not only minimal in Kashmir talk; they were also devoid of any anti-India rhetoric, which only proved the political maturity Pakistan had achieved all these years. While most Indian political discussions invariably have a tendency to point fingers at Pakistan (blame Pakistan where they have none else to blame, even internal failings), Pakistani politicians seem to have moved beyond this blame rhetoric. And this only could be done in the Kashmir case, by showcasing the Kashmir struggle as purely ingenious and Kashmir-centric.
Many people in Kashmir wished Imran Khan to win, not only as his cricketing fans, but also realizing that he started his political career from a clean slate, with his philanthropic work as an asset. But what interested them more was the overwhelming participation of voters (especially youth), in spite of the terror threats looming over these elections. These elections also pointed to the maturity of Pakistani voters who rejected extreme parties in elections, unlike India where the right winged political class (BJP and the Sangh Parivaar) have not only dominated political power, but also been unapologetic about their anti-minority tirade (being responsible for Babri Mosque demolition and accused of Gujarat massacre of Muslims). Such political wisdom was exhibited by an electorate that has had very brief brushes with the democratic process in the entire life of Pakistani state. This resilience of voters, in addition to its first transition from ‘one full term completing democratic government’ to another, pointed to the coming of age of democracy in Pakistan.
Elections in Pakistan interested Kashmiris, not only because they themselves have always seen the absence of fair democratic processes back home, but also because they care about Pakistan. And it is this strong, stable and democratic Pakistan that Kashmiris wish to take shape and strengthen.
(All opinions are personal and do not represent any organization or institution)
Saadut is a Kashmir-based Blogger and can be reached at www.saadut.com