How Pakistan Sees India's Crisis: Will This Long-Standing Conflict Be Resolved?

The tumultuous relationship between India and Pakistan has been a significant concern for the international community for decades. This relationship, marked by periodic military clashes, political skirmishes, and deep-seated mistrust, continues to pose challenges for both nations. The recent crises in India have not gone unnoticed by Pakistan, and the reactions from Islamabad offer a window into the complexities of their geopolitical dynamics.

To understand Pakistan's perspective on India's current crisis, one must delve into the historical context that has shaped their relationship. Since the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan, the two countries have fought three major wars and numerous skirmishes, primarily over the contested region of Kashmir. This historical backdrop has fostered a narrative of rivalry and suspicion.

Kashmir remains the most contentious issue between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim the region in its entirety but control only parts of it. The insurgency in Kashmir, which started in the late 1980s, has been a focal point of Indo-Pak relations, with Pakistan supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination and India asserting its sovereignty over the region.

India has been facing several internal crises, ranging from political instability to economic challenges, and the ongoing farmer protests have drawn international attention. These issues have provided Pakistan with an opportunity to critique India's internal policies and human rights record.

The farmer protests, which began in late 2020, have been one of the largest and most sustained movements in recent Indian history. Farmers, primarily from the northern states, are protesting against three agricultural laws they believe will harm their livelihoods. Pakistan has expressed solidarity with the farmers, framing their struggle as a fight against authoritarianism.

India has also witnessed political and social unrest over issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). These measures, perceived by many as discriminatory against Muslims, have sparked widespread protests. Pakistan has used these events to highlight what it describes as the growing religious intolerance and authoritarianism in India.

From Islamabad's vantage point, India's crises are both a vindication of its longstanding criticisms and an opportunity to gain diplomatic leverage. Pakistani officials have made statements condemning India's handling of the protests and the alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir.

Pakistan has leveraged India's internal crises to garner international support for its position on Kashmir. By highlighting India's human rights record, Pakistan aims to draw global attention to the Kashmir issue and pressure India on the diplomatic front.

Domestically, the portrayal of India's crises serves to reinforce the narrative of Pakistani resilience and moral high ground. Pakistani media often frames these events as evidence of the flaws in India's democratic system and governance, contrasting it with Pakistan's own challenges and responses.

The question of whether the Indo-Pak conflict will ever be resolved remains complex. While both nations occasionally signal a willingness to engage in dialogue, deep-seated mistrust and competing national interests have often derailed peace efforts.

Despite the hostilities, there have been moments when dialogue seemed possible. The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 2019, allowing Sikh pilgrims from India to visit a holy site in Pakistan without a visa, was hailed as a significant confidence-building measure. Such initiatives suggest that people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges can pave the way for better relations.

The role of international actors, particularly the United States and China, is crucial in mediating the conflict. Both nations have strategic interests in the region and can exert pressure on India and Pakistan to pursue peaceful solutions.

Confidence-building measures, such as ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, joint economic projects, and increased trade, could also contribute to easing tensions. However, these require sustained political will and trust, which have been in short supply.

Pakistan's view of India's crises is shaped by historical grievances, strategic interests, and the current geopolitical climate. While these crises provide Pakistan with opportunities to critique India and gain diplomatic traction, they also highlight the deep-rooted issues that continue to hinder Indo-Pak relations. Resolving this long-standing conflict will require significant efforts from both sides, supported by international mediation and a genuine commitment to peace. Only through sustained dialogue and mutual respect can the cycle of hostility be broken, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous South Asia.