SINKING PAKISTAN DESCENDS INTO MORE CHAOS

At the moment one cannot but come to the conclusion that chaos prevails in most parts of Pakistan, that does not give India any comfort or satisfaction. But why a fairly large neighbour is ambuished in civil war, worry we should.

India, but for a short period in the 1970 remained free of the anarchy that grips Pakistan. This anarchy, I am afraid is not going away. Good governance is not round the corny. Cronyism is most instruments that run a state need immediate repairs and reform.

Now to the omnipresent, Imran Khan. He is the Pakistan pimpernel. In jail today, out tomorrow. With each such sojourn his following and popularity goes up.

A super class cricketer is now a potent politician who can neither be won over nor be ignored. Is Imran Khan just a nuisance or an authentic, though erratic head of a party which he created.

Unfortunately he was not an adroit administrator, neither a successful Prime Minister. I often ask myself- What makes this man click. The answer is in one word. Guts. He is fearless, such men inspire people. Has Imran Khan at the moment last his way. The answer is yes and no. A situation not unknown in politics.

For decades they by and large competent armed forces have (with the vital exception Bangladesh) kept Pakistan hold together. So far it has not intervened, as in the past, following the policy of wait and watch. The bug that entered its soul is Kashmir. No Kashmir no Pakistan foreign policy. Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto gave a spectacular example of this recently in Goa- Kashmir only Mothered.

The people of Pakistan are gifted and brave. Unfortunately their leaders (by and large) have let them down. Friends often ask, what should India do in the present situation. Why should we get involved. We should ensure that our borders are not violated. Pakistan keeps its hands off Kashmir.

I am supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. At the same time he never lowers his guard. Let me end with it. We wish you luck, but never aim your guns at us.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

K NATWAR SINGH The author is Former Minister of External Affairs of India