‘Pakistan Cannot Conquer Kashmir through War’ Says Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar

Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar has said that Pakistan cannot take away Kashmir from India in a war.

In an interview with Pakistan News Channel Geo News, Ms Rabbani said war is not a solution for Kashmir problem, and dialogues between two countries is the only solution to resolve the issue. She said both countries can reach a solution if they agree to continue dialogues with each other.

“I believe that Pakistan cannot conquer Kashmir through war, and if we cannot do that, the option we are left with is dialogue; and dialogue can only proceed with a partner with which we have normal relations and a certain level of mutual trust,” Ms Khar said.

Ms Rabbani said earlier Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government had made ample efforts to maintain normal relations with India. The government had relaxed visa rules and encouraged trade relations with India.

According to her, President Musharraf had taken a softer stand during his term, and present Nawaz Sharif government can do much more as it enjoys majority.

“The issues between the two countries cannot be resolved in a hostile environment.”

Answering a question about influence of Pakistan’s military on foreign policy, Ms Khar said it is a “diplomat’s job to carry forward the military’s perspective on issues where the military is a relevant stakeholder”.

Ms Khar, who remained Pakistan’s Foreign Minister from 2011 to 2013, said Pakistani children were indoctrinated in an atmosphere of hatred, and are trained to hate India.

“In 60 years, we have taught our children that our national identity is to hate someone, and we are doing it with those who are physically the nearest. Hostile with India and now hostile with Afghanistan.”

Ms Rabbani praised India and said it is because of India’s democratic tradition that US is also willing to have friendly ties with India.

She also stated that some people believe that Kashmir issue can only be resolved “if there is a BJP government in India and a military government in Pakistan”.