CHOICE BEFORE PAKISTAN

Unfortunately, this has not happened in Pakistan. The idea of “first change the current state of affairs (status quo)” has led to a constant state of emergency. As a result, practical opportunities for individuals to work according to their abilities have almost disappeared. Because of this, many motivated and talented people have left Pakistan. During my visits to the United States, I asked many Pakistanis living there why they left their home country. Almost all of them gave the same answer: in America, there are opportunities to work—while in Pakistan, there are none. Pakistan’s unrealistic policy on Kashmir has become a trap door, blocking the country’s progress. The fact is, Pakistan has fallen behind in today’s race for development. There is only one way to help the country catch up: instead of confronting problems directly, Pakistan should focus on maximizing available opportunities. Given the current situation, Pakistani leaders should be willing to accept the existing state of affairs (status quo) in Kashmir. In other words, the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir should—after necessary adjustments—be recognized as the border between the two countries. The geographical and political status quo that has developed between Pakistan and India should be accepted, and the issue should be permanently resolved. Furthermore, such a bold and decisive step can only be taken by a nondemocratic ruler. It’s not possible for a democratic leader to make such a detached, unemotional decision. In my view, this historic