Advertisement
Opinion | Lahore blast reaction shows normalised India-Pakistan ties are no sure thing
- Backchannel talks between New Delhi and Islamabad had succeeded in reducing tensions but failed to reach an agreement over Kashmir
- Pakistan accusing India of instigating terror in its territory might be supported by China over the convergence of interests created by India’s intransigence
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
4
Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf held a press briefing on July 4 to share developments about last month’s explosion in Lahore. The evidence acquired through multiple investigations revealed India’s apparent involvement in the act of terrorism, he said.
Advertisement
Yusuf claimed they had intelligence about a foreign agency, adding that, “... today without a doubt I want to say, [the circumstances] of this entire attack lead to Indian-sponsored terrorism”.
The revelations come as the two countries were attempting to create a workable relationship. Earlier this year, both sides indicated they would dial down hostilities at the Line of Control, which divides Kashmir into Pakistan- and India-administered parts.
Pakistan stopped calling the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) government a fascist regime, while India avoided blaming Pakistan for every terrorist attack in India-controlled Kashmir. In backchannel talks, both sides also resolved not to allow negotiations to become hostage to the next terrorist attack.
Each side seemingly reduced their bellicose rhetoric. Moreover, the possibility of China playing a role in breaking the ice between the two countries cannot be overstated.
05:27
The Kashmir conflict
The Kashmir conflict
The ceasefire could have resulted in doors opening for development and mobility for the people of Kashmir. Instead, we are at another standstill.
Advertisement