India, Pakistan paying dearly due to hostility: Aiyar

Bangalore: Former union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said that some vested interests want India and Pakistan to remain at loggerheads and are benefiting from this long-drawn hostility.

At a function organised at Mount Carmel College in the city on Saturday, Aiyar observed that “Host­ility against India is being nurtured in Pakistan. Such animosity has led to cross-border problems. Some coun­­tries are also against normalisation of ties between India and Pak­istan.” The senior Congress leader added that both countries are paying a heavy price due to strained ties.

Aiyar observed that Taliban is the real threat to Pakistan and affects its territorial integrity. “Taliban is waging a war of violence against all its opponents stating that they are not real Muslims. It has already achieved much success in converting Pakistan as a breeding ground of extremity and poses great danger to its citizens. Pakistan’s government sho­uld be very careful,” he said.

The former minister emphasised that even now, many in Pakistan still bear good-will towards Indians.

“Many have their roots in India, enjoy Indian movies, traditions, folk, theatre etc. The enmity is not between people,” he said.

Aiyar urged the Indian and Pakistani governments to form an Indo-Pak joint commission. “Such an initiative would help both countries achieve success in their fight against terrorism. Else both the countries may suffer. It is the high time for a tactical understanding,” he said, and added, “Pakistan’s citizens are fighting terrorism like their Indian counterparts.

A better un­de­rstanding of each oth­er’s problems will help both countries solve their problems,” he said.