Voices for peace: Talks are welcome, but who is that authority in Pakistan?

New Delhi: Many prominent citizens from both India and Pakistan have reportedly come together to appeal to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to end decades of hostility between the two nations which, despite being the ideal option otherwise, remains an uphill task in this case, with ground realities in Islamabad complicating prospects of meaningful talks.

The appeal, signed by intellectuals, activists, and public figures, calls for a new chapter in South Asian relations — one built on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect rather than suspicion and confrontation.

It is indeed appropriate and timely, but Pakistan’s multiple power centres make talks a difficult path to tread.

The letter emphasises the shared cultural, historical, and human ties between India and Pakistan. It highlights how ordinary citizens on both sides suffer from the fallout of strained relations: restricted trade, limited cultural exchange, and the constant shadow of conflict.

The signatories argue that peace is not just a lofty ideal but a practical necessity for economic growth, regional stability, and the well-being of millions.

While the appeal is directed at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as one party, the reality is that Pakistan’s political authority is fragmented.

Unlike India, where the Prime Minister wields clear constitutional power, Pakistan operates under a system where multiple power centres compete for influence.

Pakistan’s Army remains the most dominant institution in the country. Army Chief General Asim Munir has been steadily consolidating his authority, shaping both domestic politics and foreign policy.

Historically, the military has dictated the contours of Pakistan’s foreign policy, including India ties, often sidelining civilian governments.

Any peace initiative with New Delhi would require Pakistan military’s explicit backing, making Sharif’s role secondary at best.

Another destabilising factor is the presence of terrorist groups that operate with alarming freedom. Their influence was once again starkly visible during the funeral of former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar’s brother, where photographs showed armed militants mingling openly with mourners.

Such images underscore the challenge, where even if civilian leaders or the military were inclined toward peace, extremist groups can derail progress through violence and intimidation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, despite holding office, often finds himself constrained. His Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s frequent off-the-cuff remarks — sometimes provocative, sometimes contradictory — reflect the lack of coherence within the civilian leadership. These statements not only confuse Pakistan’s official stance but also weaken its credibility in international diplomacy.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commands a strong mandate and centralised authority. His government has consistently emphasised national security, particularly after incidents like the Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot strikes.

The 2025 Pahalgam attack was a tragic incident where 26 Indian tourists were shot down by terrorist targeting Hindu victims near Pahalgam in Kashmir.

Such attacks happened despite Prime Minister Modi’s occasional gestures of peace and goodwill. During his swearing-in ceremony of May 2014, PM Modi invited all Heads of state from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Sharif accepted, and attended the ceremony in New Delhi, marking the first time a Pakistani leader had participated in such an event.

The invitation was widely interpreted as Prime Minister Modi’s attempt to “turn over a new leaf” in India-Pakistan relations, signaling openness to dialogue despite earlier attacks.

But within Pakistan, Sharif faced criticism, with the powerful military establishment reportedly viewing the gesture with caution, reflecting the broader pattern of civilian initiatives being undermined by security concerns.

But Prime Minister Modi did not give up. He made a surprise visit to Pakistan on his way back from Kabul on December 25, 2015, to wish Nawaz Sharif on his 66th birthday.

It marked the first visit by a Prime Minister of India to Pakistan in more than a decade, since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Such acts are now remembered as moments of goodwill gestures overshadowed by violence and mistrust.

Relations deteriorated after the January 2016 Pathankot terror attack and subsequent militant strikes, forcing India to harden its stance, demanding Pakistan take concrete action against terror groups before any dialogue.

These demonstrate how Pakistan’s multiple power centres — including the military and militants — can undermine civilian-led peace efforts.

For India, the lesson was clear; symbolic gestures are insufficient without structural changes in Pakistan’s governance and security environment.

IANS