You can choose your friends but not your neighbours. It applies very aptly to India and Pakistan. Imran Khan will be shortly at the helm of affairs in our close neighbourhood. In his victory speech he has spoken nice words about Indo-Pak relations. Let us hope that his deeds will speak more loudly and honestly than his words. It is to be seen whether he is allowed by his political compulsions and the all powerful military establishment to mend the fences with our country. It is a major task he is facing, at least from the Indian point of view.
It is the responsibility of both the neighbours to put an end to the atmosphere of perpetual tension between them. In this respect we look at Prime Minister Modi also, who is facing a major election which will decide his fate, and at least partially, the future course of India as to whether it remains secular, broadminded and all inclusive or becomes a ghetto of narrow minded rulers, frightened and suspicious citizens, lynching mobs and feuding politicians. Therefore, in this perspective, he should reciprocate the good words of Imran Khan and not play to the gallery of short sighted party men among whom there is a sizeable number of communal minded vigilantes who do not lose any chance to make inflammatory speeches and poison the minds of common people.
Besides, Imran Khan has another major task: to think about the objective of creation of Pakistan. It was to present before the world a lively example of Islamic way of life, in the lives of its citizens, in society and governance. Will he try to promote the all embracing Islamic moral values and stem the tide of prevailing injustice and violence? Can the world and Pakistanis forget the massacre of school children in Peshawar or the recent Baluchistan carnage?
For a peaceful South East Asia Indo-Pak cordial relations are a must. Let us hope that Imran Khan makes his country violence-free and an embodiment of true Islamic spirit which gives highest priority to justice peace and human rights. Shall we not remind him about the Quranic exhortation that, “Indeed We sent our Messengers with Clear Signs, and sent down with them the Book and the Balance that people may uphold justice.(Holy Quran 57: 25). Imran has two big tasks before him justice and peace in Pakistan and peace with neighbours. We from India wish him success in these two missions.