Overall, the recent developments offer an opportunity to engage in a way that prioritizes mutual trust and strategic and economic benefits. Also, both countries can overcome historical enmities through dialogue and diplomacy. However, uncertainty looms due to the possible reversal of the policies post-elections.
Any system that attempts to govern people fears an individual who is going his own way.
Pakistan faces terrorism from groups like TTP and ISKP, and internally, BLA. On the other side, the old Durand line dispute, migrations of millions of refugees, and cross-border clashes also added trouble for Pakistan.
The solution here shall not be based on prior models, where a referendum is to be held and Kashmir is to become part of either India or Pakistan. Because Kashmir is vital to both states, its control by one state gives it leverage over the other and will ultimately lead to the conflict described above.
The story of minerals in regions like Balochistan and Afghanistan is a powerful reminder of what happens when natural wealth meets weak systems. Without urgent reform, these resources will continue to be hijacked by militant groups used to fuel violence, corruption, and instability.
The Pahalgam attack not only shifted and changed the dynamics of South Asia politically, militarily, and diplomatically, but also gave birth to a new militant group, “Tahreek-e-Taliban Kashmir”.