PANJIM: In a world where political and economic situation is in a flux and co-operation is the only way forward, India-Pakistan relations would hold the key to South Asia’s future, said Prof Ishtiaq Ahmed, Professor Emeritus, Stockholm University.
Speaking at a talk on the theme ‘Future of South Asia’ co-organised by the School of International and Area Studies and Political Science Programme, D D Kosambi School of Social Sciences, Goa University, the Pakistan-born Swedish political scientist also touched upon the crisis in Pakistan in its formative years that continues to plague the nation in several ways.
While appreciating India’s remarkable growth in the recent years, he cautioned against the tendencies of religious polarisation and politicisation of history, as the same tendencies have prevented Pakistan from moving on as a nation. While India can very well move on with its South Asia minus Pakistan approach, for the latter it may not be an option, he asserted.
Responding to a question on Pakistan’s position on terrorism, he hoped that the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharief’s statement at the recent Shanghai Co-operation Organisation on denouncing the same was made with right intent.
Prof Ahmed also recalled being influenced by D D Kosambi’s writings during his formative years.
Prof Ahmed has been an acclaimed author of books titled ‘Pakistan: The Garrison State’, ‘Jinnah: His Successes, Failures and Role in History’ and ‘Punjab: Partioned, Bloddied and Cleansed. The lecture was very well attended by students, faculty and members of civil society.
