Zardari not mandated to provide categorical assurance

- Anil Narendra

President of Pakistan did not visit India on India's invitation, but he came on his own. He came to Ajmer Sharif on a pilgrimage and pilgrimage he did perform. He came to Delhi, because there was no other way to reach Ajmer. He could not have gone direct to Ajmer from Pakistan. When he had to come to Delhi, how could India ignore diplomatic protocol? The Prime Minister of India held a lunch in his honour. Both the leaders had a closed-door meeting for 40-45 minutes. Later, it was informed that India raised the issue of terrorism, especially the issue of bringing Hafiz Saeed to books. It is being reported that Dr Manmohan Singh emphasised upon punishing the perpetrators of 26/11. The Prime Minister also drew President Zardari's attention to the need to curb the terrorism against India being perpetrated from the Pak soil. Zardari Saheb, on the other hand, emphasised upon the need to resolve issues like Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachin. Pakistan also raised the issue of imprisonment of Pak Scientist, Khalil Chishti, but Mnmohan Singh did not think it appropriate to raise the issue of death sentence to Sarabjit Singh. Opinions may differ, but we think that Zardari's India visit is not of much significance. These days, Zardari's condition in his country is very vulnerable. He is sandwiched between Army on one hand and Supreme Court on the other. The popularity graph of Zardari is also at the lowest. When he is under such a tremendous pressure in his country, then for what he has come to Ajmer Sharif to pray for? He was accompanied by his son also. He, in a way, introduced his son, Bilawal on the international scene. Zardari Saheb would like to see Prince Bilawal to take the reins of the country after him. It is also being said that the meeting of princes of both the countries was a success. It was reported that Prime Minister and President Zardari had a one-to-one meeting which lasted for about 40 minutes. We doubt that a meeting just for 40 minutes could cover various issues like Kashmir, terrorism, Siachin, Sir Creek, Visa facilities, Hafiz Saeed, punishment to the perpetrators of 26/11, from bilateral trade to Cricket and could lead to any important decision. At this stage, it can only be said that these issues were discussed casually and a future road map was chalked out. At present, Zardari Saheb is not in a position to make any commitment on behalf of his country, as the real power in Pakistan lies with the Pak Army. It is the Army that decides about Pakistan's policies on different issues. History is witness to the fact that Pakistani leader make promises during their visits to India, but once they return to Pakistan they go back on their words. When Zardari's father-in-law, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came to India for brokering the Simla Agreement, he made tall promises, but he denied all the promises made, once he reached Pakistan. As on date, Zardari Saheb doesn't have the mandate which authorize him to negotiate with India on any issue. The meeting was bereft of any hope for either side. Mr. Zardari is badly ridden with numerous problems. In fact, India's PM is also has his problems, but the problems, Zardari is facing are different from those of India's. Pakistan's problem is not only its Army and the Intelligence agency, but internal situation of that country has also made things worse. A new crisis brewing before it, is that of deteriorating relations with US. Though, Pakistan appears to challenge the US, reason for which is the increasing anger among Pakistanis about US. It is also not possible for Pakistan to fight with whole world with the support of China alone. That is why, now Pakistan wants to mend fences with India. Some people have even claimed that some body has prodded Zardari to visit India. These days, barring terrorism, some change in Pakistan's attitude regarding trade etc., have been witnessed, but Pakistan must realize that India's most serious complaint against Pakistan relates to the abetting terrorism against it from the Pakistani soil and Zardari is not capable to take action to curb terrorism. In a statement, he had said that his views on Hafiz Saeed are identical with those of the Pakistan Government's. His another important statement was that he had been asked to leave Pakistan. In other words, these statements indicate that India should not expect much from him. Army Chief Kayani and ISI and Jehadi leaders are the real power in Pakistan.