Impact of Security Issues on Pakistan-India Relations: Remedies and Political Advantages

Abstract

The history of Pak-India relations has presented sound evidences that both states harvested distrust and uncertain conditions with each other after the end of British colonial rule in the sub-continent. Since the partition, both states have contentious issues which added more fuel to both sides' relations. Kashmir issue is a dominant factor that has created more unrest as both states strained into three full-scale wars in this connection. Mutual disputes have also created issues of security and cross-border terrorism which put obstacles during the peace process between India and Pakistan. Concerns about security and cross-border terrorism are counted as a serious constant threat to peace in the South Asian region as both countries have the capability of nuclear war. Pakistan is blamed for Cross border terrorism which is a big matter of concern by the Indian side. India claimed that through cross-border terrorism, Kashmir and the Indian Parliament were attacked with the backing of Pakistan. Mumbai attacks were also engineered in the same pattern to create unrest and security issues in India. On the other hand, Pakistan denied Indian allegations and has bourse concerns about India's involvement in Baluchistan and different suicide attacks in Pakistan. The study tries to explore the involvement of non-state actors in cross-border terrorism and its aftershock in both sides' relations. The study also explores the impacts of cross-border activities and the peace process between Pakistan and India. It examines the different measures taken by Pakistan to stop terrorism in the region for developing sustainable ties with India.