Pakistan not ready to unilaterally withdraw its forces from Siachen

Pakistan not ready to unilaterally withdraw its forces from Siachen

President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari has ruled out the option of unilaterally withdrawing the country’s forces from Siachen and expressed that Pakistan would love to vacate the world’s most futile battle-field, only if India also decides to do that simultaneously.

The Siachen-issue arose in 1984 and since then, both the countries have deployed their forces in the glacier. Most of the defence analysts of the world believe that this is a complete waste of resources and money. Both the countries have lost thousands of
life in this battle-field.

However, the issue came into the forefront earlier this month after an avalanche struck the Pakistan forces and 139 soldiers and civilians were caught under the snow.

One of Pakistan’s major political leaders, Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif suggested recently that both the countries should withdraw their forces from Siachen and Pakistan should take the initiative.   

President Zardari does not agree with this statement of Sharif and expressed that Pakistan wants to take its forces out of the glacier but only if India does the same. The President understands that there is extreme cold in Siachen and a number of soldiers
have already died because of the weather but made it clear that it is not possible for the country to unilaterally withdraw its forces.

"There is no doubt that Siachen is the most difficult battlefield in the world. We are aware of the extreme climate and other difficulties at one of the world’s most difficult terrains but the withdrawal can only take place if the two governments decide
to pull out from the area jointly," he said.

Historically, Pakistan and India have shared bitter relations since their separation in 1947 and have fought three full-fledge wars in 1948, 1965 and 1971. The analysts believe that in the modern changing world, the neighbouring countries must improve their
relations so that they can work for the betterment of the deprived masses rather than spending billions of dollars every year on defence.

Zardari, who also happens to be the co-chairman of the ruling party of Pakistan, wants to have better trading relations with India as this can really help to improve the economy of both the countries.   

"I believe trade will bring prosperity for the people of the two countries," Zardari added.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=19819

Posted by Yasir Hashmi on Apr 21 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry