Why Pakistan Clings to the Dream of Kashmir- Understanding India’s Stakes in the Disputed Territory
Why Pakistan Wants Kashmir from India
The dispute over Kashmir, a region that has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947, remains one of the most enduring conflicts in South Asia. At the heart of this conflict lies the question: why does Pakistan want Kashmir from India? This article delves into the historical, strategic, and political reasons behind Pakistan’s pursuit of this territory.
Historically, Pakistan’s claim to Kashmir is rooted in the two-nation theory, which posits that Muslims and Hindus are distinct nations and should have separate states. When Pakistan was created in 1947, it inherited the princely states of Jammu and Kashmir, which were Muslim-majority regions. However, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, was indecisive about joining either India or Pakistan, leading to a popular uprising and a conflict between the two nations.
Strategically, Pakistan views Kashmir as a crucial buffer zone between India and itself. The region’s geographical location makes it a strategic asset, as it provides Pakistan with a significant advantage in terms of defense and security. Moreover, Pakistan believes that controlling Kashmir would allow it to have a direct land route to its western province of Balochistan, which could potentially enhance its influence in the region.
Politically, Pakistan has always maintained that the people of Kashmir should have the right to self-determination. This stance is based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions passed in 1948 and 1949, which called for a plebiscite to determine the fate of the region. Pakistan argues that the Indian government has failed to hold the promised plebiscite, thereby violating international law and the rights of the Kashmiri people.
Furthermore, Pakistan has long used the Kashmir issue as a tool to mobilize its population and garner international support. By portraying itself as the protector of the Kashmiri Muslims, Pakistan has been able to gain sympathy and support from various Muslim countries and organizations. This has also helped Pakistan to deflect attention from its internal issues, such as its nuclear program and human rights abuses.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s desire to acquire Kashmir from India is driven by a combination of historical, strategic, and political factors. The region’s strategic importance, the principle of self-determination for the Kashmiri people, and the use of the Kashmir issue as a political tool have all contributed to Pakistan’s relentless pursuit of this territory. As long as these factors remain in play, the conflict over Kashmir is likely to continue, posing a significant challenge to peace and stability in South Asia.
