Berkeley Journal of Social Sciences

Vol. 2, Issue 5, May 2012.

PAKISTAN INDIA RELATIONS

NEED OF CBMs AND THE PEACE PROCESS
Usman Altaf

Since 1947 Indo-Pak Relations have been under the shadows of suspicions, misunderstanding,
disappointment, tensions and wars. Both states never succeeded to win the mutual trust of each
other because of their unresolved disputes and lack of cooperation between them. It is highly
expected from the elected Government of Pakistan (2008) that the resumption of the dialogue
process between Pakistan and India will provide new opportunity for both countries to resolve
their all long standing disputes and it will create an atmosphere in which both states can improve
their bilateral relations. But for this purpose, both countries have to overcome their short-sighted
plans and they have to reconsider their policies towards each other. The hostility between
Pakistan and India is the main hurdle in the progress of the people of these countries. Both
countries should overcome their political differences and should work together to reduce poverty
from the region and to raise the living standards of the people.
Both Pakistan and India have nuclear status and in this scenario the need of peace process
between them is much more important than ever before .Now perhaps war is not a good option
for them because any kind of a conventional armed conflict can change into a nuclear war. So in
this situation Pakistan and India should put the option of war for the settlement of their disputes
out of the equation. The peace process between Pakistan and India should be based on
development of the trust on each other, mutual gain and to develop an atmosphere of peace and
progress where both countries can resolve their disputes through composite dialogues.
The improvement of Indo-Pak relations need some changes in the attitudes of both countries For
example India is the largest state in the region and Indias desire is to become the hegemonic
power in South Asia .A famous Indian analyst C .Raja Mohan expressed his views that India

The author is MPhil student of the Department of Political Science & International Relations, Bahauddin Zakariya
University, Multan (Pakistan). This article is produced from his thesis titled as Confidence Building Measures
between Pakistan and India: Needs and Suggestions prepared under the supervision of Professor Ayaz Muhammad
Rana, Chairman of the Department.

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wants primacy and a veto over actions of outside powers in South Asia. So in this regard, if
India will continue such ambitions then it is almost impossible for India to maintain its relations
with Pakistan and it will further enhance the mistrust between the two states rather than
cooperation. Indian leadership should realize that Pakistan came into existence on ideological
basis (Two Nation Theory) and it will never ever rejoin India in any form. Statements of Indian
leadership create a lot of doubts and threats in the minds of Pakistani public and Government
which ultimately disturb the peace process and bilateral relations. For example L.K. Adwani
expressed his views in an interview, He said that Although the Kashmir problem would take
time to resolve , a day would come when India and Pakistan would form a federation to solve the
issue.And of course , Pakistan will never ever accept this proposal.
On the other hand Pakistan should also change its attitude to develop good relations with India.
The pocession of a minimum (credible) deterrence is essential for Pakistan .Specially Pakistan
should focus on its political stability, economic growth and to facilitate its people in the fields of
health and education. Pakistans political as well as military leadership should be focused on
economic and defense requirements and they have to keep in mind that the disintegration of
USSR was not because of the shortage of latest weapons but that was because of weak economy.
This is a fact that Pakistan has not been able to achieve its desire results in political and
economic fields. Military interventions, lack of political awareness and the non-serious attitude
of politicians are the major reasons of the political instability in Pakistan. On the other hand in
economic field, Pakistans economic growth rate is far less as compare to India for the last eight
years or so. In this regard, Pakistans leadership should take immediate steps to fasten its
economic growth in order to achieve desirable results from the dialogue process with India.
Finally, It is an existing fact that the solution of Kashmir issue according to Pakistans will is not
possible in short-term duration because currently the balance of power is hugely in Indias favor.
Thus, Pakistan should strengthen, economically, politically, diplomatically and militarily to
enhance the balance of power like India.1
WHAT ARE CBMs?

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CBM,S are such kind of steps or understandings on the basis of which states keep mutual
benefits in their minds and they also believe that such kind of steps or agreements will be
accepted by all concerning parties. CBM,S includes different areas such as people to people
contact. Civil and military hotlines and to inform each other before conducting any kind of
military exercises or missile tests etcAll these steps can build up the trust on each other which
ultimately results in reducing tension between the states.

Definitions of CBM,s:
Confidence building measures are diverse arrangements such as hot line, people to people
exchanges and prior notifications of military exercises that can help to reduce tensions and
promote good neighborly relations.2
CBM,S aims to create a situation in which the warring parties agree to talk mutual steps for
building trust and starting talks for the diffusion of crisis or the resolution of conflict3
CBM,S are like Salaam and Namaste They are also as old as history. Both are expressions of
respect and good will, a measure of transparency demonstrating that no arms are carried and that
the interaction is meant to be harmless. The gesture is often accompanied by a smile and conveys
feelings of cordiality if not friendship4
CBM TOOLS
CBM,s tools are such kind of instruments by the help of which communicational arrangements
between the sates can be improved or it can provide satisfactory ways about the conduct and
behavior of other states. Communication, transparency and the process of verifying such
commitments between the states are the major CBM,S tools. These CBM tools are made to
asses the behavior of the states by providing communicational links among them and also
establish various rules and patterns of behavior for states. Such kind of communication measures
can provide a gateway to reduce tensions during the time of crisis. Such steps can also be
employed on regular basis that would allow the states to avoid crisis before they occur.
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CBM,S IN SOUTH ASIA

More than 60 years history of Indo-Pak relations shows that both Pakistan and India moved
forward on CBM,s but even than state to state relations between them remained hostile. There
are some areas that highlights past agreements between Pakistan and India on Confidence
Building Measures (CBM,S).

1.Military Hotlines:
After the war of 1971 both Pakistan and India agreed to form a direct communicational link
between them and for this purpose a hot line between the Pakistani and Indian Directors General
Of Military Operations (DGMO,S) was formed in 1990. Both countries agreed to reestablish the
hot line and to use it on weekly basis and in Lahore summit 1999 Pakistan and India agreed to
upgrade the DGMO,S hot line,
Implementation:
The hot line of DGMO,S has been used quite regularly. However it is a fact that during the time
if tension, the important information has not been shared over the hot line.In 1987 during a
serious crisis in the region, the military hot line (DGMO,S) was not used and it was also not used
during the major crisis in Kashmir in 1990. The use of DGMO,S during the Kargil war was also
considered as unreliable. So the purpose to establish a military hot line between Pakistan and
India has not been fully achieved due to lack of implementation on it.
2.Hot line Between Prime Ministers:
The first hot line between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India was established in 1987 by
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Rajiv Gandhi, Indian Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reestablished the Prime Ministers hot line in order to
enhance direct communication in November 1990. Now at present time, no such hot line is
working between Pakistan and India but it can be restarted at a very short notice.
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Implementation:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif used the Prime Ministers hot line to express his point of view to
develop good relations and bilateral ties with India. Indian Prime Minister I.K.Gujral and Nawaz
Sharif talked about the resumptions of Foreign Secretary negotiations in 1997 to strengthen their
commitment to start the dialogue process between the two countries. They also used the PM hot
line during the Kargil war of 1999. Thus the Prime Ministers hot line can be considered as a
useful tool regarding CBM,S and even now it can be reestablished in a very short span of time.
3.Agreement On Non-Use of Force:
The war of 1965 between Pakistan and India was finally ended by the involvement of Soviet
Union through the Tashkent Declaration in 1965. Both countries were agreed that relations
between India and Pakistan shall be based on the principle of non-interference in the internal
affairs of the other. Similarly the war of 1971 between Pakistan and India brought the Simla
Accord in 1972 where both Pakistan and India agreed on non-use of force in settling their long
standing disputes and both countries agreed to resolve their all disputes through bilateral
dialogue process.
Implementation:
The implementation of the agreement on non-use of force has not been at satisfactory level.
Many people in South Asia believe that both Pakistani and Indian intelligence agencies have
been involved in cross border terrorism and the Simla accord has not been implemented
according to its real spirit. Pakistan argues that India is not ready to negotiate the final status of
Kashmir. On the other hand India argues that Pakistan by demanding third party involvement in
Kashmir dispute, is trying to violate the Simla Accord.
4.Military Exercises:
An agreement to inform each other before conducting any kind of military exercise was made in
1991 between Pakistan and India. A prior notification to inform each other is required fir those
military exercises comprising minimum of two or more armed divisions in specific areas. The
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military exercises at the corps level must be conducted at the minimum distance of 45 km from
the international border and the exercises at division level must be done 25 kilometers away from
the border. Any kind of military activities are not allowed within 5 kilometers range of border.
Implementation:
The agreement of pre-notification of military exercises has been followed quiet regularly.
However Pakistan did complain that when India was conducting one of its major military
exercises named Brass Tack, did not inform Pakistan. Similarly there are also some other
division level exercises which have not been informed well in time.
5.Non-Violation of Air Space:
The agreement on non-violation of Air space was made between Pakistan and India in 1991 and
was implemented in 1992, according to this agreement fighter aircrafts are not allowed to enter
within 10 kilometers of foreign space, however logistic aircrafts and unarmed air traffic are
allowed upto 1000 meters from the international border, flights within the given range (1000
meters) are allowed for rescue or supply of goods only after the advance notice given by the
governments.
Implementation:
There are critics in both countries who claim that the agreement on non violation of air space has
been by passed by both Pakistan and India. According to them, in Siachen Glacier the rules of
this agreement are much more aggressive and helicopters of both countries have been shot down
by them.
6.Non Attack On Nuclear Facilities:
This agreement was made by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Indian Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi in 1988. This agreement was ratified and implemented in 1992. According to this
agreement both countries are bound to exchange lists of all details and locations of nuclear
facilities with each other on annual basis.
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Implementation:
Although the lists of nuclear related facilities have been exchanged between Pakistan and India
every year but it was reported that when in 1992 the nuclear lists were first exchanged, both
Pakistan and India left off their some nuclear locations and facilities.

7.Bilateral Accord On Chemical Weapons:

A bilateral declaration on the prevention of chemical weapons was announced in 1992. Both
Pakistan and India agreed not to produce, develop or acquire chemical weapons.
Implementation:
It was a huge surprise for Pakistan when India joined Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC),
where India declared her stocks of chemical weapons and India argued that the purpose of the
production of these chemical weapons is to deal with any situation arising out of possible use of
chemical warfare against India. However Pakistan didnt declare any kind of chemical weapons
when it joined CWC.
8.Non Harassment Of Diplomatic Personnel:
A code of conduct was made by Pakistani and Indian Foreign Secretaries in order to protect
diplomatic personnel and staff to make them free from external threats and harassment.
Implementation:
This code of conduct regarding non-harassment of diplomatic personnel has been violated by
both Pakistan and India. Diplomatic personnel in Pakistan and India have often been harassed by
the intelligence agencies of both countries.5
IMPORTANCE AND NEED FOR CBM, S IN INDO-PAK RELATIONS AND SOUTH
ASIA
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Confidence Building Measures in South Asia is the crying need of the hour because the socioeconomic development as well as the security of the region is highly associated with the peace
process between the two nuclear states of the region. After May 1998 when Pakistan and India
emerged as nuclear powers in the region, not only South Asian Countries but also International
community emphasized on Pakistan and India to resolve their all long standing disputes through
composite dialogue process because the political and economic stability of the South Asian
region is highly dependent on effective, durable and achieve able set of CBM,s between the two
countries.
Since 1998 (after acquiring nuclear capabilities by both Pakistan and India) the hostile relations
between the two countries have been considered as the most dangerous nuclear flash point of the
world and of course, the reason is Kashmir dispute as both countries claimed their rights over
Kashmir. In this scenario, if one of the conflicting parties creates misunderstandings or claim the
involvement of the non-state actors (as India claimed the involvement of non-state actors in
Mumbai attacks) perhaps enhance the threat of war between the two countries. So in this
situation the urgent need to develop the CBM,s is much more important than ever before. Both
countries should not only continue their existing CBM,s but they should also find new areas of
CBM,s for the success of their on going peace process.
In past, Pakistan and India had agreed on different bilateral issues to reduce the threat of armed
conflict. Both countries are also the important members of South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) but still their objectives on different issues have not been achieved. The
major hurdle in achieving best results from CBM,s is the lack of true implementation of those
CBM,s which have already been taken place. In this regard both Pakistan and India should take
lessons from the experiences of success and failures from the CBM,s which have been concluded
by different countries of other regions to make their peace process effective and fruitful and for
this purpose, CBM,s should not be limited only at the official level (State level) but the
participation of non official actors is also very important such as people to people contact,
exchange of cultural and social delegations (Track II Diplomacy), role of civil society and
exchange of educational groups etc.

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Despite of all efforts that have been made by Pakistan and India to overcome their political
differences and to reduce the tension between them the threat of armed conflict is still there
because Kashmir issue is yet to be resolved and on the both sides of LOC army of both countries
is present in a large numbers. Other than Kashmir dispute, both countries have also been engaged
at Siachen Glacier and other disputes and both countries are spending a lot of money on their
defense production, In this scenario both Pakistan and India should reduce their military
expenditures and they should invest a large amount on the improvement of the living standards
of their people.
As mentioned earlier that Kashmir is the bone of contention between Pakistan and India where
cross firing on LOC is a routine. On the other hand India often blame Pakistan regarding crossborder terrorism. However Pakistan and India have succeeded in achieving some sort of positive
relationship specially in the area of trade are reflecting the positive signs and the other areas
(such as lack of mutual trust, blame game etc.) are showing the darker side of the picture. For
example, the limited war of 1999 (Kargil war) resulted in massive killings and significant loss
of military equipments but after few days of this limited war, according to the News Network
International which reported from Islamabad on 1, June 1999 that Pakistani chambers of
commerce and Industry asked for relaxation on industrial machinery imports from India. The
chambers of commerce felt that the import of machinery from India was less expensive than
that of import from other distant countries.
When General Pervez Musharraf took over the democratic Government in October 1999 and
became the chief executive of Pakistan, India clearly announced that Indian Government would
not continue the dialogue process with a dictator . However ultimately India changed its
position and Indian Prome Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee invited General Pervez Musharraf
for dialogues in 2001 at Agra (India). Despite of existing tensions between the two states where
their armies are present on the both sides of LOC, Pakistan has agreed to allow a gas pipeline
from Kazakhstan for India; which Pakistan considered beneficial for itself.6

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While concluding we can say that, although Pakistan and India have worst relations but the
importance and need for CBM,s can not be denied and the efforts for CBM,s can be initiated
even in the hostile relationship.
Recent Development in Indo-Pak CBM,S
On 27th July 2011, Pakistan and India agreed to develop additional CBM,s that are related to
Kashmir issue, which includes increasing of trading days across LOC and expanding travel to
promote tourism and religious aspects.
After the detailed talks between the Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and her
Indian counterpart S.M.Krishna, both sides also decided to relax the conditions for travel for the
people of both sides of LOC by providing a multiple entry system of six-months.
The two ministers have discussed all long standing disputes including Kashmir issue, prevention
of cross border terrorism, the development on Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan, Trade, Siachen,
Circreek and water disputes .etc. They have also discussed to promote friendly relations between
them including different areas of CBM,S.
After the bilateral talks between the two foreign ministers they said in a joint statement,
The Ministers held discussions on the issues of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to the need for
continued discussions, in a purposeful and forward looking manner, with a view to finding a
peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences.
Indian Foreign Minister S.M.Krishna said, I must say that I am satisfied at the progress
achieved in this round of the resumed dialogue. The outcomes have been as per our
expectations while being fully cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead, I can confidently say
that our relations are on the right track.8
He further said, we are listening carefully to each other and giving consideration to the ideas
and proposals from both sides that are on table. I am also confident enough about our future

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course of our relations, which has to be normalized for peace progress and prosperity of our two
countries and the region.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Said, This indeed a new era of bilateral cooperation between the two
countries and it is our desire and I believe after having spoken to you (Krishna), that is the desire
and commitment of both the governments to make it an uninterrupted and an uninterruptable
process.
Talking to a brief press meetig Hina rabbani Khar said, We have expressed our satisfaction on
holding of subject specific meetings during the last five months. We have agreed that the process
should continue and in fact there is no alternative to dialogue and constructive engagement
She further said, a new generation of India and Pakistan will see a relationship which is going to
be much different than the one we experienced in the last five decades.9
Conclusion:
Pakistan and India are two most important countries of the Region but it is unfortunate that both
countries are hostile to each other since the time of their independence. The holocaust of
refugees and unnatural boundries of both countries create a mountain of problems that can not be
solved even at present time. The continued circle of wars and boundry tension between both
countries reduces the process of exchange of political and cultural delegations and reduction of
this process creates misunderstandings between them and because of that effective CBM,S were
not take place.
Since 1998 both countries have been decleared as nuclear powers. So, under the umbrella of
Nuclear weapons it is not possible for both countries to go for war. If they confronted to each
other the war must be fought with the weapons of mass destruction and it would be worst for the
population of both countries and it will cause a horrible loss. In this scenario the only possible
way for both countries to solve their problems is through a composite dialogue process.The
effective dialogue process is possible only through CBM,S by which both Pakistan and India can
solve their long standing issues peacefully.
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For the success of CBM,S the willingness of both countries is very important. The leadership of
both states must take immediate steps to develop CBM,S between them.

NOTES & REFERENCES

1. http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-englishonline/Opinions/Columns/20-May-2008/PakistanIndia-relations
2.

Henry L. Stimson Center (1996) www. CBMDEF. HTM

3.

Mutahir Ahmed, (1996) Indo-Pak conflicts in Pakistan Horizon. p. 71.

4.

Dipanker Banerjee, (2001) strategic analysis.

5.
6.
7.
8.

. http://www.defencejournal.com/2002/august/confidence.htm
http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/26/pakistan-india-need-positive-cbms.html
3. http://ipripak.org/articles/newspapers/.shtml
http://news.oneindia.in/2011/07/27/india-pakistan-agree-on-additional-cbms-onkashmir.html
9. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-27/india/29820263_1_foreignministers-jammu-and-kashmir-dialogue-process

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