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“India, Pakistan must jointly combat terror”

— Photo: R.Ragu

Pakistan’s former Attorney General Iqbal Haider and senior trade union leader B.M.Kutty interact with Loyola College students in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: At the end of an hour-long interactive session here on Thursday, delegates from Pakistan and students of the Loyola College conceded a fact: “India and Pakistan have a common history to share and an enemy to fight. Combating terrorism could only be possible if the two countries work hand-in-hand.”

Former Attorney-General of Pakistan Iqbal Haider and senior trade union leader B.M. Kutty are part of the 17-member peace delegation from Pakistan that is touring cities across India for a signature campaign in support of peace between the countries.

Replying to queries on Pakistan’s stand on terrorism, Mr. Haider said military rule in Pakistan paved the way for extremist activities. The present government must work on its earlier failures to fight terrorism.

While the people of Pakistan demanded peace and urged the government to be zero-tolerant towards terrorism, the onus lay on the government to work along with India to root out the terror groups.

He blamed the United States for “promoting jihadism and offering financial aid to the terror groups.” The earlier military ruler in Pakistan supported the U.S. for personal gain and sacrificed national interest, he said.

On the strained India-Pakistan relationship, Mr. Kutty said people of both countries must have a better understanding of the real state of affairs.

“Media must stop being hostile to each other and, instead, bring out constructive news stories to allay hatred among the people.”

The delegates suggested that SAARC member-countries could encourage open trade and commerce and introduce common currency on the lines of European Union’s Euro.

Pointing to countries with open-border agreement, Mr. Haider said regional alliances would be mutually beneficial. Both the governments must relax the rules on issuing visas and allow more people interaction.

Nurturing brotherhood among the people of both countries was important to jointly curb religious extremism, he said.

“India and Pakistan are identical in every aspect. We have no option but to fight our common enemy — be it poverty, illiteracy or terrorism.”

Women’s Collective’s state president Sheelu moderated the discussion.

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