Pakistan using separatists diversity of Kashmir to its advantage

SRINAGAR: For a change, Pakistan does not see a problem in the separatist diversity of Kashmir. Instead of contributing in their unity, she is keen to utilize the rivals to help Islamabad on two fronts.

While it has requested the hawk Syed Ali Geelani to use his “highly respected position” to stabilize Pakistan, Islamabad has given a literal go-ahead to moderates led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to work for “getting Kashmir back at the centre of India Pakistan dialogue.”

Kashmiri separatists were invited to “special consultations” by Sartaj Aziz, adviser on security and foreign relations to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief, during his recent India visit.

Aziz met separate delegations led by Mirwaiz, Geelani, and Asiya Andrabi as JKLF leader Yasin Malik had gone solo. They shared their observations and assessments about Kashmir situation and the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.

Informed sources told The ET that Aziz agreed to Geelani’s observations but shared with him the difficult situation prevailing in Pakistan. “Aziz told him that he has an unparalleled stature across the borders, sects and political ideologies especially in Pakistan,” sources said. Aziz even told him that his grand-son is having “your photograph” in his pocket and school bag. “We only want that you utilize your position in helping stabilize Pakistan.