Pak analysts criticise Modi interview over ‘allegations’
Pakistani analysts have criticised comments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insisting much of his interview on Monday was used to level allegations against Islamabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview on Monday received wide coverage in Pakistani media, with most newspapers and news channels featuring it as their top story for the day.
However, many analysts criticised comments made by Modi, insisting that much of the interview was used to level allegations against Islamabad.
At the same time, some cautious voices in Pakistan agreed with Modi's assertion that there were different types of forces operating in Pakistan and it was difficult to ascertain who to engage in dialogue.
During the interview, Modi had pointed to the multiple power centres in Pakistan to explain India’s difficulty in drawing a “lakshman rekha” (red line) for talks with the neighbouring country.
Analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami said Modi's remarks "suggest his frustration with Pakistan". Pakistan has been able to check Indian designs in the region, especially after an alleged spy network was unearthed in Pakistan, and Modi continues to follow the policy of trying to “bully Pakistan”, he said.
"They are trying to mould public opinion against us but we know they can never isolate us," Shami said.
Orya Maqbool Jan, another commentator, said Modi’s remarks were an attempt to divide the Pakistani leadership at a time when there are tensions in the country. "We are seeing that the army has played an important role in fighting terrorism and instead of appreciating this role, India is aiming its remarks to create tensions between the army and the prime minister," he said.
But others were not as critical of Modi and appreciated his remarks. Analyst Talat Masood said on Geo News that Modi’s remarks "should be taken in the context of talks between India and Pakistan". Masood, a retired general, said the message from the Indian leadership was of engaging the Nawaz Sharif government in talks "and this is a positive thing".
Analysts agreed that India should stop looking at everything from the prism of Pakistan. "India needs to be less obsessed with Pakistan," said Masood.
Earlier this week, Sartaj Aziz, adviser to the Prime Minister on foreign affairs , dispelled the impression that Pakistan had been isolated within the world community while briefing journalists. he said Pakistan is pursuing an active foreign policy for promoting and protecting its national interests in the changing geo-strategic situation in the region.
Referring to Pakistan's relations with India, he said Islamabad wants peaceful relations with New Delhi but it would not back down from its principled stance on the Kashmir issue. If there has to be an improvement in relations between the two countries, there has to be a dialogue on all issues, including the “core issue” of Kashmir, he added.
