With reference to "How to create peace" (October 10), Mihir S Sharma makes a convincing case for enhancing economic and cultural ties with Pakistan, especially when political engagement is perhaps at its toughest phase. There are umpteen cases in the civilised world where politics is led by economics and not the other way around. Even in case of India-China economic relations, the yawning trade balance in favour of China is perhaps responsible for containing the latter's response and its reasoned approach in the face of hostilities between India and Pakistan.
But Pakistan has never been known for reason or logic. Its offensive stance has always been led by the army and India-baiting is perhaps its raison d'être. Under the circumstances, to expect any thaw through trade is wishful thinking. India did actually make the first move by granting most favoured nation status to Pakistan. There have been literally hundreds of trade delegation visits both ways.
We should just forget about our western neighbour ever respecting economic and cultural exchanges and these having any effect on its military's approach. We must keep working towards isolating Pakistan internationally - especially distancing it from the US, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran - and upgrading our intelligence and security systems. Pakistan has always caused us more harm with state-backed acts of terrorism in our cities.
Krishan Kalra, Gurgaon
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