By Asif Mahmood
The way the ICJ decision on Kalboshan case is being interpreted in Pakistan is not only intriguing; it is horrifying and disgusting to the extent that one wonders what an unprecedented acumen our senior analysts are having. My Gosh!
Repeatedly it is being said that it is victory for India and is a defeat for Pakistan. A student like me wonders: How and on what pretext? In reply to our queries all sound and fury of this club becomes a whimper.
What has happened in ICJ?
Briefly India knocked it; we said yes we are ready to be the part of this proceeding. The court said: case is admitted and adjourned. Where is the defeat or the victory in this episode?
Historically India has been reluctant taking an issue to any International forum claiming that her issues with Pakistan are bilateral in nature and can only be discussed and settled by bilateral dialogues. Pakistan on the other hand has always been an ardent supporter to take these issues to international forums. This time when India herself decides to take it to the ICJ the issue was going to be Internationalized. Why would Pakistan object to this development? Does this make any sense? Especially when we are not at fault and we are convinced that we can Prove our case in ICJ that India is involved in terror activities inside Pakistan.
Till to date the ICJ hasn’t decided anything. From jurisdiction to Consular access nothing has yet been finalized by the court. Everything is open for an insightful analysis. The ICJ has maintained:
“At this stage of the proceedings, the Court is not called upon to determine definitively whether the rights which India wishes to see protected exist; it need only decide whether these rights are plausible…”
Pakistan, now, has a wonderful opportunity to grill India at this forum. This is not a defeat; this is an unprecedented opportunity. We shall avail it or is the conundrum.