The recent meeting between the prime ministers of India and Pakistan was a long-awaited move. It is about time that the two countries should realize that fighting one another will no longer serve their interests and will not benefit their people. If we carefully study the potential of the region comprising, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal, in other words the SAARC countries, we would be surprised to note that this region has been blessed with all sorts of natural resources and human potential. If utilized properly, this region could emerge as one of the most developed parts of the world.

Unfortunately, we are still fighting over the pettiest of issues and actually harming ourselves. Instead of fighting, if we pool our sources and relax bilateral trade protocols or work to come up with something on the lines of the European Union (EU), a new era of prosperity and peace will dawn on us.

For that we must shun our differences and start working in that direction. People of all these countries should also reject politicians who fan communal sentiments and indulge in petty politics. As for India and Pakistan, nationals of both countries live in peace and harmony with each other when they are abroad. So what happens when they return to their respective countries? If we could survive peacefully in other parts of the world why not live together as peaceful neighbors working for the benefit of each other. However, it is easy said than done but nothing is impossible. We just need to reject elements in our countries that are hell bent on destroying one another. Without a support base, they won’t be able to do anything. — Akshay Kumar, Jeddah