Tazeen Akhtar
India and Pakistan are arch rivals in South Asia having fought 3 wars and carrying a legacy of enmity with many ups and downs but sometimes such a moment comes when the flags of both countries are hoisted and national anthems of two nations are played together while a number of people from both countries stand under one roof in respect, honor and in peace especially .
We observed it at the 76th Republic Day of India that was celebrated in Serena Hotels Islamabad on 26th Jan 2025. Chrage d Affaires Ms Geetika Srivastava hosted a grand reception to mark the day when India adopted her constitution and the state was declared a republic in 1950.
This year the reception was attended by a large number of guests that were not the Indians or other foreigners but Pakistanis from different walks of life as well. They were retired military officials like Former DG ISI Lt Gen R Asad Durrani, former Ambassadors like Shafqat Kakakhel, businessmen, civil society and, journalists only were in dozens.
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Who is the chief guest? remains a most asked question on every reception on Indian Republic Day in Islamabad because in routine countries, a minister at least is invited. But here, like the previous year, no minister or any gov official was present.
Ceremonial cake was cut, like previous year, by the host along with Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Ambassador Turkmenistan, H.E Atadjan Movlamov, High Commissioner of Bangladesh H.E Iqbal Hussin Khan, Ambassador of Nepal H.E Rita Dhital, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka
Here it is worth noting that after the fall of Haseena Wajid , Bangladesh India relations are at historic low while Bangla Pakistan ties are strengthening day by day. In this context , the presence of H.C of Bangladesh and cutting the cake with Indian CdA was no doubt a notable scene.
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H.C Iqbal Hussain was not on the stage while national anthems were being played but later he joined the cake cutting part of the event. He has recently assumed his service in Islamabad. Previous year the former H.C of his country attended the day event.
Other guests included ambassadors of Palestine, Jordon, Egypt, Rawanda, Sudan, European Union, Bulgaria, France, Norway, Italy, Argentine, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, Iran, diplomats or defense attaches of Maldives, UAE, Azerbaijan, Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and many other were present.
Strict security measures were taken in coordination of both sides. The guests list was shared with the security administration while Indian side made sure no entry without checked with the list. It was assured for foolproof security because Kashmiris were holding rallies and protests at both sides of L.O.C and in Pakistan to mark the day as Black.
Yes! neighbors can not be changed and they should learn to live together. India and Pakistan are also supposed to mend the fences and keep engaged on all possible levels or formats and continue exchange of views and reservations with each other. That is the only way to sort out the disputes and move forward to a better tomorrow for their next generations.
A better tomorrow can be created only when we resolve the disputes and between India Pakistan Jammu & Kashmir is the incomplete agenda of the partition of the Sub Continent. Plebiscite was agreed by India at UN and it is awaited after more than 7 decades passed. Both states can start meaningful dialogue on this issue as soon as possible. The biggest democracy in the world is supposed not to be afraid of or reluctant to a democratic process.
Pakistan welcomed Indian Foreign Minister Mr. Jay Shankar to SCO Summit Islamabad in Oct last year. It was first high level visit of any Indian official in last one decade after late Sushma Sawraj, the then FM of India. India as big country can express a big heart for Cricket as well that can pave the way for further engagements.
Appreciative, among many other things , like display of culture and a big picture wall of Taj , there was another good that no hard drinks were served, apparently, Indian High Commission expressed its respect for Islamic values in a Muslim country.
A delicious dinner with variety of dishes was the highest attraction for the guests.
