A new book by seasoned diplomat Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has been launched in Islamabad, shedding light on the complexities of Pakistan-India relations. Titled Pakistan-India Relations – Fractured Past, Uncertain Future, the book analyzes the unresolved disputes and deep-rooted mistrust that have defined ties between the two nuclear neighbors for decades.
Key Questions Raised in the Book
Ambassador Chaudhry raises a central question: Is the inability to foster good neighbourliness between Pakistan and India solely rooted in disputes over Kashmir and terrorism, or does it reflect a broader dynamic of dominance and mistrust?
He highlights India’s refusal to resolve the Kashmir issue, its politicization of terrorism, and its pursuit of regional hegemony as key barriers to peace. The book also revisits past diplomatic missteps and considers whether a future built on cooperation and mutual respect remains possible for South Asia.
Calls for Peace and Regional Stability
Information Minister Ata Tarar, speaking as the chief guest at the launch, praised the book’s timely release. He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently advocated for peace, yet relations remain strained due to India’s hegemonic policies.
Tarar recalled Pakistan’s firm response to India’s military aggression in May 2025, underscoring that genuine peace in South Asia requires mutual respect for sovereignty and the rejection of expansionist agendas. He encouraged scholars and policymakers to study Chaudhry’s work to better understand the roots of regional instability.
Perspectives from Diplomats, Politicians, and Scholars
Several distinguished speakers shared their perspectives at the event. Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, urged India to abandon zero-sum thinking and embrace peaceful coexistence.
Former federal minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir pointed out that hostility towards Pakistan has persisted since independence, while Hindutva-driven policies under the Modi-led BJP have only intensified tensions.
Murtaza Solangi, spokesperson for the President of Pakistan, highlighted the May 2025 confrontation covered in the book. He described India’s push for regional dominance as a long-standing threat to stability in South Asia.
Academic and Military Insights
Lt. Gen. Aamer Riaz (retd), former president of the National Defence University, praised the book for exposing how India’s stance on Kashmir has repeatedly stalled progress. He also noted how terrorism narratives have been politicized to undermine dialogue.
Professor Arshi Saleem Hashmi of the National Defence University appreciated the documentation of past agreements and confidence-building measures. She suggested these could provide a roadmap for future cooperation if India reconsiders its current approach.
A Resource for Scholars and Policymakers
The book launch, jointly organized by the Institute of Regional Studies and Sanober Institute Islamabad, attracted wide attention both in person and online. By combining historical review with forward-looking analysis, Pakistan-India Relations – Fractured Past, Uncertain Future serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and observers.
As South Asia faces renewed tensions, Chaudhry’s book provides essential context on past failures and possible pathways toward peace. It highlights that despite decades of mistrust, dialogue and cooperation remain the only viable options for ensuring long-term regional stability.
