Will Pakistan's Kashmir offer work?

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has offered to set aside his country's long-standing demand for a referendum in Kashmir to decide if the divided state should join Pakistan or India.

The call for a referendum is backed by United Nations resolutions, but India will not agree to hold such a referendum.

General Musharraf says it is now the time for Pakistan and Indian, both nuclear powers, to show flexibility over Kashmir.

His comments come as Indian Prime Minister prepares to visit Pakistan next month.

Is the Pakistani leader right not to insist on a referendum? Does this mark a major breakthrough in the Kashmir dispute? How should India react?

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

Your reaction:

The reasons for this policy shift may be economic or changing geopolitics Naj Aziz, Nottingham

This is indeed a major shift in the mindset of the Pakistan leadership. Unless reciprocated by the opposite side, the conflict will continue to fester to detriment of both peoples for another half century. The reasons for this policy shift may be economic or changing geopolitics. But this opportunity must be welcome by all. The people of India and Pakistan deserve a better economic future instead of poverty and hate towards each other.
Naj Aziz, Nottingham, UK

Yes, Musharraf has shown a flexible attitude. India should react positively to it. This would help to resolve Kashmir issue. Saba Wallace, Lahore, Pakistan

Believe Musharraf's words - no way. Wait for a while and he'll eat his words as usual and start blaming India for not responding positively his peace pleasantries! If not himself, it would be left to the PM or the bureaucrats, to dig out new meanings from his statement and kill the offer.
Sachin Vats, India

What he means is altogether another matter Sarabjit, India

By saying that he will meet India halfway over the Kashmir dispute, President General Pervez Musharraf says that he will drop Pakistan's demand for a plebiscite in the region. That's what Musharraf says. What he means is altogether another matter.
Sarabjit, India

This offer by General Pervez Musharraf certainly seems to be in the best interests of Pakistan and India. But will it be in the best interests of Kashmiris? Will they accept a decision made, once again not by them, but by the politicians of two antagonistic nations?
Richard Niver, USA

It may yield the peace that has been elusive for so long PS, India

As an Indian, I would choose to follow up on President Musharraf's offer. It may yield the peace that has been elusive for so long. Make Kashmir autonomous, with visa-free travel to both Indians and Pakistanis. This will increase economic prosperity and peace within Kashmir and the sub-continent.
PS, India

I have an advice for India before it gives any response to the president's offer. Musharraf is the man of his words, don't miss this chance.
Sadiq Ali Bohra, Hyderabad, Pakistan

This is the time for both governments to come close after solving other issues and improving relations then they can manage to solve or to some extent solve problem of Kashmir.
Shahzad Ahmad, Peshawar, Pakistan

Both must be honest in their intent and we can resolve Kashmir Raj, USA

This is a good chance for both countries to resolve this problem. Musharraf is a bigger man for doing this. Both must be honest in their intent and we can resolve Kashmir. This issue is costing both parties senselessly. Both countries need to concentrate on their growth and a prosperous economy instead. War is never a solution.
Raj, USA

I am a British national of Pakistani-Kashmiri origin. What President Musharraf has done is extremely courageous. He is trying his best to put the past behind us and move forward to a new future in Pakistan-India relations. He is willing to explore new avenues for such a purpose. And I fully support him in what he is trying to do. The only thing left is for the Indian leadership to respond positively while he is still willing to listen.
Saqib, UK

President Musharraf has voiced a view held by many in Pakistan and India, that after nearly 60 years "Enough is enough". For the two countries to progress and recognize their true economic potential they need to make peace with one another. Though Musharraf is a progressive leader relative to Pakistani leadership over the last 50 years, I cannot say the same for India's BJP government however. Can such a party that has risen to prominence through playing the anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan card find it in them to make peace? We can only hope.
Tariq, New York, USA

The dynamics and economic vibrancy have moved, in India's favour Swapan, UK/USA

Frankly Pakistan has very little choice. The dynamics and economic vibrancy have moved, in India's favour. Peace between India and Pakistan, will evolve through, "it is economics stupid". The country with higher GDP will hold the balance of power.
Swapan, UK/USA

To Kashmiris the decision is not very different from what the maharaja did in 1947, a single person decides the fate of our nation. I believe that matter is best left to the Kashmiris. Lets not forget that the 1989 uprising in Kashmir was for independence. The forces in India know that logically Kashmir does not belong to India but a political party that owns this will never come to power. It's the Indians who suffer and need to be educated, the taxpayer in India pays half his tax so that India holds on to Kashmir - save for Kashmir, India would be a prosperous nation.
Bakhtawar, Downtown Srinagar

Praise should be given to Musharraf for being the bigger man (leader) again! After all Musharraf and Pakistan have shown the first initiative at many occasions before! If India does not respond reciprocally, I believe this will be the last time Pakistan or its leaders will take this kind of bold step!
Atehar Mir, Birmingham, UK

We have seen positive steps of, ceasefire, suggestion of single currency, open borders, opening up air and bus links and now dropping the UN resolution. All these are positive moves and hopefully they will flourish into something positive. These can only be taken into consideration analysed and see how they can be made to fit the whole picture leading to some form of unification. The people want peace but it's the religious and political leaders that keep the countries apart for their own powerbase. As for India being a Hindu nationalistic country mentioned by two people, let us not forget Pakistan is totally Islamic country.
Gurvinder Sandhu, Leamington Spa United Kingdom

I think it is not bad to sit together with open hearts and renewed pledges for peaceful settlements. We need to look at what is good for the people of both countries.
Sheroz Khan, Malaysia

There are enormous benefits to be gained by settling the Kashmir issue Ali Raza, Washington DC

I hope that this bold step by the Pakistani President is followed in kind by the Indian leadership. Good for you President Musharraf! We need to realize that it is in the best long term interests of both Pakistan and India to get over this feud. There are enormous benefits to be gained by settling the Kashmir issue.
Ali Raza, Washington DC, USA

Enough is enough. It has been almost 60 years now. Pakistan and India must become friends now. I praise General Musharraf for this bold initiative. I have fears though that his successor will reject any compromise that India and Pakistan can come to. But, the time for compromise has come, and India and Pakistan must mend fences now.
Mansur Bajwa, Jhang, Pakistan

It's difficult to believe Musharraf. He has backstabbed during Kargil, not responded well during Lahor bus or Agra. This seems to be just a way to show the world that he is taking some steps to stick to power. But India should take this opportunity and try to use this to get permanent peace.
Nitin, Santa Rosa, USA

India can not trust the move taken by Musharraf until it stops the infiltration into Indian Kashmir.
Saradhi, India

Only dynamic and courageous leader - President General Musharraf - who is man enough can take such a bold step. Let us wait and see what excuse the Indian leader will give to back out.
MGA, Karachi

Someone have to start something to make the relationship better with each other. This is not a question for Kashmir only but for the better future of both the countries people. We should put aside everything which happened in the past and look forward for the future. And with the question of Pakistan's offer. God knows the intention of our political leaders who makes decisions with their own hidden agendas. If there is a will, there is a way.
Jawwad Ilyas, Melbourne, Australia

I believe India as usual will back out in spite of such a bold and courageous step taken by President Musharraf.
MGA, Karachi / Pakistani

I think this is one of the best steps taken by either government Surian Nair, Singapore

Well done Pres. Musharraf. I think this is one of the best steps taken by either government. It's a pity that India is lead by a Hindu nationalistic government which wants to control South Asia. As an Indian, I appeal to the Indian government to react positively to this magnanimous offer. India certainly needs a prime minister who has reached the maturity level of Musharraf. Let's find peace for the Kashmiris.
Surian Nair, Singapore

Looks like this offer is under pressure of super powers to get rid of Kashmir issue on any cost.
Khanewal Khan, Khanewal

Good move by all means! The General has less to lose by this move and would surely get world acceptance. India couldn't have bargained for anything more. A meaningfully engaged neighbour is a happy Xmas gift!
Ranga, NY, US

It's a "butterflies in the stomach" kind of offer! But Musharraf has ignored the Simla Pact and the Lahore Declaration - what if his successor disassociates himself/herself from this? What if he is removed from the scene? INDIA should tread CAREFULLY but DO NOT reject it!
J. Thakrar, USA

This is so spontaneous and unexpected - backing off from fifty year rhetoric. But if you see there were signs like to withdraw troops mutually from Kashmir. Is this initiative a step in the correct direction? I think it is.
Ahmad Moatesim, Champaign, IL, USA

I will say it is a great step from Musharraf and the Indian Prime Minister should recognize that Musharraf has taken a big step as all the Opposition Parties will be against him. I think this is the first time ever that both countries are making effort to resolve ALL ISSUES between them. There should be free trade between both of the countries and all surrounding neighbours.
Husnain, Windsor and Canada

I must say that both sides must realize that they have tried to deceive each other. Playing blaming games would help anyone. It is time for both countries to show magnanimity and Pres. Musharraf's step is in the right direction. I wish the leaders could think beyond the short term achievements and take bold steps in the interest of the people. Well done Pres. Musharraf. We are all behind you.
NJ, Toronto, Canada

There is no guarantee that the next elected government will honour that agreement Sreenivas, USA

Musharraf is untrustable person. Basically he is not a elected president for Pakistan. So, how can he offer something like that. If India makes any agreement with him, there is no guarantee that the next elected government will honour that agreement. So, it is better not to enter any agreements with Pakistan until he is out of power.
Sreenivas, USA

There is so much going on in the world that people have lost the sense of freedom and what is right or wrong. A referendum is the only way to find out what Kashmiris want, these are the people who sacrificed more then 50 years. The reason why some people are against it is because it will show the reality to world. Anyway Musharraf or Vachpai do not have any right to make decisions against the will of Kashmiris, let them decide what they want. Any decision under any pressure will not be long lasting.
Umar, USA

History says every initiative from Pakistan/Musharraf is followed by a negative surprise for India. What India fears the most is the follow up of every good move. None can turn down a great offer like this one, but only time can tell what it has to offer... I would like not to be surprised this time.
Ram Saladi, USA/India

Pervez Musharraf has assumed an enormous risk in making this well meaning offer. India should reciprocate immediately in kind.
Krish Anand, San Jose, USA

This is a sensible step towards peace adopted by President Pervez Musharraf, since calls for referendum in the past has only resulted in loss of innocent lives.
Jas Bains, UK

This definitely is a step in the right direction Kiran, USA

This definitely is a step in the right direction. It is only fair that this condition was dropped, as most of the Hindus were driven out of Kashmir. Any referendum at this point would make it one sided and the results distorted. Peace on Earth!
Kiran, USA

I think it's a very bold decision by the President and shows his resolve to take Pakistan out of extremism into a modernistic society. A country with high levels of poverty cannot afford to spend 25% of budget in Military Expenditure. The priorities need to change towards civil development. Bravo Musharraf!
T Khan, New York

This is a man whom nobody trusts. Just because he wants to cling on to the power is he doing this to appease the world forum. Imagine how he would have reacted had someone else (especially a politician) suggested this move.
Gajendra, Neuss, Germany

Certainly, it was right in every way. And a giant leap forward. We need to see more 'Tangible' confidence building measures. For instance, India should reciprocate by announcing plans to set up an IT training institute in Pakistan.
VS, India/USA

Hail to the Chief! What a courageous decision to resolve a dispute that has taken numerous lives, and has stopped the two countries from a better future.
Arif Mirza, Minneapolis, MN, USA

In today's world we see that major conflicts move further away from the solution when the stronger side decides not to abide by UN resolutions. In case of South Asia, the Pakistani president has shown similar gestures previously as well but unless the Indian leadership is prepared to show some flexibility improvement in the situation is impossible. The current Hindu nationalist govt in India is less likely to show any flexibility now when the election are so close.
Tauqeer Hassan, Dusselfrodf, Germany