As head of the ISI, you must have been deeply involved in the country’s Kashmir policy. How would you evaluate General Pervez Musharraf’s policy on Kashmir?

His policy on Kashmir lacks direction. One cannot shift from the standard position because of pressure from Washington. The deviation from our former stand caused the fragmentation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Internationally, too, we have not gained anything.

Was it possible for Musharraf to pursue the old Kashmir policy in the face of US pressure?

Why not? Pakistan has a very good position based on the UN resolution.

Why doesn’t the army oppose the military government’s decision?

Because it is a one-man show and his vision is flawed.

Would the army revert to its old position if Musharraf was not present?

Most likely yes. When a soldier joins the army he is taught that India is an enemy and Kashmir is to be liberated. If you have abandoned Kashmir, you might as well abandon the army.

Do you see any difference between Musharraf and the ISI’s policy over Kashmir?

The ISI does not formulate policies, the government does.

Has the Islamabad Declaration negatively impacted the armed struggle in Indian-administered Kashmir?

The Islamabad Declaration has weakened the armed struggle because the Pakistani and Indian armies are stopping cross-border movement of Kashmiris. However, Kashmiris and a few others are still running the gauntlet of barbed wires, Indian guns, patrols and dogs. But how long will this last? What might dwindle, however, if it hasn’t already, is the Kashmiris’ love for Pakistan. Perhaps the Americans want the people of Kashmir to start hating Pakistan at which point the US can pass a resolution in the UN proposing an independent state of Kashmir.

... contd.