The Gulf Crisis and New World Order — Page 320
Sixteenth Friday Sermon Mar 08, 1991 different from that of the Kashmiris of the valley. The Kashmiris of the valley have a distinct personality and a well-defined identity. And the people of Jammu have an altogether separate identity, and from the religious point of view too, they are much closer to India. Thus if stability is desired, this solution would turn out to be the best. But, independence should be granted under the condition that the newly independent state give a firm commitment that it would not pose a threat to the security of India or Pakistan by entering into separate treaties with any powerful country. All these issues can be settled by mutually acceptable accords. If this is not done and similarly if peace is not made with the Sikhs, and if other internal matters are not resolved, then peace can never be established in the region. A HUMBLE ADVICE TO PAKISTAN There are imbalances that need to be set right inside Pakistan. For example, issues related to the Sindhis, Punjabis, Pathans and the language and ethnic issues. Then there are the issues of religious differences - all these issues are like gunpowder or like an active volcano - they could explode at any time. And these are the very same issues which other nations exploit to their advantage. Thus before these nations get an opportunity to benefit from this, you must correct the internal condition of your country. Correct your internal situation and also correct your relations with your neighbours. The greatest benefit you will receive as a consequence is that your attention will become focused on improving your economic condition and with a united action in the Quranic spirit of: o;ilJ1;jJ1J �;� (Al-Maida: Verse 3) ,,, "cooperation in all that is good", without bringing religion into it, the possibilities will arise for cooperation with every other nation in pursuing all noble goals. As a result, military expenditure will be curtailed thus boosting the economy. In this way the possibility of improving the condition of the poor will be enhanced. I have intentionally used the word 'possibility' because to improve the lot of the poor, these things alone are not enough as long as the thinking of the ruling classes continues to be sick, insensitive and shameless. If expensive hotels and restaurants continue to be erected, 320