Calling Pakistan "failed state" misleading assumption: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Lahore, May 24 (ANI): Indian Rajya Sabha member Mani Shankar Aiyar has said Pakistan is not a failed state and any strategy built on this assumption will be "dangerously misleading".

"Yes, Pakistan has its difficulties. But so do we. So any strategy built on the assumption that Pakistan cannot hold is misconceived, misplaced and dangerously misleading," the Daily Times quoted Aiyar, as saying.

"Pakistan's nationhood is firmly anchored in history, civilisation and spiritual belief. Pakistan has one of the largest populations in the world. It has a high degree of political and philosophical sophistication. Pakistan has a resilient economy, a strong bureaucracy and a strong military, and extremely lively and informed media. How can it possibly be a failing state?" he added.

Aiyar also said the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline was an excellent idea.

"The idea of IPI pipeline was not merely aimed at meeting energy needs of India and Pakistan, but was to build confidence and trust between the two states," he said.

He called for uninterrupted dialogue between India and Pakistan, and admitted that the mindset of reconciliation was building faster in Pakistan than in India. He said that both countries could solve their issues through constructive engagement.

"If there is no peace, there will be no prosperity," he said.

He further said India should recognise that terrorism is a global issue.

"Pakistan is a frontline state, with horrific consequences for itself. No state in the world has suffered as much from terrorism as Pakistan itself," he said. (ANI)