We should focus on our internal security and relations with India instead of picking sides in a never-ending conflict
TORONTO: Once again, we are getting into a mess. Nobody learns from history. The last time our friends from the Arab world visited Pakistan frequently, was during the 1980s. The results were not too great for us, with the rapid rise of sectarianism. The centuries-old traditions and culture of a tolerant country underwent drastic change. Committing this folly again will cost us dearly. The sectarian divide is only going to get worse. After months of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, our security establishment has been able to clear out some of the debris from the previous misadventure. If we are not careful, the same individuals and organisations behind that chaos may be emboldened again.
Given that we have other options to help us through our energy crisis, with China investing here and Russians also eager to invest, our reliance on Middle Eastern countries should now reduce. We must focus on strengthening the economy instead of getting into foreign wars.
Iran and Arab countries have been waging their fights over the last many decades and have no dearth of resources. Both countries are floating on oil so let them settle their own issues. If the Saudis or Iranians respect Pakistan’s status as a nuclear weapon-wielding power in the region, then Pakistan should only be playing the role of mediator, at best. We should focus on our internal security and relations with India instead of picking sides in a never-ending conflict. It is true that those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.
Bahadar Ali Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2016.
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