Earlier in November 2013, the minister had thundered at the US when a drone took out TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud. Nisar’s condemnation of the drone attack left us virtually defenceless, when curious foreigners kept asking whether he was the country’s interior minister fighting terrorists or was he their spokesman. Now, Nisar claims to have been “deeply saddened to receive this shocking news” and even ventured to accuse the Bangladeshi government of “misusing the process of law as a political tool against the JI leader”.
This is quite bizarre because this accusation comes from the minister of a country, which still owes an official apology for the events that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The issue remains a sticking point in bilateral relations. Wouldn’t Bangladeshis turn around and ask the honourable minister as to what is happening in Pakistan itself, and what are the consequences of such an irrationally ballistic attitude?
Does the minister realise that our reckless attitude has relegated Pakistan almost to the status of Somalia and Afghanistan when it comes to terrorism, extremism, terrible governance, irresponsible leadership, organised crime syndicates, and the prevalence of polio? What about illegal disappearances, targeted killings and discrimination against minorities?
With a heavy heart, I am compelled to draw on my latest experience at a recent conference held in Shanghai, where the entire conversation centred on the aforementioned issues. When discussing recommendations for the future, Chinese and Indian academics hardly mentioned Pakistan. When underscoring the need for multilateral engagement, a Chinese professor spoke of three groups of countries, which are leading the ongoing dialogue on security and development. He spoke of the Major Powers such as the US, the European Union and Japan. These were followed by the Emerging Countries/Economies: Brazil, Russia, India and China. He then went on to identify the Middle Powers that are being increasingly engaged by the Major and Emerging Powers, i.e., Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey.
During the two-day discussion, Pakistan figured only in the context of being ‘part of the problem’. Behind the scenes as well as publicly, Chinese officials and intelligentsia are extremely caring and concerned about Pakistan’s current crises and eager to help in whatever way possible. Yet, one can clearly discern what underlies their anxiety about Pakistan: whether the leadership in Islamabad/Rawalpindi is at all cognisant of the challenges staring the country and which require infusion of innovative, forward-looking, pragmatic thinking?
Outsiders are perplexed over the rhetorical commitment of Pakistani leaders to ‘fight terrorism of all shades’ and lofty claims on strategies to deal with them. One of them questioned me about what exactly the National Internal Security Policy (NISP) was? The interior minister had announced the NISP with great fanfare in February. During international conferences on terrorism and security, Pakistanis often endure embarrassment when asked about its fate because we ourselves don’t know what actually has happened to it.
Instead of being myopic and unreasonably nationalistic, Pakistan’s rulers need to focus on their primary job: diagnosing the causes of the internal security situation and the abysmal governance crisis. Only visionary, non-parochial, forward-looking thinking can recreate Pakistan’s relevance to international dialogue on trade, development and security.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (15)
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In this case Nisar was right. Hasina Wajid is digging up old bones to try to enhance her clearly flagging popularity and wrecking relations with pakistan as part of the whole game. Pakistan has moved on its Sheikh hasina who is stuck in the past.
The readers in both countries should realize that 10.0 million east pakistan citizens were murdered. Out of that nearly 95 percent hindu population. Abetted by the Urdu speaking Biharis . The hamoodur rehman commission released in India also, clearly highlights the corruption, debauchery, timid ness, loot, reckless ness. Of TIkka khan, sahabzada Yakub khan, Gen AAk NIazi, classmate of Sam Manekshaw in defence college. It is ironic when he died in kasur he still said. Bangladesh was indian treachery. In 1971 there was no TV or SMS, what's ap to highlight the hindu refugees escaping to Tripura, Assam. In light of these incidents, if 95 lakh Kashmiri Muslims are butchered what would be the result ?. In Noakhali Calcutta Suhrwardy sent to heaven nearly 2.0 million Hindus in 1942 -1946. May I ask pakistanis to to go back to history. Indian army has it own share of corruption, wife swapping, rape, land grabs. Please give your views. We have to form an economic union. Religion has lost its practical revelance.
@Jat Sad but true.
may is ask the all readers when will the Biharis fourth column of Pakistan army in bangladesh , be repatriated to Pakistan.From ZAB to Musharaff, Benazir do not want these Pakistani orphans. Self determination of J&K is pale to the plight of these Biharis. Unwanted everywehere illegal fishermen in karachi port
I had completely forgotten about the NISP, launched with great fanfare, until I saw the reference here. It seems these grand plans, e.g., the Vision 2030 - die very quickly after they are launched. Isn't the Interior Minister supposed to be chief governance reformer in the PML (N) government according to recent media stories? Or did that idea also die soon after it was floated?
Somebody give this guy a medal ! You Sir, are Awesome ! This article was such a great read ! Thank you ET for uploading this !!
Nisar must be fired. Brought before the Senate and impeached. This establishment tout does not belong in an elected govt. He is the worst rightwing of his rightwing party.
In the larger context, Ch. Nisar is irrelevant. His statements dissolve into nothingness. So no harm done.
I cannot understand why our interior minister used to interfere the matter/ issues of other countries whereas his concentration should be restricted only within the boundary of this country, where situation of law& order is worst in the world. Before Operation at N.Wazirstan he was un-official spoke man of TTP & openly criticized the killing of Mehsood in drone attack. Now his focus on Bangla Dash!
When the majority within and outside government share the same mindset, who will diagnose the problem, more relevant is can they ?
rational thinking is not a solitary things. it generates alongwith the culture and environment to produce and sustain it. rational thinking most likely is the product of an egalitarian society which have freedom of expression. that type of society doesnt uphold superiority of one religion over others. it doesnt punish blasphemy and dont force minorities to convert. so before wishing pakistanis to have rational thinking you should think about these.
Bangladeshis are slowly and painfully coming to terms with their history.All that the court has done was to convict a Bangla national who had actively collaborated in the massacre of Bengali intellectuals in 1971. Now, Nisar's outburst may have enhanced his patriotic credentials in his constituency. But it opened the old wounds and reminded the new generation in Bangladesh of the barbarities inflicted by Gen AAK Niazi and his men four decades ago.
A thought full views but why to issue nobility certificate which have nothing to do with official conduct.
Good criticism.
I hope you remain steadfast to truth and don't go the Pitafi way.
Gul sahab, people like you have been left behind. No one listens to you, unfortunately.