For how long will Pakistanis watch their own future be taken hostage by those with tired rhetoric and guns?
LONDON: It is heartening that there is greater awareness in some segments of Pakistan (among common people, businessmen, artists and intellectuals) that peace with India makes good sense. We need to understand and believe that this is only the beginning of the work that needs to be done before any tangible change can be seen in ties between the two neighours.
Which Pakistanis are going to take on and rein in and get past the obsession with India on the part of the religious extremists and all the so-called non-state actors and strategic assets? These elements have been hijacking Pakistan’s future for decades, despite democratic elections and civilian governments that have come and gone. The time has come for ordinary Pakistanis to make their voices heard.
For how long will Pakistanis watch their own future be taken hostage by those with tired rhetoric and guns? This change can only happen from within Pakistan. The million dollar question is, ‘Will it?’.
Amardeep Assar
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2014.
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