Mr Trump, leaders of Pakistan have learned that greatness requires a willingness to be inclusive, not exclusive
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK, USA: Trump has a lesson to learn from Pakistan. After years of being ignorant towards minorities, Pakistan has decided to snap out of it and become a progressive country. Here, Trump wants to ban Muslims, and there, Pakistan passes a bill to make Easter, Holi and Diwali, all non-Muslim Holidays, official holidays in Pakistan.
Just a few weeks ago, in the face of intense opposition, Pakistan’s Punjab province passed a bill to provide physical shelter and legal recourse for victims of domestic violence. As expected, prominent Pakistani clerics have condemned the bill. These clerics are the ‘Trumps’ of Pakistan; they, too, are loud mouths that have a desire to gain attention and power at the cost of the nation.
Or, take the case of Mumtaz Qadri. Qadri murdered former Punjab governor Salman Taseer in 2011 because Taseer had criticised Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Despite fear of a fallout if Qadri was punished, Pakistan executed Qadri.
It is no secret that Pakistan faces tremendous challenges. However, the government is trying its best — finally — to bring Pakistan back to being “great again”. Mr Trump, leaders of nations such as Pakistan, have learned that greatness requires a willingness to be inclusive, not exclusive; progress can only be achieved when everyone is a part of the solution. Hopefully, you can pick up a few pointers from this developing nation.
Zeshan Hamid
President, Council on PAK US Relations
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2016.
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