I refuse to accept that being a Pakistani disentitles me from commenting on India.
KARACHI: This is with reference to my article “India’s growing pains” (February 4) and the several comments made on it on your website. I would say my dear friends, there is no need to be so sensitive about my words. I know very well that Pakistan is in deep trouble, I write extensively about it and shape my television coverage around it too.
In the face of the overwhelming confidence and optimism that I encountered during my trip through India (and it wasn’t my first), I can only say that I am suitably impressed by all that I saw and heard but, at the end of the day, I choose to settle on a perception that sees the challenges as well as the accomplishments of India, rather than simply clap my hands at the whitewashed presentation of that country that most people tried to sell to me. Somebody rightfully said that India does not need my critique, I can only add that India needs my applause even less.
I refuse to accept that being a Pakistani disentitles me from commenting on India, or any other country for that matter. I know Pakistan has its share of huge problems, but that does not mean I am obliged to be blind to the problems faced by other countries.
May the people, governments and media of our countries continue to discover and learn from each other’s civil strengths! Peace.
Khurram Husain
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2011.
