Nawaz Sharif’s foreign relations skills are lacking
OKARA: This letter is with reference to the article, “PM Nawaz congratulates Trump on election win” (November 9). “A triumph of the American people and their enduring faith in the ideals of democracy, freedom, human rights, and free enterprise,” is how the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif described the electoral victory of a man who based his entire campaign on the cutthroat criticism of foreign immigrants and labelled Islam as the only identification of a terrorist. This diplomatic, albeit highly unnecessary statement by the PM is not only an insult to the 350 million Pakistanis residing in the United States who are set to face a sharp increase in religious discrimination because of a bigot being elected president but a condonation of the values that Donald Trump represents as a person.
It would not be rational to expect any harsh words or ignorance from Nawaz, as that goes against the interests and relations of the two countries. However, it is not to be forgotten that Mr Trump has repeatedly criticised Pakistan for its possession of nuclear weapons and for harbouring of Osama Bin Laden. On the other hand, he has enthusiastically proclaimed his intentions of strengthening relations with the Indian and Hindu community, and specifically working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Why then, do Modi’s felicitations comprise of three sentences on Twitter in contrast to Nawaz’s lengthy, heartfelt appreciation of Donald Trump’s campaign? German Chancellor Angela Merkel had the courage to offer close cooperation, dependent on his commitment to equal rights, democracy, freedom, and respect for the law and the dignity of man, independent of origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political views.
This weakness of character and statesmanship is not new to Nawaz Sharif, but definitely new to Pakistan. Simply put, Nawaz Sharif’s foreign relations skills are lacking. And, in the politically unstable times to come, this cannot be overlooked.
Hassan Kamal Wattoo
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2016.
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