LAHORE:
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement that the government would place TLP’s demands for severing relations with France before the parliament is a cause for concern. Since the TLP has no representative in the parliament nor does it have a constitutional status, such demands should not merit any consideration.
Pakistan is still licking the wounds of the legacy of the infamous dictator, Zia ul Haq, and another self-assumed champion of enlightened moderation, both of whom allowed our sovereignty to be compromised at the altar of their greed to retain power. As a matter of principle, and being in an Islamic country, we should embark on the boycott of imports from any country where the state itself is involved in blasphemous acts. However, such boycotts can only be effective if adopted by all Islamic countries and not just Pakistan.
We must understand that Pakistan must be seen conforming to Islamic ethics, concept of justice, rule of laws and transparency if it is to achieve self-reliance. Violations of oaths pledged on the Holy Book by the paid public office holders are more offensive acts than those committed by non-believers. The elected and paid elite must lead by example.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2021.
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