KARACHI:
Currently, Pakistan is caught amid political turmoil, which has increased alienation and agitation within the Pakistani population. During such a time, the government and other authoritative bodies must work collaboratively to resolve the issues and establish peace and harmony. However, different political leaders have threatened to mobilise workers and create further instability and unrest. With all of this in the background, the government has decided to hold the OIC meeting just before the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad. At present, it is difficult to determine whether both these events will favour the country or not.
Although solidarity amongst Muslim countries is crucial for trade and representation in the international community, the government’s focus right now should be on the highly charged situation at home and diffusing it. Globally, most countries focus on their national interests and Pakistan should do the same as it has already suffered considerably at the hands of its foreign allies. One example is of the atrocities in Kashmir, which Pakistan has voiced time and again but has received little support in the international arena. Pakistan is still faced with pressure from the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force, which is weakening the economy and putting a strain on the country’s financial institutions.
At the time of the Suez crisis, Pakistan refrained from voting on the matter as it did not directly impact the country. Therefore, the current leadership must follow in the footsteps of our past leaders and prioritise the country’s national interests and concentrate on reinstating order and goodwill. This will support the country’s long-term interests and strengthen national solidarity and unity.
Ali Ashraf
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2022.
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