PM during his visit openly admitted that Pakistan has severe domestic issues and we must work to fix those problems.
AUSTRALIA: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to America has gathered a lot of attention and created a debate in Pakistani media. TV channels and print media are analysing his visit. Some are hailing the visit as an ice-breaker while others are terming it a total failure. The prime minister embarked upon the visit with very clear objectives on his agenda — the stopping of drone attacks, the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui and a focus on American withdrawal from Afghanistan in the post-2014 scenario. If the visit is being judged on the basis of its objective achievements, then it can’t be termed a successful one.
The American government did not give any assurances about changing its stance on drones or the Aafia Siddqui case, so the visit has not achieved anything but it was quite obvious that the prime minister did put his points across. The most interesting part of his visit was the point when he openly admitted that Pakistan has severe domestic issues and we must work to fix those problems. This statement is a very good gesture from a prime minister who enjoys huge political support in the largest, right-leaning and pro-establishment province of Pakistan. If the statement is further translated and interpreted in the particular political perspective of Pakistan, it reflects uncertainties of political realities inside Pakistan. It is a known fact that Pakistan is, at this stage, facing multiple challenges. Nawaz Sharif‘s admittance to the problem is a welcome sign. Solutions only come once you admit your faults. The present government, by making this confirmation, has actually dared to take up challenges head on. It appears as if there is a consensus across the political spectrum to let the present government deal with issues without any fear of instability. The ball is now in the government’s court.
Malik Atif Mahmood Majoka
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2013.
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