We all, Dr Ayesha included, have made Pakistan what it is. It will take all of us to take it out from where it stands.
ISLAMABAD: This is with reference to Ayesha Siddiqa’s article “Can we change our ‘hate-India’ mindset?” (October 24) which is premised on a rebuttal to my article “Can we change our ‘hate- India’ mindset’?” printed in your newspaper (October 20).
I have no qualms in Dr Siddiqa taking on the substance of what I said, but she has been in the business long enough to know how to retain civility and how we must focus a debate on issues rather than a person. In fact, it was a pleasure to grant her an interview at her request more than six years ago when I was still in the air force and looking after a sensitive assignment. She interviewed me for an hour and a half and I have since supported her independent opinion. I have always believed all opinions must be aired, heard and accorded the respect due to them via a mature interaction. We must not be rigid, pre-disposed or presumptive, and should never stereotype others. We should not reach a level of fear and paranoia where one is scared of one’s own shadow. Together, we all, Dr Ayesha and I included, have made this country what it is. Sadly for her, it will also take all of us to take it out from where it stands.
I do not intend to respond to Dr Ayesha in a rejoinder for I respect her and her opinion. I am certain I will catch up with her soon somewhere in Islamabad. Heck, without her knowing I have recommended her very strongly to be in a discussion group that we have put together under a local think-tank’s arrangement. Though that poses me some difficulty for a piece on civil-military relations that I intend doing sometime which may incorrectly be perceived as a rejoinder. Even at the cost of giving up on a desired plan, I think I will pend the thought for now.
Shahzad Chaudhry
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2010.
