US ambassador recalls Taseer, Bhutto, Shahzad, urges tradition of tolerance

Celebrations for US national day to be held across Pakistan.

KARACHI:

United States Consul General William Martin hosted celebrations for his country’s 235th national day with family, friends, politicians and diplomats at his residence on Saturday.

“This celebration is a reaffirmation of our friendship and our time together,” said US Ambassador Cameron Munter. “We are a young country, a little older than Pakistan but still a young country. We are both young with energy and commitment.”

In order to ensure that festivities are held across the country, the event was scheduled earlier in Karachi to accommodate the presence of Ambassador Munter who will be hosting a similar celebration in Islamabad on July 4, the actual day. The evening was scheduled to start at around 7pm but was delayed till past 8pm as Ambassador Munter’s flight was late.

The evening commenced with the US Marines presenting ‘the colours’ to the ambassador. This was followed by Ahmed, a US consulate employee, singing the Pakistani national anthem after which the consulate’s information officer Andrea DeArment sang, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.

Munter cautiously spoke of Pakistan’s warmth and openness in accepting universal cultures. He added that Pakistanis and Americans shared many values such as striving for freedom and justice and upholding democracy which have seen them through tough times in their bilateral ties.

Quoting the father of the nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Munter spoke of a tolerant society which accepted people of all religions and cultures. “These are the ideas that sustain Pakistan and the United States today. Let us remember these words and those who have sacrificed their lives,” he said, naming Benazir Bhutto, Salmaan Taseer, Shahbaz Bhatti and Saleem Shahzad.

One of the chief guests, acting governor for Sindh, Nisar Khuhro’s speech followed. Khuhro spoke on the “need to rebuild ties”, calling the Pakistan-US relationship “cordial and friendly”.

“Pakistan is a frontline state on the contentious issue of terrorism... but our priority in our relationship with the United States is trade not aid.” Hoping for “better coordination” and for the bilateral relationship and strategic dialogue to continue, he said Pakistan and the US shared the same goals: Democracy, an end to terrorism and good relations among the people of both countries.

Another chief guest was speaker for the Balochistan Assembly, Aslam Bhootani, who said America’s fight for freedom has been an inspiration for many nations, including Pakistan. “We too have given a great deal to gain independence so we understand its importance,” he said.

Speaking to sceptics in both nations on the foundation of the bilateral ties he said, “For those in Pakistan who say this is America’s war, let me tell you this is as much our war as it is anyone else’s. Terrorism has no boundaries and no religion. Pakistan has been hit the worst by it and we will continue our fight with or without US aid.” To those in the US, he spoke of history when Pakistan was left “high and dry after the Afghan war. This is a spill-over of that,” he added firmly.

“Ordinary Pakistanis today know more about Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga than they do about George Washington. Similarly, Americans only think of terrorism in reference to Pakistan. This needs to change. Americans also need to know about real Pakistanis such as Jinnah.” Bhootani then proceeded to speak of American assistance in Balochistan in the areas of power and water to help bring the province at par with others in the country.

The evening ended with merriment and a live performance by popular singer Shahzad Roy.



Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2011.