Steering the present for a better future

Two recent international events are highly consequential and should serve as an eye opener especially for Pakistan and Turkey and the Muslim world at large.

The resolution passed unanimously by 30 mostly Western countries on the alleged genocide committed in Armenia by the Ottoman empire, 106 years ago.

Coming at this time, experts are of the view that it is essentially a politically-motivated step and has been the result of the influence that the Armenians and white Christians command in American politics. What was surprising was that recent mega human rights violations and democracy derailment in Myanmar, Kashmir, Palestine, Rwanda, Nagorno-Karabakh and many other places were ignored. This is not to say that atrocities and wrongdoings may not have occurred in Armenia, but the magnitude of it and the timing to revive its memories gives rise to several questions.

A more straightforward approach to place the issue in the correct perspective would be for the European Union to support the Turkish proposal for the creation of a joint commission of historians to examine the issue. As the Turkish professor, Dr Ahmed Usysal, during a Webinar aptly remarked that if thousands of Armenians were killed and there was a mass-scale genocide then certainly these should have left behind thousands of graves and other tell-tale signs. According to him these are pressure tactics from the West and the United States and Turkey is not going to give in.

In another development, the European parliament adopted a resolution severely criticising Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and showed its intent to review the country’s GSP-plus status in the light of the alarming increase of blasphemy cases, mostly directed against human rights promoters, artists, intellectuals, journalists and marginalised people. Their concern essentially centred around Christian and Hindu communities that are facing the maximum brunt of it. The inordinate delay in finalising the cases was another aspect that was highlighted. It was alleged that the blasphemy law is being misused for “personal or political score settling”.

The Foreign Office spokesperson understandably refuted the allegation and described it as a lack of understanding of the religious sensitivities that are aroused by such remarks.

The European parliament remarks about our judicial system and domestic laws were also forcefully refuted. All this has been fully reported in our and foreign press.

The point of bringing these issues in focus is to generate an honest discussion as to why Pakistan is frequently targeted for not treating its minorities. Clearly, our treatment of minorities has improved over the years but a lot more needs to be done. This is in our national interest and not meant to merely placate any outside pressure. Tolerance and respect of other’s beliefs has been a part of our culture and we want to sustain it despite serious provocations.

In today’s world where Muslims are spread in every nook and corner of the globe and are a minority in several countries, they justifiably demand and expect equal treatment and respect. Predominant Muslim countries that treat minorities fairly are in a better position to demand similar attitude toward their citizens from foreign states.

The resolution in Pakistan’s National Assembly calling for breaking diplomatic relations with France in response to the derogatory remarks of the personnel of a think-tank about the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was understandable considering how emotional people can get when it comes to religious sensitivities. Besides, the government was under pressure from the extreme religious right and yielded to its demand without thinking such a step would invite a response that could have far-reaching consequences. Representative of the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Tahir Ashrafi had also publicly rejected the EU resolution and invited their parliamentarians to visit Pakistan and assess for themselves the state of religious freedom. He, however, made no mention about the specific allegations that the EU resolution had referred to. It is doubtful if the EU countries would be satisfied with the government response and the possibility of clamping sanctions very much exist. Its fallout could manifest itself in many other forms. More important is that the country’s image would suffer the most which already stands bruised. It would be an optimistic assumption that their assessment about Pakistan’s human rights situation will change with one visit.

There could be wider repercussions if the standoff with the EU persists. International support on the just cause of Kashmir that already is so scant could further diminish. This could lead to India continuing its inhuman policies of suppressing Kashmiris.

Considering the influence that Western countries command in international financial and strategic institutions their assessment matters. With Pakistan currently dependent on IMF and international economic support, it is important that we balance our responses, internal and external, with the larger picture in mind. This is the most effective way of enhancing a country’s influence and projecting it in the best light. Pakistan’s state of foreign dependence for propping its economy has been a major weakness. It is unfortunate successive governments have failed to give economy the attention and priority that it deserves.

Unless Pakistan and major Muslim countries are able to cope with the challenges of the 21^st century their independence will remain restricted despite the enormous resources at their command. There is no shortcut to achieving this goal. There were times as in the mid-16^th century when there was a broad sweep of the Muslim world, from the Atlantic coast of North Africa all the way to India. Three powerful neighbouring Muslim empires existed. Muslims were fairly advanced in science and technology and their art and culture and political influence extended far and wide. The subsequent decline was the result of border warfare, internal feuds and poor governance. It is important to be reminded of these past achievements and failures.

Technological, scientific and cultural advancement and progress is not a monopoly of any nation or a group of nations. It all depends how the leadership and people’s own urges are ready to build and strengthen themselves and their country.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2021.

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