Either way, and regardless of any other outcome concerning his fate, he will not be president of Libya. The Arab League and other bodies have recognised this reality. The Foreign Office of Pakistan, not known, unfortunately, for its proactive, cutting-edge thinking, has nothing to say on this issue.
May I therefore make a suggestion. It may be best to start thinking of renaming the stadium in Lahore. If Pakistan is to maintain cordial relations with Libya, and there is certainly no reason not to do so, having a stadium named after Mr Qaddafi, may send the wrong signals. Given the fact that Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, decided arbitrarily to name the stadium after Mr Qaddafi, without consulting anyone, the matter should present no difficulties. One has to be pragmatic in these matters and look out for the national interests of Pakistan.
Fatima Jinnah Stadium sounds much better.
YA Hilaly
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2011.
COMMENTS (4)
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There's a quote in urdu 'jab jahaaz doobane lagtaa hai, choohe sab se pehle bhaagtey hai'! Give the matter a break. India was asked to send it's troops to Iraq, but Vajpayi did not agree. We stuck to our guns that no way will do it. Uncle could not do anything about it. So give the matter some time and keep your self respect!
Any change of name can be and shoud be considered. But shall we also reflect on why we decided to name it after Qaddafi in the first place. Was it his rabid anti-US rants that impressed us? or was it like 'Money has no colours even if it comes from a despot? or his Arab origin?
Why spending on changing name by a money-strapped board??? no need to change the name, Qaddafi Stadium is the name we have been listening and people are completely used too of it. PS, the name Qaddafi was given to the stadium in recognition of his remarkable act in Islamic Summit Conference (atleast the govt of that time thought s0), so, whatever this persons has done now, his that act remains so..
Why not LAHORE STADIUM !!!!