We are not a failed state

TORONTO: This is with reference to Madiha Kark’s “We are not a failed state” (July 2). The author makes a valid point by noting that the actions of the US have got Pakistan into a huge mess. The Data Darbar bombing, attack on the Ahmadi community and other terrorist attacks are a result of the US activities in the region.

However, my problem with Ms Kark’s piece is that she only presents one side of the argument. After reading this article, one gets the impression that Pakistan is nowhere near a failed state or becoming one. While she might be right to a certain extent, a journalist is responsible for presenting a neutral point of view where the reader has been exposed to both sides of the story.

An article that presents only one point creates only one thing: propaganda. Moreover, instead of falling into the national habit of looking for excuses and blaming everyone but ourselves, we need to start looking inward and owning up to their presence. Only then will be in a position to tackle them and find practical solutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2010.