existing federal and provincial governments could not live up to the expectations of the people. PHOTO: QAZI USMAN/EXPRESS/FILE
Pakistan needs radical change to face its challenges because the incumbent federal and provincial governments have failed to deliver, said a top British diplomat on Thursday.
British High Commissioner to Islamabad Adam Thomson made these remarks while talking to a group of journalists about political developments and particularly the long march on parliament led by a Canadian cleric just days ago.
It is unusual for a diplomat to publicly discuss Pakistan’s domestic political issues. But the British envoy justified the move by suggesting that the current events were worthy of inviting a response from his government. His statements are likely to be seen as not only an indictment of the government but also interference in internal matters.
Though Thomson voiced his country’s strong support for democracy in Pakistan, he said the existing federal and provincial governments could not live up to the expectations of the people.
“Pakistan needs a radical change. But it needs to come through the ballot and not by storming parliament,” Thomson emphasised, referring to the sit-in by tens of thousands of followers of Dr Tahirul Qadri on January 14.
“I know governments here are challenged by so many issues, but we hope they should deliver.”
Talking about Dr Qadri’s long march, he said Britain was deeply troubled by calls for unconstitutional steps to bring change in Pakistan.
However, the British envoy also said that a protest of such magnitude indicated that a lot needed to be done to strengthen democracy in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2013.
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Wow what a statement...as if we do not know this...Well still this is our internal matter
Excellency Adam Thomson,
This government is the gift wrapped in the script of NRO authored by former UK Foreign Secretay David Milli band.
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so undiplomatic - he should be fired!
Why this is news to everyone. In which country you have assistant director of a investigating agency get killed in a case where CJ is involved also. I can go on and on about the assets that government owns from steel Mills to PIA and you can see they are all sickly and somebody has been involved in million dollar scam and ran away....Steel Mills at least had a big surplus in Mush time. No one wants dictatorships even though we had much better governance in those days. Mush had one of the highest growth rates in the World even though it was right after 911 and he had built a road on almost every inch of the country and his interior Minister was not facilitating people who were wanted in billion dollar scams, Businesses and factories were not all shut as are in the days of our businessman President. Nawaz did provide us motorway and a lot of work in Lahore and a nuclear blast. Currents situation in provinces Sindh, NWFP and Baluchistan governments officials are busy saving themselves and their kin by stashing money in foreign currency accounts Punjab is government of Lahore only. If somebody is telling the truth why shoot the messenger. I am sure he was tempted to answer question by certain journalists in this way. I have to give PPP credit for being democratic, civil and having thick skin a very unusual behavior in Pakistan society. If any other government was in power they would have panicked with Qadri 's yalghar but they stayed cool so I give them credit for that and so it is a good beginning. I do remember public meeting in Karachi by Imran Khan during Mush time ? and Lal Masjid fiasco?
Dear Sir,
Please accept our profound apologies for not delivering as per the Dubai accord.We assure you that the new government that you & State Deptt. shall appoint in near future for Pakistan will meet your goals.
Thousand apologies!!!!
Well, I'm British, and I'm embarrassed by this. What an idiot.
The PPP-led govt has done some very good things. The restoration of the 1973 constitution. Judicial independence, and the Swiss letter. Getting the Kerry-Lugar Bill signed. Building a solid coalition that represents Punjabs, mohajirs, Pashtuns, Sindhis etc etc. And most recently the excellent, peaceful handling of Qadri's wholly illegitimate protest.
It can't be blamed exclusively for the power crisis. Power projects take a long time to finance and commission. Musharraf failed on this score, during his decade in charge.
In Britain, David Cameron's government is presiding over a double-dip recession; the possible collapse of the UK through Scottish separatism; a dysfunctional relationship with the European Union, which again we could soon exit chaotically; and a total absence of impressive leaders in any of the political parties. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, ambassador...
We have no tolerance to hear facts, what to say about improvement. Mr.Thomson was bold enough to point out your weakness for your own benefits while being a diplomat, otherwise we are not shameful to our society and activities. Highly learned and qualified fellow even making unlawful acts like putting kids and children and women to the killing cold just to make some blackmailing.
Very very true!
@mazhar butt: "They still treat you like a colony, HUH." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ They only treat Pakistan like a colony and dare not say anything like that for India. Enjoy!
thanks for ur kind concerned Mr Thompson. But let me tell you that dont try to wake this nation cuz they're really busy in sleeping, doesnt matter how many times anyone say about that we our self have to change our own destiny but nobody takes it seriously. So really appreciate ur concerned but let them sleep, let them sleep. Apart from a nation of dead people, i always wish tht one day we as a nation comes out successfully frm such a big mess and hurdle..... One day we can shine as a prosper and developing nation...... oneday god bless pakistan
If these people always support Democratic system then there is any example of these people shut down their office in Pakistan during dictator ship??
Why the Pakistani diplomat in BRITIAN doesn't comment on the state of British govt.in the same tone. I shall like to see the reaction of the BRITISH and their supporters in this forum. Can he comment on the FAILURE and impotence of Indian govt in Kashmir.
They still treat you like a colony, HUH.
"ISLAMABAD:Pakistan needs radical change to face its challenges because the incumbent federal and provincial governments have failed to deliver, said a top British diplomat on Thursday." You know it now but we know harsh and bitter reality since 2008 that present PPP government has badly badly badly failed to deliver every possible facility for which PPP got votes and formed the government.Anyways thanks for informing us dear and highly respected UK diplomat...
yes and UK delivered in Afghanistan !!!!
This very much like the pot calling the kettle black.
I think that there is nothing wrong with his statement. It is a fact. I would have been unhappy Japan he had said wishy washy stuff. More diplomats should be as Frank.
I guess every one in Pakistan is aware that the incumbent government has failed to deliver but I'm surprised about the timing of issuing such statement, where was the UK government in past 5 years or so.
Very undiplomatic
This is what I have been writing time and again what British Diplomat has now told to the journalists.
It is the aid donor's support for democracy that is holding the Bonaparte back. Thanks for reining in the establishment. A worst democracy is better than a good dictatorship. Let us hope the next govt is more liberal and independent of the establishment.
He is absolutely right. Pakistanis who take exception to what he says should give up their British Citizenship and others to fore go going to the UK. Let them put their money where and when they open their mouths.
No **, Sherlock. Thanks for supporting this lovely democracy which has failed to deliver. Always. Can we go back to a military government now please?
Everyone is a poke-mAn these days. Can't just mind their own business !