Sikandar Noorani
IT will be fair to say that dealing with negative perceptions is one of the many complex challenges being confronted by Pakistan during its ongoing struggle to regain the stability and gradually lost credibility. Much can be said about the past four decades which made Pakistan weaker, vulnerable and less credible on many accounts. Though, Pakistan played its part with full sincerity, to keep the region calm, by hosting Afghan refugees and supporting US roadmap for Kabul’s future course but the outcomes were not equally beneficial. Our oversimplified approach and unflinching trust on the US proved extremely costly. Unrest in Kashmir and Afghanistan has an obvious linkage with terrorism sponsored by India in retaliation to Pakistan’s decades old stance. Chinese connection with Pakistan has brought US and India closer to each other as natural allies.
While fighting against multiple hardcore terrorists, Pakistan had to bear the pain of being falsely labelled as a state harbouring terrorism. India, compelled by many understandable reasons, pushed this venomous propaganda campaign against Pakistan. New Delhi’s diplomatic efficiency created multiplying negative impacts for Pakistan once an extremist RSS ideologue Narendra Modi managed to reach in power corridors of India almost six years back. It needs no elaboration that past ruling regime in Islamabad was least active on diplomatic front hence lethality of Indian assaults enhanced manifolds and rapidly spoiled the image of Pakistan. Despite the odds, Pakistan neither surrendered to Indian sponsored terrorism nor altered its policy of maintaining peaceful bilateral relations with Afghanistan. The time has arrived that Pakistan can claim a victory over terrorism.
There is a significant reduction in terrorism acknowledged by non-partisan think tanks and international media. Though, terrorists occasionally strike but hard earned peace is so convincing that international cricket has returned back to Pakistani grounds. A few weeks back, successful series with Sri Lanka on Pakistani soil was an undeniable proof of restoration of peace. Now, arrival of Bangladeshi team has further stamped the positive impression. This precious peace, earned at the cost of priceless blood of thousands of fallen Pakistanis, needs to be guarded vigilantly. Armed forces of Pakistan played a tremendous lead role in war against terror by sharing maximum burden of civil institutions. Fighting against hardcore foreign sponsored terrorists, with a weaker, ill-trained Police and under equipped politicized Police, was never an easy task for provincial governments. Exemplary coordination and well timed assistance between civil-military leadership eventually put Pakistan back on the track of peace and stability.
Traditional enemy India knows fully well that the real strength of today’s Pakistan lies in smooth and trust based civil-military working relationship. Disturbance of this equation, under peculiar environment, can effectively spoil the Pak ability to counter the destabilizing forces. Frequent propaganda on media and venomous trolling at social media forums against Pak armed forces are primarily designed to create a vast gulf between the masses and state institutions. Silver linings of the past are now becoming appreciable and much desired realities. International cricket is back in full swing! It is just a good beginning as the much desired upcoming PSL will be played on Pakistani grounds! Recent travel advisory issued by the UK to its citizens has unfolded more pleasant signs by acknowledging the restoration of peace in Pakistan. Untiring efforts of armed forces and tremendous resilience on part of the entire nation eventually fetched the dividends of peace and stability.
This is the real face of Pakistan! A peace loving and accommodative nation which has the patience to host more than three million Afghan refugees while receiving all brands of Indian sponsored terrorists and biased criticism of short sighted leaders from Afghanistan. Despite Indian infinite foul play, news regarding positive progress in meeting FATF’ requirements has made the rainbow of hope more colourful. It now seems evident that Pakistan will be able to get out of grey list in upcoming Paris session of FATF scheduled next month. Support of 12 to 14 members is needed by Pakistan to negotiate this phase of obstacle which has been ruthlessly exploited by India to further her venomous agenda against Islamabad. Past negligent approach towards sensitive diplomatic affairs pushed Pakistan in the quagmire of FATF grey list. Present undesired entanglement could be easily averted through correct reading of situation and timely efficient response.
There exists a constant diplomatic challenge for Pakistan in the form of Kashmir issue. Irked by second session of UNSC on Kashmir unrest, within five months, New Delhi is trying to find refuge in old practice of igniting anti-Pakistan rhetoric. Special ministerial session of OIC on Kashmir issue is also scheduled to take place at Islamabad in April. Despite capacity handicaps and unfavourable internal disorder, Pakistan has made successful acceleration towards stability and restoration of lost impression. Threats become more eminent and wide ranged due to Indian deep obsession with anti-Pak rhetoric. Political unity should be built for economic revival and internal stability by leaving aside petty personal differences. Journey is tougher than walking on a tight rope!
—The writer is a free lancer who often contributes in national newspapers.
