Most
probably, the chronic attitude “Blame Pakistan” stems from the untreated Islamophobia.
Because of the misguiding opinion, the Canadians of Pakistani origin end up
being nervous.
“When it comes
to world news, attitude is what marks the distinction between justice and
vengeance. Justice is pure, but vengeance brings more ruin.”―Criss Jami
The
question: Is it fair to keep suffering from PHOBIA directly or indirectly, as
it leads to deteriorate the state of general health of all concerned?
Nevertheless,
it seems as if the ongoing aggressive badmouthing against Pakistan is part of
some kind of “hate contest” targeting
a country in particular, for point scoring.
“I think that
hate is a feeling that can only exist where there is no understanding.”―Tennessee Williams
Certainly,
the Canadian Pakistanis don’t deserve to be emotionally wounded by the
irresponsible remarks of the Canadian minister of citizenship and immigration
Mr. Chris Alexander who accused Pakistan of “state sponsored” terrorism.
Furthermore, he has asked for allies help to take a joint action. Is he the right
person to issue such a harsh statement endangering the great country that has
sacrificed a lot while helping the World fighting a deadly war to eliminate
terrorists?
The
immigration minister should rather work on reducing 32 months limit to relieve
the waiting Pakistani spouses and kids under 18 by
deciding their cases on the fast track basis. Why is the picture entirely
different for Indian spousal cases where time span is around a few months? The said minister’s
immature comments on the non-issue clearly indicate where these are coming
from.
How
can a minister of citizenship and immigration give statement on behalf of the foreign
minister? Pathetic! Surprisingly, the honorable prime minister and the foreign
minister are still silent on this one.
The
big global powers should not forget the fact that Afghanistan has always been a
‘bitter experience’ in the past. Even the allied forces despite Pakistani sacrifices
couldn’t succeed in the prolonged war in the area.
Obviously,
the rugged mountainous region is almost impossible to conquer. The problem is
time of withdrawal has come, but terrorism is still a great threat in the
region. Even Pakistan is not immune.
How can the World forget that Pakistan has been a
“frontline State” to help the allied forces to tackle the menace and in so
doing lost more than fifty thousand precious lives?
(REF) - “Pakistan: State Sponsor of Terrorism?” by
Christine Williams for Gatestone
Institute, April 7, 2014,
Pakistan’s High Commission to Canada rebuked Minister
of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander for calling Pakistan a state
sponsor of terrorism. “Pakistan is not a state sponsor of terrorism, as naively
alleged by Mr. Alexander, but is itself a victim of terrorism, determined to
fight this menace and extend every possible co-operation to our neighbors and
allies in this regard,” said Press Counselor Nazia Khalid.
Mr. Alexander served as Canada’s ambassador to
Afghanistan and authored the book, “The
Long Way Back: Afghanistan’s Quest for Peace,” stated on a CBC television news program that “[t]he
civilian government there [Pakistan] doesn’t control military policy, strategic
policy… but the army and the intelligence service do…. and they have denied the
obvious, postponed this reckoning for years with so many terrorist groups,
including al-Qaeda.”
Update for Mr Alexander: Things have changed as Pakistan
is a democracy and the Pakistan military and the ISI are under civil control. Interfering
in the internal affairs of sovereign Pakistan is wrong.
Mr. Alexander (not a foreign minister) blames
Pakistan for the ‘”failed Afghanistan mission” and blames Russia for the “failed
Syrian interference.” He mentioned - "they are all connected".
Is he inferring “Russia” as the terrorist sponsor? One
wonders: what are his views about China for having strategic ties with
Pakistan.
The nervous Canadians may think that this nonsense has been designed to divert Canadians’ attention from the long list of difficulties related to the sub standard delivery of the Harper regime.
Some problems include the poor omnibus bills that camouflage
changes from Canadians, the use of closure in order to prematurely end debate
on legislation in many instances, the unfair elections act, and the riding
nomination disputes. Scandals regarding appointments made by Mr. Harper are
disturbing too.
Bottom line is whoever speaks ill against Pakistan
is either misinformed or is just a tool in the hands of other trouble makers
uttering naively.
Furthermore, the misinformed President Hamid Karzai
also accused Pakistan of being behind a recent series of attacks and of
blocking his government from striking a peace deal with the Taliban without
substantiating his claim.
What should Canada really
do?
Canada
must help Pakistan in tackling neighboring State sponsored terrorism. Everyone
knows what’s going on along the Pak Afghan Border in twelve or so Indian
consulates engaged in training the BLA (Baloch liberation army) and dispatching
professional terrorists to Pakistan for attacking on the pipelines and
weakening the writ of State. The terrorism sponsor countries are involved in supplying
state of the art weaponry and training to the anti Pakistan TTP (tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan) and most of other 100 criminal groups who are available on cash basis
to do maximum damage of life and property in Pakistan.
There
are groups that are specifically hired to attack the military compounds and
security apparatus of Pakistan.
If
such is the case, Canada must side with Pakistan to sort out the differing
thoughts to reach a logical conclusion.
Good News for Canada:
In
fact, after so much destruction, Pakistan is open for business and Canada is
more than welcome.
Since
the whole picture is crystal clear, the honorable minister must withdraw his
following statement:
"Canada
and its allies must take a united front against Pakistan because it is a state
sponsor of terrorism that threatens world security.”
The fact is Pakistan has been
extending full co-operation, including exchange of information and intelligence
sharing to the international community; it has arrested several high profile
terrorists and have lost more than fifty thousands of lives in the process in
addition to huge property damage.
Trouble is, with all the information at their disposal as to the reality of Pakistan's national issues, some people enjoy making provocative statements based on bias or naivety. They keep blaming with no real substance to back up their claims.
Trouble is, with all the information at their disposal as to the reality of Pakistan's national issues, some people enjoy making provocative statements based on bias or naivety. They keep blaming with no real substance to back up their claims.
Good
thing is some countries always maintain softer tones towards Pakistan and say,
“we have already made it clear that it is up to Pakistan whether to take
military action against the terrorists or to hold peace talks with them. They
desire to see peace in the region, including Pakistan. They share a common
stance and that’s the main reason they are able to stay united despite the
differences.” If the US and the West greatly appreciate all of Pakistan’s
sacrifices in the region, and remain optimistic about achieving the shared
peace objectives, then Surely, Canada will be an achiever by maintaining its
traditional neutrality indeed.
Most
importantly, one must be able to separate truth from mere allegations.
Pakistan’s importance in the region cannot be over looked. Beyond doubt, a happy
Pakistan is better for the betterment of the region and the entire World.
Long Live,
“Canada-Pakistan" Friendship!