Don146;t look westwards

Two articles in Dawn deal with Western influence in Pakistan, in different ways.

Two articles in Dawn deal with Western influence in Pakistan, in different ways. Ayesha Siddiqa July 11 talks about Dr A.Q. Khan8217;s recent statement that the US is conspiring to break Pakistan into various units. Sindh, Balochistan and NWFP will break away 8212; while Punjab will remain in Pakistan. Punjab will be left with nuclear weapons and will ultimately sign the NPT, according to Dr Khan. Siddiqa counters this point saying that if there ever were a break up, Punjab8217;s insecurity would be reason enough to retain nuclear weapons. She also disagrees with Dr Khan8217;s assertion that Pakistani Punjab has no animosity with India. In her view, it is the Punjabi elite who have fuelled the hatred against Pakistan8217;s neighbour. Siddiqa is of the view that Pakistan8217;s mess can be attributed to, a selfish political elite and the loss of sovereignty to the West. These two factors have given rise to fundamentalism in the country.

Razi U. Ahmed July 11 makes the point that apart from issues like corruption, one major reason for the gap between Pakistani politicians and the masses is their Western style of dressing. While symbolism may not be everything, it helps to build the 8216;we are one of you8217; image, says Ahmed, citing the example of Indian leaders as well as Muhammed Ali Jinnah and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Though Jinnah was not fluent in Urdu, his style of dressing, especially the Jinnah cap, built a sense of national pride, just as the Westernised Zulfikar Ali Bhutto popularised the salwar kameez. Their traditional style helped them strike a chord with the masses.

Samad Khurram, the student who refused to accept an award from the US ambassador in Pakistan explains the reasons for doing so in the News July 11. Says Khurram: 8220;I had no objections to an award from my high school whose administration and teachers I have the utmost regard for 8212; or at least had until the Americans8217; actions of June 18. However, the presence as chief guest of the American ambassador who is basically the Bush administration8217;s representative in Pakistan presented a rare opportunity to me for making known my concerns as a patriotic Pakistani. It was in the US, more specifically at Harvard, where I had learned to voice my dissent peacefully and non-violently, to stand up for what I believed in and to speak for those who could not have their voices heard, and I thought of putting some of these very values to good use.8221;

Taliban8217;s increasing influence

Dr Muzzafar Iqbal July 11 in the News, presents an interesting perspective with regards to the Taliban and its threat to the US which wants to increase its influence in the region, as well as to 8220;8216;liberal Muslims8217;, who do not adhere to the same religious strictures8230;8221; The Taliban8217;s views on governance are not favoured even by many practicing Muslims. While there is opposition to the Taliban, their influence is rising not only because of their religious appeal but also their tenacious opposition to Western power. Iqbal concludes that the tussle with the Taliban is here to stay, and their influence will continue to affect Pakistan8217;s politics.

The 8216;Great Game8217;

The Nation, July 11 carries an article by M.A. Niazi which analyses the recent bomb blasts in Islamabad, Karachi and the Indian embassy in Kabul. Niazi feels that a situation akin to the historical 8216;great game8217; is developing, except that the US has replaced the British. In the new alliance, the US, Afghanistan and India are getting closer while Pakistan is blamed for all terrorist activities in the region. He concludes by saying, 8220;Pakistan should not expect fairness from the Americans where Karzai is concerned, because he is so much their man; where their or NATO officers are concerned; because promotions are at stake; or where India is concerned, because they are trying to woo India, which the West sees as its surrogate in this region. And it is only to be expected that Afghanistan would only have spoken only after consulting India8221;.