Harassment as policy

Not too long ago the hospitality, politeness and friendliness of people of West Punjab, especially around Rawalpindi, were legendary. The pe...

Not too long ago the hospitality, politeness and friendliness of people of West Punjab, especially around Rawalpindi, were legendary. The people from that region considered themselves streets ahead of their easterly compatriots in these matters.

The new elites now ruling Pakistan from that region have obviously given up their traditional culture and opted for crass bullying. The crude treatment meted out to the senior-most Indian diplomat in Pakistan appears to be only a reflection of this general deterioration in norms and values.

It seems that Pakistan, which is currently a member of the UN Security Council, has opted to ignore the Vienna Convention, not to talk of the bilateral agreement on a code of conduct in such matters.

Even a professional army leadership of the type that Pakistan claims would consider such conduct below the dignity of the quality of an 8216;officer and gentleman8217;. Therefore, one may assume that this action, which is bound to attract international attention, may not have had the approval of the highest in the land.

At the same time, General Musharraf was noted cautioning his countrymen that Pakistan could well be the next target of 8216;Western forces8217; if things go on unchanged, although he was not referring to this incident.

His prime minister also cautioned Islamic parties and groups to desist from extremist propaganda and postures. This may not necessarily extend to changing the prevailing attitude towards India and Indians.

But there are enough indications that the ruling establishments, like the intelligence agencies, the foreign office, and the military, may no longer be on the same frequency as could be expected in a well-governed state.

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The international community should be clearly informed about the obvious disconnect between what Pakistan says and what it does. General Musharraf and his government have been shouting from the rooftops for a dialogue with India 8216;8216;anywhere8217;8217; and 8216;8216;anytime8217;8217;.

The United States, and the world at large, while asking Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism, have also been advising India to engage Pakistan in a dialogue. But they need to understand that any constructive dialogue can only be a part of demonstrable conduct that supports the principles underpinning such dialogue.

Surely the crude harassment of a top Indian diplomat is hardly a demonstration of such intent.

At the same time, we should not fall into the trap of being provoked to respond in similar ways as has happened earlier in a twisted form of the principle of 8216;reciprocity8217;. The incident calls for diplomatic action.

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Any steps 8212; like a reduction of our diplomatic staff in Islamabad 8212; should be seriously considered only if an unambiguous apology is not forthcoming from Islamabad.