Waqt Ki Nazakat Ka Ehsas
Pakistan, grappling with economic issues, is also facing the grave problem of terrorism, which law enforcement agencies are striving to combat. However, these efforts currently appear to be unsuccessful. As a result, not only is investment hindered, but the outside world is also cautious about enhancing relations with Pakistan, with only a few particular allies showing interest in fostering ties for their own benefits.
Politicians play a significant role in bringing the country to this juncture. Pakistan is located in a region where, unfortunately, some governments contribute to the promotion of unrest. These governments patronize various extremist groups directly involved in terrorism. Such extremists and terrorists pose a major obstacle to investment in the region and create an atmosphere of fear and violence to deter potential investing countries or international organizations from engaging with Pakistan.
Among those supporting these groups is Pakistan’s eastern neighbor, which remains at the forefront. In these circumstances, it is essential that political leadership sets aside bickering when national interests are at stake, yet this is not happening. Instead, over the past decade, there has been such a reliance on protests to gain popularity that even the presence of foreign guests is overlooked.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that there is no goodness in those who are not hospitable. However, roads are blocked to create chaos, public threats are issued against rulers, and national interests are put at risk for personal political gains. This gives the external world the impression that politicians here thrive on turmoil and that there is no governmental authority, leading cautious countries to hesitate in forming relationships. In reality, blocking roads does not affect the government in the slightest; it only exacerbates the difficulties faced by the public. This very public votes politicians into power, yet their concerns are disregarded. While political activities can continue under such circumstances, trade and economic activities cannot.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, starting in Islamabad from October 15 with ten member countries, holds immense importance for Pakistan. At a time when India is trying to convince the world that Pakistan is an insignificant country and that engaging with it is unprofitable, and that Pakistan is not conducive to investment but rather on the brink of bankruptcy, the SCO summit could serve as an antidote to this toxic propaganda.
If the political leadership were united for the national interest and willing to sacrifice political ambitions to solve pressing issues, that would be ideal. However, this is not the case. On the very day of the SCO summit, PTI announced a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad, which was not welcomed by any political faction. Not only was the PTI leadership divided on this issue, but other political parties also urged postponement of the protest.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Liaquat Baloch advised against creating chaos during the guests’ arrival, but some zealous leaders insisted on meeting the founder. No sensible person can support such a protest when the party leadership has reservations and allied parties are also displeased. The PTI leadership should have moved towards understanding.
Resorting to protests to evade legal issues is not appropriate; this is the time to employ legal experts. Fortunately, there are prominent lawyers in key positions within the party, yet rather than utilizing their expertise, party workers are being put to the test. The idea of blackmailing the state to secure the release of the PTI founder is misguided.
The cautious external world will only trust Pakistan if the domestic political landscape is not poisoned and the political leadership is united on national interests. In 2014, prior to the visit of the Chinese president, PTI launched a prolonged and violent sit-in that resulted in the postponement of President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit and caused delays in the CPEC agreement. Similarly, before the arrival of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, there were attempts to create a perception that no one was safe in this country by targeting Chinese nationals in Karachi.
There have also been reports that China, expressing dissatisfaction over the Karachi incident, strongly demanded assurance for the safety of its citizens. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Li Qiang still visited Pakistan with his delegation. However, citing the ban on meetings with the PTI founder, they announced protests at D-Chowk. Additionally, an invitation was extended to Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to join the protest, which was later denied in an attempt to mitigate the ensuing toxicity. The truth is that questions are now being raised about the PTI’s irresponsible conduct, with speculations emerging that the party is acting as an instrument to undermine the growing closeness between Pakistan and China. Whenever an important figure from China is announced to visit, this party seems to become restless and mobilizes for protests.
When all these positions, popularity, and politics are contingent upon Pakistan’s circumstances, there is no justification for undermining one’s own country. The government has apparently managed to regain control in the face of internal pressure, and now the summit is nearing its conclusion. However, the activities of some political parties have raised numerous questions that they may find difficult to answer.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has made several decisions aimed at promoting political, economic, and defense cooperation in the region, which will create new opportunities for economic improvement in Pakistan. There is no doubt that hosting this summit is no less than an honor for Pakistan. In terms of significance, this summit is crucial for dispelling the notion of Pakistan being internationally isolated and for reaffirming its importance in the region.
This summit can position Pakistan as a center for trade and economic activities. Moreover, is it not significant that India, which has consistently refused to engage in negotiations with Pakistan over any issue, including Kashmir, appeared compelled to participate in this summit? Although India attended the Heart of Asia conference in Islamabad in 2015 regarding Afghanistan, it adopted a policy of non-participation in subsequent events, including SAARC meetings. Yet, it could not muster the courage to stay away from the SCO summit.
