With the current talks on Pakistan’s decision about giving India MFN status, the media is loaded with views both for and against such a decision. That all possibilities and dimensions of this relationship ought to be viewed before embarking on such a voyage that had been shrouded into conspiracies and remained under threat for decades, is but natural.
The Pakistan military establishment, however, seems to be the protagonist in this entire scheme of events as it is present in almost every headline and statement issued either by the Pakistani authorities or from the Indian side. The Pakistani information office has confidently stated that both the government and its security apparatus stand in favour of this decision. Manmohan Singh too has claimed that the Pakistan military has been taken on board as relations between both Pakistan and India become more cordial after Pakistan has generously opened its arms for its neighbour.
But where is the statement by the military spokesperson for endorsing such a claim? That one of a leading and most popular politician has claimed that the military has not been taken on board in this. That the government is hell bent upon committing mistake upon mistake – a trait that they have certainly perfected over the period of four years – and acting as if all is well at home.
If all is actually well then how would the authorities comment upon the proofs provided by Mansoor Ijaz that has triggered a fresh unexplainable controversy? How do the authorities justify the logic and rationale behind not inviting any of the services chiefs to a reception and banquet held in honour of the president of Turkmenistan?
AYAANA UMAR
Islamabad
