It has been more than 10 days since the Pakistani soldiers have been trapped buried under the snow avalanche at Siachen. The whole nation is praying for our brave warriors and expecting a miracle that those 135 lives are safe.
PML(N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Siachen was an important highlight of the week. His visit was not only been broadcasted on electronic media but was also trending on social media. In general, the Pakistani masses appreciated Mian Nawaz Sharif’s gesture of gratitude and solidarity towards the brothers trapped under ice. Mian Nawaz Sharif, despite the bad weather, reached Siachen which was appreciated not only by masses but journalists like Hamid Mir, Mubasher Lucman and Dr Shahid Masood.
Nawaz Sharif along with himself carried relief goods and stayed at Gyari for half an hour and then met the families of the soldiers buried under ice. He offered 5 lakh for each family with a job in Punjab government. Mian Nawaz Sharif’s suggestion of a unilateral pullout of troops from Siachen was endorsed by different media people from both the countries.
It’s high time for both sides, India and Pakistan, to realise that they are not gaining much by losing precious lives. Mian Nawaz Sharif visit was not only important to show solidarity towards the brothers fighting there but also showed his concern for his people.
It is sign that change is afoot since leaders like him now vouch for peace. This means that there is an evolving consensus for the need of peace across the political ideological spectrum. Mian Nawaz Sharif’s gesture must be appreciated regardless of party affiliation as he has put the right foot, and words, forward.
MAJID TAIMOOR
Lahore
