If one is tasked to match a foreign minister with branded dresses, sun glasses, fancy bags and diamond necklaces, the only option is Pakistan’ foreign minister – Miss Hina Rabbani Khar. When it comes to present a soft image of Pakistan to the outside world, she is best suited for the job. However, I felt pity when she faces hard tasks to work upon. I found her quite helpless when she complained a few days back that Foreign Office had demanded the US to immediately stop drone attacks but the Americans were not complying. What an innocent complaint!
She talked about alternate means to get to the militants roaming in tribal areas but didn’t elaborate much on the modalities. Pakistan army is doing its best to contain the Taliban in the area but results are well known – they purge one area of militants to find out renewed trouble in another area. By the time they finish, the first area is again occupied by the militants. Miss Khar referred to Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS)’ demands to cease the drone attacks. By putting up such demand, I wonder if PCNS thinks everyone is a fool. We all know that the US has been using drones to eliminate Taliban with Pakistani government and its military’s consent.
Therefore, there is no point in crying foul as a drone attack is the best preventive strategy without stepping on the ground. Pakistan army has been fighting Taliban for last eight years with no results. PCNS shall help to ease Miss Khar’s dilemma as facts can’t be changed with speeches and resolutions. We need to get to the Taliban before they get us at their terms. There are not many choices.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia