Be it 14th August or 23rd March, our television channels take us live to Wagha and Ganda Singh borders where guards of border security forces on both sides of the border display their muscles, kick the ground as hard as they can. And audiences on both sides cheer and shout at the top of their voice “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
I have been watching this exercise for decades now. On one hand, we speak of establishing cordial relations with our neighbouring countries, especially India. On the other hand, we exhibit this muscle power. How does all this by any means serve as a step towards friendship with India?
Guards of border security forces on both sides of the border instead of making ugly and angry faces should smile and do a warm handshake that would send a message of peace and friendship amongst those watching the ceremony live or on their television sets.
Both countries have earned nothing from this show of strength and hate till to date. It is high time both countries lowered their respective flags with love and honour instead of cosmetic anger and hate.
M RAFIQUE ZAKARIA
Karachi
