From one who makes a difference
Culture is the real identity of any nation. US may help Pakistan to promote its art, film and culture in America. We see whole Bollywood has shifted to Hollywood and both countries are strengthening their relationships through art and film
Dr Zulfiqar A. Kazmi comes to his calling with well-established credentials in the social and academic fields. He is an internationally known scholar, international affairs analyst and a dialogue expert. He is the founder and executive director of The Commongrounds USA. This organisational network is dedicated to the promotion of peace through educational programs, workshops, conferences, and research. The Commongrounds supports the mission of the United Nations in pursuing peace, reconciliation, human welfare and actively collaborate with the international and regional organisations similarly dedicated to the cause of achieving justice, world peace, and human prosperity. Zulfiqar Kazmi has served as the vice president of the China America Foundation. China America Foundation (CAF) is committed to promote friendly and cooperative relationships between Pakistan, China and America. On behalf of this forum he played an active and leading role for the passage of the Brown Amendment.
Q: How would you define the role of Pakistani Americans or overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan’s economic development?
ZK: In Pakistan’s economic development, role of Pakistani Americans or overseas Pakistanis is significant. Pakistan is now the 6th most populous country in the world, with half the population younger than 24. At the present rate of growth, Pakistan’s population will exceed 300 million by 2050. What we must understand in respect of overseas Pakistanis’ contribution is a clear impact on our econmoy. Last year, Pakistanis living and working abroad sent home $18 billion to support their families. This is the equivalent of 6.5 percent of the country’s GDP and the largest source of foreign income after exports. All of these factors can help Pakistan become economically resilient. Pakistan needs to offer sincerely some more incentives and relaxations and tax exemptions for a certain period to invest their money in safe, sound and profitable environment.
In America I have seen several Pakistani-Americans as great contributors to the economy in business, commerce and the social sector as well. You may know about Pakistani-American billionaire and business tycoon Shahid Khan, also known as Shad Khan. He is the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League, the English Football League. Pakistan should talk to him and people like Shad Khan to help their homeland while helping America with their money, resources and wisdom as well.
| Q: America does not stand with Pakistan in tough times. Why is there always some degree of lack of trust in this relationship?
ZK: Indeed Pakistan fought for and alongside America in the war against terror but America never helps; that is what most of our Pakistanis think. Basically it’s a controversial view point and we need to find the facts from history of our US-Pak realtionships and US-Indian partnerships with Soviet Union. It is true our foreign policy was never expressing our peoples’ aspirations and demands. We never presented our case in a truthful manner after our freedom and finally we were separated. Our governments never had a standpoint on their real issues. I will qutoe here in support of my views the following statement; US sympathised with Pakistan because of various reasons. Among them two reasons were that: firstly, Pakistan belonged to American led military Pact, CENTO and SEATO; secondly, US believed any victory of India will be considered as the expansion of Soviet influence in the parts gained by India with the victory, as it was believed to be a pro Soviet nation, even though they were non aligned. In a telegram sent to US Secretary of State Will Roger, on 28 March 1971, the staff of the US consulate in Dhaka complained, ‘Our government has failed to denounce the suppression of democracy. Our government has failed to denounce atrocities. Our government has failed to take forceful measures to protect its citizens while at the same time bending over backwards to placate the West Pakistan dominated government… We, as professional public servants, express our dissent with current policy and fervently hope that our true and lasting interests here can be defined and our policies redirected in order to salvage our nation’s position as a moral leader of the free world.’ Pakistan must seek self reliance instead of unnecessary support from others. Q: How you see cultural exchanges between US and Pakistan? ZK: Culture is the real identity of any nation. US may help Pakistan to promote its art, film and culture in America. We see whole Bollywood has shifted to Hollywood and both countries are strengthening their relationships through art and film. I wish our film culture is revived with American help and we seek maximum collaboration with Hollywood. We have amazing potential to offer to world cinema. I’m sure Maira Khan, Ahsan Khan, Noor Naghmi and stars like Reema Khan are ready to take off. |
