When Pakistan appointed Hina Rabbani Khar, a 33-year-old politician, as its first female foreign minister earlier this year, there was some suggestion that she lacked experience for the job.
On Friday, sharing a podium with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she certainly appeared out of her depth, said an article published in The Wall Street Journal on Friday. The article said Clinton masterfully chided Pakistan for not invading North Waziristan and “managed not to sound too schoolmarmly in the process”, although she did ask Islamabad to “squeeze” the Haqqani militant group a few too many times.
Khar, said the article, by contrast seemed to get lost in her own rhetoric, saying very little during overly-long answers to reporters’ questions. She often repeated phrases like “both sides of the border” numerous times in one response. It was unclear at points exactly what she wanted to get across. At one stage, her loosely worn headdress, evocative of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, slipped off her head. The article said there was no doubt Khar would eventually grow into the job and was noteworthy on a recent trip to the US for standing her ground over allegations that Pakistani intelligence ran the Haqqani network. “But, fairly or not, Ms Khar’s performance next to Mrs Clinton could give ammunition to cynics who believe her appointment was an attempt by Pakistan’s military – the final arbiter of the country’s foreign policy — to put someone junior and malleable in the position,” said the article.
Khar worked closely with late US diplomat Richard Holbrooke in a previous junior minister role in which she oversaw foreign aid contributions to Pakistan. “Mr Holbrooke had nice things to say about her abilities. But since then, Ms Khar has been fighting a losing battle to build a serious image,” said the article. Earlier this year, during peace talks in New Delhi with Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, who is 79 years old, Khar won a warm reception from the normally-hostile Indian press. It would be easy to ascribe much of this to old-style sexism. But, as Khar’s performance alongside Clinton showed, she’ll have to work harder to change the focus from her accoutrements to her achievements.
Remarks as above are biased and contrary to international political ethics. These undermine Pakistan's efforts for world peace and reflects US hegemonic attitude. A comparison between Hillary Clinton and Khar on such sensitive issues need to be done with open mind and impartiality by journalists
S.M.Ahsan, Karachi
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Stupid propaganda article. Khar did just fine and her performance in the US during a very difficult phase was impeccable. She makes her point clearly and firmly. The WP needs any excuse to paint Pakistan in a bad light.
Mandi Bahauddin: Social and political circles here have appreciated performance of Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at her joint press conference held the other day at Islamabad with US foreign secretary Hillary Clinton. Manzoor Tarar, a senior advocate said that Khar had represented true feelings and view point of Pakistani people with courage. She was confident and well composed when she replied questions of media persons in a lucid and logical manner. Major Nasir Javed SVP Ex-Servicemen Society said Khar had told US in very clear terms that Pakistan would act according to resolutions and decisions of Parliament and APC and would not succumb to the demands of US to do more. Dr. Tariq President Citizens Forum said Khar had singled out as a brave and competent leader of Pakistan who had courage to take stand according to aspirations of the people. He said this was the first time that US foreign secretary Hillary Clinton was seen as tense when addressing the press conference. It was probably result of his failure to pressurize Khar to accept her demands during their dialogues preceding the conference, he added. Arshad Tarar Advocate said that our nation was suffering due to dishonest and greedy leaders but Hina Khar had proved herself as an upright and clear headed leader who would surely improve image of our nation in the world.
Sher Gondal
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