Pakistan ought to adopt a neutral stance in the uprising that is increasingly becoming sectarian in nature as the Shia against the Sunni states are at clash with each other. Pakistan has had a history of jumping into controversial situations that it can ill afford. The choice of becoming an American ally during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan still haunts us even after three decades.
In the present scenario, with ethnic and sectarian violence already accelerated to an uncontrolled level, Pakistan will only invite complete chaos if it shows any leaning towards any faction.
It should be realised that we are at a very vulnerable stage where all odds are against us and any wrong decision at this moment may rock the nation for decades to come. In this politically and economically feeble state all we should do is keep a low profile and focus on energising ourselves instead.
AYAANA MALIK
Islamabad
