In a recent interview between Dr. Qamar Cheema and Barrister Hamid Bishani at NHS Media, the focus was on Indo-Pak relations.
Key Points
- The global scrutiny surrounding Pakistan’s approach to India’s religious freedom highlights broader concerns about the nation’s credibility on the international stage.
- The evolving dynamics of international relations demand a strategic shift in Pakistan’s diplomatic approach. The call for proactive engagement and criticism of a defensive stance underscores a necessity for adaptability.
- Recognizing diminishing credibility, especially in comparison to historical instances, emphasizes the urgency of embracing more assertive and constructive diplomatic strategies.
- Pakistan’s portrayal as financially needy and grappling with policy challenges signals a broader crisis in its global image.
- The need for pragmatic reforms and innovative solutions indicates an acknowledgement of the urgency to redefine Pakistan’s identity and Pakistan must address these challenges comprehensively to regain influence and credibility on the global stage.
Bishani expressed skepticism about PM Kakar’s statement on India’s religious freedom, viewing Pakistan’s role as resembling that of an NGO. He contended that international forums, such as the UN, often overlook inputs from states and criticized Pakistan’s lack of credibility regarding religious issues. Bishani questioned Pakistan’s authority, highlighting concerns about the arrest of civilians by military courts and asserting that Pakistan’s religious freedom is consistently questioned globally.
Bishani emphasized that raising such matters at forums like Amnesty International or the Human Rights Council would garner more international attention. He asserted that Pakistan’s credibility, especially under PM Kakar, is lacking, and criticized the nation’s defensive stance on global platforms. Bishani pointed out that Pakistan’s standing has diminished, contrasting the current situation with a time when India was invited as an honourable guest at the OIC Forum, highlighting Pakistan’s loss of influence.
Further, Bishani commented on EAM Jaishankar’s statement about Bangladesh’s progress post-independence from Pakistan. He suggested that these indicators reveal Pakistan’s shortcomings, portraying it as a needy state consistently seeking financial aid. Bishani noted the revolution in Arab countries led by educated, non-religiously motivated individuals, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to learn from its past mistakes.
He lamented the lack of hope for change, criticizing the current government’s actions and urging education about the country’s reality. Bishani dismissed the dossiers as an attempt to deceive, urging Pakistan to correct its course, learn from past errors, and adopt innovative solutions. He suggested revisiting the notions of being a nuclear and religious state, advocating for a more practical and realistic approach to enhance Pakistan’s influence and credibility on the global stage.
