Sir, Foreign Policy is too complex an issue to be a subject of discussion, whatever the pressure, to be discussed by ministers with a political or extremist religious party agitating on the streets. This crisis in which Pakistan has been involved, and its citizens subjected to harassment is a self- inflicted wound. It was highly irresponsible for federal ministers and others to get involved with an extremist group, making demands that do not fall within their jurisdiction. Diplomatic relations exist not just between countries having the best of cordial relations but also countries with whom relations are very tense.
Even countries engaged in war have to sit at the table with their adversaries to negotiate terms of ceasefire, or in the worst of circumstances, terms of surrender or the fate of POWs. We cannot isolate ourselves from the comity of nations. When the mediocrity that dominate the corridors of power, embark on exploiting religion and indulge in fabricating accusations against their adversaries, to dislodge them from power, including their belief in finality of Holy Prophet PBUH, then our external enemies cannot be blamed for inciting public sentiments. Zia exploited religion to involve us in a proxy war and his legacy haunts us. We are still fighting to eradicate terrorism and sectarian divide. Unfortunately, those at the helm of affairs, are not aware of the diplomatic norms and channels through which delicate issues between nations are to be resolved or discussed. Chaos and extremism occur in such countries and their economies suffer. As for the issue of finality of Holy Prophet Muhammad and his nobility which is ordained by Almighty Allah SWT, it is a settled matter in Holy Quran, and cannot be so fragile to be dented by any human being, especially those belonging to another faith.
Ali Malik Tariq
Lahore
