Daily Times

Foreign stakeholders and international establishments have often tried to influence the politics of the country. Some crucial instances in this regard include the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and the ‘do more’ threats from the US. The reason for this is that foreign powers have their preferred politicians in Pakistan so that their interests can be safeguarded. There are even some in the Indian media who have said that India has invested heavily in Nawaz Sharif.

Setting aside economic importance, is there any instance that the Saudi kings came to Pakistan to discuss their own personal matters, like the corruption drive going on in the kingdom, with Pakistani politicians? Did leaders from the USA ever come to Pakistan to discuss the issues they face? It never has and never will.

For our politicians, selection of local stakeholders from international players seems to be more decisive than free and fair elections. The top brass of the ruling elite are in KSA. This has raised more qualms especially when the agenda of their departure has not yet been revealed — of course they are not there for religious purposes only.

The Sharif brothers’ trip to Saudi Arabia has led opposition parties to think that another NRO will be announced very soon

The agenda of their current visit has been kept a secret and different views are being given in this regard; the people should have been well versed about it. The politicians are elected in Pakistan and their moves have substantial impacts over the lives of the people living here.

The opposition parties are fretful and believe that another NRO is underway amid the political reshuffles in the country. Nothing can be said with unreserved clarity and affirmation but it is apparent that the meetings in KSA might affect the politics in Pakistan and may be the future of a number of national stakeholders including the state institutions.

As a matter of fact, no leader ever raised his voice in favour of Pakistani expatriates the lives of whom are getting worse day by day. Those common Pakistanis are suffering a lot from the stringent policies of the kafala system. There are about two million Pakistanis living in KSA. They send their hard-earned money to the country every year. The rise of the government fees in KSA is a clear indication that they want to get rid of foreigners. At least for Pakistanis, KSA should have some exclusive care in the shape of diminution of Iqama and other fees.

The relations of politicians with countries like KSA, Iran, America, India, and others are owing to Pakistan. Without their attachment to it, they might not have any name at all. Therefore, it is necessary to take its people into confidence before any official and unofficial visit to any country is made.

Pakistan has already paid a massive price for maintaining ‘not public’ relations of politicians and dictators with powers around the world. It is a sovereign country consisting of more than 200 million people; it is time to shun the foreign influence which would happen only at the time when sustainable and pure democracy will be prevailing in the country. Lastly, whatever the purpose of visiting KSA is at this imperative time period, the internal politics of Pakistan should not be affected in any case and in any way.

The writer is a professional writer and political commentator. He can be contacted @junaidalimalik1 or junaidalimalik3@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, January 1^st 2018.