Those accused of terrorism by the international community cannot be allowed to address public gatherings in Pakistani cities. If internal security alone does not push the authorities to take a firm stance on the issue, Palestinian authority’s recent move to recall Ambassador Walid Abu Ali after the latter attended a Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) rally in Rawalpindi should lead them to do so.
The rally was apparently held in support of the Palestinian cause. Hafiz Saeed was also present.
In a statement released after the rally, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry called the envoy’s appearance with ‘persons accused of terrorism’ an unintended and unjustified mistake.
The incident has made it clear that a soft stance towards militant outfits and banned organisations will not just affect Pakistan’s ties with global and regional powers but also with Muslim nations as well. That the Palestinian authorities do not want to associate with extremists who claim to raise a voice for their cause must be an eye opener for authorities in Pakistan.
Once pictures of the Palestinian ambassador at the rally surfaced in the media, New Delhi summoned Palestine’s ambassador for an explanation. India has amassed plenty of diplomatic clout in the region because of its growing economy, and it was among the countries that recently voted against US president Donald Trump’s decision to move US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It is no surprise then that the Palestinian envoy in India subsequently made a statement affirming support for India in the war against terrorism.
The incident has proved a diplomatic win for New Delhi; and Pakistan needs to learn a lesson. Those involved in violent activities cannot be allowed to roam freely and hold public rallies in Pakistani cities. Islamabad needs to end its soft stance towards groups involved in militancy. *
Published in Daily Times, January 1st 2018.