Daily Times

Sir: If we observe history, we learn that Pakistan has faced setbacks in the international arena due to its short-term priorities in domestic politics. The regimes of Zia and Musharraf gravely endangered the verysurvival of the state of Pakistan on multiple occasions. The hurried embrace of the American War on Terror after 9/11 is but one instance in which the then regime sought, among other things, international legitimacy. A comprehensive set of negotiations might have provided Pakistan assurances vis-à-vis the US role in settling our disputes with India.

Now, the FATF, the global watchdog on money-laundering and terror financing, has once again placed Pakistan on the greylist. The listing will harm the financial sector because it aims at greater scrutiny of money flowing in and out of the country. Strangely enough, the government has removed the name of the head of the proscribed Ahle-Sunnat-Wal-Jamaat, Maulana Ahmad Ludhniavi from the fourth schedule. Thus clearing his way to contest upcoming elections.

This has been done primarily on the behest of those elements of the establishment who wish to influence the general elections with one tactic or the other. This manifests our utter disregard for the global standing of Pakistan: to secure a small gain in domestic politics, the diplomatic bargaining position of Pakistan has been sacrificed. If Pakistan wishes to win friends in the world, it must first synchronize domestic and foreign affairs.

MUHAMMAD ARSALAN MEHMOOD

Islamabad

Published in Daily Times, July 5^th 2018.