Daily Times

Two United States (US) lawmakers have moved a bill in Congress seeking designation of Pakistan as a “state sponsor of terrorism.” The bill titled the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act was introduced by Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism Ted Poe and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher at a time when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in the US to address the UN General Assembly session. In the bill, serious allegations have been made against Pakistan in which it has been termed an “untrustworthy ally.” It has been alleged that from harbouring Osama bin Laden to its cosy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the War on Terror. The bill has also suggested the US administration to stop all aid to Pakistan and declare it a state sponsor of terrorism. In the past, Rohrabacher has accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists, launching attacks inside India and of selling nuclear technology to other nations.

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher has a history of making anti-Pakistan moves in Congress but has not always been successful in achieving his objectives. Although he was a friend of Pakistan during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, yet during the later years he became one of the leading protagonists who launch smear campaigns against Islamabad. He often indulges in anti-Pakistan diatribe. It is a very dangerous phenomenon for Pakistan. Whenever such voices are raised, certain questions are raised by readers and listeners.

Why is it only Pakistan that has to face allegations of sponsoring terrorism? Why is it so that no other state in Asia and elsewhere comes under the barrage of questions related to aiding and abetting militants? One obvious answer to these questions is the porous border of Pakistan that has allegedly become a safe entry point for foreigners to intrude and propagate their views freely. Reportedly, Pakistan’s poorly secure border allows foreign invaders and militants to find refuge in tribal areas who then flee to other parts of the country, and continue to play havoc with the social fabric of society. They even extend their activities to other neighbouring countries. Secondly, a conducive environment has been created in Pakistan by extremists who use religion as a tool and seminaries as their bases to spread their misplaced agenda. This situation needs complete introspection on part of the government and establishment in Pakistan. A complete review of the foreign policy has become necessary. Along with securing the porous border, there is a need to safeguard the ideology of Pakistan. It needs such an ideology that can guarantee peace and has no space for extremist views.

Although Pakistan cannot be isolated simply on presentation of controversial bills but such moves tarnish the image of the country. Pakistanis are already degraded in the world due to the tag of militancy attached with this land. Now it is high time Pakistan made efforts to change world perception and proved through actions that it was not a country that sponsored terrorists. Pakistan owes it to…Pakistan. *