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Through the covers
On the horns of a dilemma THIS is with reference to the article On the horns of a dilemma (August 03). The writer has reviewed the pros and cons of recognizing Israel as a sovereign state. The advantages the writer mentioned were (a) the act of recognition will improve Pakistan’s position within the US, and that it will ensure economic and military aid to Pakistan. No matter how so many promises be made or AID be offered by the US, but there is not a 0.1 per cent guarantee that she will stand by her words. Experience has shown that Pakistan has derived a little advantage from acceding to US demands. Pakistan has always partnered the US against any war against any state or group and has even complied with US demands to sign certain treaties/pacts, but the result has always been in Pakistan paying the price. (b) Recognition might give Pakistan access to Israel’s civilian and military technology, and it might even impel Israel to curtail its ties with India. The writer has himself stated that Israel is unlikely to give Pakistan access to advanced military technology as it would disturb India which a much larger market in Asia. It is also most improbable that Israel will reduce its relations with India because of our single act of recognition. Pakistan’s ‘Yes’ would surely contribute to further division in the Muslim world, which at least today, neither the Muslims nor Pakistan can afford. And it will alienate Pakistan from some Muslim countries which have been closest to Pakistan. The Muslim states have always helped and supported Pakistan in dire straits. In the 1965 war Pakistan was offered financial and military assistance by several Muslim countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Jordan. Even on the core issue of Kashmir the Muslim world has supported our cause in the past and continues to condemn India’s oppressive rule. Pakistan should continue to pursue strenuously its goal to ‘preserve and strengthen fraternal ties among Muslim states based on Islamic unity.’ For how long will we Muslims serve under the US? AZHAR ALI SHAHANI Larkana Cafes of a different kind WITH reference to the article Cafes of a different kind (September 21), I would like to say that young love birds, who do not find privacy elsewhere, prefer cafes. As for the cafe owners, they take no action as they fear that it might hurt their business. GHULAM HYDER SHAIKH Karachi | ||
WITH reference to Zaheer Abbas’ regular column, Through the covers, I would like to express my offence on the PCB part.|
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