I WANT to see the opponents of Kerry-Lugar bill in the dock to answer the following questions hoping that they will speak nothing but the truth:

1. KLB advocates democracy. Are you against democracy? (I concede that our democratic system needs to be perfected).

2. The bill calls for non-proliferation? Are you in favour of proliferation?

3. The KLB Act aims at strengthening fight against terrorism? Are you against this war?

4. The bill stresses civilian supremacy ? Are you against this universally acclaimed concept?

5.The bill provides valuable resources for development. Are you against economic progress?

6. The US legislation calls for peace in South Asia . Are you against reconciliation in the region?

7. How do you reconcile ‘ghairat’ with grinding poverty?

8. How can you maintain political independence without economic self-sufficiency?

9. (Specific to MNS) Where was your ‘ghairat’ when you begged Bill Clinton for Kargil peace?

10. (Specific to MNS) Does the KLB Act pre-empt implementation of the Charter of Democracy?

11. While the nation needs unity against the cancer of terrorism, are you not dividing the people to fuel more terror in the country?

12 . Are you not partnering with terrorists by igniting emotions instead of promoting rationality?

Your answers will hopefully place your real agenda before the bewildered nation.

While replying to the questions, please don’t hide behind the façade and the deceptive mask of national interest and dignity.

Waiting for your take.

B.A. MALIK

Former ambassador

Islamabad