AS an overseas Pakistani, I have to often face the critics just as the entire expatriate community has to do regardless of where in the world one happens to be. Some of the critics leave no opportunity to scoff at Pakistan and its affairs. That being so, the last three years gave us an unusual respite. We had more reasons to be proud of our country than to feel low about it. We all loved it.

Unfortunately, destiny thought we had too much to be proud of and out of the blue came the news of some disagreement between the political and military establishments in the country. At a time when the country was facing external and internal challenges, it was most embarrassing for overseas Pakistanis to talk about it in multi-cultural settings.

As visible on the faces of non-resident Indians here, India, which for the last two, three years had been forced on to the back foot, is enjoying a welcome breather; enjoying our predicament. The exemplary and harmonious relationship that existed between the government and the armed forces, which caused jitters in the ranks of the detractors, might well be missing while negotiating future challenges.

Pakistan, with its astute and deft handling of the Afghan situation, trusted its ability to effect reconciliation in international matters, but the internal controversy has done much harm.

Reeling under all kinds of stresses forced by tough economic conditions, harmony defined the country in the last few years, as a unified joint front was put up while dealing with grave challenges.

Forget the rumour mills which went into overdrive within no time, just the official facts, as outlined by various government ministers themselves, are good enough to make one feel bad about it.

Munir Haq
Canada

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2021