BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently visited India. His visit started from Gujarat; the state where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was once involved in riots and massacre of thousands of Muslims due to which he had to face a diplomatic boycott for several years. Things have changed now.

But what exactly has changed? Modi is not a changed man. On the contrary, human rights violations, in particular anti-Muslim sentiments, are at an all-time high. However, something has definitely changed and that is the global standing of India.

Due to this change, the world conveniently overlooks all the atrocities committed against the Muslims, especially in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, by the current Indian government. Not only do they overlook, but they also try to rationalise India’s relationship with Russia despite Washington’s displeasure over New Delhi-Moscow ties.

This can be an extremely valuable lesson for Pakistan. We must learn that respect does not come by simply accusing a foreign country of being involved in regime change.

It is a harsh fact, but it must be said that we are not respected because we have nothing to show for ourselves. It has nothing much to do with our religion; we need to stop portraying ourselves as victims, and step up our game.

Abdul rehman Shahid
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2022