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LAHORE, Nov 20: The United States once again lent tacit support to President Gen Pervez Musharraf, a coalition partner in the war against terrorism, when Secretary of Treasury Paul O’Neill stated on Wednesday that he (the general) had honest intentions to cause and help democracy to become a reality in Pakistan.
He was replying to questions by reporters after delivering his lecture at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
When reminded that though he had in his speech emphasized need for rule of law and a just and stable social environment to speed economic growth and prosperity, he had chosen not to say anything about democracy. “(It goes without saying that) democracy is pre-requisite for economic development,” the secretary said.
Tight security arrangements had been made by police at the LUMS, apparently in view of the mass reaction to the execution of Aimal Kasi on the charge of killing two CIA officials and ongoing US-led drive against Al Qaeda, when the secretary reached there.
TERRORISM: Speaking about the threat of terrorism in his speech, Mr.O’Neill said the freedoms enjoyed the people of the world and the prosperity they sought were all threatened by terrorism. “Terror is the enemy of civilization — of every civilization, regardless of culture or religion. We in the US are a friend to all religions and cultures of the world. We believe that all the civilized people of the world, whatever their religion or culture, are bound together by their shared desire to eliminate the threat of terror. The ties of trade, of history and of friendship make America and Pakistan partners against terror that threatens all of our freedom.”
He said the two countries had fought together against an enemy that corrupts the language and values of a great religion, to serve a cause of mindless and heartless hatred. “As we are served by education and the free exchange of ideas, they are served by ignorance and fear of those who are different. The people of the US appreciate Pakistan’s commitment to the war against terror, and the war against those who would knowingly finance terrorist activities. Just as education is the key to prosperity, it is also the ultimate weapon to ensure that one day soon, terror is no more. In that spirit, I believe we can bring in peace and security to this region and our world, and with it, prosperity for all.”
MUSLIM STUDENTS IN THE US: The secretary was concerned over the declining number of Muslim students studying in the American educational institutions after the fateful events of 9/11. He said he wanted greater number of people from the world over to travel to the US and vice versa. “The more people understand each another, the lesser the risk of hatred.”
TRAVEL ADVISORY: The secretary avoided a direct answer about the State Department’s travel advisory for the American citizens wishing or planning to visit Pakistan. “If a country is considered safe and secure (by the people), no travel advisory would matter. People do not care about travel advisory if they consider a country real safe for them.”
