Situation in Pakistan, contrary to what is being projected

By Dinesh WEERAWANSA after tour of Pakistan

When I was planning to make an official visit to Pakistan, many advised me not to undertake such risky assignments. Even some of my close friends went to the extent of telling me on the eve of my departure that they may be seeing me alive for the last time.

But I knew exactly where I was going and the assumption that the security situation in Pakistan could not be as bad as what most of us gather through the media, mainly through television.

My eight-day stay in Pakistan, touring all major cities from the harbour city of Karachi to the capital city of Islamabad and then to the historic city of Lahore and Rawalpindi enabled me to get the correct picture. It was different to what most of us hear and see over international television and radio channels.

It is true that there are isolated incidents here and there, but most of the terror attacks are confined only to a few areas. That is far from what the world media, mainly the pro-Western, media has been projecting. A small bomb explosion or a clash between two factions was often blown out of proportion. Full credit should go to those experts in the Western media for creating stories out of nothing!. This shows their adeptness in changing world opinion to suit the political agendas of the West.

Pakistan is undergoing the same unfortunate experience that Sri Lanka had to face till May, 2009 when terrorism was eradicated and the LTTE leadership was vanquished by the country's valiant Security Forces. Sri Lanka had to continue its lone battle against terrorism with the support of only a handful of friendly countries, including Pakistan.

But, the Western media and a section of the international community were all out to give a premature death to Sri Lanka's battle against terrorism.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not bow down to international pressure until the LTTE leadership was vanquished at the Nandikadaal lagoon on May 18, 2009.

Many Pakistanis, especially influential persons holding responsible positions, said the success behind Sri Lanka's eradication of terrorism was President Rajapaksa's strong political leadership. They said Pakistan too is dreaming of a peaceful environment like the one Sri Lanka is enjoying at present.

The very same countries and international elements which attempted to disrupt Sri Lanka's battle against terrorism are now attempting to disrupt Pakistan. They do not wish to see countries such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan overcoming terrorism and developing. Fortunately, Sri Lanka had the far-sighted vision of President Rajapaksa to overcome those overwhelming odds. We hope Pakistan too would face terrorism bravely and join Sri Lanka to enjoy the dividends of peace.

Most people whom I met during my stay in Pakistan were curious to know Sri Lanka's success story in eradicating terrorism. They were surprised when I told them that we in Sri Lanka enjoy peace and freedom to the maximum and even demolish parapet walls around police stations to beautify the city. They are keeping their fingers crossed until that day dawns in the near future for them to enjoy the fruits of peace.

The Western media has been basset when it comes to reporting the developments in Pakistan. Thousands of people are killed as a result of shooting incidents in the West but even a relatively small shooting incident in Pakistan is projected as if the entire city is held hostage by gunmen. Such irresponsible reporting with vested interests projects a gloomy picture of Pakistan.

As a result, most tourists are reluctant to visit Pakistan which has many undiscovered places of tourist importance. Gandhara is one place with a rich Buddhist heritage. The Taxilla Museum provides enough proof to enlighten the rich Buddhist culture that existed in the area in ancient times. Buddhist tourism could well be promoted through places such as Gandhara.

But the frightful picture, projected by the Western media, makes sure that hardly any tourists picks Pakistan as their holiday destination. This too is similar to the hard times Sri Lanka's tourist industry underwent a few years ago. Heavily guarded five-star hotels hardly attract Western tourists due to travel advisories, many of them without evaluating the true ground situation in Pakistan. Even during Sri Lanka's battle against terror, many countries in the West issued similar warnings even though the confrontations were mainly confined to the North and the East.

Pakistan is one of Sri Lanka's trusted neighbours and the two countries look forward to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani also expressed a similar view at a meeting with External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris in Islamabad.

The Pakistani Premier has also expressed satisfaction at the resolve of both Pakistan and India to continue with bilateral dialogue, and not be deterred by terrorists designs to derail the dialogue again. He has encouraged Sri Lanka to move forward on negotiations with Pakistan on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and welcomed a meeting in this context between the two countries in Colombo next month.

As he had stated during the meeting with Prof. Peiris, Pakistan is keen to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbours including India, Iran and Afghanistan. The stability in Afghanistan is an important factor for Pakistan which supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process of reconciliation in their country. He also said that President Rajapaksa's scheduled tour of Pakistan in November would contribute to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Sri Lanka could well understand the present plight of Pakistan as we too suffered immensely due to terrorism. Sri Lanka, with its vast experience and proven track record in combating terrorism, could well spearhead a worldwide campaign against terrorism.