Problems of perception: Western media distorts what Pakistan is all about

Pakistan at this difficult hour should not be presented as dark or evil, rather it needs the support of the international community to overcome the difficulties it faces now (responding to the article “Voices from the Darkness,” News, Oct. 1–7). The main goal of most media and newspapers seems to be showing as many bad aspects of Pakistan as possible, making the world believe it’s another Iraq or Afghanistan.

The media have shown and described a one-sided story, damaging Pakistan’s image and calling it a haven for terrorists. How many ordinary people know Pakistan and its people? Pakistan is a Muslim country, and Islam does not teach to kill in the name of God. Those advocating and preaching such things are not real Muslims. They are willing to cross all boundaries to eliminate whatever gets in their way. It does not mean one person or one country; it can be anybody of any nationality. These people do not act in the interests of Pakistan the country.

As the historian Ahmed Abdulla writes in his book The Historical Background of Pakistan and Its People: “Looking back in history, it was in the land that is contemporary Pakistan that the Indus Valley civilization — one of the most brilliant in the annals of human history — flourished with its main centers at Mohenjo Daro in Sind, Harappa in Punjab, Kej in the Baluch territory and Judeiro Daro in the Pathan region. It was here that Buddhist culture blossomed and reached its zenith under the Kushans in the form of Gandhara civilization at the twin cities of Peshawar and Taxila. It was on this very soil that the Graeco-Bactrian civilization flowered and left the indelible marks of fine Greek art in the Potwar Plateau around Rawalpindi. The entire region of Baluchistan is strewn with the remains of the earliest products of man’s activities.”

Dr. W. Norman Brown from the University of Pennsylvania wrote: “Western Pakistan is a region conspicuously important in the development of civilization.” The Greeks were impressed by the men in Punjab, acknowledging them as skilled in the arts of war. Today, Pakistan is a progressive, modern, and democratic Islamic society, determined and serious about seeking greater learning and greater prosperity for its citizens. Pakistan has a firm position of principles in the international battle against terrorism. Our government strongly rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations anywhere in the world in any form and under any name. One of the worst things that can happen is a terrorist attack and it has badly plagued the Pakistani tribal regions.

We need to educate that part of the world, give them peace and trust. An educated child is much more likely to realize dreams and to be a productive citizen. Terror is the biggest enemy of Pakistan and has landed with full force in tribal areas, making those poor people fear for their safety; killing them or calling them “terrorists” will not end terrorism but allow it to flourish. With each death comes hate, revenge, and more bloodshed. The world should focus on putting out this fire, stop the killing of innocent people, and condemn these attacks on a sovereign democratic country. Rather than guiding people in the right direction, the current policies of NATO push people towards the so-called terrorists. After all, every action has a reaction. Pakistan is committed to peace in the region. Our country is committed to fighting terror and extremism, and we need to tackle both carefully and clearly, through dialogue.

The tragic death of Czech Ambassador Ivo Žďárek is a loss not only for the Czech Republic but also for Pakistan. Žďárek was a competent diplomat and a friend of Pakistan. According to reports, Žďárek died trying to save people inside the building after the bomb explosion took place. We Pakistanis salute him for his courage and bravery and strongly condemn this dastardly terrorist act in which a number of innocent people lost their lives and many others were injured. We fully stand by our government in its firm resolve to root out terrorism and extremism. Pakistan and its people are shocked and grieving for all the people killed that day. There are no words to describe the pain of the Pakistani people and government. Whoever did this is an enemy of our country and Islam.

In fact, they are exploiting Islam to achieve their own goals and will never succeed. Our relations with the Czech government are strong, not only politically but economically. In addition, there is extensive cooperation on cultural issues. Ties will remain strong and strengthen as the days pass. The world will see Pakistan as a dynamic, liberal, progressive, peaceful, and genuinely democratic Muslim country. Our ambassador to the Czech Republic, Athar Mahmood, has achieved a good name for Pakistan and solidified the relationship between our two countries. Mahmood’s efforts led to Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek’s visit to Pakistan. Pakistan has strong ties with other Islamic countries and its neighbors. Terrorism is not new for the world; the roots of this cancer started growing with the first human on the earth.

Looking back, one finds many stories of terrorism and terrorists in different religions and countries. The roots of today’s terrorism can be traced to a war involving the world’s superpowers in the 1980s, as the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and the United States provided support for the Mujahideen. During this time, Pakistan provided refuge to 3 million people fleeing the fighting. U.S. presidential and vice-presidential candidates call Pakistan and Iran dangerous countries rather than focusing on the issues that can be easily solved through dialogue. Both political parties are more focused on getting votes than resolving conflict. Pakistan’s weapons can hit Israel and the Mediterranean, and the country is not safe, said both Senator Joe Biden and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on the same stage.

Candidates speak on their willingness to launch attacks inside Pakistan in pursuit of Osama bin Laden. Comments like this are highly disturbing and are damaging to Pakistan’s reputation worldwide. If bin Laden is in the tribal areas, why haven’t U.S. and NATO forces captured him? International media should focus on making things better and should keep in mind the feelings of the people and portray events in their proper perspective.

In recent months, more and more Pakistanis have been killed in suicide attacks, while shelling and bombing in the tribal areas have killed many innocent women and children, not to mention damaging homes and land. Such killings produce more hatred and revenge. Without sufficient arms or ammunition, the easiest way to create mass casualties is suicide attacks. Such attacks target our own people, shaking our reputation and our economy. Our democratic government is putting its efforts toward ending terrorism, eliminating this stigma, and moving Pakistan down the road of success. Just like any other country, our people need food, shelter, jobs, security, and trust in their government as well. At this point, this burning fire needs to be extinguished peacefully. Let a sovereign country dictate its own — better — future.

Let Pakistan breathe, and let it live peacefully. Let its people live and flourish so they can give a better Pakistan to the coming new generation. This is no voice from the “dark” side; these are voices left unheard from a land of love and peace. We are a country of 170 million people with a very bright future. — The author is married to Dr. Abdul Malik, counselor for the Pakistani Embassy in Prague. She was born in Islamabad and writes on political and social issues in the Pakistani press.

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