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Commonalities of Interest
Nepal and Pakistan share many commonalities of interest
By KESHAB POUDEL, in Islamabad
Anybody can see Pakistan has very strong patriotic sentiments, which can be all the time expressed by its people and democratic and varied other forms of its governments. Whether they be the previous governments of democratic experiments or the present military regime, all have similar priority that is to defend Pakistan .
Instead of any aggressive or expansionist design, this country seems to have instinct for vigilance and alertness for its own survival.
“When it is in peace or tension, our duty is to protect the border of Pakistan ,” said Brigadier General Nausad, who is commander at the Line of Control in Pakistan side of divided Kashmir . “Following the announcement of the cease-fire more than a year ago, there remains tranquility in the border but we have to remain alert and vigilant.”
Even in the Wagah border point in Punjab , the flag hoisting ceremony is still tense but it is gradually easing down. "Following the beginning of peace process, the tension is fifty percent reduced here compared to the past,” said Lieutenant Colonel Afzal of Pakistan Ranger – chief of border security at Wagah.
From Wagah border in Punjab to Line of Control in Kashmir , there is sign of returning tranquility. Although Pakistan and India have still many areas of dispute, they have agreed to settle them through the negotiations.
“Till two years ago, shells and rockets used to fall regularly. But now we have build a transit house for the bus passengers crossing the border through Indian held Kashmir and Ajad Kashmir,” said Brigadier General Naushad.
Although the border security forces in both the sides continue to follow their ritual course in flag hoisting ceremony in traditional manner, there seems to be certain relaxation in the process. Thousands of people gather in each side of the border chanting slogans hailing their country during the ceremony.
As the composite dialogue between two South Asian countries begins, the tension automatically eases in the border areas. After the beginning of peace process with India , Pakistan is now concentrating its resources towards economic prosperity.
Modernized by previous British rule, Pakistan cannot be a fundamental state and it does not have any fundamental character like so many other countries like Afghanistan , Iran and Saudi Arabia . Although two bombs were exploded in sectarian violence in Karachi and Islamabad recently, the nature of Pakistani society seems to be like that of moderate Muslims. With vibrant news media and television channels, organized judiciary and other system, Pakistani society is an informed one.
Suffering from fear psyche from one or other dominating country, Pakistan survives as a nation with the collective spirit of its countrymen to live as a nation. Nepal has to learn lessons and draw inspirations from Pakistan . “After the nuclear bomb tests in 1998, Pakistan has got the weapons to maintain deterrent against its bigger neighbor in east,” said Ghulam Ali, assistant research officer at Islamabad Policy Research Institute.
Anybody from Nepal can be much influenced by the standard level of Pakistani people.
Carefully maintained and well-built highways, prospering economy in every aspect, high standard of professionalism, Pakistani has everything to boast.
Thanks to this kind of professionalism, Pakistani government, despite its nature, follows the moderate path. Although the journalists are highly critical of the government and its policy, present Pakistani rulers tolerate media. “Pakistani media are absolutely free and they can write whatever they want and criticize anyone. If you don’t believe me go and ask our media,” said Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
Although there are political upheavals from time to time, military is always alert and disciplined in its duty. Interestingly, there were only a few beggars except in the street of Karachi and Lahore . The capital seems to be more prosperous.
Though there is an elected government of prime minister Shaukat Aziz, its outlook is of a military regime. Liberal elites in Pakistan are highly critical of this style of government and leadership but president general Pervez Musharraf is very popular among all in terms of his efficiency. Prime minister Shaukat Aziz and other ministers are highly knowledgeable and responsible in their performance.
With economic growth rate of over 7 percent, Pakistani is heading towards prosperity. Despite many ups and downs, Pakistani society learns to live together in all the circumstances.
Encountering with nine Nepalese delegation including six journalists, a retired major general of Royal Nepalese Army, an associated professor and an economist, Pakistani politicians and other elites gave the impression that they knew each subject well. Although there are people who oppose the government arguing that this government does not hold popular will, it is delivering transparent and effective administration.
It is strange that even the critical opinion against the government has an appreciative view regarding the personality and performance of president general Musharraf. It seems peculiar to hold the post of army chief and president together, which is not appreciated in Pakistan but overall impression of the people towards president Musharraf is as a responsible person in critical juncture. Perhaps, Pakistanis do not have better alternative.
In many cases, president Musharraf is giving absolute freedom much more than previous two democratically elected governments. “We enjoy absolute freedom and you can write whatever you want,” said M. Saleh Zaafir, special reporter Daily Jang, the largest circulated Urdu daily.
Although it is an Islamic country, it has minority population of diverse religions including Sikh, Christian and Hindus. There are Sikh Gurudwara in Lahore , which has a small population of Sikh. There are fairly a large number of Hindus in Sindha – who have been knocking the door of Nepalese Embassy in Islamabad to get a concessional package tour for pilgrimage in Nepal and to worship Lord Pashupatinath.
“Whenever I visit Karachi , Hindu population demand package tour for them to visit Nepal ,” said Pushkar Raj Rajbhandrari, Royal Nepalese Ambassador to Pakistan . “There is fairly a large number of Hindus who want to visit Nepal .”
Had India and Pakistan avoided most unprecedented riots after the partition in 1947, the relationship between the people of different cultures of South Asia would have been far better.
Despite more than four decade long diplomatic relations with Pakistan , Nepal is yet to tap its market and expand trade relations with her. From exporting tea to other similar products, Nepalese traders have a lot of opportunity in Pakistan .
Thanks to the Pakistan government’s decision to lift the duty on Nepalese tea products, it has gone up from merely few kgs to worth of more than millions of rupees in recent years. Nepalese tea has high demand in Pakistan .
“If Nepalese entrepreneurs show serious efforts, there is possibility to increase Nepalese tea exports to Pakistan . What is required is the incentive from the tea producers and exporters from Nepal ,” said Pushkar Raj Rajbhandari.
As Pakistan ’s economy is rising with an average growth rate of 7 percent, Nepal has to work out a plan to tap the potentials.
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