Pakistan’s Screwed Up Priorities

You would think that Pakistan has learned its lesson after all these years. You would hope that finally, the custodians of this state have decided to put the prosperity of the people ahead of their egos and pretentious nationalism. But it seems we may never live to see that day.

Just when Pakistan is preaching to the world about peace, “Nazism,” and “averting nuclear war,” its military has chosen to send a message to India and the world. Probably anticipating war on the Kashmir front, they tested a nuclear ballistic missile with the sinister name of “Ghaznavi,” named after the Afghan Turkic warrior emperor Mahmud of Ghazni, who invaded several Hindu temples in India.

Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC & Services Chiefs congrat team. President & PM conveyed appreciation to team & congrats to the nation. pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 29, 2019

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Ironically, the government plans to send a very different the next day with observing its first-ever Kashmir Hour. Something that they want to model after the Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel as a part of the rhetoric strategy of the government.

(3/3) Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan address to Nation on issue of Kashmir with English Subtitle (26.08.19) #KashmirAtDecisionPoint@ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/AiVjBjwTD9

— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 27, 2019

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The recent posts comparing Modi with Hitler and RSS with Nazi Party are evident of that notion.

Atrocities in #Kashmir are uncovering startling similarities between the racist ideologies of Hitler & Modi. Ethnic cleansing of Muslims in IOK by Modi’s govt is reminiscent of Hitlers ideology to attain “Pure Germany”! Is the world ready for yet another annihilation? pic.twitter.com/UphBwLzWVr

— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 28, 2019

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Many people supportive of this form of protest believe that it will project a positive image of the nation around the world. However, the appropriation of the Holocaust and Nazi rhetoric is far more problematic than PTI can imagine. But let’s ignore that factor for a second and let’s appreciate the non-violent line of protest Pakistan is taking.

Still, acts such as intimidating India with nuclear ballistic missile tests with this symbolism is not only disturbing but duplicitous. It does not add any confidence whatsoever in a nation which holds the reputation of not staying true to its word whether it comes to eradicating terrorism or supporting or financing terrorism from its soil.

Then again, the international community is not naive enough not to understand the state of democracy in Pakistan. They are aware of the dual narrative from the Pakistan military and the civilian government. But the Pakistani citizens satisfied by this line of rhetoric by the Prime Minister should really be disappointed by the recent missile test. Because there goes your image of being a peace dove in the region.

Stranger in Your Home

Source: flickr

I used to see it in films and read it in books. Looking over your shoulder around at every turn, being insecure, paranoid about the people around you. Perhaps I am not that concerned, or afraid, though I should be. I should be more concerned than I am and perhaps it is my confidence that is seeing me through accidents of disastrous proportions. Why am I coming out of them unnerved and carefree? It is a cause of concern indeed as I see it in the eyes of my loved ones.

What if your home is not home anymore? What if you are living in it like a stranger? What if that means that you should plan to move on. Move on not necessarily to where the grass is greener but where at least you are out of the reach of the hounds. Does such a place exist?

I don’t want to leave my home. My home is leaving me.

It is swallowing me out.