Hakimullah Mehsud is dead and Pakistan is still alive, barely though. It could have just as easily been the other way around. The statement would appear less far-fetched or dramatic, if one is aware of the government’s policies, their drastic implications – both national and international – and its incomprehensible rigidity in the face of new, significant developments.
Citizens of every country are hardwired to think that no matter what the extent of their foolishness or how elaborate the tale of their blunders, the motherland will prevail regardless. In a country like Pakistan, where the population is addicted to a regular dose of conspiracy, misplaced pride, empty rhetoric, and the leadership is always more than willing to peddle some more of that good stuff, it shouldn’t surprise if tears are shed when celebrations are in order, and vice versa.
Interior Minister, Ch Nisar Ali Khan, announced that Pakistan will review all aspects of its relationship with US. How unfortunate to see a record eight-time member Parliament, who should really know better by now, to issue a statement which paints Pakistan as country which is prompted to ‘review’ relationships with an ally, over the death of a common enemy. And not just an ordinary foe, but a notorious terrorist leading a bloody campaign against the state till the very last day, until he was killed in a US drone strike. It is hoped that, unlike his interior minister, PM Nawaz Sharif is not as keen to undo the progress (if any) that he made during his visit to the US. PTI Chairman, Imran Khan, is right when he claims that he now understands politics in Pakistan better than he ever did. His new-found ability to reply to criticism with a revised aggressive tone, allegations of foreign funds being pumped into media with the sinister aim to ‘derail the peace-process’, and a general detestation for the “fake liberals”, clearly illustrates that the former cricketer has indeed come a long way. Jamaat-e-Islami Chief, Syed Munawar Hassan, forever dispelling all doubts over the question that whether he will ever fill late Qazi Hussain Ahmed’s shoes, declared Hakimullah Mehsud to be a “martyr”, only because he was killed by an infidel drone strike. Who knew that the most effective way to wash the blood of thousands of innocents from one’s hands and, guarantee a safe passage to heaven is to be targeted by an unmanned drone.
The stand against drone strikes is understandable and justified and must and will continue. However, that does not mean that the drone program is the focal point of all prevalent issues, it's consequences in specific cases painted with one brush, and then, recklessly connected to all that is wrong in the country. Stop pandering to manipulated public sentiment. Do what needs to be done. It is exactly what is discussed as the only viable option in private meetings, and discredited in public: a decisive military action against the self-avowed enemies of the state.