As the Prime Minister travels to New York to attend the UNGA meeting, the whole country reels from the aftermath of the horrific blasts on Sunday in Peshawar. Questions are being asked about what the government’s next move will be to curtail the spreading security crisis, while Nawaz Sharif will be racking his brain to find answers that will undoubtedly be needed to avert the queries amid his promises of striving to promote peace in the region. Sharif will now justifiably have trouble diverting the conversation to topics that he previously wanted to discuss with the world leaders, such as future economic endeavors.
Although unable to meet with Obama, our Prime Minister has plans to see prominent world leaders such as his Indian counterpart, the IMF Managing Director, the EU President, the English Prime Minister, the Japanese Prime Minister and the Chinese Foreign Minister. All of these leaders will be concerned about the state of affairs in Pakistan, given that our most prominent exports have, of late, been nuclear technology. There is dire concern that Pakistan, despite its own suffering, does nothing to tackle the safe havens within its borders, which harbour those wreaking havoc on the streets. Sharif’s address about a peaceful Pakistan will no doubt be appreciated, but the onus of ensuring it is on him and his government. From the events of recent weeks, the APC being the most notable one, this vision seems at odds with reality.
The Singh-Sharif meeting has been widely anticipated by citizens on both sides, and now that it is officially taking place on the 29th of this month, Nawaz must convince the Indian government, that his attempts at regional peace are genuine. Singh is likely to bring up the horrific Mumbai attacks in 2008, and Pakistan’s alleged involvement. This is a chance for both leaders to begin a new chapter. Mr Sharif will have to negotiate troubled waters wisely.
The Prime Minister’s first visit to the UN has been meticulously planned by our very best and brightest, but questions which already existed have now been pushed to the fore with yesterday’s attack in Peshawar. There is no answer, no excuse that Pakistan can give to the world about Peshawar, and Sharif will have to quickly reflect upon what to do at an occasion, where the spotlight will be on him, and what he has to say for Pakistan. This week, the Prime Minister will have a tough time convincing audiences, both local and international, that he really does know how to solve the problem that has shaken the very foundations of the country.