T he name Pakistan has become synonymous with terrorism and Pakistanis with terrorists since 9/11. The recent killing of Osama Bin Laden in the country ostensibly brought even more embarrassment to the country.
However, this negative image is largely attributed to the international media, for they fail to acknowledge that the country has suffered the most in the war against terrorism — financially, physically, socially and religiously. It's time for the world to realise just how much the country and its people have sacrificed by being on the frontlines in the war against terrorism.
Just a few statistics should be an eye-opener. The country has lost more than $60 billion (about Dh220 billion) financially in military operations, trade and business. About 33,000 people, including more than 10,000 soldiers, lost their lives to terrorism between 2004 and 2011, with 86 per cent of these casualties having occurred between 2007 and 2011. About 18,000 terrorists have either been killed or arrested so far.
Moreover, foreign investors have stopped going to Pakistan and many of its own leading businessmen have moved businesses outside the country for fear of losing their lives and property. Electricity and gas shortages have made people's lives even worse because major resources have been diverted towards the war against terrorism.
However, despite the odds, Pakistan is surviving and is set to emerge shunning the tag of terrorism. The country has already started its journey towards a new era, of a ‘modern and progressive Pakistan,' as it wraps up its war against the radicals who have been defeated in most parts of the country. Though the country will endeavour to uproot terrorism completely, all it needs now is good leadership and positive press to portray its revamped image to the world.
The country has great potential and opportunities for investment, business and trade. All it requires is to bring the law and order situation under control and protect its people.
The present government seems extremely enthusiastic about the idea of marketing a positive image of Pakistan at the global level. It is using a host of cultural and commercial activities to promote this new image. However, there is debate as to what image should be presented to the world — a conservative, or a liberal Pakistan.
I believe that portraying Pakistan as a liberal country will help change minds around the world and remove the terrorism brand. If the prevailing democratic, social, economic, political and administrative systems function reasonably, efficiently and effectively, it will be able to promote the desired image.
Negative forces such as terrorism, sectarianism, fanaticism, violence and injustice must be curbed through justice and education. Without justice, we cannot imagine a peaceful society, and without widespread education, we cannot think of a civilised society. In the absence of justice and with ignorance and illiteracy, we cannot dream of a positive image for the country. We also have a dire need for a culture of tolerance in Pakistan.
The role of the media in building a positive name is pivotal. A major undertaking for the country should be to approach the media for support in terms of creating balance and context in the news, and ensuring that stories about ordinary Pakistanis doing extraordinary things receive the attention that is due. The media must be asked to help build a better, positive Pakistan. Citizens should also reflect on what they can be proud of as a country and as a people.
— The writer is Chief Reporter, Gulf News. For feedback mail aahmed@gulfnews.com
