Readers react to John Kerry’s visit to Pakistan

Dubai: US Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Pakistan and his meeting with the newly-elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has received a mixed reaction from people. Gulf News spoke to its Pakistani readers to find out what they think.

Syed Irfanullah Hussaini, who is based in Dubai, said: “When we talk about politics, someone has to always compromise. When Nawaz Sharif was newly elected, he claimed to do things to make Pakistan a better place, but nothing has happened so far. As a Pakistani, we are facing a major problem.

“What the people of Pakistan have to do is have a strong political perspective and do something for themselves. Why is the US intervening? If China and India can do it, then why can’t we?”

For Hussaini, what matters is that Pakistan will be at stake. He said: “Pakistan should be strong enough to take decisions. They still need to work towards betterment and do something for themselves, before it’s too late.”

There is a sense of suspicion surrounding US intentions in Pakistan. A sentiment shared by many tweeps, with #Pakistan #JohnKerry trending and carrying references to popular American TV series Game of Thrones.

@EyeOnPak tweeted: “How to dodge questions? learn from #Johnkerry #Pakistan.”

A tweet by Omar Iftikhar, @omariftikhar15h, read: “#JohnKerry visits #Pakistan. Let’s see what decisions are made regarding #drones and #Afghanistan.”

Subha Roy, @CliffhangerRoy, wrote: “#JohnKerry invites #NawazSharif to visit #US this winter to meet #Obama! Hmm #WinterIsComing #Pakistan.”

Jaibans Singh, @jaibanssingh, tweeted: “What #JohnKerry wants from #Pakistan. Let the drones run, bring #Taliban to boot, hit #Haqqani where it hurts. Tall order Eh..! #Nawaz.”

Zohaib Azhar said that the visit was “strategically planned.” Azhar, who is based in Ras al Khaimah, said: “The US have their own independent policy ...taking care of their personal interests, the clauses will be set out accordingly during this visit. Thus, John Kerry’s visit to Pakistan is not a sign of any positive hope for the country.”

Ahmad Eftekhar, based in Dubai, agreed. He said: “We can clearly see the American policies and we are well aware of the history of US policies and the Pakistan-US relations.”

-The writer is a trainee with Gulf News