An Indian responds to an article on Pakistan in Economist.
Comparative politics
SIR – The title of your leader on Pakistan (“The world’s most dangerous place”, January 5th) confirms the old adage in journalism: when it bleeds it leads. Yes, Pakistan is going through trying times, but it is far from being the world’s most dangerous country. Having just returned from Pakistan, which I traversed without let or hindrance with my Indian passport and Hindu name, I can say emphatically that its people are warm and friendly and passionate about democracy and the forthcoming elections.
Parts of my own country (and Nepal and Sri Lanka) are racked by Maoist guerrilla warfare and violent separatist-movements. I do not recall you designating India as the world’s most dangerous place when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during electioneering, or Indira Gandhi for that matter. The latter’s killing was followed by a brutal and murderous pogrom against Sikhs and Delhi burned for days. The truth always contains shades of grey.
There is no doubt that most of the Indian visitors are deeply impressed after their pleasant experience in Pakistan.
This letter clearly reflects Pakistan's current status. But the kudos clearly go to Mr. Gupta for taking time to send a good rebuttal to this leftie rag.
most indian visitors would be impressed with the reception from their pakistani counterparts....as would any pakistani travelling pakistani to india!!!
Oh, just don;t tell that to the wacko newspapers like Dawn and their likes
We tend to forget that Pakistan has one of the lowest crime rate for a poor country....in the world...however the world travellers don't mind getting killed by a mobster trying to steal them....but getting killed by an Islamic Jihadist is a big news and something people don't like....and that exactly is our problem...
People should ask Newsweek/Economist if they can give some data about tourists/visitors getting harmed in a country....before declaring a country most dangerous...I am sure the liklihood of getting harmed in India or becoming a victim of a crime in Thailand is much greater than being harmed in Pakistan....
We tend to forget that Pakistan has one of the lowest crime rate for a poor country....in the world...however the world travellers don't mind getting killed by a mobster trying to steal them....but getting killed by an Islamic Jihadist is a big news and something people don't like....and that exactly is our problem...
People should ask Newsweek/Economist if they can give some data about tourists/visitors getting harmed in a country....before declaring a country most dangerous...I am sure the liklihood of getting harmed in India or becoming a victim of a crime in Thailand is much greater than being harmed in Pakistan....
Yes indeed. Thats right. And all before these nasty things started, we used to have loads of tourists visiting Pakistan. Karachi's Saddar was always full of foreign people till late 80s - riding in the victorias and shopping at different markets.
Yes indeed. Thats right. And all before these nasty things started, we used to have loads of tourists visiting Pakistan. Karachi's Saddar was always full of foreign people till late 80s - riding in the victorias and shopping at different markets.
Perception is bigger than reality.....with media doing their cover stories against Pakistan....with sensational declaration.....we are really in trouble.....and these jihadi idiots think they are doing their nation a service...
Indians (and Chinese) are in our neighborhood, but they are 1000 times more patriotic and positive about their countries. This positive attitude then leads to development.
In this case, Mr. Gupta felt much more patriotic about the whole Indian subcontinent by highlighting good things even about Pakistan.
Many Pakistani journalists or posters on the other hand do not exhibit any pride in Pakistan. This negative attitude results in Pakistan's gloomy environment.
If somebody has minor sore throat but he believes it is in fact a deadly cancer, then we must call this person "hypochondriac" if not downright crazy.
These leftie liberals have been shouting in shrill voices for a long time. And yes that does impact our national morale.
However thank God (Allah, Raam, or Bhagwan) that Pakistan is doing much better in its immediate neighborhood. However we should not let the leftie liberals pull us down and continue the progress and development.
Its good knowing same thing from someone outside, esp from an "enemy" country. International media has to pick on Pakistan on every single item and repeat it, make big headlines out of it.... cuz its selling.
Indians (and Chinese) are in our neighborhood, but they are 1000 times more patriotic and positive about their countries. This positive attitude then leads to development.
In this case, Mr. Gupta felt much more patriotic about the whole Indian subcontinent by highlighting good things even about Pakistan.
Many Pakistani journalists or posters on the other hand do not exhibit any pride in Pakistan. This negative attitude results in Pakistan's gloomy environment.
If somebody has minor sore throat but he believes it is in fact a deadly cancer, then we must call this person "hypochondriac" if not downright crazy.
These leftie liberals have been shouting in shrill voices for a long time. And yes that does impact our national morale.
However thank God (Allah, Raam, or Bhagwan) that Pakistan is doing much better in its immediate neighborhood. However we should not let the leftie liberals pull us down and continue the progress and development.
you hit the nail on the head....regardless of democracy, military, idiocracy etc etc...only WE can give our nation a chance...
I think its WRONG to call the people you refer to as "liberals" or the "left"....for the left everywhere in the world makes no compromises when it comes to patriotism!
The reason is simple. When india was in turmoil during those times which the author is mentioning, Freedom of Media was never curtailed(other than the time when Miss indira imposed emergency). They had their freedom. So Media never really got personal to show the government in a bad limelight.
Whereas in pakistan, government jailed journalists, curtailed their freedom and hence media for the sake of settling scores over the government will always highlight every setback as though it is the failure of the government. If indian media had also been treated similarly, they too would have resorted to such things.
It's real easy to blame it all on the lack oF press freedom. Reality is between the unholy alliance of the military religious complex and the ability of US to manipulate the establishment, all instittions of Pakistan are in shambles.
Why would the world believe and give benefit of doubt on news items when even today there are daily bombings, and what is obviously a game of "catch me if you can" by the govt, by the jihadists and by the unintelligent intelligence services?
