R O N I Nammar yasir’s personal blog

I belong to that Pakistani generation who grew up embracing American culture. From John Bon Jovi to Steve Jobs; my generation listens to American music, watches American cinema and idolize American entrepreneurs and inventors. Even the two Governments have a lot of history to share. Our rulers in uniform or civil attire follow an unspoken pledge where they always keep American interest before their own country’s interest. But I always wonder how things are the other way around? Do American’s fancy our culture or respect Pakistani religious and social values?

These are the questions that every Pakistani inquires about since 9/11: an incident that didn’t involve any Pakistani but after a decade every Pakistani is paying its price. Today an average American might feel secure but an average Pakistani feels anything but secure. I don’t agree with the stance, that terrorism in the name of religion never existed in Pakistan before September 11 incident. Before 9/11 only the minority sects (Shiites in particular) were the victims of such atrocities and now terrorism has gone main stream.

The Bush-Musharraf “Do More” policy is in continuation under Obama – Zardari joint venture. The drone attacks kill more innocent than terrorists, Black Water is no longer referred to the rain aftermath on the streets of Karachi. But one can witness bits and pieces of the “CHANGE” Obama once promised during his election campaign. Those who saw Hillary Clinton’s interaction with the Pakistani main stream journalists do remember how the present  secretary of state; was bombarded with pointing questions from all side. In that TV interaction she stressed on bridging gaps and structuring new relationships. The recent visit of Ms. Farah A. Pandith (U.S. Special Representative to Muslim Communities) appears to be an attempt in that context.

Recently I along with some colleagues from the blogging community was invited by U.S. Consulate General, Karachi to meet Ms. Pundit in a dinner meeting. She appeared quite enthusiastic on her new task and talked about plans that will help rebuilding people to people association between the two countries. She emphasized on looking at the future that might bring some difference in the perception of an average Pakistani about American policies in the region. But I personally believe that these plans are very far fetched, as a lot of practical work needs to be done on ground to improve the security situation in Pakistan and create a working relationship of mutual interest and respect. We do welcome any effort that promises to bring positive change but till than America needs to do more!

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