Deplorable performance
PAKISTAN held their heads in their hands; the unthinkable had happened. Their T20 World Cup hopes suffered a body blow at the very start of the campaign. In the newest cricketing land — the US — Pakistan are back in familiar Cup territory. A stunning Super Over loss to the hosts means that Babar Azam’s men have not only left themselves no room for error but that they might also have to rely on other results to reach the next stage of the tournament. While the US, which also beat Canada in their opening match, celebrated a famous victory, the PCB and team management were left scratching their heads. The PCB should be asking itself how it has come to this. The answer perhaps lies in the team’s mentality, as indicated by Babar himself afterwards. The Pakistan captain stated that the team had been more relaxed because the opposition was only making its debut at the tournament. Shockingly, the US have reminded Babar that at this level at a World Cup, there are no easy games. Pakistan were outclassed by a team that was more concentrated and more committed, and therefore better in every department.
Pakistan’s batters struggled and the bowlers could not get breakthroughs. Had it not been for a late show of speed by Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf — who eventually endured a disastrous final over — the US would have won the match even more comfortably. Shoddy fielding and inaccurate bowling by Amir in the Super Over helped the US post a sizeable target that proved too much for the big hitters. No doubt, arch-rivals India will be licking their lips at the prospect of taking on a demoralised Pakistan in New York on Sunday. The national side has once again proved to be the ‘cornered tigers’, a position it is, sadly, accustomed to. The hope is they can restore the fans’ faith in the side soon.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024
Chaman stalemate
THE recent outbreak of violence in Chaman, which left at least 40 injured, among whom 17 were security officials, serves as a reminder of the deep-seated grievances simmering in the border town. The root of the protesters’ discontent lies in the government’s decision to enforce a one-document regime, requiring valid passports and visas for crossing the Chaman border. This policy, introduced in October to curb security risks and smuggling, has disrupted long-standing routines whereby people on both sides would cross freely with their identity cards for family visits, trade and daily labour. Economically, the border protests have taken a heavy toll, with daily losses estimated in the tens of millions. The border closure has no doubt exacerbated poverty in an already impoverished region. In an effort to address the economic fallout, the government has opened a border market to provide traders with a local venue for commerce, eliminating the need to cross into Afghanistan. Additionally, a monthly stipend of Rs20,000 is being paid to daily-wage workers. But the protests have continued for over six months. It begs the question: why has the matter failed to see a resolution? Why the stiff resistance to the visa policy?
There have been several rounds of talks between government representatives and local leaders. What complicates matters are special interest groups that benefit from the status quo. The lucrative nature of illegal trade that flourished under an undocumented regime means these groups benefit from maintaining the current chaos. It is suspected that some political parties are also complicit, benefiting from the smuggling operations, and thereby allowing the protests to continue. The decision to introduce the visa policy is not without merit. Besides curbing smuggling, given the recent uptick in terrorism, strengthening border security is necessary. To resolve this impasse, the government must investigate and prosecute these complicit groups. Alongside this, similar to opening the border market, which is a commendable step, it must invest in local industries and job creation. It must also continue to engage in dialogue with local leaders to avoid setbacks. It is also crucial for the federal government to foster better coordination with Kabul to manage border policies that respect both nations’ security and economic interests. With a recalibrated approach, the government can transform this volatile border into a zone of prosperity.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024
Small victories
IN the midst of unspeakable tragedy, hope remains for a better tomorrow for the Palestinian people. As Israel continues its genocidal campaign in Gaza, unfazed by global censure and warnings from international courts to stop its monstrous campaign, there is growing consensus within the comity of nations that legal recognition must be extended to Palestine as a sovereign state.
After Ireland, Spain and Norway recognised Palestine last month, the central European state of Slovenia earlier this week did the same. This brings to 147 the number of countries that recognise Palestine as a state, confirming the fact that the global majority is in favour of granting the Arab nation its legitimate, and long-denied, rights.
But while such international solidarity must bring some solace to the people of Palestine, the troubling question of stopping Israel’s campaign of extermination remains. The fact is that the international community’s solidarity must result in a long-term ceasefire so that Tel Aviv’s eight-month-old pogrom in Gaza is brought to a halt.
This can only happen when those states that recognise Palestine put pressure on Israel’s powerful benefactors — primarily the US — not to sabotage ceasefire efforts, especially within the UN Security Council. When Israel’s warmongers know that America will defend them at every international forum that counts, why will they stop? Moreover, Palestine’s allies must translate their gestures of support into concrete actions, for example enforcing a trade and arms embargo against Israel until it stops the bloodbath. Words enough will not be enough to bring Tel Aviv to its senses.
All states that value human life, and hundreds of thousands of ordinary people marching against genocide in cities across the world, have called for an end to the butchery in Gaza. But Israel remains unrepentant. The latest atrocity came in the shape of the Israeli attack on a UN school in which nearly 40 people were killed. Many of the victims were children.
Unfortunately, the list of atrocities Israel has committed in Gaza since Oct 7 is a long one, and each fresh act of barbarism eclipses the previous action. Yet, despite the global outcry, Tel Aviv insists on ‘finishing’ the job in Gaza, which presumably means eradicating all signs of life in this forsaken territory. Moreover, Tel Aviv’s warmongers are now eyeing Lebanon, with the possibility of their exchanges with Hezbollah mutating into a full-blown war.
Therefore, recognition of Palestine is only the first step. The need is for the international community to endorse an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Unhindered humanitarian aid must simultaneously be made available to the occupied territory’s traumatised population. At a later date, the comity of nations must hold Israel and its backers to account for the murderous rampage Gaza has been subjected to.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024