CH Nisar's tactless fulmination: 'An embarrassment for Foreign Office'

Pakistan Today

There can be no two opinions about Narendra Modi. But it is not a question of the BJP leader’s past only. Even during the election campaign he has made provocative statements. Inside India many Muslims recoil at his name. His agenda has been called divisive by the country’s secular parties. Putting British understatements aside The Economist straightaway said, it would be wrong for a man who has thrived on division to become the prime minister of a country as fissile as India. After shunning Modi for years Britain revived contacts with him only in 12 when there were indications of his emerging as a national leader. For nine years the US has refused to issue him a visa.

India being a neighbouring country Pakistan will have to deal with the BJP leader in case he is elected prime minister. While making full preparations for the worst Islamabad must not lose sight of the fact that Modi also says the BJP is fighting elections on the issues of governance and development. In case the BJP leader is really focused on economic development, he cannot ollow a sectarian agenda at home and an aggressive policy towards India’s neighbours. He will have to tamp down his chauvinism and live in peace with both China and Pakistan. Pakistan will therefore have to formulate a well nuanced policy towards the BJP led Indian government.

The FO spokesman was the proper person to respond to Modi’s objectionable remarks about bringing back Dawood Ibrahim from Pakistan. All the more so because only last week Pakistan’s envoy to New Delhi had welcomed Modi’s statement that he would pursue the policies followed by former BJP premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee. High Commissioner Abdul Basit had described the remarks as ‘very positive’ and had hoped that ‘if he is elected as prime minister we should expect more positive things’. On Tuesday speaking at a Mumbai gathering Basit referred to Nawaz Sharif’s ‘region-first vision’ and called for taking ‘irreversible steps forward’ for peace and prosperity.

Known for an absolute lack of finesse, Ch Nisar is the person least suited to speak on foreign affairs, which need delicate handling. As interior minister he should not have gone beyond denying the presence of Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan. Forgetting that he is no longer an opposition leader but a responsible interior minister, he has referred to Modi’s remarks as ‘irresponsible’, ‘shameful’, ‘provocative’ and ‘condemnable’. The remarks would be a feast for the ears of the India bashing lobby but would be embarrassing for the FO.