Diplomatic controversy, editorial Daily Times Pakistan
28/12/2015
The recall of a
diplomat by the Pakistani authorities from its High Commission in Dhaka after
her alleged involvement in terror financing has created an embarrassing
situation. Pakistan has recalled Farina Arshad, one of its diplomats stationed
in Dhaka, after allegations against her of financing terrorist activities in
Bangladesh.
According to
Bangladeshi media reports, Farina, Second Secretary at the Pakistan High
Commission in Dhaka developed alleged links with Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh
(JMB) operative Idris Sheikh. After a thorough probe, the Bangladesh government
earlier this week had asked the Pakistan government to withdraw the diplomat.
Pakistan, however, has been in a state of denial. Pakistan’s foreign ministry
has rejected the charges, saying Farina was constantly being harassed by
Bangladeshi authorities. Pakistan has conveyed that an incessant and
orchestrated media campaign was launched against her on spurious charges
linking her with so-called terrorists. But remaining in a state of denial is
not a solution to the problem.
Over the years,
Pakistan already has developed differences with the incumbent government in
Bangladesh. Pakistan needs to understand the sensitivity of the issue. Instead
of tendering an apology, Pakistan has been trying to prove the Bangladesh
government and media wrong. We have already incurred huge losses due to our
involvement in proxy wars. We cannot invite more such troubles by remaining
silent over such wrongdoings.
This is not the
first time that a Pakistani diplomat has been found guilty of abetting Islamist
terrorists. Earlier this year, Mohammad Mazhar Khan, an attaché at the
Pakistani High Commission, was recalled after Bangladeshi intelligence found
evidence of links to terror groups in the country.
It is sad that
Pakistan has been consistently interfering in the internal affairs of
Bangladesh. That shows that Pakistan is playing with fire again. We can no more
afford such proxy wars in our neighbouring states. We have already
seen the results of having relations with the Afghan Taliban who have become
the biggest threat not only to Pakistan but also to the entire world.
It is high time
Pakistan reviewed its foreign policy and worked on improving relations with neighbouring
countries. East Bengal played a key role in the creation of Pakistan and its
separation was a heart-rending story. The latest diplomatic controversy can
only serve to freshen old wounds. Pakistan needs to avoid such diplomatic
adventures. A thorough probe should be held into the incident and anyone
involved in terror financing in Bangladesh must be punished. The government
needs to take the Bangladesh government into confidence and commit to jointly
handling the threat of terror in the region. *
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