Beother, I apologize in advance if you feel my questions are pointed.
I'm sensitive when it comes to sectarianism in Pakistan. In my view, it is important to discuss issues respectfully and openly. Pakistanis should know your perspective as a Pakistani shia. At the same time, we need to clear misconceptions. This is why I was asking you if Imam-e-Ka'aba asked Pakistan to participate in the Yemen war. He did not.
Now that doesn't mean your anxieties over the direction Pakistan takes can be dismissed. There is politics involved in everything so let's assume Imam-e-Ka'aba is a political appointment. The question is, was the message Imam-e-Ka'aba expressing today political? Please give us your assessment.
This is it.
Pakistan has used its alliances, be it Chinese, Middle Eastern, Turkish, etc. to counter Modi's diplomatic efforts to isolate us. In that sense, our alliances are multi-layered because they also shield us when we need it. We must resist the urge to boil everything down to Sunni, Shia, Islam, Muslim, etc.
CPEC is another great example of what I just described to you. IMAFT (The Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism) is another venture to say, "We are the good guys!"
Fair enough.
We need to find more common ground with U.S. and Europe. Though I find MFN a minor issue.
Personally, I advocate Pakistan should venture into Africa. Our defence ties with Nigeria is a start but we should also expand in North Africa and Horn of Africa.
