News Analysis |
Britain’s ace opposition leader, Jeremy Corbyn has come out in support of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism drive and has urged the world to respect that country’s contributions and sacrifices. In an interview with BBC, Corbyn said that all countries have to shoulder responsibility in fighting the menace of terrorism, for it is not the sole responsibility of Pakistan to do so.
With many Kashmiris dwelling in the UK, Pakistan could also ramp up its efforts to make the world realize that Kashmiris are struggling for freedom and are not embroiled in terrorism
While commenting upon Trump’s tirade against Pakistan, the leader of the Labor Party, took exceptions to outright refusal to acknowledge the country’s efforts toward ending terrorism. He said: “Pakistan is a country which should be treated respectfully. It should not be criticised from the outside.”
Trump accused Pakistan of abetting agents of chaos while top US officials followed it up with threats of aid-cuts and military strikes. Pakistan has shown defiance by not only rejecting the assertions but calling upon the world to “do more”.
Read more: Where does Pakistan fit into Trump’s World?
His support for Pakistan’s stance on the war on terror is encouraging. This gives Pakistan a chance to engage a section of UK politicians as part of its lobbying campaign, which as of now is dormant, to say the least
Trump’s policy has been criticized by regional countries in China, Russia, and Iran. Corbyn has taken a similar line. He further said: “Every country should play its role to bring an end to terrorism. This [theory] should be applied to every country in the world.” Corbyn has echoed the views of the British Army who recently said that Pakistan’s operations in Waziristan achieved militarily untenable and unprecedented results.
Corbyn also supported a political solution to the Afghan problem, something which Pakistan has asserted time and again. “I don’t even support President Trump’s policy to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan. It reflects their failure. The Afghan crisis can be solved only politically,” said Jeremy Corbyn.
Read more: COAS warns enemies and urges the world to “do more”
Lobby well
At a time when seemingly Pakistan is well behind in the war of narratives, a need for active, assiduous, and meaningful diplomacy is much-needed. Besides the normal streams of diplomacy, lobbying, public-relations exercises, and narrative building campaigns are important for Islamabad.
At a time when seemingly Pakistan is well behind in the war of narratives, a need for active, assiduous, and meaningful diplomacy is much-needed
Corbyn is influential in the UK; he is quite popular among the huge diaspora of Pakistan dwelling in the UK. His support for Pakistan’s stance on the war on terror is encouraging. This gives Pakistan a chance to engage a section of UK politicians as part of its lobbying campaign, which as of now is dormant, to say the least.
Furthermore, it will help Pakistan effectively engage international audiences and sell its oft-repeated yet rejected narrative on terrorism. With many Kashmiris dwelling in the UK, Pakistan could also ramp up its efforts to make the world realize that Kashmiris are struggling for freedom and are not embroiled in terrorism.