Asif’s pragmatic speech at D-8 Summit’

President Asif Ali Zardari’s extempore as well as written speeches always smack of his pragmatic wisdom and keen observation as well as his experience of various dimensions of human activity, the demonstration of which came to the fore once again during his address to the D-8 summit in which his opening remarks were so encouraging as he stated:

“Today, D-8 is not just eight developing countries. Today, with the grace of Allah Almighty, we are eight democracies.” Indeed, that was not merely an observation expressed though a few words that the president uttered. It was rather a reaffirmation of democratic mindset that is flourishing in these eight countries in general and in Pakistan in particular where anti-democratic culture is now on a steep decline. The common bonds of religion and culture also get further reinforcement from the strengthening of this democratic culture as also observed by the president. It was in this context that he said further: “Today we are also bound by the will and spirit of our people. As leaders of the D-8 democracies, we are answerable to one billion people. We owe them a journey towards a better future.”

Very well summed up by the president but as he is never over-optimistic about things, he also told the D-8 participants that the journey towards better future was not going to be easy. It is the enormity of challenge that makes him think so. The words he used in this context were: “I am humbled, when I realize the enormity of challenge. But, I also feel a sense of pride.” This pride is justified because the Pakistani people have braved all those enormous challenges and were never deterred by the difficulties coming in the way. The same applies to the PPP leadership that has withstood all kinds of trials and tribulations.

If one were to analyse the president’s performance, especially his iron resolve, it should be understood in the light of these statements which are manifestation of his versatile experience and forbearance in the face of so many challenges and threats that his spouse, BB Shaheed, her illustirous father ZAB Shaheed and he himself (Zardari) had to encounter every now and then on the path of democracy. It is not president’s personal traits which are being discussed here but his commitment to bringing about a healthy change in people’s lives with dignity, with freedom and with rule of law.

These honours are not far away from the lives of the people of Pakistan as they have started reaping the benefits of democracy. Now, the civil society stands empowered which means restoration of dignity and freedom. And the rule of law is an established norm, given the fact that now we have one of the most assertive and free judicial systems in the contemporary world for which the credit goes not only to the judiciary but also to the PPP-led government and above all, to the president and co-chairperson, PPP, whose respectful approach towards national institutions helped promote the rule of law.

The president’s address to D-8 Summit as its current chairman also discussed at length Pakistan’s strong bilateral ties in different areas with each and every member of this group. He mentioned each country’s name with specific focus of relationship.

About Turkey, he said: “Pakistan’s deep commitment to and friendship with our brothers and sisters in Turkey is no secret. For decades, our people have been like two hearts that beat as one. Turkish leadership’s cooperation, on economic issues in particular, has been exceptional.”

Talking about Iran, he said: “With Iran, Pakistan’s destiny is inter-linked. When one suffers, the other suffers too. We will continue to support peaceful ways to help resolve disagreements between Iran and other parties.” With reference to Indonesia, he said: “Indonesia has stood by Pakistan in its hours of need across many decades. Today, Indonesia helps light our path by demonstrating how to negotiate the challenges of economy, while maintaining peace in a diverse society”.

On Egypt, the president said: “Democracy and the struggle against oppression is something we also share with our brothers and sisters in Egypt. We were amazed as, last year, Egyptians took to Tahrir Square to build an Egypt of their choice. We salute the heroism of the Egyptian youth and say to you, we are with you. I wish to congratulate President Morsi of Egypt.”

As regards Nigeria, the president said: “Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria face a mortal threat at the hands of the Boko Haram extremist group. In this, we are in solidarity.”About Malaysia, he said: “Malaysia is a model of how diversity and discipline can drive a nation’s economy.”

On Bangladesh, the president said: “With our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, we share deep cultural and historical links.”All these statements carry lot of significance in this era of economically and regionally interconnected alliances.

President Asif Ali Zardari champions the cause of collective goodwill and growth. This philosophy he is promoting from day one also through actions as evidenced from his foreign visits where he is always talking about trade, not aid. And where, he is most often instrumental in signing MoUs and agreements for economic cooperation.

During D-8 Summit, the president did not show lack of concern for other burning issues facing the Muslim fraternity like that of Palestine and Kashmir.

The president, on these points, stated: “The people of Palestine continue to suffer the Israeli aggression. We condemn the recent attacks in Gaza which have led to the loss of innocent lives. The people of Kashmir continue to suffer unjust occupation. For decades they have been awaiting the promised self-determination”.

The most important thing that one finds in president’s speech is his stress on introspection and self-accountability that is needed to reset our course in the right direction.

“Rather than blaming others, we need to take charge of our destinies. We must grow our economies, and provide our people with jobs and security. The D-8 has the potential to advance this agenda.”

It was a wonderful speech that the president delivered at D-8 Forum that not only instilled hope among one billion people inhabiting these eight countries but also brought to fore some issues that required further emphasis like, for instance, the enlightened mission of Malala Yusufzai, Pakistan’s and some Islamic countries’ resolve not to allow hijacking of faith by extremist forces and Pakistani people’s love and sacrifices for democracy.

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