Haqqani Replacement Rumours Harm Pakistan’s Interests

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Recent rumours that Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani is being replaced are harming Pakistan’s interests. At a time when Pakistan is literally under attack by enemies both foreign and domestic, responsible journalists and political figures from all parties should unite to support the best interests of the nation and defend those, like Mr. Haqqani, who have devoted their lives to supporting a strong, free, independent Pakistan.

Opposition parties may think they have an easy target in Mr. Haqqani as he is presently abroad and not someone with whom they have to make regular meetings in Parliament. But Mr. Haqqani plays a vital role for Pakistan, and spreading rumours designed to diminish his authority harm Pakistan in substantial ways.

Regardless of one’s concerns about language in the Kerry-Lugar bill, it remains that it is vital for Pakistan to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with the the United States, currently the world’s superpower. After years of mistrust and double-dealing between the two countries under former President Musharraf, the past year has seen a dramatic turnaround in relations between the two powers. Do we really want, as relations are warming and the US is extending an unprecedented offering of partnership, to replace the most effective voice for a strong and democratic Pakistan?

Despite the rhetoric of some opposition journalists and politicians, Mr. Haqqani did not write the Kerry-Lugar bill. Anyone familiar with the democratic process knows this is the case. As further evidence, I invite you to refer to the current internal debates in the US about health care and economic stimulus. Both of these issues are well documented to involve contentious debates, and bills introduced in the US Congress include language not favored by President Obama. Do these opposition journalists really expect Mr. Haqqani to exert more influence over the US Congress more than President Barack Obama?

As it stands, Mr. Haqqani has very explicitly denounced these rumours of his replacement, noting that he has “not been asked to alter [his] responsibilites nor have any questions been raised about [his] conduct.” Ironically, Mr. Haqqani was asked to comment on the rumours while he was in Texas attending a ceremony to mark the delivery of 18 F-16 fighters to Pakistan. The day before Mr. Haqqani was in Texas with Pakistan’s new fleet of fighter jets, he was defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and democratic intentions on Fareed Zakaria’s show “GPS” on the CNN news network. Why would anyone in their right mind replace a representative for Pakistan who works so tirelessly, who has achieved so much?

In barely one and a half years, Mr. Haqqani has changed the nature of the US-Pakistan relationship from one of mutual suspicion to one of partnership and cooperation. His tireless work has significantly increased the availability of defense technology to Pakistan’s military, and created a vast new capacity for non-military investment in Pakistan’s health, education, and energy sectors. Who among these opposition voices calling for his removal have done half as much for Pakistan?

Opposition journalists and politicians must put their political aspirations aside when it comes to the best interests of the nation. They must call off the rumour dogs and instead devote their time, as Mr. Haqqani has done, to tirelessly working for the best interests of the nation.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. haqqani is an old dog of the master ref. 1985 Jang daily of Karachi where a fillipino journalist who had gone bad on the Company had named haqqani as amongst half a dozen journalists on CIA payroll. the man is full of contradictions since his school, college, university and political days. all his loyalities are with his masters since always for always

  2. This is ridiculous and possibly slanderous. What is your evidence? Some unnamed filipino journalist for Jang? Ridiculous.

    I notice that you fail to make any substantive remarks about the post. I assume this is because you can do nothing but parrot talking points that have been fed to you by someone else. Are you a man or a puppet?

    I name several ways that Mr. Haqqani has protected Pakistan’s best interests, not the least of which is the delivery of new F-16 fighters to defend Pakistan.

    My question for you, then, is what have you ever done for Pakistan? Stop speaking slanderous accusations and start speaking facts, please.

  3. Moderator warning: Any comments left on this site with any hateful or threatening language or that represent Pakistan in a bad image will be deleted immediately. That includes any calls for violence.

    This website is dedicated to discussion of Pakistan and its interests. If you advocate violence against Pakistan or its leaders, you are very much mistaken and those comments will not be tolerated.

  4. Haqqani is more loyal to pakistan than Pakistani
    Military Generals.Every General have black Mercedes Bens cars,which are bought for IMF loan.
    They are wearing imported suites tie and shoes.
    They have two faces and they are all hypocrites.
    Anyway,if we replace the Haqqani then it would be
    big loss for Pakistan not for MR.Haqqani.
    Mr.President do not replace him.If.you did that
    then Generals will send you again Jail.
    loyal to great Pakistan
    Malik Younas Awan

  5. America is against Pak Army.
    Talibans are against Pak Army.
    Now Awans are against Pak Army.
    Are they all friends? Because enemies of enemies are friends

  6. I think, Mr Haqqani has always been the loyal to the best interest of country and PPPP that’s why people want him to replace.
    Thanks

  7. MR HAQQANI IS NO DOUBT A GREAT JOURNALIST BUT HE HAS FAILED TO PROVE HIMSELF A GOOD DIPLOMATE. EXACTLY WAT SERVICE HAS HE DONE TO PAKISTAN SO FAR.

    KARRY LUGGAR BILL
    F-16
    DRONE ATTACKS

    BIG QUESTION MARKS

  8. Qazi bhai how does Mr. Haqqani have to do anything with drone attacks? Yes he helped with Kerry Lugar bill and F-16 for Pakistani military, but this is good. Or do you not want Pakistan to have a strong military?

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