Letter: Pakistan Embassy responds

I have the honor to refer to the lead story "Political crisis roils Pakistan amid Taliban operation" appearing in The Jakarta Post, Nov. 26, p. 10 .

First, I appreciate the frequent coverage of political developments in Pakistan in your esteemed newspaper. Such a trend will certainly lead to educate your readers about my country and the brotherly sentiments Pakistani citizens express for Indonesia. Nevertheless, you will agree with me that the press coverage of fluid developments needs to be fair and impartial, free from excessive traces of sensationalism and bias.

In the context of above, I find the report, "Political crisis roils Pakistan amid Taliban operation" an uncalled for attempt to malign the institution of the presidency of Pakistan by trumpeting unsubstantiated and politically motivated media speculations. While constructive interpretation of political events is welcome, you will appreciate that malicious propagandist language needs to be avoided.

I would also like to draw your kind attention to the wide ranging address by President Zardari recently. He displayed a strong resolve to strengthen democracy in Pakistan and deter "attempts of political actors" to derail the system. He further said, "I can say proudly that the parliament and the opposition do not want the system to get derailed. Neither the political parties, nor the establishment want it, but it is only a handful of political actors. They should wait for their turn until the next election."

The world today knows that Pakistan is focused on waging a war against extremist and terrorist operatives on its soil. The success achieved by the Pakistani forces in Swat and in South Waziristan bears ample testimony to this fact.

Due to our unmitigating sacrifices, the world today has come to acknowledge the critical role of Pakistan in the war on terror. The President said, "Now they do not tell us to do more. Rather we ask them to do more *for us*." So there is no question of Pakistan's well-planned offensive against terrorists halting due to political disruption as the report alleges.

Saeed Javed
Press Attache
Pakistan Embassy
Jakarta