Is blocking NATO Supply a wise decision?

The appalling episode of Hakimullah Mehsud’s death has vehemently established, perhaps again, that factually Pakistan is suffering from fatal sanity deficit. Further, it is attributed to ample cowardice, abundant confusion and economic death, hitting soon. Gladly, amidst of all, not to fear one thing: collapse of a State because that doesn’t seem to exist, at all.

Hatred, sheer hatred was what Hakimullah Mehsud deservingly smeared with. But, woefully, they way the public opinion was crushed and falsely interpreted is deplorable. More abhorrent was the display by a section on social media that was frequently trying to establish that people have declared him a ‘Hero’; when actually nobody did. The attempt of inflicting a blatant lie gladly failed. They may call Pakistanis fool but not beasts.

How a layman picture it, goes like this: “Acha hua mar gea” [Thankfully, he died], was the initial reaction. “Paar yeh ab hamy maryn gyn” [But, now they will take revenge], was the response later. “Kia pata muzakaraat kamyaab hi ho jaaty, Kab tak chaly ga esa?” [Who knows, peace talks might have succeeded; how long will it go?], was the statement came last. And the sadness grew.

State is an umbrella that unites a nation under it. It needs not to shamble to a directionless path chanting inanity. But, once that umbrella flew off, the chaos triggers and diverse, endless stupidity erupts. When State fails to come up ensuring security to its people, they are prone to go gloomy fearing the cost they ought to pay; for nothing. No one was mourning the death of Hakimullah Mehsud – a barbarian. But, mourning in advance the deaths coming soon.

Certainly, harm to ‘peace-talks’ and a new chapter of ‘revenge’ are the two endowments of the brutal strike. Those claiming former a ‘web of deceit’ are (rightly) looking for proofs. Wiser would be, if they don’t do the same for the later.

So, for instance, if it is believed that the peace process was in progress and Pakistan was about to achieve what it had consensually decided then those dancing on Hakimullah Mehsud’s death are goofs being not sensitive to the intensity of the damage being done by – deliberate or undeliberate – Drone Attack. Yes, even if the maximum gain of peace-talks is failure, it must rightfully be given a chance of execution. It was not mere few political figures who unanimously decided but the whole nation – precisely.

No matter to what extent the debate is dragged, the fact can’t be ruled out that the timing of the Drone Attack was detrimental. Discourse linked to it is simply futile. Question is shall we, as a nation, ignore it like always? If not, then shall we protest? If yes, then how? Diplomatic means? Putting the wickedness to international forums? Sounds sane, even great. But, hold on, is world even bother to listen to us? Answer is a big ‘NO’. Do we need to be reminded where Pakistan as a brand stands? Well, thanks to a glorious past. Marketing a damaged brand is one of the impossibilities. In addition, weak presentation of a State stance by the compromised State representatives for justified or unjustified constraints intensifies the dilemma. The paucity of trust multiplied after the latest humiliating demeanor by the Prime Minister during his visit to US that has shamed us enough to bow our heads down. Seemingly, State is in no position to take up the issue. Even if the intention exists, circumstances don’t permit.

Then what? Do nothing? Stay quiet? Or block the NATO supply? But, blocking the NATO supply would be a wise decision? No, if the situation was any little ideal. The given circumstances offer no other option. Sometimes, hurting is only way to sensitize other of your pain. The decision to protest via blocking the NATO Supply is receiving huge criticism; reasons required no repetition.

But, looking at it optimistically, “Nato-Supply-Bund-Karo” mantra by Imran Khan will sell for three reasons. One, being in opposition he would be able to clearly message out to the world, importantly to US, that largely Pakistanis not only back peace-talks but also have stood up against the atrocity of Drone Attacks. Second, US because of the international media’s pressure would be forced to heed what Government of Pakistan doesn’t convey to it; the truth. Third, narrative favoring the ‘illegal strikes’ has started to face the challenge.

The country suffered the most if succeeds to register a stern protest; hue and cry would certainly triumph in drawing the attention of the world, significantly the US citizens. Silence leads illegality turn into a crime; protest provides hindrance.

There arrives a time to protest to your friend that ‘you are hurting’ and tell clearly: “You choose to fight, I choose to talk. Let’s fight our battles our way. Even if I choose to be wounded, don’t make it double by interfering; just stay out of it.”