Dear President Joe Biden,
My name is Waqar Ali Khan. I am an journalist since past 40 years and have been living in America for last 37 years. I am an American citizen and proudly consider this country as my second home. This country has given me a lot and I highly respect its soil and this affiliation with Americ. This sense of belonging certainly shared among all Pakistani American families.
Pakistani Americans have undoubtedly made their mark in all professional fields and spheres of life in America. It is all due to their love and reverence for this country.
Today I request you to allow us to meet you so we can lessen this increasing rift between Pakistan and America. Since, I am a journalist and have been associated with the field of journalism for a long time and truly know that American president believes in the freedom of expression.
I am using that very right by writing this letter to you. And putting these words on paper as a contribution in eradicating the conflict between America and Pakistan.
As a journalist I had an honour to interview you for Geo TV a few years ago. I remember having asked you about Pakistan and US relations at that time, you gave an optimist answer and ensured help in the form of aid in any situation. You also said that US will continue to do so. To elaborate it more, you said that US has been helping Pakistan for all good purposes such as education, economy, military and last but not least democracy too. America will always stand by democracy. Your these words gave me a great comfort but times are changing and political situation is not the same any more resulting in effects on countries’ policies.
Being an American citizen I myself and many other fellows supported Democratic party.
Obama, Hillary and You showed your support too. For the first time in the name of Joe Biden for Pakistan, Muslim for Joe Biden the fundraising became possible. Voting drive was witnessed. But I, including many other Pakistani American muslims felt sorry when our former Prime Minister Imran Khan who was elected through a democratic process, did not receive any greetings from the US neither was he invited to any meeting. The country of Pakistan, after its independence chose to build a relationship with America, but was overlooked altogether. Pakistan’s first PM Liaqat Ali Khan also visited America and built friendly relationship with the US. More so, Clinton, Hillary, Obama admired Pakistan and strengthened the Pak-US bond.
We acknowledge that US has provided Pakistan with great help and stability in the past but on the other hand they entered a pact with India posing an indirect danger to us. It was akin to ignoring all sacrifices of Pakistan. While Pakistan was fighting Russia, India alongside was extending a friendship hand towards Russia.
Despite knowing all that America stood with India leaving Pakistani people disappointed. Our past testifies that Pakistan has always been by US side. Particularly this year Joe Biden for Pakistan, Joe Biden for Muslim gathered much more support but all big job positions are designated to Indians.
I would very much like to ask Biden on the behalf of all Pakistanis, What is the reason behind having no contact with Pakistani Prime Minister? Donald Trump met Ex PM IMRAN KHAN but your behaviour has been very different. Imran Khan is the only politician with no corruption charges. What could be the reason for not starting any contact with such a transparent human being? We, Pakistanis are unable to find any answer to this. You are an upright person. Our Pakistani people do not interfere in America’s foreign policy. We do not criticize it either. Respected President in your own words America always goes for interest based relationships. It is to say that America takes a leave after its interest is fulfilled. In actual, American Pakistanis are flabbergasted and already musing over the next elections. If such a stable and nd democratic government will isolate their alliance this way then other alliances are bound to rethink their position. America knows that Pakistan has been going through electricity, water and gas crisis. The country is facing agricultural and industrial problems. Is there anything America is doing right in the moment? Instead Pakistan is forced to drown in IMF debts. Pakistan, a country geographically of great importance which serves as a gateway for Africa, South/East Asia and Europe. Why such an important country was put behind? America has been our friend and Pakistani people like to see this friendship grow. There are many Pakistanis who are playing a significant role in America’s economy. Ranging from Information technology to health and education sector, American Pakistanis are leaving their mark but when their own home country is ignored its heart-breaking. Respected President, Pakistan is not only America’s alliance but a nuclear power which holds its importance in Muslim world. This country is looked upon by rest of the Muslim world with utmost respect. Pakistan was the one to make China and America befriend each other. China is helping Pakistan build Railway tracks, roads, highways, power plants, sea ports and other significant projects. Pakistan’s sacrifices for America are exemplary and should not go unnoticed. Then why is America so distant when it comes to Pakistan? America should actually be closer to us. The more closer to Pakistan, the more closer to Muslim world. In my opinion America should analyse its relations with Pakistan and the rest of the Muslim world. In order to do so America should form a public opinion in the right direction and send its political representatives to Pakistan. It will help us understand America’s policies in a simpler manner. and ensure that Pakistan and America have no rift. They can’t part as there is a long history behind this alliance. I hope that white house will move forward in this regard and will help Pakistan to achieve transparent democratic government.
Long live USA-PaK.
Waqar Ali Khan
Chairmam Oversease Pakistani Media Council
