Young blood

WINDS of change are blowing through India’s political establishment — Omar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir, Ashok Chavan in Maharashtra and Shivraj Chauhan in Madhya Pradesh are a new generation of young chief ministers. Their selection to lead the respective governments has successfully vindicated commonly heard pleas of bringing youthful leadership to India.

Older politicians still occupy too many important chairs in the name of seniority. I agree that the nation needs the experience and guidance from its senior politicians, but a balance will allows India to benefit from the refreshing energy and attitude that a younger class of politicians brings. Madhya Pradesh’s Chauhan has already proved his ability to return to power and now the onus is upon Abdullah and Chavan to satisfy their people with their performance.

Loss of face

Pakistan-trained terrorists may have succeeded in killing 183 people and destroying property worth crores in Mumbai last month, but the huge loss to Pakistan cannot even be measured. A powerful torrent of anti-Pakistani sentiment is sweeping throughout the world. I feel bad for the ordinary Pakistanis, an overwhelming majority of whom are peace-loving and feel disgusted by these activities. Unfortunately for them, fundamentalists have overpowered the state and call the shots in Pakistan. Most countries are now beginning to refuse visas to Pakistani nationals. The US issues 40,000 visas to Bangladeshis, but is mulling whether to deny visa-free entry to British passport holders of Pakistani origin. UK, Australia, France and Canada are other major countries reluctant to entertain a Pakistani passport. Even Muslim states have adopted this stand; UAE now gives preference to Nepalese and Filipino workers over Pakistanis. All this is causing huge damage to Pakistani businessmen, students, artists and other members of civilian society. Pakistan should look at the Mumbai attacks as a window of opportunity to set its own house in order. It must realise that its future is in grave jeopardy, unless swift action is taken.

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