By NNN-APP,
Washington : Pakistan needs to be seen with its many colors and not uni-dimensionally with respect to its importance as anti-terrorism ally, Islamabad’s envoy to the United States Husain Haqqani said.
He was highlighting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and excellence of its people in a host of development areas at an event held at the country’s embassy. The event, an informal evening with famous Pakistani writer Bapsi Sidhwa, was part of a series of programs marking Independence Day celebrations.
“Pakistan needs not be discussed just as an anti-terrorism ally, which it is in fact, it is a crucial ally – but Pakistan needs to be seen with its many colors and with its many dimensions,” he stated.
As ambassador of Pakistan, Haqqani said, it would be his endeavor to ensure that how Pakistan is looked at is not shaped by security interests alone.
Pakistan is a nation of 160 million people and hardworking Pakistanis are contributing competitively to development in every sphere of life in countries around the world, he added.
The ambassador also attended Pakistan Independence Day Festival in Maryland the same day, where he applauded the Pakistani Americans for projecting the image of the country through arts and craft.
At the embassy, the envoy praised the high quality of works produced by Sidhwa, saying her books capture culture and the liveliness of life in many facets.
In her gripping talk, Sidhwa reflected on some aspects of her works including her novel Cracking India, which is taught at American universities, An American Brat, The Pakistani Bride and her own favorite The Crow Eaters, all of which have been widely acclaimed.
The thoughtful woman of letters noted that there is so much color to Pakistan than being depicted these days as the country grapples with various issues facing it. Although challenges confronting the country are intense, the wonderful people will pull themselves together to move toward a better future, she remarked.