In response to Biswanath Halder’s letter to the editor, I would like to share a few more facts about Pakistan.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s constitution gives all and complete freedom to practice any religion under its laws. People of Pakistan stand for the same principles as people of United States of America – democracy, freedom of expression and safety of human life.

Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis were killed in the United States’ war against the Soviet Union. But when the Soviet Union was defeated, the U.S. government completely alienated Pakistan (a trust-worthy friend in subcontinent). Today, the United States again seeks help from its old friend, the Pakistani people, this time to defeat terrorists.

America hasn’t been able to abolish the narcotics from its neighboring countries. Yet in recent years Pakistan has abolished the cultivation of hashish (narcotic drugs) on its land and neighboring Afghanistan. It was accomplished with proper assistance and funding from the countries around the world. Pakistan needs to be given proper credit for fighting the war against narcotics. It was a “world war” against narcotics, not just Pakistan’s.

I ask Mr. Biswanath if he is not willing to forgive the loans of Pakistan, then who will fund the war against terrorism? The economy of every third world country runs on the loan granted by the IMF and World Bank. Pakistan’s economy is no different, which badly needs loans to feed its 130 million citizens of all religions and colors.

There are already millions of Afghan refuges living in this poor country and today another million are fleeing across the border. The economy of Pakistan cannot bear millions of refugees and thus needs all the help from around the world. Forgiving the loans of this poor country should be the first step towards the accomplishment of such cause. I wonder if Mr. Biswanath is willing to send his troops on the war front? Why should only Pakistanis be put at front?

Waheed Shams

Senior

Civil engineering