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India and Pakistan's high stakes marriage
Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik exchanged wedding vows Monday in a controversy hit celebrity union across the deep political and religious rivalries that divide their two countries.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/04/07/art.malik.gettyimages.jpg
caption="The happy couple determined to marry on April 15."]
The nuptials follow a stormy courtship for the pair, with anger among hardline Hindus over Mirza's relationship with a Pakistani man matched by a scandal over bigamy allegations against Malik.
Last week, Malik divorced his first wife, Ayesha Siddiqui, an Indian woman whom he had earlier accused of tricking him into what he described as an invalid wedding.
Siddiqui claims Malik married her by telephone eight years ago, but Malik maintains he was deceived and the marriage was invalid, saying the agreement was based on photos sent to him which he insists were not of Siddiqui.
Asked earlier this month if she was unnerved by the controversy surrounding her wedding, Mirza said, "Of course I am upset. But we are happy that we are together."
Mirza divides opinion in India, drawing criticism from strict Muslim groups for her short tennis skirts and jewelry, while gaining praise and fans for her achievements on the court.
We'd like to know what you think.
Do you think the marriage can help bring Pakistan and India closer together?
Please leave your comments below and remember to tell us where you're writing from.
Why does she have to get married to a Pakistani?
I thought her to be very patriotic. Its a shame that she plays for India and gets married to a Pakistani.
May be she will start playing for Pakistan...
Sania is an idiot. pakis are known and famous for betrayal, very soon like reena Roy, she ll end up being divorced. Ayesha was fool, sania is even bigger. Mr Malik as we all know is a useless cricketer he ll make sania stop playing tennis and it's actually good cause sania ll break the jinx of loosing by not playing and inshallah Malik ll be ready for 3rd mairraige by than!!!
All the best to the couple. Hopefully people of both Pakistan and India will come closer with this.
Shoaib is a hero he gave divorce to save siddique family, Muslims of hyderabad and as wel as to shut the mouth of people against there marriage...
Get real – a sports marriage healing a country at war for more than 50 years? Total lightweight news coverage – how about Bollywood flics healing the heart of the writer of this piece so we see less cute and more real? Seems a better fit that two popular, rich, pampered athletes "healing" a country.
Who cares. Both are opportunistic and egostitic people. They need media attention. Hope the marriage and fame last as long as the game continues or game lasts.
Hello CNN friends,
It is good, that India and Pakistan are connecting with each other!
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Hindi: मोहनदास करमचंद गाँधी,
Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી) also known as
Mahatma Gandhi (Sanskrit: महात्मा) would proudly say:
Where ever our ancestors came from,
God is our Leader!
Advice
Let us Now Connect to make our world
a Better Healthier and Beautiful World
for You and for Me!
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Latin-American
My goodness, it doesn't matter his nationality. It's stupid to be upset that she is marrying a Pakistani. The first and most important thing is that they actually love each other and want to get married. Nationality shouldn't make a difference. When people make such a big deal, it only incites more anger and unneeded country-to-country hate. Congrats to the two of them, and let people care about their love and not about their nationality.
I just hope she does not end her career as a tennis player. I do not want her to quit because some people cannot see her wearing shorts and skirts while playing tennis. Still one of the best Asia has seen.
Good luck and have a long married life!
Oh comon!!.. any one in tennis liked to beat the crap outta Sania.. now she'll get married.. have kids.. and leave tennis for good!! whom should we play our practice matches with.. we like to have some motivation from time to time by playing with Sania.. and have some motivation, as to, any worse level of tennis we play.. it cannot get as bad as she has
When the hype cools down both Indians and Pakistanis will understand that neither Ms. Mirza nor Mr. Malik are good in their respective sports. What they are good at is how to use the media and manipulate it to get attention and make them feel important as well as a lot of money in the process. As for improving relations between the two countries, it is ridiculous to believe that two countries at war for over 60 years will suddenly become peaceful friends. If it is that simple, then the United Nations should start arranging marriages between athletes of warring countries.
well let me be very clear about one thing, people of Pakistan are very happy over this marriage. not a single person is angry.
its only the indians who are creating all the fuss. and i am sure the only reason is "gender" related. is they guy was from india, and the girl was pakistani, i am sure no fuss would have been created, rather indian media would have made it seem like another bollywood movie gone wrong due to "extremist" Pakistanis 🙂
best of luck to the couple. let them enjoy there most important moment.
the marriage is between 2 and it has no political cosequenses.I wish them a happy married life. Trust all will wish them well.
My question is the following:
Given that Pakistan and Pakistanis are absolutely REVILED in India, by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, why does she, who is 100 times more popular than Malik, who does not have any popularity in the country, kick HALF A BILLION Indian men to the curb (not least her former beau) to marry a Pakistani with a checkered past?
Are Indian women that desperate for Pakistani men?
First of all, who cares that one's Indian & one's Pakistani? Let them be happy. Love knows no nationalities or borders. Let's emerge from the dark ages & accept the happy couple. People of the world need to keep their noses out of their business. If they're happy, who are we to burst that bubble?
Just my two cents! 🙂
Keira
NY
wars have never been stopped due to marriages ..... its a personal matter and will remain so. it also dont determine how patriotic each of them are. its foolish to call them unpatriotic all of a sudden. its all the matter of heart and should be left to it.
All the best to both of them... I hoope they have a smoother life unlike wat is going on right now!!!
Indians need to widen their hearts and mind... like they claim in their showbiz industry!
Best wishes to Sania and Shoaib!! we welcome u with open hearts, minds and arms!!!
Many good wishes to young couple. I don't think that there merriage will bring India and pakistan ( Like it happens in fairy tales), but I wish both countries can have better relationship, after all , we all are from the same region, speak same languages, play same sports. My prayer is that politicians from both the countries should break the ice and maintain good relations with each other.
Shiraz Merchant – USA
Lets us not forget that only about 60 years ago, there were no Pakistanis.
They were all "Indians"
In love, there are no nationalities, boundaries, color, race or anything else matters.
If they like each other, best wishes to them
I think from this marriage the relations will more strongest between PAK n INDIA n its will be get a chance for closing both nation together.
MAY GOD BLESSED WITH ALL HIS BLESSING to THIS GORGEOUS COUPLE.
Perfect example of MAKE LOVE NOT WAR.
Hope the 2 countries do the same.
Cheers to the couple and GOOD LUCK to the Countries.
Low on this couple. the groom has been banned from the pakistan team for allegations on match fixing. She was a rising star when she was new to the tennis circuit in India. When she was at the peak she got money and land from the state government as gifts. Since then her world ranking has been constantly falling. Both are non entities and ex-celebrities fallen from grace. This incident has just brought them into lime light and that too for all the negative things. India and Pakistan will keep on fighting their proxy wars. Pakistan can be called the neglected child after the partition of india. Jealous as hell about the progress of India.
They are in love! Who care about where they are from?i wish u guyz happiness in your forthcmg wedding.
i wish shoaaib and sania lifetime of unity and love .
Hi
I think the marriage of Sania and Malik will bring two countries closer and would reduce the tensions between the two rivals. Also to love someone and getting in to a relationship is everyone's right and should not questioned.
The press conference of both Sania and Malik is a proof that they are together and stands for each other. What more can be asked for ?
I remember when Jemima Goldsmith got married to Imran Khan, even then everyone raised questions about their marriage but they stood for their love. Although, they are not together now but have lovely children and respect each other so what more can be asked!
I wish both ofthem be blessed and stay togther for life.
Tariq Alam
Cambridge UK
@omer, you say the indians are unhappy because its 'gender' related. Well then I guess all pakistanis have no problem because the guy is from Pakistan. Wonder what would have happened if the girl was from pakistan? Come on dude. get some perspective on the issue. The term 'extremist pakistanis' is actually an oxymoron. Pakistanis are a jealous lot because after splitting up, India has gone soo far ahead and pakistan is still dealing with its religious problems. The day a hindu is elected as president of pakistan, I will listen to whatever you say. In india we have had a muslim president, a sikh prime minister, an italian as Central congress party head and the list goes on. When you get this much diversity in Pakistan, you have the right to say anything about gender or religion related comments in India.
Aren't we yet BORED out of our minds that the antiquated notion of "marrying our own kind" is still alive and rearing it's UGLY head?
PEOPLE.....seriously....please.....Get a GRIP....let them fall in love naturally as it should be.
If we look at the world's current distresses they can mostly be categorized from these antiquated notions.
Like a wise man once said, "Let it Be."
Please dont be jealous and let them enjoy.I slute shoaib who was brave enough to impress sania.This shows if you have a true love for somebody you get that.
This is great. I believe it will pave way to achieve ultimate goal of love and permanent peace between the two nations.
HYA ALL
I AM VERY HAPPY THAT SANIA AND SHOAIB ARE TIEING THE KNOT.IF THEY LOVE EACH OTHER THEN WHATS THE PROBLEM WITH OTHERS.
Meghan, that has to be one of the most rediculous, bordering on racist, statements I've ever heard! Who the hell cares who she marries?! You can't control who you fall in love with and if it works for them, why should it bother you? Let me guess, you're the kind of person who says the same thing about white people marrying black people or Asians or anyone outside of their own race. Grow up and maybe take a senstivity course. There's enough racism in this world without stupid comments like that!
Good for them. No way it will heal the rift, but as a white American engaged to an Indian I can relate to people disapproving of your relationship. Ignore them. If you love each other and are good to each other that's all that matters. People need to concentrate on their own happiness and not what others are doing to be happy when it has zero impact on their lives.
If their love for each other is sincere, they have every right to get married. So please just wish them a happy married life!
I just want to tell “esreddy” that we Pakistanis have nothing against the Indians. Unfortunately there are folks in each of our governments who have their own agendas. Both India and Pakistan need to control their intelligence agencies such as RAW and ISI. I can assure you once controlled things can get better between the two countries. As far as extremism in Pakistan is concerned, please be assured that that 99% of Pakistanis are peace loving people with 1% having extremist inclination. If I may suggest please watch the movie “Charley Wilson War” and you will find how it all started in the 80’s. We have the Soviets and the Americans to thank for the mess that we are in today. Pakistan and Pakistanis are determined to get rid of this cancer, and are finally starting to win this war.
As far as being Jealous of India is concerned we Pakistanis are not jealous at all. For the record, at the time of partition India got majority of industry and money as a result have done better. Pakistan basically started from scratch and even after all the problems and uncertainties have come a long way. I invite you to visit Pakistan, and you will find Pakistan and Pakistanis are quite progressive. There is no if and buts about that the infra structure and the standard of living of Pakistan and Pakistanis is much superior to India and the Indians in general.
Finally I would like to say lets not point fingers at each other. We as Indians and Pakistanis should strive to live in peace and play our part in doing so.
Sania Mirza: marrying a Pakistani – I don't have any problems with that. Nobody should. Majority of Indian population won't mind that.
She is not the first person to marry across the border, we share many aspects of cultural practices with Pakistan (though the things are changing now -with India trying to go ahead and take on the world while Pakistan still playing the dirty game of sending terrorists in India)
Sania Mirza: marrying a crook – Anyone should have problems in this regards.
This guy was recently banned for playing Pakistan due to match fixing allegations. He is one of the principal reasons Pakistan cricket is in shambles today. He introduced group-ism in Pakistan cricket.
He cheated an innocent girl. He changed his story from having never heard of her to never married her. Now that the TRUTH is out , he gave divorce to his former wife. So easy...!!!
Love happens... Leaving out some radical elements in India, everyone else would have appreciated Sania marrying across border. But Sania will not gain any sympathy for marrying an individual of questionable character.
I really feel sorry for Ayesha Siddiqui. She had to endure so much pain and anguish for legitimate divorce after a legitimate marriage.
Sania ...You disappointed us...!!!
What I find astonishing is people/ news channels are scripting the news as "paving the way for the couple to get married."
Nobody is giving a thought about Ayesha Siddiqui. The whole affair is shameful...How can a religion consider marriages over phone valid? ( It was considered valid, otherwise there is no question of divorce ) The practice is rampant in Arab countries...
The poor girl did not want divorce for money... just for honour.
I wonder how many Ayeshas are languishing in this world...
Harry's Quote:
Lets us not forget that only about 60 years ago, there were no Pakistanis.
They were all "Indians"
Harry, 60 years ago there was no India either.. There was the British Raj and prior to that the Mughal Empire.
Thankless people wanting a break up of the marriage!!!
If the people of these two unfortunate countries talk so negatively, I am afraid just like this best news is also not changing their lives, what can change their lives for the better?
If they fight over little things which their politicians want they will always remain like this blaming each other for their won backwardness!!!
Let SM marry SM.
Can you see which SM is Pakistani and which one is Indian? No you can't. So let them be happy and enjoy there lives! Good Luck.
Shahid Khan
An independent observer: Looks like Indians are really jealous that she's marrying a Pakistani. Pakistani's are overjoyed that they "got sania". It's a case of sour grapes. Everyone in Sri Lanka wishes the two a very happy wedded life
sania she proved that all muslims in india silently supports pakistani...i have seen so many indian muslims switch off their television when pakistan loss with india in cricket...so she is not exception....
In india we treate them equally but where ever u go indians u will not get the same respect esp in pakistan ...if they find that u r an indain thats it...
anyhow thanks sania to shown who u r....now people will understand...
sania is not good lookin gril but allah has given lot of mony she have to give zakat and she have to do ummra or hajj plz dont marry for shoaib malik you can marry for
WHATS THE ISSUE, WHEN BOTH THE FAMILIES HAVE AGREED TO ACCEPT EACH OTHER??? THEIR LIBERTY SHOULD NOT BE NAGATED..
COME ON EVERYONE FROM BOTH SIDES, DONT BE NARRROW MINDED LETS JUST ACCEPT EACH OTHER...
NO BODY WOULD HAVE OBJECTED IF MS. SANIA HAD SELECTED ANY EUROPEAN OR USA NATIONAL....
I am so surprised to see that no Indian has not said that Sania Mirza is on payroll of ISI.
Possibly ISI is adapting new tactics in the face of changing geopolitical conditions, It is trying to win over the Indian girls for Pakistanis and then whole of India through those girls.
according to me all the fuss was just a publicity event to grab all the media attention. i do not think that their marriage will bring two countries closer as its the individual act and nothing to do with the political issues.
but anyways happy for both of them and wish they live happily together.
Every man and woman in this world has the right to choose his/her partner. Don't make it a political issue especially in India. Pakistanis are very happy with this marriage and are happy for both of them. But i don't know why Indians are behaving like fundamentalists saying "why Indian marrying a Pakistani"
The lady who tried to cause hurdles in this marriage, might be by the help of fundamentalists in India has managed to snatch millions of dollars from Shoaib. What else she wants!!!
Anyways Best of Luck to both Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza. I think such marriages will in the long run will improve relationships if at all indians want it! which i always doubt.
I pray to Allah that following lines of Bayard Taylor to the newly wedding couple.
" I love thee, I love but thee
With a love that shall not die
Till the sun grows cold,
And the stars grow old..."
I wish this relationship may prove to be a new juncture in Indo-Pak relations. May Allah release both the countries from masochism. Amen!
Bilal Faqeer
Islamabad, Pakistan
How come every comment from a Pakistani is positive and almost every comment from an Indian is negative? After all Malik also left 80 million females in Pakistan to marry an indian woman.
Pakistani's are so happy about this yet Indians have a pain in their ass. They are just hate mongerers and this is why our ancestors fought to seperate from them. I hope that one day their 'cast' system mentality will improve. Grow up guys and appreciate the fact that they both are so happy together – if you cant do that, you have no right to object to their private decision. Peace.
Good luck to the couple! Pakistan welcomes them!
India should get rid of racism and be more openminded like the Pakistanis. This is a great example!
India should get rid of racism and be more openminded like the Pakistanis
@ shahid
" India should get rid of racism and be more openminded like the Pakistanis"
India has
1. A Woman President
2. A Muslim Vice President
3. A Sikh Prime Minister
4. A European Origin Woman as leader of the largest Parliamentary Party
5. A full functioning multi party democracy
just to name a few.
When a person of any other religion gets to reach the highest office in Pakistan or any medium office for that matter, then try and debate with the big boys in here.
Secondly 'racism' is a very common yet misunderstood term , frequently used by the ill-educated such as yourself without fully comprehending it.
There is no difference in race between Indians and Pakistanis. In Sania Mirza's and Shoiab Malik's case, there is no difference in religion as well.
finally to say Pakistanis are open minded , well please do tell us about
1. support for terror groups like the LET and JeM
2. feudal lords in sindh and punjab
3. treament of religions minorities like hindus, sikhs and christians
4. the anti other religion 'blasphemy law'
4. the complete breakdown of law and order in Karachi and Balochistan
5. the fact that Pakistan as a 'rogue state' has wilfully sold nuclear technology to the likes of North Korea
Really happy for the couple. Personally, I do not think the marriage will bring the two countries together as the differences are deep rooted and too much money and influence is at stake for both armies of the countries. Shoaib and Sania would need to be carefull not to play the Pakistan-India unity card, because the marriage has nothing to do with it.
A Pakistabi from Karachi residing in Abu Dhabi, UAE
i think if the couples are happy then it should not bother anybody i think she should still play tennis for india she should not leave out her origin
Would be interesting to see what the marriage is like,say 5 years down.
I dont think Sania Mirza can expect to command a nice fee for her endorsements from now.
@Greg S, please see my responses
finally to say Pakistanis are open minded , well please do tell us about
1. support for terror groups like the LET and JeM
Ans) 99% of Pakistanis are peace loving people with 1% having extremist inclination. Please watch the movie “Charlie Wilsons War” and you will find how it all started in the 80’s. We have the Soviets and the Americans to thank for the mess that we are in today. Pakistan and Pakistanis are determined to get rid of this cancer, and we are making very good progress on this front.
If you Indians think that you don’t have radicals among yourself, than please explain the likes of Sheiv Sena, The treatment of Muslims in India, India’s activities in Afghanistan. India has 6 consulates in a remote country like Afghanistan, and I am sure they are not issuing tourist visas to Afghans to visit India! Please explain why India is spending almost 1.5B in Afghanistan when there are millions of Indians living in poverty. India and Indians need to shape up as well !
2. feudal lords in sindh and Punjab
Ans) What about your cast system ? The untouchables etc…..
3. treament of religions minorities like hindus, sikhs and Christians
Ans) 98% of Pakistan is made up of Muslims, and 2% minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Christians etc. In general they are treated fairly, however could be treated better. We as Pakistanis can and should work on this front.
On the other hand 15-20% of Indian population consists of Muslims. Do you think they are treated as fairly as the Hindus are in India ? Just like us India and Indians have some work to do on this front as well.
4. the anti other religion 'blasphemy law'
Ans) I agree one should have freedom of speech, however one should not disrespect anyone’s religion whether it is Islam, Hinduism, Christianity etc….
5. the complete breakdown of law and order in Karachi and Balochistan
Ans) I think you are reading too many Indian and American newspapers. Please let me assure you there is no breakdown of law and order in Karachi. Karachi is a fully functional, vibrant city. Yes we did have problems in Balochistan in the past, however now we have started to get grip on those problems. Guess what your RAW has a lot to do with the unrest. Make no mistake Pakistan and Pakistanis are fully aware of what India and Indians are up to in Afghanistan !.
I guess you Indians think that you have no issues in India, right! NO you are wrong. For starters what about the Maoist insurgency in India?
6. the fact that Pakistan as a 'rogue state' has wilfully sold nuclear technology to the likes of North Korea.
Ans) As far as selling of Nuclear Technology to countries like North Korea is concerned, yes we were wrong. Unfortunately actions of few in our Nuclear Program have given a bad name to our program and country. I however also believe that we have learned from our past mistakes, and NOW have a solid Command and Control system in place which will make it impossible for our nuclear weapons or material to fall in the wrong hands.
Actually, what has brought the two sporting personalities from the two countries together is their religion. Also, there was a cultural issue – slight hitch as previously arranged phone marriage needed to be annulled first since the consent of the lady was not sought in the first instance and should have. Now she is free and the issue sorted so everyone involved can move on with their lives and are happy.
@KA
Convenient of you to omit the earlier part of the discussion isnt it?
1. If you get your news and form your opinion from 'hollywood movies' such as Charlie Wilson's War, then there's nothing I or anyone else for that matter can help you with . It's a well known fact that the madrasas are running militant style schools and indoctrinating youngsters with militant ideology. The only reason you were spared the war in the 9/11 aftermath was because the 'cowardly president ' at the time realised that it would be suicide not to ally with the Americans and their 'war on terror'. He would not have done so as well unless there was concrete proof that terror outfits were being openly allowed to propagate and grow in Pakistan. But hey.. keep watching Hollywood movies to get a better understanding !
as for Treatment of muslims in India, the last President was a Muslim, a genius of a scientist and a man who rose to the top by virtue of hard work, professinal integrity and opportunities given to him in a multicultural, multilinguistic, multi ethnic country like India – take the example of Yousef Youhana. Why do you think he needed to convert to Islam? think about it ... sorry if there isnt a hollywood movie about the same though !
India may have 6 or 10 or even 20 consulates in Afganistan. What is the problem with that? Its a country finding its feet amongst the world community, a nascent democracy and if India can give its expertise being the 'worlds largest functioning democracy', then why not? better to have a nascent democracy on our borders rather than a 'failed state constantly under military yoke' .. what do you think?
2. they are not called untouchables and if you must know, with all the recent reservations, they have more chances of getting into schools, colleges, profesional institutions and governement sectors than all the upper classes put together. Granted there is still a lot to be done, but today, they have already reached the highest echelons in the public sphere – the present Speaker of the Lok Sabha/ parliament being a prime example.
3. I've just given you examples where Muslims have reached the highest office in the land, where minorities are now in positions of power and which will never happen in Pakistan, because it's not a functioning democracy and NEVER will be.
4. the Anti – Blasphemy law- where do I begin? A muslim wants to settle an issue with a non muslim – what does he do? just says that he's blasphemed against Islam/ The Quran/ Proph Mohamed and then you know the rest. Its happening time and time again and the country's rulers have no will to change such archaic laws of course, because then how will they pander to the mass mobs that they depend upon for their support?
5. Balochistan is heaving with problems. Thats because the ruling elite in Pakistan – mostly Punjabi and Sindhi are treating them like second class citizens. The only reason why RAW is being accused to going there, is because the pakistan govt needs a scapegoat as far their own complete ineptitude is concerned and of course to gloss over the fact that they allow groups such as the LeT and JeM to attack other nations using pakistan soil as their base. Its the classic magicians trick called 'sleight of hand'. only in this case the 'magician ' is clearly a novice and very bad at his craft !
Karachi- what can i say, when one of India's fugitives, a person on Interpol's most wanted list, a person who has been proved to be the source of funds and the facilitator for acts of terrorism , has been allowed to live and move about freely ? and is being given protection by the Pak Govt and the ISI . yes Karachi is vibrant – vibrantly under the rule of the gun .
6. I'm glad you agreed with me that. Pakistan needs to prove to the international community and the world at large , that it's nuclear weapons are in safe hands AND most importantly stop proliferation of nuclear weapons. A.Q Khan has been made a scapegoat, but do you think he could have done it, without people higher than him knowing? It was wilfully done and with blatant disregard for the international community –
@ Grej S
First of all I would like you to know I did not miss the first part of your discussion, but chose not to respond, as you did not request a Pakistani response, however here it is.
India has
1. A Woman President
Ans) Pakistan was the first Islamic country to have a woman Prime Minister (Benazir Bhutto).
2. A Muslim Vice President
Ans) We don’t have Vice Presidents in Pakistan !
3. A Sikh Prime Minister
Ans) What ‘s the big deal about that ? You are talking as if Sikhs are NOT part of Indian population. Pakistan have had presidents & prime ministers from Blouchistan , Frontier, Sind and Punjab, and I think that is quite normal .
4. A European Origin Woman as leader of the largest Parliamentary Party
Ans) That is only because Rajiv Gandhi married an Italian, and she became the heads of Congress by default !
5. A full functioning multi party democracy.
Ans) I don’t think you are up to speed about democracy in Pakistan. Catch up my friend ! Today Pakistan has a fully functioning democracy. It may not have as long a history as India does but Pakistan has come long way !
As far as your reference to Charli Wilson War is concerned I only asked you to see that so that you can understand how did we get into this mess in the first place. For your information I am very knowledgeable about world events !
Greg, I can respond to your latest thoughts about the other 6 points as well, but I am choosing not to do so as I feel we will keep on going back and forth, and will continue to have different point of views.
The bottom line is that both India and Pakistan are neighbors, and have to learn to live with each other peacefully. This will only happen if the government and people of BOTH countries are willing to work at it, without undermining each other. As a Pakistani I wish India and Indians the best, and expect the same from the other side. Lets work with each other and try to live in PEACE !
The only reason you were spared the war in the 9/11 aftermath was because the 'cowardly president ' at the time realised that it would be suicide not to ally with the Americans and their 'war on terror'.
>> I guess this disappointed you terribly?
as for Treatment of muslims in India, the last President was a Muslim,
>> The president is a ceremonial role with no powers. The vice president obviously has no role. These positions serve the purpose of good publicity to combat bad publicity (Gujrat, Kashmir).
take the example of Yousef Youhana. Why do you think he needed to convert to Islam?
>> You are suggesting that he is a fake convert? He is probably the most pious Muslim on the whole team.
India may have 6 or 10 or even 20 consulates in Afganistan. What is the problem with that? Its a country finding its feet amongst the world community, a nascent democracy and if India can give its expertise being the 'worlds largest functioning democracy', then why not? better to have a nascent democracy on our borders rather than a 'failed state constantly under military yoke' .. what do you think?
>> I think you are very hyper about Pakistan. The subject of Pakistan gets you way too excited.
3. I've just given you examples where Muslims have reached the highest office in the land, where minorities are now in positions of power and which will never happen in Pakistan, because it's not a functioning democracy and NEVER will be.
>> Pakistan has Hindus in parliament. We have had women, minorities, shias as our leaders. We just don't beat down people's doors to tell them about it.
5. Balochistan is heaving with problems.
>> 100,000 killed like Kashmir?? (kashmirtruthbetold blog). Now go have a glass of cold water. You need to relax.
Regards. reformistani.wordpress.com
@Reformistani.
1. Did I hurt your feelings, by telling the truth? Should I have used the term ' tin pot' dictator instead?
2. Yes ceremonial, exactly like your prime minister or president – no real powers as everyone knows who the 'real power' in Pakistan is
3. Not really, the only reason he converted was because of his 'career' . After all, otherwise how could he have become the pakistani cricket captain?
4. Actually if you check, I didn't bring up the Afghanistan consulates. KA did so, and I merely passed a judgement on then. As for getting hyper about Pakistan, well when an irritating insect constantly buzzes about doing nothing but just being a nuisance, well you know what I mean.
5. Wonderful. Now come back and talk to me when a Christian or a Hindu or a Sikh or an Ahmediya for that matter becomes the president/ prime minister/ commander of the army
6. As for Kashmir, democratically elected government, notwithstanding the problems there are no doubt, but mostly fuelled from militant outfits across the border created, armed, funded and sent across by the ISI and their cronies.
I'm having a scotch on the rocks as I write this actually. Pity you can't have one !
@ Greg S
You sound like a person who cannot be reasoned with ! You lack the ability to admit that India has a lot of issues and problems that it need to address just like Pakistan needs to.
You seem to have a superiority complex about India. Let me tell you by any standard India WAS/IS and WILL remain in the category of developing countries for a while to come. The only reason you guys are getting attention is that you have a huge population of about 1.1B, hence a big market. Some world powers un- wittingly think that by aligning with India they can counter China’s growth, wealth and dominance. They fail to understand that India IS NOT & WILL NEVER be any match to China except in terms of “population”. The way things are going China will be the country to beat in the future, and even the mighty United States knows that!
My suggestion will be for you to sit back and relax. Try to accept India’s shortcomings and admit that India has a lot a work to do herself! Now have another Scotch on me!
1. Did I hurt your feelings, by telling the truth? Should I have used the term ' tin pot' dictator instead?
>> I am Pakistani boss, nothing hurts my feelings!
2. Yes ceremonial, exactly like your prime minister or president – no real powers as everyone knows who the 'real power' in Pakistan is
>> Let's not change the subject. You were suggesting that Premji, SRK & Kalaam represent the typical profile of Indian Muslim. Deep inside your patriotic little heart, you know this to be the truth.
3. Not really, the only reason he converted was because of his 'career' . After all, otherwise how could he have become the pakistani cricket captain?
>> This is a perfect illustration of the fact that a certain segment of Indians will NEVER accept that Islam spread in South Asia and the world by its inspirational (to some) message. I can't help you there.
4. Actually if you check, I didn't bring up the Afghanistan consulates. KA did so, and I merely passed a judgement on then. As for getting hyper about Pakistan, well when an irritating insect constantly buzzes about doing nothing but just being a nuisance, well you know what I mean.
>> Nobody types up long, boring rants on the web over a mere mosquito.
5. Wonderful. Now come back and talk to me when a Christian or a Hindu or a Sikh or an Ahmediya for that matter becomes the president/ prime minister/ commander of the army
>> Pakistan is 98% Muslim. Agreed. We need more diversity in leadership.
6. As for Kashmir, democratically elected government, notwithstanding the problems there are no doubt,
>> Election rigging is not democratic, even a Pakistani knows that! You know what would be really democratic? A plebiscite.
but mostly fuelled from militant outfits across the border created, armed, funded and sent across by the ISI and their cronies.
>> You are delusional if you think Pakistan is the sole reason for Kashmiri freedom struggle. Don't believe me? Read hundreds of kashmiri pro-independence blogs, dozens of pro-pakistani blogs.
Here is India's record in Kashmir by Amnesty International:
http://reformistani.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/indian-perception-pakistan-brutalizing-kashmiris/
'm having a scotch on the rocks as I write this actually. Pity you can't have one !
>> Nice.