They Need The Cup

Pakistan’s sea of troubles never ceases to amaze. The average Pakistani one meets either in Delhi, Lahore or Paris is so articulate, level-headed, moderate, intelligent, accomplished, competent, humorous and self-mocking. Therefore, it is a complete mystery why a 60-year-old republic with such a bright and brilliant citizenry has not managed, as far as nationhood is concerned, to get even the basics right. Is Pakistan a democracy or a dictatorship? Is it a quasi-democracy or quasi-dictatorship? Is it a military or civilian dictatorship? Or, is it all of the above?

When Pakistan is in distress, there is a feeling of intense schadenfreude in India. Turmoil in Pakistan makes us feel smug, vindicated and superior: Look what happens to people who make religion the basis of their identity. This attitude is at once silly and counterproductive. Instability in Pakistan is a grave threat to India.

Thus, winning the tournament in South Africa would have come as a much-needed tonic for a demoralised nation. In the interests of better Indo-Pak relations, can we loan the Cup to Islamabad?