Leaders are mirrors of the nations they represent. The respect or lack thereof they receive on the world stage reflects how much value other nations attach to their country.
Pakistani generals have long sold their nation for quick cash, convinced they’ve outsmarted others by giving away little. In reality, Pakistanis always end up with far less than what their military dictators bargain away.
For decades, China has used Pakistan as a pawn both to counterbalance India in the subcontinent and as a testing ground for its substandard weapons. Everyone knows this. Yet, when it came to the SCO summit or the V-Day parade, China didn’t think twice before relegating Pakistani leaders to the back row, while happily staging photo-ops with India, the very nation it pushes Pakistan to confront. The irony should sting.
To be fair, Shehbaz Sharif is a courteous, articulate gentleman. Had he led a truly respected nation, he would’ve been welcomed with full honours and centre-stage attention. In terms of statesmanship and presentation, I’d rate him 10/10. Of course, he doesn’t have the depth, grit, or self-made story of a leader like Modi, he comes from a privileged dynasty but when it comes to political etiquette, he holds his own.
Pakistan, however, should take a hard look at last week. Despite bending over backwards for China, it was still pushed to the sidelines after putting everything on the line against India.
