[Dawn] PARITY. Now there's a word we haven't heard for some time. And yet it was a regular feature in Foreign Office statements not that long ago.Its disappearance from our diplomatic lexicon is a sign of the growing realisation of our relative decline when compared with our giant neighbour. Until the 1980s, we demanded parity with India in our international dealings, but as our rival's economy -- and hence its influence -- increased, we began a slide that grows steeper by the day.
India always had an edge over Pakistain where soft power was concerned. It was seen as a culturally rich and colourful destination for foreigners, while Pakistain was viewed as a barren and joyless place dominated by the military and the mullahs. Our foul treatment of women and minorities did little to improve our image.
| Rather the contrary, in fact. What an odd thing to say. |