A discussion of issues regarding the Middle East and the U.S. took place at the Hinckley Institute of Politics Wednesday.
Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani from Pakistan began the forum by giving some background of international relations with the U.S. and Pakistan, specifically the highs and lows in the partnership.
“We have a very sound strategic dialogue that takes place on a regular basis at the level of Secretary Kerry and the foreign minister of Pakistan,” Jilani said.
Jilani then outlined the six working groups the U.S. and Pakistan share: economy and trade, energy, counter terrorism and law enforcement, defense cooperation, active nuclear proliferation, and education and science. Jilani said there is also a new partnership improving situations in Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan has been in turmoil for over 35 years,” Jilani said. “Together with the U.S., we are working towards peace and stability in the region.”
Jilani has been in this position since January 2014 and has a background in several other diplomatic positions including Acting Ambassador, Acting High Commissioner, First Consul and Deputy High Commissioner. The Hinckley Institute accepted the invitation from Jilani, who was in Salt Lake City, to host a forum in which Jilani could present on the situation between the U.S. and Pakistan.
Fatima Hashir, a visiting scholar to Salt Lake Community College, said she attended the event with mixed feelings.
“Jilani represents the favoritism and nepotism in Pakistan that makes our country so negative,” Hashir said. “My family left Pakistan because of all of the corruption that the country represents. I love Pakistan, but it is not a safe place for my family right now.”
Hashir said she specifically had harsh feelings about Jilani.
“His cousin was Prime Minister and gave [Jilani] the job for that reason alone,” she said. “He should not have this job because he does not qualify for it. To make things worse, in India, Jilani gave money away and accepted bribery.”
This accusation is in reference to an incident in 2003 when Jilani stepped down from his New Delhi position amidst allegations of “indulging in activities incompatible with his official status,” according to India’s foreign affairs spokesperson.
Some U students who attended the event, such as Ashley Cook, an undeclared sophomore, were primarily unaware of Jilani’s high profile. Cook said that she did not plan on going to the event.
“I was walking by the Hinckley after my class finished and had some time to kill,” she said.“I wish I knew more about Pakistan and the Middle East because the whole lecture had me wanting to ask more questions on things I’m sure everyone already knew the answers to.”
Other students went to the forum for extra credit, such as Paul Johnson, a junior in political science, who went for his Middle Eastern class.
“I am learning so much about the connections and complex layers between the U.S. and the Middle East,” Johnson said. “Pakistan especially is an interesting country who has had a partnership for the U.S. since the Cold War.”
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