THIS is apropos the article `Death of a prisoner` by Rimmel Mohydin (June 3).
The tragic death of innocent Zulfiqar Ali in Indonesia, who was suspected of smuggling drug, has highlighted the callousness of Pakistani rulers toward the citizens. It also shamefully revealed our weaknesses and policy lacuna on the diplomatic front.
The case in question proved beyond a doubt that our diplomatic and consular missions abroad have miserably failed to live up to their duty. What can we expect from our leaders if they cannot protect us abroad from injustices or miscarriage of justice? Responsible states do care for the protection of life and dignity of their citizens at home and abroad. Nationality, after all, is a pledge between citizens and the state which entitles citizens to some rightsin return oftheirobedience and loyalty to the laws of the land.
Zulfiqar Ali`s was a tragedy. Further recklessness on this count will only enhance the possibility of a recurrence of such nerve-wrenching incidents. A state that fails to protect the life of its innocent nationals abroad is highly unlikely to diplomatically take up other serious issues with vigour.
It is time we took up the issue with Indonesia, and diplomats who failed to act in time must be taken to task.
