Pakistan ‘could learn from Belgium’

Pakistan could do worse than look at Belgium in order to avoid sectarian violence, writes the Express Tribune’s Farhan Zaheer. “Belgium – a small but ethnically diverse country in the heart of Europe consisting of French-, Dutch-and German-speaking populations – took over four centuries to learn the lesson of peaceful coexistence,” he writes. With a population of just 11 million and a small land mass, Belgium is 26 times smaller than Pakistan. Its deputy head of mission in Pakistan, Dr Stéphane Mund, recently delivered a lecture at the University of Karachi’s Area Study Centre for Europe. In his address, he said his country had triumphed not only over sectarian conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries, but also recent ethnic and language issues. “Until recently, we had ethnic and language issues but we decided to listen to each other,” said Mund. “Difference of opinion does not mean that you kill each other. We learnt that only dialogue can resolve issues.” Belgium was the battleground of Europe for centuries as it had no natural protection from its larger neighbours, and for centuries, armies of almost every big power of Europe have fought on its land for resources and power. Being a small country, it has always relied on active trade with its neighbours – something which has contributed to its economic growth. Today, it is among the top 10 trading nations of the world with most of its trade occurring with neighbouring countries. Here is another lesson for Pakistan, says Zaheer: whatever differences you have with your neighbours, keep your lines of trade open with them.