Former Singapore diplomat’s sharp attack on Pakistan, raised questions on leadership by narrating the story of 1991 plane hijacking

New Delhi. Bilhari Kausikan, former Foreign Secretary and senior diplomat of Singapore, while making a sharp comment on the political leadership and administrative system of Pakistan, mentioned the incident of a plane hijacking that took place in 1991. He claimed that during the crisis, when an attempt was made to contact former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at the request of the hijackers, a reply was received from her residence that she was sleeping and could not be disturbed.

Kausikan made this comment while talking to journalists during the International Reporting Fellowship of the National Press Foundation. He said that Pakistan’s leadership and governance system should be held more responsible for Pakistan’s current problems than its geographical conditions.

Mentioned the plane hijacking incident

Kausikan referred to the hijacking of Singapore Airlines Flight SQ117 in March 1991. According to him, four Pakistani hijackers had taken over the plane and demanded that they be allowed to talk to Benazir Bhutto.

He told that being part of the talks process at that time, he called Bhutto’s residence at around 3 in the night. He claims that the staff present there refused to allow him to talk saying that “Madam is sleeping” and cannot be woken up.

Security forces ended the crisis

According to Kausikan, Singapore security forces launched a special operation on the plane after talks failed to yield any solution. All four hijackers were killed in the operation, while all passengers and crew were rescued safely.

He said it was not entirely clear what the real intentions of the hijackers were because all the attackers were killed during the operation.

Comment on Pakistan’s leadership and army

During the conversation, Kausikan criticized Pakistan’s political system and said that the country’s politicians have failed to provide effective leadership. He also said that Pakistan’s army plays a role in keeping the country united, but at the same time it has also been a part of many problems.

According to him, Pakistan’s current challenges cannot be attributed only to neighboring countries or geographical location, but long-standing administrative and political weaknesses are also the main reasons behind it.

Statement also given regarding nuclear weapons

The former diplomat also said that Pakistan’s strategic importance on the international stage is largely linked to its nuclear weapons. He alleged that Pakistan had used its strategic position for years to gain support and resources from global powers, but this could not solve the problems of ordinary citizens.

Kausikan also expressed concern over radicalization and security challenges in Pakistan. However, all these comments are his personal assessments and opinions.