John Forbes Kerry is probably one of the most shrewd US secretary of state. He is not controversial at all and his amicable manner, diplomatic sagacity and understanding attitude make him ally of everyone. He doesn’t twist the arms and he doesn’t threaten. He convinces and does a fine job at it. In Pakistan, Senator Kerry is well liked. He is in Pakistan these days on 2 day visit and has received a very warm welcome. Right now when Pakistan is waging a full blown Zarb e Azb, and the whole political force is behind the military in that, Kerry’s visit is very crucial.
Media sources at home and abroad are stressing the importance of this visit and they have said that US Secretary of State, in his strategic talks with Pakistani leadership, will exchange views on Pak-Afghan ties and tense situation with India. That is an important issue these days, especially in presence of a hawk like Modi in India. Pakistanis know Kerry from 10 years ago. In Pakistani polls, Kerry was a favorite candidate as compared to Bush. Secretary Kerry was the candidate of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, losing to incumbent President George W. Bush. Had those election been happened in Pakistan, Kerry would have won by landslide. One hopes that honorable Mr. Kerry would balance the US ties with India and Pakistan and would help Pakistan now as it has focused at last on eradicating menace of terrorism. Both Nawaz Sharif , the premier of Pakistan, and COAS Raheel Sharif are also sensible people. So all seems hopeful and good for now.