It has been a major embarrassment for Pakistan. The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had planned to hold an international declamation contest, and had called it Humanity at Stake: Impact on World Peace. But the contest, a two-day effort to have begun on October 25, has come a cropper. 

Islamabad had made serious efforts, inviting participants from 20 countries and also, Pakistani universities. There was even prize money at stake: the US $3,000 to the winner, US $2,000 to the runner-up and US$1,000 to the participant coming third. 

The objective of the contest was to attack India. Unfortunately for Islamabad, even the prize money hasn’t tempted people from other countries. Most people or institutions invited are not keen to attend. Some have said they don’t want to travel because of the Covid-19 crisis. As a result, the carefully planned propaganda offensive has failed.  

Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to play the Kashmir card, without much success. There is a plan to hold Kashmir Black Day functions in 55 countries. In the past, such functions have not met with much success.