Youm-e-Shuhada: The Real Heroes

By Sajjad Shaukat

Every year, the Pakistan Army commemorates Youm-e-Shuhada (Martyrs Day) on April 30 and the whole nation joins it to pay tribute to the departed souls of those valiant army officials who sacrificed their lives for the safety and security of the country and its people. Several ceremonies are being held at the Garrisons all over the country, but the main ceremony is being held at Yadqar-e-Shuhada, General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi. The families and relatives of the martyrs (Shuhada), serving and retired officers including people, belonging to various segments of society are invited to attend a function at the GHQ to pay tribute to the national heroes. Similarly, a sizeable number of near and dear ones of the martyrs are invited to attend the functions at the Corps Headquarters.

This time, Youm-e-Shuhada has come at a time when Pakistan and its armed forces have been facing a different war, while enemy is also different, which employs subversive activities of various kinds which also include internal and external challenges. In these terms, Pakistan is in In this respect, our Armed Forces have almost successfully obtained their objectives in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) including Khyber Agency through military operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists who had challenged the writ of the state, and had frightened the entire nation by their terror-acts. Pakistan has perennially been facing subversive activities and sectarian violence in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi and other parts of the country including tribal areas where security forces are coping with the militants.

Externally, Pak Army and Rangers have boldly been responding to India’s unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir and Working Boundary in Sialkot. While, the fundamentalist party BJP led by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is implementing anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan agenda. In this context, BJP leader Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, a staunch promoter of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) stated on July 12, 2014 that India needed only two years to defeat Pakistan militarily, and the only solution of Kashmir was war, as “there is no peaceful, And, Pakistan’s security forces have also faced cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan side, encountering heavily-armed militants who from time to time, targeted Army’s check posts, and other civil and military installations.

However, services of Pak Army cannot be explained in words. They always make us proud. They stood first in the time of national crisis and natural calamities. Their untiring sincere efforts mark the defence of Pakistan with an ultimate assurance to safeguard the country at all heads. We are proud to have such great sons, because these are the heroes who really make history— the martyrs. The sacrifices of our Shuhada are what make our defence unconquerable. Pakistan’s armed forces are our strategic assets and first line of defence. Whether it be frustrating enemy’s nefarious designs on the borders and fighting off internal enemies, horrifying the state or it may be the difficult times of natural catastrophes, these bold soldiers have strengthened and fortified the motherland by leaving no stone unturned. Every Pakistani salutes to those brave sons of the soil, who always ensure our safety by keeping the frontiers safe. The alertness and resolve of our soldiers in looking out—day and night for all internal and external enemies, and who are always ready to confront the mayhems of severe conditions from the scorching deserts to the icy glaciers in the face of death with no fear—help the persons in tiring times of calamities, leaving their families behind in their determination to provide protection to all the families of our country, and thus make them real national heroes.

Today, the whole nation stands by our soldiers who are guarding our borders and days will prove that the war against terrorism will not finish us, while the terrorists themselves will be eliminated by our valiant soldiers who desire to be martyrs and are not afraid of death. Caravans of Shuhada will continue forever. We salute all the soldiers of Pakistan, who are sacrificing their today for our tomorrow. However, surely martyrs are gladly giving up their bodies to torture and death-the trustworthy heroes of our history.

Nevertheless, the importance of the Youm-e-Shuhada, this year has been increased, as the nation stood by forces when they have also been made target of malevolent campaign, being launched by the anti-Pakistan foreign entities. In this regard, while playing national songs on the occasion, the TV channels must also give a matching response to the hostile forces which are working against the integrity of the country, and are distorting the image of Pak Army. It is mentionable that last year, while offering Fateha for the martyrs Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Raheel Sharif delivered a remarkable speech at Yadgar-e-Shuhada ceremony. He said, “The commitment of Pakistan armed forces to democracy and the Constitution is a matter of satisfaction and also a matter of huge significance.” Gen. Raheel Sharif’s declaration of his devotion to media’s freedom and his tributes to the media were highly significant. He pointed out, “The people and the Army are on the same page on all the important matters.”

Gen. Raheel Sharif also expressed the Army’s point of view on terrorism and the Kashmir issue, and elaborated, He supports every attempt made for eliminating terrorism.” And, he convincingly highlighted the importance of the Kashmir issue, saying, “Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but if the country is ever subjected to aggression, it is fully capable of giving a Besides, stressing the need of unity among all segments of society, he concluded, “Pakistan’s armed forces are keeping a close vigil on the internal and external challenges and were fully capable of meeting all the threats to the security of the country…the armed forces remained alert round the clock for the defence of the motherland.” Nonetheless, during this very day, the Yaum-e-Shuhada, people of Pakistan laude the unparalleled sacrifices of the soldiers, paying them tribute, as they are the real heroes of the country.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Indian Function in Afghanistan Exposed

By Sajjad Shaukat

During his first visit to Pakistan, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani who was accompanied by high security officials also met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif. President Ashraf lauded Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism. Besides mutual cooperation in other fields, Islamabad’s proposal to offer security and defence cooperation to Afghanistan was received Afghan President said, “His government and the people of Afghanistan desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest. He elaborated, “We must overcome the past…we will not permit the past to destroy the future.”It is notable that Gen. Raheel accompanied by the DG of Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), went to Kabul on December 17, 2014. During his meeting with his Afghan counterpart, President Ashraf Ghani and the ISAF commander, he presented the evidence of linkage between the massacre of children at Peshawar school and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan. He also asked about action against the TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah and his network which is being assisted by India.

Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Modi was humbled by the US Secretary of State John Kerry when he met him during a recent official visit to India. During the meeting, American team got furious and showed some hard evidence of Mullah Fazalullah and RAW nexus in Afghanistan to It is mentionable that New Delhi which has already invested billion of dollars in Afghanistan, also signed a wide-ranging strategic agreement with that country on October 5, 2011. And, the then President Karzai had also signed another agreement with India to obtain Indian arms and weapons. However, under the cover of these agreements, India has further strengthened its grip Besides, Indian secret agency RAW has well-established its network in Afghanistan, and with the tactical assistance of anti-Pakistan secret agencies, it is fully backing cross-border incursions including terror-activities in Balochistan province and other regions of Pakistan, and is also destabilizing China and Iran.

As regards Balochistan, based in Afghanistan, particularly RAW has continuously been assisting the Baloch separatist groups like BLA to create lawlessness there. In this regard, Indian former Army Chief Gen. VK Singh openly admitted that during his tenure, he supervised special army unit, Tactical Support Division (TSD) to sponsor acts of sabotage, especially in Balochistan. In this context, after the recent visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, who signed 51 agreements for cooperation in various fields, related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China, the director of The Second Floor (T2F), a social activist Sabeen Mahmud was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Karachi on April 24, this year—followed by a bomb blast in Sibi, which killed several persons on April 26. However, she had left T2F after attending the session on Balochistan, when she was targeted. She was likely conduct a seminar at LUMS in Lahore about Balochistan. No doubt, RAW is behind the ssassination of Sabeen Mahmud-a well thought-out plan not only to try to sabotage Pak-China alliance, but also to accuse ISI. While, the DG, ISPR Maj-GEN,

Asim Bajwa strongly condemned the murder of Sabeen Mahmud, adding that intelligence agencies have been tasked to assist in the investigation of the However, taking note of Indian secret function, now, Afghan government and US has started taking action against the TTP. A number of TTP militants have been captured in Afghanistan, while Fazlullah survived in a drone attack.  Unlike the Karzai regime, Afghan leadership is visionary and desires to stay away from the Indian proxy wars in the region. Afghan new rulers are no   more   interested   in carrying forward the “Arms deal” with India and are only interested in socio-economic development, peace and stability in the region.

During his visit to India from April 27 to 29, Afghan President Ashraf is reportedly, interested in asking New Delhi to stop interference in Afghanistan and its neighbours. Due to exposed Indian links with TTP and Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA), and her involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan, India which is finding it hard to entice the new Afghan government, resultantly, feels   marginalized in the unfolding Afghan chessboard. Indian leadership is desperate and impatient to woo the new afghan leadership and to revive the bilateral relations to continue her evil designs towards Pakistan and China. To overcome growing feelings of frustration, Indian rulers may expand engagements with Afghan leadership, but Afghan Government which may fulfill the formality is not ready to support Indian maneuvers towards Beijing and Islamabad.

Taking advantage of Afghanistan’s dwindling economy, during the visit of President Ghani, Indian leadership is also expected to announce many incentives for Kabul by boasting about investing $2 billion in infrastructural and humanitarian projects in Afghanistan. Notably, India has not made any investment for the war torn country since   2012,   which exposes   its   sham   sincerity and commitment for Afghanistan. India has still been in thick contact with extremist terrorist outfits like TTP etc. A person namely Asim Umar (an Indian citizen of Utter Pardesh who had migrated to Pakistan in 1990) maneuvered to become Chief of Al Qaeda’s South Asia Chapter. He is a confirmed RAW agent and his organization is involved in an attempt to hijack PNS Zulfikar. He has even created AQIS women force under title of “Shaheen Force.”

Emergence of ISIS in Afghanistan (to counter-weight Taliban) has also connections with Indian security agencies, as majority of the groups, announcing allegiance with it, enjoyed good contacts with Indian RAW and were exploited as proxies against Pakistan. Recently, ISIS claimed incident in Jalalabad (Suicide attack) has also traces of Indian linkage. In fact, India through ISIS in Afghanistan is trying to counter Taliban. Moreover, RAW and anti-China secret agencies may step up activities by strengthening East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) along Pak-China border to support terrorism in China. Undoubtedly, Indian secret function in Afghanistan has been exposed.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants,

Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Major Challenge to Pak-China Alliance

By Sajjad Shaukat

During the historical visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan, on April 20, this year, he and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed 51 agreements for cooperation in various fields, related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), energy, infrastructure, agriculture, research, technology, education etc. The establishment of CPEC between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China will connect Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass. Beijing would also build an international airport at Gwadar, while the roads infrastructure in Gwadar would link the communication network of rest of the country to facilitate transportation of goods.

When Gwadar seaport becomes fully operational, it would connect the landlocked Central Asian states with rest of the world. Being the commercial hub, the port is likely to increase volume of trade, bringing multiple economic and financial benefits to Pakistan like the Suez Canal which changed the destiny of Egypt when Israel returned it to the former. It will enable high-volume cargo vessels to move in the major oceans. Gwadar project will not only uplift the impoverished people of Balochistan by providing thousands of employment opportunities and is likely to develop whole the province by redressing their grievances. The resulting prosperity in the province would trickle down to the Baloch people and damp the separatist sentiments, which the hostile elements, supported by anti-Pakistan powers do not want.

Recall, when during the Musharraf regime, Islamabad initiated the construction of Gwadar deep-seaport in Balochistan in March 2002 with Chinese assistance, sirens went off in the capitals of foreign countries, especially the US, India and Israel which took it as a threat to their global and Located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar seaport is close to the Strait of Hormuz from where more than 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. Its ideal location among three key regions, South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia has further increased its strategic significance. Its development has shifted the Great Game of Central Asia to Pakistan. Hence, sirens still continue alarming in the Besides, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources like gas, coal and gold, entailing Pakistan’s close ties with China also pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries which intend to destabilize Pakistan for their collective aims.

Therefore, major challenge to Pak-China strategic alliance is that with the tactical support of American CIA and Israeli Mossad, Indian RAW has continuously been assisting the Baloch separatist groups and Baloch Sub Nationalists to conduct subversive acts—and using terrorist elements in Balochistan to threat Pak-Chinese interest in the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. And, Afghanistan has become a hub from where external secret agencies have been funding and arranging subversive activities in other parts of Pakistan—especially in Balochistan through their affiliated militant groups at the cost of Pakistan, China and Iran. In the past few years, they abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan.

It is of particular attention, that Indian former Army Chief Gen. VK Singh openly admitted that during his tenure, he supervised special army unit, Tactical Support Division (TSD) on the instructions of the then defence minister to sponsor acts of sabotage in Pakistan, particularly As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from RAW and other anti-Pakistan spy agencies—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. The main aim behind is to create unrest in Balochistan and to discourage Beijing for the development of While, in May, 2013, a day before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Islamabad; Chinese engineers being driven through Clifton Block-1 in Karachi escaped a major bomb attack. Taking note of the foreign powers’ anti-Pakistan designs, during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Islamabad made extraordinary security arrangements.

It is notable that a Gallup survey of the UK official body, DFID, conducted on July 20, 212, had disclosed that the vast majority of the Baloch people oppose the idea of an independent As a result of the general elections 2013, the government led by the nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch was established in Balochistan, while on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in the province. These elections proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation, and have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by external forces which are weakening Pakistan by supporting the anti-state elements in Balochistan. It is noteworthy that during his visit to Balochistan, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif on April 15, this year warned foreign forces and spy agencies against destabilizing Pakistan by supporting insurgents in Balochistan. Gen. Raheel elaborated, “Army will continue supporting the Balochistan government till terrorism is wiped out…those found involved in funding and facilitating terrorists will be dealt with iron hands.”

In fact, Gen. Raheel Sharif was compelled to expose conspiracy against Pakistan after the gunmen killed 20 laborers in Turbat district of Baluchistan in the deadliest attack on April 11, who were working at a dam construction site. It is worth-mentioning that during China’s visit, Gen. Raheel Sharif, on January 25, 2015, China’s Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Gen. Fan has assured that China will assist Pakistan in every challenge. Nevertheless, foreign entities shall pose a major challenge to Pak-China strategic alliance through terror-acts. Hence, the intelligence agencies and security forces of both the countries must be well-prepared to cope with these elements.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Yemen Crisis: Destabilizing the Muslim World

By Sajjad Shaukat

Yemen crisis cannot be seen in isolation, as it has provided the anti-Muslim countries and lobbies with a golden chance to destabilize the Muslim World. It is of particular attention that faced with an unending resistance in Iraq and other volatile Islamic states, the US had planned to spark a civil war between the Sunnis and Shias. In this context, a study of a leading think tank Rand Corporation, titled ‘US Strategy in the Muslim World After 9/11’ was conducted on behalf of the then US Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force. The report of the Rand Corporation which was released on December 27, 2004 advocated that Sunni-Shia sectarian division and Arab-non-Arab ethnic differences should be exploited to promote the US objectives in the Muslim World. The report of the Rand Corporation was first implemented in Iraq where American CIA fuelled sectarian violence. In 2004, major terror-attacks were carried out against the Shias in Karbala and Baghdad. Afterwards, a chain of Shia-Sunni clashes started between Iraqi Shias and Sunnis, targeting each other’s mosques and religious leaders through bomb blasts, suicide attacks etc.

After experiment in Iraq, more deadly pattern of sectarian violence was conducted in Pakistan As a matter of fact, by acting upon the old formula of ‘divide and rule’, some US-led western countries including Israel and India leave no stone unturned in creating disunity among the Muslim countries. In this regard, by availing the international phenomena of terrorism in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, some American and western lobbies have joined the Indo-Israeli lobbies, and are collectively working in America and other European countries by equating the “Global War on Terror” with “war on Islam” and acts of Al Qaeda with all the Muslims. Pakistan, being the lonely atomic power in the Islamic World irritates the eyes of the anti-Muslim entities. If India considers Pakistan as its enemy number one, Israel also takes it and Iran in the same sense. Recently, Tel Aviv has strongly opposed the nuclear deal between Tehran and the US. However, all these similarities of interest have brought various western countries—Israel and India to follow a common secret diplomacy with the tactical support of Washington to target Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia etc in one way or the other.

However, in the backdrop of forced ouster of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in Yemen and seizure of power by armed Houthi (Zaidi) militants led by Hadi’s predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, a joint aerial operation code named “Decisive Storm” is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan etc. The joint action has endorsement of Arab League and support of many Muslim and Western countries. It is being highlighted that Turkey which also considers providing logistical support to the Saudi-led operation is reluctant to do so.  Some of the opinion makers are also suggesting Pakistan to insert It is notable that Yemen has an area of 5, 27 829 Square Kms., and a population of 2, 3833 000. Out of this population about 40% belong to Houthis. Yemen is largely a tribal society with dwindling natural resources, which has contributed to rise in tribal conflicts from time to time.

In Yemen, no matter if you are rich or poor; you must have guns as part of culture. Therefore, instead of shopping for food or clothes, customers prefer to buy weapons and arms. The terrain of Yemen is mountainous with some patches of desert and a strategically important coastline. The area is generally acknowledged as Afghanistan of Middle East. The country is facing internal strife since 1926. Undoubtedly, the nature of conflict in Yemen has been socio-political. While, now it is being presented by the anti-Muslim countries and their media as sectarian mainly because of the alleged Iranian support to Houthis.

In the 1962 civil war, republican revolution of Yemen was supported by seventy thousand troops from Egypt. In that conflict, Houthis were secretly supplied weapons by Israel to fight against the Egyptians. Since then, religio-political movement of the Houthis took a violent shape under title of Ansarullah (Partisans of God). It has created a space for local, regional and extra-regional forces to play devilish politics to destabilize the Islamic countries. Most of the Middle East countries have already been weakened by world powers through economic sanctions, civil strife and military attacks. The only country which has so far remained stable is Saudi Arabia.

It is mentionable that some anti-Muslim entities are trying to create fissures in Pak-Saudi friendship since April 10, this year when through a unanimous resolution, Pakistan’s Parliament urged the government to stay neutral in the Yemen conflict and refrain from getting embroiled in any military offensive due to its drastic implications in the region. Parliament called upon “warring factions in Yemen to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue.”

The resolution noted that the war in Yemen “is not sectarian in nature, but has the potential of turning into a sectarian conflict which will have critical fallout in the region including Pakistan. It said that in the case of “any violation of Saudi Arabia’s territorial sovereignty and any threat to Harmain Shareefain (Holy places), Pakistan will stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia.” Calling for unity among Muslim countries, the resolution urged Pakistan to play a diplomatic role to end the crisis—also through the UN Security Council and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) for an immediate ceasefire in Yemen. On the same day, a corps commanders’ meeting presided over by Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif expressed similar thoughts. On April 13, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also held a high level meeting with civil and military leaders, and reiterated Islamabad’s similar stand, mentioned in the Parliament’s resolution. Earlier, in a meeting with the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zari, Prime Minister Sharif sated, “Besides the loss of innocent lives, the Yemen crisis can undermine the unity of Muslim world.”

And, during a joint press conference in Tehran, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian counterpart explained on April 8, “We talked about Iraq, Syria, Palestine...had a long discussion about Yemen and agreed for political solution of the crisis…we both think war and bloodshed must stop in this area immediately and a complete ceasefire must be established and the strikes must stop” in Yemen. Meanwhile, same lobbies which are destabilizing the Muslim World exploited the statement of the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash who warned Pakistan of having to pay a heavy price for ambiguous stand—Tehran and Ankara seem to be more important to Islamabad and than the Arab-Gulf countries—the vague stands of Pakistan and Turkey are an absolute proof that Arab security—from Libya to Yemen—is the responsibility of none, but Arab countries.”

Besides, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz who visited Pakistan termed the Parliament’s resolution as its Pakistan’s internal matter, elaborating, “Saudi Arabia has strong ties with Islamabad, and we expect an encouraging response from Pakistan.” While, Saudi Chief Adviser for Religious Affairs, Dr Abdul Aziz termed the mediation talk about In fact, Islamabad has always played a key role in unifying the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country and people of Pakistan hold them in high esteem. Pakistanis are ready to scarify their resources for the safety, security and integrity of Saudi Arabia. At the same time, they do not wish that Riyadh gets weakened in a protracted war having serious consequences.

Pakistan has suffered the cost of such wars in last three decades. Muslim World has also seen the destruction and weakening of Iran and Iraq through such stratagem of world powers. Hence, Pakistan’s approach to solve this issue is based on attaining the political objectives through other than military means. Anyhow, this does not preclude the military support to Saudi Arabia, if situation demands. But, fact remains that the territorial make up of Yemen and the groups involved in destabilization would embroil anti-Houthi forces in a prolonged war which the US-led NATO powers have been experiencing in Afghanistan for 14 years. So, it will consume the military muscle of the Muslim countries.

Houthi activists and forces of the ex-President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi supported by the regional and extra-regional powers are exploiting the Yemen war by projecting it as a Sunni-Shia conflict, whereas the conflict is politically motivated. Nevertheless, Pakistan has analyzed the Yemen situation realistically and adopted a course of action best suited to and other Muslim states. Islamabad’s support to Riyadh is unequivocal, unflinching and traditional. It needs to be cleared that efforts of certain quarters to create a wedge and discontent in Pakistani society on the issue of sending forces or assisting Saudi Arabia by projecting the conflict on sectarian lines, are bound to fail.  

Nonetheless, taking cognizance of anti-Muslim countries which are manipulating the Yemen crisis to destabilize the Muslim World, Pakistan and Islamic countries must endeavour for making serious efforts in engaging the conflicting sides and resolve the situation through diplomacy and dialogue. Media of the Muslim World should play a mature role in diluting any divisive impression.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants,

Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Balochistan-Foreign Forces Destabilize Pakistan

 By Sajjad Shaukat

Although in the recent years, Pakistan’s civil and military high officials have been saying that foreign hands are behind the insurgency in Balochistan province in order to destabilize Pakistan, yet army chief’s clear statement in this respect is notable. During his visit to Quetta, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif on April 15, this year warned foreign forces and spy agencies against destabilizing Pakistan by supporting insurgents in Balochistan. Gen. Raheel elaborated, “Army will continue supporting the Balochistan government till terrorism is wiped out…those found involved in funding and facilitating terrorists will be dealt with iron hands.” Expressing his condolences over killing of 20 workers in Turbat, he also warned all miscreants and anti-state elements to refrain from their terror-activities. In fact, Gen. Raheel Sharif was compelled to expose conspiracy against Pakistan after the gunmen killed 20 laborers in the deadliest attack on April 11, who were working at a dam construction site in the Turbat district of Baluchistan.

On the same day of the incident, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that a militant group funded by Indian spy agency, RAW was behind the brutal attack in Turbat. However, as part of the strategic game in Balochistan, negative role of foreign forces and intelligence agencies which are working against the integrity of Pakistan needs attention. When during the Musharraf regime, Pakistan government initiated the construction of Gwadar deep-seaport in Balochistan province in March 2002 with Chinese assistance, sirens went off in the capitals of foreign countries, especially the United States, India and Israel. The US took it as a threat to its global plans, and India felt that it threatened its integrity. Israel took it as a greater threat from an Islamic country.

Located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar seaport is close to the Strait of Hormuz from where more than 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. Its ideal location among three key regions, South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia has further increased its strategic significance. Its development has shifted the Great Game of Central Asia to Pakistan. Hence, sirens still continue alarming in the And, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources like gas, coal and gold, entailing Pakistan’s close ties with China pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries which intend to destabilize Pakistan for their collective aims. Besides, Gwadar’s development has created strategic irritations among certain powers including America, India, Iran and Afghanistan. Therefore, with the tactical support of American CIA and Israeli Mossad, Indian RAW has continuously been assisting the Baloch separatist groups and Baloch Sub Nationalists to conduct subversive acts—and using terrorist elements in Balochistan to threat Chinese interest in the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, Afghanistan has become a hub from where external secret agencies have been funding and arranging subversive activities in other parts of Pakistan—especially in Balochistan through their affiliated militant groups at the cost of Pakistan, China and Iran.

In the past few years, they abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan. It is of particular attention, that Indian former Army Chief Gen. VK Singh openly admitted that during his tenure, he supervised special army unit, Tactical Support Division (TSD) on the instructions of the then defence minister to sponsor acts of sabotage in Pakistan, particularly It is mentionable that during his trip to Beijing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signed eight agreements on July 5, 2013 in various fields. The most important one envisages the establishment of CPEC between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China—connecting to Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass. Beijing has also offered to build an international airport, while the roads infrastructure in Gwadar would be connected with the communication network of rest of the country to facilitate transportation of goods. By rejecting US growing pressure, Pakistan has handed over the control of Gwader seaport to China.

While, in May, 2013, a day before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Islamabad; Chinese engineers being driven through Clifton Block-1 in Karachi escaped a major bomb attack. It is worth-mentioning that during China’s visit, Gen. Raheel Sharif, on January 25, 2015, China’s Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Gen. Fan has assured that China will assist Pakistan in every challenge. It is noteworthy that in February 8, 2012, three Republican Congressmen including Dana Rohrabacher, Louie Gohmert and Steve King tabled a bill before US Congress stating, “Balochistan is currently divided between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan with no sovereign rights of its own. In Pakistani Balochistan the people are subjected to violence and extrajudicial killings.” The bill favoured Baloch rights of self-determination, having a sovereign state—and must be afforded the opportunity to choose their own status.

As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from RAW and other anti-Pakistan spy agencies—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Hence, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. The main aim behind is to create unrest in Balochistan and to discourage Beijing for the development of Gwadar port.

Taking cognizance of the foreign powers’ anti-Pakistan designs, Islamabad has made extraordinary security arrangements, as Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit Pakistan on It is remarkable that a Gallup survey of the UK official body, DFID, conducted on July 20, 212, had disclosed that the vast majority of the Baloch people oppose the idea of an independent As a result of the general elections 2013, the government led by the nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch was established in Balochistan, while on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in the province. These elections proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation, and have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by foreign forces which are destabilizing Pakistan by supporting anti-state elements in Balochistan.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Assaults on Women in India

By Sajjad Shaukat

Indian hegemonic designs and lust for military power has resulted in brazenly ignoring socio-

economic factors behind the menace of rape, as sexual assaults are direct outcome of ignored

Fundamentalist government of the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi still prefers military spending instead of improving social fabric of Indian society. Rising number of rapes are attributable to religious fanaticism, nation’s patriarchy, widespread poverty and lack of law Now, India has become an eternal ordeal for women, and every 23 minutes a lady is raped. In this respect, some women lodge a complaint or FIR, while most of them avoid it, considering In this regard, some major rape cases are notable. On April 14, 2015, an officer of Indian Administrative Service, SN Roy in Haryana has been sent on leave after being accused of sexually abusing a woman who complained to the police. On March 28, a woman from Bengaluru filed a complaint with Delhi police against an immigration officer who sexually harassed her at Indira Gandhi International Airport. On March 21, a court in Delhi granted bail to environmentalist R.K. Pachauri who was facing a case of sexual attack on a woman research analyst. On March 18, the naked body of a 75-year-old woman was found at an ashram in West Bengal’s Burdwan district—a second rape of a senior citizen in West Bengal within a week.

Besides, in a number of rape cases, targeting foreign women have come to the surface in India in 2013. In March 2013, a 38 year old Swiss woman was gang-raped in a forest near Datia town by six Indians. In January 2013 a South Korean student was drugged and raped by the son of owner of the hotel where she was staying. Regrettably, a British holidaymaker in the northern city of Agra suffered a leg injury when she jumped out of the hotel window to save her honor, as two men entered her hotel room with the intent to molest her. In February 2013, a Chinese woman working in Gurgaon, was raped by an Indian acquaintance. In May 31, 2013, a young Irish woman was raped by a man in a house in Kalighat area. The 21 years old young girl came into with acquaintance, an Indian native named Sujay Mitra in the city of Kolkata where she was celebrating her birthday.

In a notorious case, five years ago, 15-year old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling was raped and left to die on a beach in the tourist resort of Goa. In another shameful case, in June 3, 2013, a US national was gang-raped by three men in a truck in Manali. The woman was attacked, after she accepted a lift by three men in a truck. Police said the men drove the woman to a secluded spot where they raped her and robbed her. This practice continued in 2014. Taking cognizance of sexual assaults on the tourist ladies, British and Swiss governments including those of other countries have already issued instructions to women tourists to refrain from going to India due to growing risks of insecurity In this context, The New York wrote in June 10, 2013, “Visits to India by female tourists dropped 35 percent in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year.

That three-month period came after the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi in December…every day women face the harassment and intimidation in India.” It elaborated, “Although the per capita rate of rapes reported to the police in India is below, as many sexual attacks go unreported and that the actual number is far higher…sexual offense law in March that imposes stronger penalties for violence against women and criminalizes actions. But attacks on women have continued with an alarming regularity. While Indian women are most often the targets, foreign tourists have been victims as well.” Sumit Galhotra, a journalist who specializes in human rights in South Asia, said that he has noticed, “While some rape cases in India have received widespread coverage in the local media, but others have not, particularly rape cases in rural India, which are routinely ignored in the press…despite the pervasiveness of India’s rape problem, only a few cases get international In fact, the fast-track court system in India is still not fast enough. In this context, the Indian judicial system moves at a glacial pace, because the prosecution’s primary focus has, instead, been on barring foreign journalists from proceedings.

In this connection, on March 29, 2015, a report under the caption, “Pakistani girl molested, Pune cop held”, published in Indian newspaper, “The Hindu” said that a Pune policeman has been booked for molesting a minor Pakistani national at her residence. Anand Gidde, attached to the Pakistan desk of the Foreigners Registration Office, visited the 13-year-old’s house on March 24 ostensibly for verifying documents and molested her. Nevertheless, rape of a Pakistani Hindu minor girl is driven by general acrimony of Indians against Pakistan. Despite repeated demand of Pakistani High Commission in India, no action has been taken against the culprit Anand Gidde who has also managed a bail before arrest. Reportedly, the minor girl was raped by the Pune Police official on instance of Indian secret agency, RAW officials to humiliate the family of the victim after they refused to work for RAW.

The incident is an eye opener for foreigners, particularly Hindu and Sikh families aspiring to visit India for pilgrimage or other purposes.  Undoubtedly, major reason for increasing cases of rape is callous attitude of Indian government and political leaders who behave insensitively to these ugly crimes. Hence, foreign governments and media must pay a greater attention regarding growing evil of rape against women in India, denouncing it forcefully and uncovering negligence of Indian police and law-enforcing agencies. Otherwise, sexual assaults on Women in India will continue.

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Dangerous Radicalization of India

By Sajjad Shaukat

Indian society is intensely witnessing violent waves of radicalization in the form of vandalism of Christian Churches, forceful conversions of Muslims and Christians in the name of Shudhi (purification) or Ghar Wapsi, ban on beef and cow slaughter and inclusion of Hindu religious books in curriculum. In these terms, dangerous radicalization of India needs immediate attention. The gravity of Hindu radicalization is so intense that the US President Obama and New York Times also cautioned India over the minority issues.  Although New Delhi has been destabilizing all regional states through its well-planned and deliberated strategy, however, its major focus has always been towards Pakistan, a policy of In this regard, Pakistani people can not afford to remain forgetful to the agony of the tragedy at Army Public School Peshawar—carnage incident which resulted in killing of more than 140 children. It was undoubtedly carried out by Ajit Doval’s stooges in connivance with the Tahreek- e-Taliban Pakistan, as he is fond of exploiting radicalized proxies. Ajit Doval, the ex-spymaster is now National Security Advisor of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this recent past, Doval attempted to stage a drama of “explosive boat” to defame Pakistan before the arrival of President Obama to New Delhi.

It is also an undeniable fact that Ajit Doval’s cronies are creating law and order problems in Balochistan. Doval in his recent lecture clearly threatened that Islamabad will lose Balochistan—a video is a clear confession by India that it is behind the separatists in the province of Balochistan and has a huge network of its operatives against the state of Pakistan. Undoubtedly, Ajit Doval has been targeting Pakistan as a part of “Offensive defensive” doctrine.  In this context, as per agenda of the Hindu ruling party, BJP including other extremist parties like RSS, New Delhi accelerated unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir and Working Boundary across Pak-Indian border. Reportedly, Indian government has refused to issue visa for the city of Panipat to Pakistani couple Rana Shaukat Ali and his wife Rukhsana to visit graves of their five children who lost their lives in the Samjhota Express blast in 2007. They have been granted Indian visa only for Noida, thus not allowing the couple to visit the graves of their children. This shows Indian present government’s insensitivity to the grief and pain of the bereaved couple. It also raises serious questions about Indian extremist rulers’ intentions to bring the perpetrators of Samjhota.

However, as part of anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan approach, leader of the BJP and Prime Minister of India Modi is giving impetus to Hindu chauvinism. Indian society is rapidly radicalizing, as unprecedented rise of Hindu extremism has posed serious threats to the very existence of the minorities there. While, the constitution declares India to be a secular state, granting equal rights to the religious minorities, but in practice ideology of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) prevails. Hindu politics and culture, dominated by the fundamentalist parties such as BJP, RSS VHP, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena including other extremist outfits have been propagating Hindutva. Provocative utterances of their extremist leaders have resulted into unending violence against the Muslim and Christians including other minority groups, while creating war-like situation between Pakistan and India.

Radicalization of India by Hindu fanatic parties could be judged from various recent developments. On May 28, 2014, Rashtriya Hindu Andolan, a Mangalore-based Hindutva outfit and activists from various right wing groups organized a protest in Mangalore in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner by demanding the authorities to ban the morning Muslim call to prayer (Azan) across the country. Besides, forcing the Muslim employee in a Parliament Canteen by BJP leader to break his fast by stuffing piece of bread in his mouth, statement of Deputy Chief of Goa, declaring India as a Hindu state, opposition to declaration of Sania Mirza as Ambassador of Indian state by calling her daughter-in-law of Pakistan might be cited as Besides other anti-Muslim incidents like the discovery of the unmarked graves of thousands of the innocent Kashmiris, killed by the Indian security forces in the Indian-held Kashmir, pre-planned destruction of the Babri Masjid (mosque) in 1992 and genocide of the 2500 Muslims in 2002 in the then BJP-ruled Indian state of Gujarat, and participants of the Indian high officials in the events especially be cited as instance.

In this connection, on March 29, 2015, a report under the caption, “Pakistani girl molested, Pune cop held”, published in Indian newspaper, “The Hindu” said that a Pune policeman has been booked for molesting a minor Pakistani national at her residence. Anand Gidde, attached to the Pakistan desk of the Foreigners Registration Office, visited the 13-year-old’s house on March 24 ostensibly for verifying documents and molested her. Similarly, in the recent years, assaults on Christians, their churches and property have been executed by the Hindu mobs in various cities of India. In this respect, at least 100 Christians have been assassinated by Hindu extremists, mostly in the state of Orissa. In the recent past, frequent incidents of gang rape, specially the rape of elderly Nun shows the ugly face of India. Hindu fanatics are tightening the noose around the minorities in India. It is mentionable that apparently, India claims to be the largest democracy, acting upon the principles of liberalism and secularism, but in practice, all political, economic and social fields of the country are divided on the caste lines.

In this context, Tim Sullivan of the Associated Press wrote, “There’s a lot of lip service to saying ‘I’m an Indian first, and ‘I’ do not believe in caste,” said D’Souza, a prominent campaigner for Dalits, as India’s “untouchables” at the very bottom of the caste system are now known.” Sullivan elaborated, “When it comes to sharing power, to interaction and to sharing social status, low-caste Indians are very much marginalized.” Nevertheless, various facts verify the misdeeds of Hindu fundamentalist parties which have missed no opportunity to radicalize the national politics of India. It is noteworthy that on November 7, 2011, leader of the VHP, Pravin Togadia, in his furious speech questioned the past of Muslims and Christians, and further gave a call to Hindus to capture the Islamic holy places in Arab and Vatican of Europe.

It is worth-mentioning that forced conversions of other religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians by the Bajrang Dal, RSS etc. have also continued with the backing of the BJP-led Particularly, a recent report of Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Testimony by Human Rights Watch presented before US Senate Committee on atrocious attitude of Hindu majority has highlighted the plight of minorities in India. While, some of the extremist Hindu groups are not in favour of a separate and distinct culture for minorities—a Hindu fundamentalist namely Prof Balraj Madhok suggested that the minorities must adopt Indian (Hindu) names. Now, Hindu fundamentalism is increasingly widening its influence everywhere including bureaucracy, media and educational institutions. The hate campaign unleashed by the extremist forces is keeping the minority wholly preoccupied with defending their basic human rights and Hinduization of India is so intense that it has even affected the outlook of Indian Armed Forces which were generally boasting of their secular posture. In this context, Rear Admiral Vijay Shankar announced that henceforth new naval cadets would be supplied copies of Ramayana for Hanuman (Hindu deity) temples are increasing in Cantonments. Hindu religious festivities are celebrated whereas Muslim and Christian festivals are not celebrated.

State TV and Radio departments do not lag behind in Hinduization of the society as morning sessions are usually started with “Vande Mataram.” It is the right hour that the West and especially the US must abandon its double standard by taking appropriate steps against maltreatment with the minorities in India. Otherwise, dangerous radicalization of India by Hindu extremists may cause World War 111 or clash of civilizations in wake of global war against terrorism.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Memory of the Siachen Glacier Tragedy

By Sajjad Shaukat

On April 7, 2012, an avalanche hit a military base at Gayari sector in Siachen Glacier, trapping

140 soldiers and civilian contractors under deep snow. It was the worst tragedy which the Pakistani military has experienced in the area. The incident occurred at about an altitude of 16,000 feet and 180 miles northeast of Skardu, the capital of Baltistan. Pakistan’s then President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, PML (N) leader Nawaz Sharif including renowned journalists and media anchors visited the Siachen area. Entire nation expressed deep sorrow and regret over the unfortunate snow slide, showing solidarity with the aggrieved families of the soldiers and praying for their survival. The Siachen Glacier region in the eastern Karakoram Range of Himalayan Mountains—region of Kashmir has been the site of intermittent conflict between India and Pakistan for several decades.

The area has come to be known as the world’s highest battlefield. In this regard, while quoting the data of a metrological department, a reliable online source disclosed, “India carried out extensive military activities which caused the avalanche…melting of ice at the terminus of the Siachen Glacier…led to increased solar radiation as one of the prime causes of the incident.” However, an avalanche rescue operation was quickly launched by the Pakistani military. Over 150 soldiers—using helicopters, rescue dogs and heavy machinery—began searching the area for the missing soldiers and contractors, with a team of doctors and paramedics standing by. During the initial days of the rescue operation, after the Siachen tragedy, dead body of a soldier Muhammad Hussain, Shaheed (Martyr) was recovered in Gayari Sector. For more than two years, the operation continued, and despite weather hazards, brave Pakistani troops were uncontrollably trying to find their comrades under 80 feet deep snow.

According to ISPR update of May 22, 2012, “Clearance efforts continued round the clock at Gayari Sector. Simultaneous efforts are being undertaken to tackle effects of water on the site in the shape of pondages, cutting and crevasses. The water has started draining and has resulted into quick reduction of water level in the lake, at 27 feet…excavation work has resumed its full pace despite difficulties posed by seepage of the water at the sites, hazards of crevasses/cutting by water and sinking effects for plant equipment…meanwhile during physical inspection of the area, some equipment was found.” In this respect, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was directly looking after the rescue efforts, and being courageous commander, determined to excavate each inch of the area in the search of his brave soldiers. He pointed out, “I, being, retired commander of the volunteers (An infantry unit which served in Siachen Sector) can visualize the importance of search of the bodies of martyred soldiers for their comrades and families. But still, as fighter, familiar with the circumstances where many soldiers  laid their lives in the war zones and area like Siachen…their bodies were not traced out due to topography, unfavourable environmental conditions. It does not mean that soldiers do not remember their comrades or nation forget its heroes those scarified their lives for their tomorrows. But, I would only say that while viewing the efforts of rescue operation, we must consider the ground realties too.”

Nevertheless, on May 3 2012, father of Major Zaka who came along with the then chief of Army Staff, Gen. Kayani, during his visit to Siachen—talking to journalist appreciated the efforts of troops participating in rescue operation. He stated that he was proud of his son and other soldiers who scarified their lives. According to ISPR press release, at that occasion, Gen. Kayani remained with the troops for some time and lauded their motivation in face of tough conditions and extreme weather—their resolve to upkeep Army’s proud tradition of not leaving a man behind, until humanly impossible. He elaborated, “Being one of the old warriors of Siachen, I know that after passing 50 days the chances of survival of soldiers buried under 80 feet of snow are very rare. By now, the dead bodies might also be started decomposition because of natural phenomena. After two months time the temperature will again start decreasing which will definitely make the snow harder and Any how, snow was frustrating rescue efforts, but valiant soldiers of Pakistan’s military did not even surrender to the hard weather conditions. 121 bodies were recovered in 2012—as of June 8, 2013, Pak Army’s search and rescue teams had recovered 131 dead bodies, while search for the remaining nine continued. In this connection, on October 2, 2013, Gen. Ashfaq Pervaz Kayani said that 133 bodies had so far been recovered, while search for the remaining seven continued.

It is regrettable that instead of expressing condolences, the then Indian Army Chief Gen. VK Singh, in an interview of May 26, 2012, rejected the Pak army chief’s proposal to de-militarize the Siachen area. He considered Indian troops in the better deployment position. Indian army chief ignored the fact that India has been incurring more expenditure on the Siachen Glacier, and he also forgot that Indian causalities are more than those of Pakistan. However, during various levels of talks, Islamabad has repeatedly offered New Delhi to resolve all the issues including the disputes of Siachen and Kashmir. But, by acting upon aggressive diplomacy in the modern era of reconciliation, economic development and welfare of the people, India has still been using delaying tactics in this respect. Undoubtedly, being Muslims, we are fully convinced that a person who gets martyr in Allah’s path, will remain alive. Therefore, it will not be wrong in saying that Pak soldiers who scarified their lives for us at the Gayari sector of the Siachen Glacier would be taken as everlasting invisible guardians of Pakistan’s territorial boundaries, and are Shaheed, since it is difficult to fight the nature. However, the very day of April 7 is the memory of the Siachen Glacier tragedy.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Indian Perennial Support to Baloch Sub Nationalists

By Sajjad Shaukat

Indian covert and overt activities against the federation of Pakistan had led to the separation of the former East Pakistan in 1971. Now, India has been promoting sub-nationalism in Khyber Paktunkhwa, Sindh and even among the Karachiates (Mohajirs). Undoubtedly, various antagonistic forces are relentlessly conspiring against the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan, while their sinister designs and Indian perennial support to Baloch Sub Nationalists Baloch (BSNs) needs continuous attention.  Purposely, these opposed elements are shifting the spotlight on Pakistan’s province of Balochistan, thus, making it a hub of their terrorist activities, evil schemes and roguish designs. These elements are making efforts to destabilize the province by promoting acrimonious sense of dissent, political volatility, sectarian violence, deteriorating law and order situation and arousing sentiments of separatism. It is an undeniable reality that India is leading terrorist activities in the Balochistan province by using the soil of Afghanistan, harbouring and financing terrorists and projecting them as freedom fighters. 

In this respect, Dr Allah Nazar is a terrorist hailing from Awaran, Balochistan. He is being directly supported by Indian RAW to commit heinous crimes against humanity, requiring state reaction to safeguard the life and property of its citizens. Killing men, women and children, attacks on women university students, armed forces, members of the law-enforcing agencies and blowing up of electric pylons as well as gas pipelines are part of the anti-Pakistan scheme. In a sane society, how such acts could be counted as deeds of a liberation movement. Recently, adhering to its practice, an Indian propaganda website managed by RAW namely “OneIndia” uploaded a concocted venomous interview of the notorious terrorist Dr Allah Nazar. The central contents of the interview revolve around customary and unsubstantiated allegations against Pakistan’s law-enforcing and intelligence agencies and Pak-China relations. To attract sympathies of civil society and to create sensation, website introduces him as so-called freedom  movement leader fighting against Jehadi elements and ISIS.

It may be recalled that Allah Nazar and his group Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) continued to harass local population in Awaran, Punjgur and Kech districts for some time; however, he fled from the area on arrival of the armed forces during earthquake relief activities in September 2013. People of the area felt immensely relieved after the arrival of the armed forces/their large scale relief efforts. Since then, Allah Nazar and his likeminded militants have fled to other areas only known to RAW, and are carrying out terrorist activities. In fact, Indians are desperate to hyphenate Pakistan with ISIS/Jihadists and a portion of so-called interview of Allah Nazar was full of these false accusations. While, New Delhi is using terrorist elements in Balochistan to threat Chinese interest in the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Taking cognizance of the enemy’s intensions, during his trip to Beijing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signed eight agreements on July 5, 2013 in various fields. The most important one envisages the establishment of CPEC between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China—connecting to Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass. Beijing has also offered to build an international airport, while the roads infrastructure in Gwadar would be connected with the communication network of rest of the country to facilitate transportation of goods. By rejecting US growing pressure, Pakistan has handed over the control of Gwader seaport to China. While, in May, 2013, a day before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Islamabad; Chinese engineers being driven through Clifton Block-1 in Karachi escaped a major bomb attack. As regards anti-China diplomacy, Afghanistan has become a hub from where external secret agencies like RAW and Israeli Mossad have been assisting subversive activities in other parts of Pakistan—especially in Balochistan through their affiliated militant groups at the cost of Pakistan, China and Iran. In the past few years, they abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan.

It mentionable that during China’s visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif, on

January 25, this year, China’s Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Gen. Fan has assured that China will assist Pakistan in every challenge. When during the Musharraf regime, Pakistan government initiated the construction of Gwadar deep-seaport in Balochistan province in March 2002 with Chinese assistance, sirens went off in the capitals of foreign countries, particularly the US, India and Israel. The US took it as a threat to its global plans, and India felt that it threatened its integrity. Israel took it as a greater threat from an Islamic country. It is notable that besides the ideal strategic location of Balochistan’s Gwadar seaport among South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources like gas, coal and gold, entailing Pakistan’s close ties with China pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries which intend to weaken Pakistan for their collective aims.

In this context, the interview of a disreputable terrorist on RAW-managed Indian site confirms that particularly India has been training, financing, arming and projecting terrorists to destabilize Pakistan and Afghanistan. Nevertheless, it should be made known to the terrorists, operating in Balochistan that they will never succeed in their designs to damage Pakistan. It is in their own interests to lay down their arms and stop making trouble in the province. Their foreign masters are Pakistan’s enemies, and are using them as tools of their anti-Pakistan policy. Their survival lies only in united Pakistan For the purpose, our own newspapers and media houses must play their role to foster unity and tranquility in Pakistani society. They must also project that Baloch people are highly patriotic, and the terrorists involved in anti-state activities have no linkage with them. These media entities must indicate that terrorists, operating in Balochistan are against Pakistan and pursuing the agenda of the vested interests of their foreign masters, especially pointing out, Indian support to Baloch Sub Nationalists.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com