Balochistan: Anti-Punjab and Anti-Army Propaganda

By Sajjad Shaukat

The ink on Pak-China agreements related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was barely dry when some western media, especially Indian secret agency RAW started playing up the Baloch insurgency. In this regard, the director of The Second Floor (T2F), a social activist Sabeen Mahmud was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Karachi on April 24, 2015, 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 province, when she was targeted. She was likely to conduct a seminar at LUMS in Lahore about Balochistan. Earlier, on April 11, gunmen killed 20 laborers at a dam construction site in the Turbat district of Baluchistan. On May 29, 2015, 20 people were killed when unknown militants opened fire at the kidnapped passengers in Mastung area of Balochistan—after abduction of two buses. Particularly, on May 13, 45 people were killed when gunmen brutally opened fire on a bus of the Ismaili community in Karachi. Ahmed Marwat, a spokesman for Jundullah which is the affiliated group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the bus attack.

Like these terror attacks which continue in some way or the other, Karachi bus incident was also handy work of RAW to sabotage the CPEC by showing that if Pakistan government is not able to provide security to its citizens, how it can protect CPEC. Ismailis belong to Hunza (Gilgit/Baltistan) or have a spiritual linkage with this area, are Pakistanis. The CPEC would also originate from the same region.

Similarly, RAW was behind the assassination of Sabeen Mahmud-a well thought-out plan not only to try to harm Pak-China CPEC project, but also to accuse Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Another aim was also to drive a wedge between Balochistan and rest of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Indian high officials themselves proved that India is sponsoring terrorism in various regions of Pakistan, particular in Balochistan. In this respect, Indian Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, while using the Hindi phrase “kante se kanta nikalna’ (removing a thorn with a thorn) assertively said, on May 23, 2015, “We have to neutralise terrorists through terrorists only…why does my soldier have to do it…the issue could not be discussed beyond this…there are certain things that I obviously cannot discuss here.”

Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj recognized, on June 1, this year that India strongly “opposes $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.”

In this respect, while addressing a ceremony during his Bangladesh tour, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi openly admitted on June 7, this year that Indian forces helped Mukti Bahini to turn East Pakistan into Bangladesh. He elaborated that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played an active role in separating Bangladesh from Pakistan, and he had also come to Delhi in 1971 to participate in the Satyagraha Movement launched by Jana Sangh as a volunteer to garner support for the Mukti Bahini members.

In the recent past, Indian former Army Chief Gen. VK Singh openly confessed that during his tenure, he supervised special army unit, Tactical Support Division (TSD) on the instructions of the then defence minister to sponsor subversive acts in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan.

These blatant admissions by New Delhi endorsed that RAW has well-established its network in Afghanistan, and with the tactical assistance of some anti-Pakistan secret agencies, it is fully backing cross-border incursions and terror-activities particularly in Balochistan so as to destabilize Pakistan. It has continuously been assisting the Baloch separatist elements and anti-Pakistan groups like BLA, Jundullah and TTP including their affiliated outfits with logistic support—the militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. They also abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings and the missing persons in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their acts of sabotage, but India and some external powers have been shifting the blame game of human rights violations in Balochistan towards Pak Army.

In this context, these entities continue a deliberate propaganda campaign against Pakistan Army by always making Army role controversial. They indicate that Punjabi Army never killed people in Punjab; carried out military operations in other provinces like Balochistan. Their main aim is to create resentment among the Baloch against Punjab and Army. In this connection, those who are building Sabeen Mehmood murder case as a campaign for Baloch rights are in fact more interested to demonize Army and ISI rather than helping the poor masses of Balochistan.

Whereas Army has not only been successful in uprooting the anti-state elements, but also contributed a lot in socio-economic development of Balochistan. It is mentionable that besides protecting mega projects, and promoting other developments works, Pak Army set up a number of institutes in Balochistan, which have been providing especially technical training to thousands of Balochis. Pak Army has also been imparting military training to the Baloch youth. The purpose is to bring them in the mainstream of the country.

As a result of the general elections 2013, the government led by a nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch was established. And on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in Balochistan. The successful elections have greatly negated the cause of terrorist groups, who always claim to enjoy the majority support. These elections also proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation, as they have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by India and other major countries.

And a Gallup survey of the UK official body, DFID, conducted on July 20, 2012 had disclosed that the vast majority of the Baloch people oppose the idea of an independent Balochistan.

It is notable that CPEC is to be economic game changer in whole the region, which is badly hit by below average living conditions, while people of Balochistan would be the main beneficiaries of the CEPC project. Two decades down the timeline, Gwadar would be a thriving metropolitan providing economic opportunities to the youth of Balochistan.

But, RAW University New Delhi is continuously conducting research and destabilizing the region through its political and terrorist assets located in UK, Sweden, Karachi, Balochistan and Afghanistan.

It is mentionable that with the inception of new political governments both at the center and the province, a meaningful negotiation with all the armed separatist groups have been initiated by a high level reconciliation and negotiation committee, comprising seasoned Baloch, Pashtoon  and Sindhi leaders to initiate dialogue with Baloch separatists.

Open offers to negotiate issues have been made to armed Baloch groups who have owned the responsibility to kill many innocent persons. On the instruction of New Delhi and some foreign anti-Pakistan entities, these groups continue to deny such offers on various reasons.

In this connection, as part of propaganda, all these anti-Pakistan entities are linking Balochistan with dismemberment of East Pakistan and Kashmir struggle which is nothing, but a deliberate effort to twist the facts. The Kashmir liberation movement is a rightful struggle and is the UN stature—unresolved agenda item. Likewise, the separation of East Pakistan was not based purely on indigenous movement or the policies of West Pakistan; it was in fact India who exploited the situation by promoting militancy in East Pakistan, and then militarily occupied it to install government of their choice. The involvement of RAW in Balochistan is the continuation of the same Indian policy to cause maximum damage to Pakistan.

As matter of fact, during its operations, natural calamities and humanitarian services, Pak Army never discriminated between Punjabis and non-Punjabis. It was due to uncontrolled violent events in Sindh, Balochistan and FATA that Army was compelled to conduct military operations, but with the public support of every segment of society including provincial and local people of those areas.

Nonetheless, our 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 separatists.

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

All are not Cooks that Walk with Long Knives

There are very few genuine intelligence operators like Sinjeevi Pillai, R N Kao and B Raman, exist in the Indian intelligence history. It’s usually said that a name not known much in the intelligence world is in fact the best name. The concept of a thrilling spy hero, the one like James Bond 007 is restricted to the showbiz world only. The Indian intelligence world was not known to the world prior to 1965. The two consecutive setbacks of 1962 on China front and of 1965 on Pakistan front gave a big jolt to the Indian policy makers and they seriously started thinking of forming up a strong national and international intelligence network.

Ironically the Indians started thinking of selling the skin before they could catch the bear. Instead of visualizing and developing a purely professional intelligence agency the Indian planners started working on the neighbours and especially Pakistan oriented intelligence set-up. The result was obvious. Those who claim that the intelligence world is devoid of ethics are wrong. In intelligence operations the enemies are silent and unknown (not to each other) hence when the world see someone dying in an accident or suffocated in a hotel room, considers it an innocent’s death. The spy world is a world of unknown enemies, unknown killers, unknown targets and unfortunately unsung heroes. The Indian intelligence agencies and especially RAW is infamous for unethical operations. It has many notorious operations at her credit and unfortunately mostly the operations are Pakistan leaning. Hence in a way, the Indian intelligence mafia has restricted its aim and objectives, without realizing that their operating the intelligence networks on vindictive lines has ranked them low among the world intelligence agencies. Their role is more of a ‘Phupho’ (aunty) who is known for fueling the family feuds through her sick politics and intriguing conspiracies.

The exploits of true spies are often fantasized by Hollywood and quite often ride the line between completely mindboggling and just barely possible. Of course, they are probably not running along the outsides of high rise buildings and paragliding into jungles but they do work as undercover diplomats, engineers, and lay people. They risk their lives in both war and peace, sometimes for a noble cause and sometimes for nothing more than the highest bidder. They enter the shady underworld of espionage. The new Indian national security adviser, who has been gradually promoted and painted as one such dreamy spy master is by no way a match to Klaus Fuchs or Aldrich Ames of Soviet Union, Major John André of UK, Sidney Reilly of Scotland Yard or Mata Hari; the sexiest all time favourite German dancer and prostitute but still due to some vested interests and suspicious reasons the gentleman is being portrayed as a classic spy, ‘coming out of the cold’.

The appointment of Ajit Doval as India's fifth National Security Adviser or NSA was never suspicious once Narendra Modi swept to power and took office as Prime Minister. Ajit Doval, who is 69, retired as Director Intelligence Bureau in January 2005 and for the past nine years, he headed a think tank known to be close to the BJP but more importantly one that is doing significant work on critical issues in the area of comprehensive national security’ until he was personally picked as the NSA by Modi in 2014. The gentleman is known for stabbing the Sikhs in the back during the notorious Golden Temple operation, posing as their well wisher. If the operation is tracked down and investigated to the minute level, it may lead to his connections with a large number of Pakistani politicians, businessmen and so-called flag-bearers of freedom of speech in Pakistan. Doval’s hands are soaked with the Sikhs blood since he was the one who walked into the besieged Golden Temple in Amritsar posing as a Pakistani agent months before the 1988 Operation Black Thunder, when militancy was at its peak in Punjab, and obtained vital intelligence on the militants holed up inside. 

The gentleman; a 1968 batch IPS Officer of the Kerala cadre, quite often publicly brags that he did a high-risk, high-reward assignment of any intelligence officer's career during his tour of duty in Pakistan and for that and some of his other ‘achievements’ in Kashmir, Mizoram and elsewhere he received India's second highest gallantry award, the Kirti Chakra. Nevertheless, his stay in Pakistan for seven years as he often claims is quite debatable. It’s not clear whether Doval worked under some cover appointment or he was launched as an agent? As we know that the truth is never an ingredient of the spy operations and everything is under cover hence it’s a mystery to be solved that in case he was Indian High Commission employee then how could he visit public places so frequently without being unnoted especially coming all the way from Islamabad, as its know to all and sundries that India has just one High Commission in Islamabad and a Counsel General in Karachi to facilitate the visa seekers. Only James Bond can elude his tail and that only in the Hollywood thrillers while coming from Islamabad to Lahore, quite frequently. Now in other case if he penetrated as an agent – remember that he is a 1968 cadre government servant – then how come in the presence of blood thirsty Pakistani intelligence agencies, he could abode in Lahore for almost seven years as he claims? The consequences of a penetration in another country by a government employee are well known to all. Interestingly he remained undercover for seven years and yet forgot the name of shrine (Data Durbar) from where he had his three times meal. It sounds more of blowing one’s own trumpet for the reason best known to Doval.

There are a large number of Hindus who sincerely want to destroy Pakistan – there always were and there always will be – that is the sad reality. But Doval’s case is a bit different. He has the knowhow, the expertise, and most importantly, now he has the resources and power to inflict damage upon not only the people of Pakistan, but also countless, defenceless Indian minorities. And he has the history of doing it before. His early years were spent fighting against the Mizo National Front (MNF) insurgency in Assam and during the same time he also operated within Chinese sovereign territory 9as he claims), staging terrorist attacks against the Chinese government, leading to civilian deaths in the process (Point to note that he is on Chinese hit list as well). One of his professional colleague told media that his main motivation was not strictly professional but stemmed from a deep hatred of anyone and anything non-Hindu which he professed as a threat to his notion of Hinduism – a misguided notion of the religion which is advocated today by ultra-right-wing Hindu fascist organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and to which the new PM of India, Narendra Modi also ascribes to.

“In one of his many anti-Pakistan papers titled ‘Internal Security — Need for Course Correction’, he wrote that, “the Indian security establishment has become lax in its attitude towards Pakistan…Indian foreign policy must re-gear itself to go on the offensive against its enemy Pakistan by funding, arming, training and directing non-state actors to wage a campaign of chaos within Pakistan by exacerbating existing sectarian and ethnic differences through violence…India will never be secure until Pakistan is destroyed, China is silenced, and Muslim and Sikh anti-state groups in India are forever extinguished”.

With such blatantly fascist and racist views Ajit Kumar Doval now joins a growing number of anti-Pakistan campaigners in the new BJP government. This should be enough for the world to open her eyes and take notice. If Doval and his goons with their Nazi attitude have their way, they will unleash a gush of miseries upon the guiltless people of the Subcontinent, irrespective of their religion or castes. It’s high time for Pakistan’s government and its security establishment must be on their guard to keep a constant check on the aggressive designs of another budding Nazi party, though this time in the Subcontinent.

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May 28: Pakistan Became Nuclear Power

                                         

By Sajjad Shaukat

With national zeal and fervour in different parts of the country, Youm-e-Takbeer (The day of greatness) is celebrated every year on May 28 as a national day to mark the conduction of nuclear tests when on the very day in 1998; Pakistan became the first Muslim and the 7th nuclear power in the world.

While showing aggressive designs, on May 11, 1998, the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee surprised the international community by announcing that India has conducted 3 nuclear tests earlier that day. On May 13, 1998, India conducted two more nuclear tests.

However, both the neighboring countries have waged three wars, especially on the issue of the Indian occupied Kashmir, so Pakistan’s arch rival compelled Islamabad to follow the suit. In this regard, it took only 17 days for Pakistan to successfully carry out its five nuclear tests which were done on May 28 and the sixth one on May 1998, at Chaghi in Balochistan in response to five nuclear explosions detonated by India, threatening the security of Pakistan. For the purpose, about five thousands scientists including Dr Samarmand Mubarik and especially Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan had worked day and night and made the defence of the country impregnable.

As regards Pakistan’s atomic experiments, renowned journalist, Majid Nizami said, “Pakistan faced tremendous pressure from India after it detonated five nuclear devices and America in this scenario also did not want Pakistan to become a nuclear power. US President Clinton telephoned the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif five times besides offering him billions of dollars to refrain him from nuclear tests. In this perspective, he further stated, Nawaz was receiving opinion from different sections of society, and in the same connection, he also convened a meeting of the editors wherein he (Majid Nizami) also gave the input.”

New Delhi’s war-mongering strategy against Pakistan could be judged from the fact that in 1974 India conducted first nuclear test at Pokhran Range in Rajhistan so as to pressurise Islamabad.

It is mentionable that when ZulfikarAli Bhutto, (The late) came to power, he paid much attention to the nuclear programme of Pakistan, as he knew that India would apply its coercive diplomacy on Islamabad or could attack our country. In this context, while talking on a TV channel on May 28, 2012, Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan appreciated the efforts of former Prime Minister Shaheed ZulfikarAli Bhutto for providing the opportunity to make the nuclear programme of Pakistan successful.

He also made it clear that Pakistan’s nuclear programme was totally indigenous, but acquired materials from some Western countries.

During many crises such as Kargil issue of 1999 and attack on the Indian parliament by the militants in 2001, New Delhi concentrated its troops across the Pakistan’s border, with the intention to attack Pakistan, while raising a series of false allegations against Islamabad. Pakistan was also compelled to deploy its Army along the Pak-India border. But, India did not dare to initiate a war because of Pakistan’s ‘Nukes.’ Similarly, in the past, Indian rulers had intended to implement their doctrine of limited war in Kashmir, but they could not do so owing to our nuclear weapons.

Particularly, in the aftermath of Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, India accused Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of supporting the militants. Although Pak diplomats denied Indian self-fabricated story regarding Mumbai catastrophe, but New Delhi adopted a threatening posture against Islamabad. It one again deployed its troops across the Pakistani border. Again, Islamabad also concentrated its military in order to give a matching response to India.

Notably, when US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan on May 2, 2011 in violation of Pak sovereignty—though Islamabad had repeatedly made it clear that its government and intelligence agencies did not know anything about Bin Laden’s whereabouts including any official involvement regarding the 26/11 Mumbai catastrophe, but, New Delhi continued its aggressive style which could be judged from the statement of Indian Army Chief Gen. VK Singh who claimed on May 4, 2011 that if situation arose, the Indian defence forces were competent to undertake a US-like operation inside Pakistan, which killed Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. Indian army’s Northern Command chief also expressed similar thought.

In this respect, Indian top civil and defence officials clearly said that their country could conduct a US-type military operation or surgical strikes inside Pakistan.

Nevertheless, in the aftermath of Mumbai attack, India left no stone unturned in frightening Pakistan through a prospective invasion. Violation of Pakistan’s air space by New Delhi had created an alarming situation, as Islamabad had also taken defensive steps in response to meet any aggression or surgical strikes by India. Situation was so critical that Pakistan started moving thousands of military troops from the Afghan border and the tribal areas to its border with India. But, India failed in implementing its plans of any military action or aerial strikes on Pakistan due to the fact that the latter also possesses nuclear arsenal which could destroy whole of India.

It is noteworthy that America dropped atomic bombs on Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as Tokyo had no such devices to retaliate. After the World War 11, nuclear weapons were never used. These were only employed as a strategic threat. During the heightened days of the Cold War, many crises arose in Suez Canal, Korea, Cuba and Vietnam when the US and the former Soviet Union were willing to use atomic weapons, but they stopped because of the fear of nuclear war which could culminate in the elimination of both the super powers. It was due to the concept of ‘mutually assured destruction’ that the two rivals preferred to resolve their differences through diplomacy.

Political strategists agree that deterrence is a psychological concept that aims to affect an opponent’s perceptions. In nuclear deterrence weapons are less usable as their threat is enough in deterring an enemy that intends to use its armed might.

While both the neighbouring adversaries are nuclear powers, Indians should not ignore the principles of deterrence, popularly known as balance of terror.

In these terms, India is badly mistaken, if it overestimates its own power and underestimates Pakistan’s power. As our country lacks conventional weapons vis-à-vis India, so it will have to use atomic devices during a prolonged conflict which would result into national suicide of the two countries. So India may apply its blackmailing diplomacy on the non-atomic states of South Asia in exerting psychological pressure, but it is useless in case of Pakistan whose deterrence is credible, making its defence invincible, as it possesses a variety of nuclear weapons and missiles which could be used against India as the last option, if the latter attacked our country.

Moreover, it is due to atomic bombs that Islamabad can talk to New Delhi with honour and dignity, discouraging India from casting an evil eye on our motherland.

Furthermore, as Pakistan is the only declared nuclear country in the Islamic World, hence, it has become special target of some western top officials and media persons who continue their propaganda against Pakistan’s nuclear programme. They have especially hired the services of media anchors and writers who work on their payroll and have been creating doubts about the safety and security of Pakistan’s atomic weapons and nuclear plants. Particularly, in 2009 when the heavily-armed Taliban entered Swat, Dir and Buner, US high officials and their media had exaggerated the ‘Talibinisation’ of whole Pakistan, while showing concerns about Pakistan’s atomic arms. In that regard, the then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had warned that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists. But, when Pakistan’s armed forces ejected the Taliban insurgents out of these areas by breaking their backbone, She started appreciating the capabilities of Pakistan Armed Forces.

Similarly, when terrorists had attacked on Pakistan’s Naval Airbase in Karachi on May 23, 2011, US-led some western countries including India and Israel exploited the situation through disinformation about the security of Pak nukes. And, terrorists’ assault on Kamra Base was successfully foiled by the personnel of Pakistan Air Force, but, a baseless report, published in the New York Times had indicated that suspected militants attacked a major Pakistani Air Force base where some of the country’s nuclear weapons were considered to be stored in the early hours of the militants’ attack. The ex-US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta also stated day, “There is a danger of nuclear weapons of Pakistan, falling into hands of terrorists.”

Undoubtedly, Pakistan’s nuclear assets are in safe hands-well-protected and are under tight security arrangements, having the best command and control system.

Nonetheless, May 28 is celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer by various political parties and social organizations including general masses with a pledge to make Pakistan a stronger country, militarily and economically, among the comity of nations. No doubt, on this very day of 1998, Pakistan became nuclear power.

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

Pakistan Armed Forces’ Role in UN Peacekeeping

                                   

By Sajjad Shaukat

Every year, International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers is celebrated on May 29 to pay tribute to all those who served in the UN peacekeeping operations and to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the cause of peace. This very day also reminds Pakistan Armed Forces role in UN peacekeeping measures, during war and peace time. 

Pakistan Armed Forces are considered the best organized institution, and are highly respected in the country, as since the founding of Pakistan, its military has played a key role in holding the state together, promoting a feeling of nationhood and providing a bastion of selfless service.

Since its creation, Pakistan has played a significant role as UN member, in bringing peace through active diplomatic, moral and material support in various regions of the world. Today, Pakistan’s position as one of the largest troop contributing country in the world with one of the highest peacekeepers’ casualty figure is testimony to its commitment and endeavours towards promoting the noble cause of global peace. It is not easy to achieve peace in world’s conflict ridden areas. But Pakistan Army’s history is replete with sacrifices, services to humanity and promoting collective security for human prosperity.

In this regard, Pakistan is a big player in UN peacekeeping forces. Pakistan joined the United Nations on September 30, 1947. Since 1960, it has been actively involved in most of the UN peacekeeping missions. Major contributions of Pakistan Army are in Congo, Liberia Somalia, Ivory Coast, Western Sahara, Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Kosovo, Georgia, East Timor Haiti etc. Even, at present, more than 8200 troops of Pakistan Army are engaged in different peacekeeping missions across various volatile countries.

The performance of Pakistani peacekeepers has been recognized worldwide by several world leaders including those of the UN. An undeniable professional standing of Pakistani forces has made them the passion of every special representative of Secretary General and Force Commander in each of UN peacekeeping operations. In this respect, Pakistan’s dedication towards UN has been acknowledged by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon who himself visited Pakistan and inaugurated the Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) on 13 August 2013 and praised Pakistan’s efforts in UN peacekeeping missions.

However, Pakistan has participated in 41 UN missions in 23 states where total 142,542 Pakistani personnel engaged, taking start from UN Congo Operation in 1960. Pak army delivered its services there, and contributed in ordnance, transport and staff. It is still present in Congo, and provided a Battalion Group comprising one infantry battalion and supporting elements.

For maintaining and monitoring ceasefire during transition of West Irian from Dutch rule to Indonesians, Pakistan contributed 1500 infantry troops from October 3, 1962 to April 30, 1963. In a rare acknowledgement of excellent role done, Chinese Premier Chou-En-Lai had said, “The only example in United Nation’s history, when United Nations force had gone in…performed its role honestly and came out, was Pakistan’s military contingent to Indonesia.”

Besides, Pakistan’s contribution was in United Nations Yemen Observer Mission (UNYOM) as a military observer from January to September 1964. Yemen entered into a state of civil war in 1962. To ensure that this conflict did not escalate into global incident, the UN set up its Yemen Observation Mission. And, United Nations Transition Assistance Group in Namibia (UNTAG) was established to assist the special representative of the UN Secretary General to ensure the early independence of Namibia through free and fair elections, and to carry out a number of other duties. For the purpose, 20 military observers from Pak Army performed their duties from April 1, 1989 to March 21, 1990 in Namibia.

Notably, Pak Army played a positive role in the Middle East, and was on forefront for peace restoration. United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission (UNIKOM) was set up in April 1991, following the forced withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Its task was to monitor the demilitarized zone along the Iraq-Kuwait border and deter border violations. Pakistani forces which helped continuing their services there from April 1991 to 2003 were assigned the most difficult area in the north of Kuwait city—reclamation of Bubiyan Island was also entrusted to them. The operation was carried out by a task force of Pakistan Army Engineers. The professionalism and dedication displayed by this force was praised at international level.

While, inside the United Nations Transitional Authority on Cambodia (UNTAC), the Pakistan’s military forces carried out peacekeeping operations in the most thorny and remote areas during the period-May 1992 to August 1993. They overcame enormous logistic and operational problems, and proved their courage and determination by defending themselves and those for whom they were sent. Coping with the odds, they handled crisis after crisis and persuaded the warring factions to lay down their arms.

And, on the request of the UN in Latin America under the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH), Pakistan provided one infantry battalion, ‘PAKBAT’ which arrived in Haiti in March 1995 and was deployed in Cape Haitien—the area faced extremely volatile security situation and was also the hotbed of political agitation. ‘PAKBAT’ discharged its duties with an extensive patrolling program, covering various regions there.

Nevertheless, Pakistan’s army has worked in difficult terrains and situations for the global peace. Now, inside the country, although Pakistan Armed Forces are facing a tough situation in wake of war against terrorism, yet they are contributing to global peace and prosperity; having still a large number of their presence in various parts of the world.

Now, the major powers must abandon their false propaganda against Pakistan and its Armed Forces, as the latter did more in response of international demand of world peace.

Nonetheless, in pursuance of Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment towards international peace, 130 Pakistani soldiers have sacrificed their lives. In this connection, Pakistan Armed Forces’ positive role in the UN peacekeeping measures reflects Pakistan’s desire to see the principles of human dignity, freedom and self-determination.

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Karachi People! Pakistan Looking Towards You

By Aasef Chauhdry

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is very clear, précis and unambiguous. The Article 6 of it elaborates in detail about people who fall under the High Treason category, thus liable to a punishment. The article 6 is hereby quoted,

“Article 6: High Treason

1. Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance, the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.

2. Any person aiding or abetting or collaborating the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason. 2(A). An act of high treason mentioned in clause (1) or clause (2) shall not be validated by any court including the Supreme Court and a High Court.

3. Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) shall by law provide for the punishment of persons found guilty of high treason.”

After having said this all, a question lurks in everyone’s mind that why a Psychological patient in the name of politics be allowed to make hostage the public, hijack the airtime of electronic channels and provoke the peaceful citizens of the country to rise against the state, while himself living comfortably abroad and enjoying all the perks and privileges as a citizen of that country? It’s not difficult to understand that we are talking about MQM Chairman Altaf Hussain, who was particularly and the rest of the MQM leadership generally, were earlier vociferously seeking direct involvement of Army, made a somersault and unexpectedly changed their stance and started criticizing Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies with hollow allegation of partiality. Military exercised restraint but venomous campaign against Army / ISI / Pakistan Rangers continued unabated. So finally the army had to rebut his nonsensical allegations in a befitting and strong manner. Hours after a strong reaction from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) over a speech by Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain in which he ‘criticised’ the Pakistan Army, the party came up with a dilly dally excuse that their chief actually did not condemn or criticize the armed forces and in fact applauded the leadership of army chief General Raheel Sharif. This joke has happened many times before also and not a new thing.

Apart from the armed forces the general public of Pakistan showed strong resentment to his abhorrence for the army and largely condemned Altaf Hussain and his blind followers. Finding no other way out and under the growing condemnation and pressure from public and political circles, MQM leaders resorted to plead for forgiveness and regretted his remarks. It is his usual way and political jugglery which he has been repeating quite often. Why he is allowed to appear on microphone at that crucial time when he is not in his senses, and permitted to waste public’s precious time? The gentleman claims to be a visionary and a self proclaimed Quaid. Does this ludicrous behaviour suits to a person who has placed himself on a higher-tier?

In the latest episode of Altaf Hussain’s comical and absurd behaviour, he crossed all the limits of ethics and morality to demonize the institutions of Pakistan and even sought help from RAW but that was not the end. The irony was that like slaves, MQM leadership in Pakistan, without realizing, that in which tight corner their insane leader has placed them, launched a campaign to defend him. Public pressure once again forced him to seek apology.  It is imperative to question political leadership in Pakistan, how many times he would rebuke the nation and its sons in uniform and how many times the State would remain silent and bear his insolvent posture. There is a big question mark pinned on the ruling elite’s indifferent behaviour.  

At the moment it sounds as if this is the armed forces’ issue and not a matter of national concern. Pakistan Army spokesman, General Asim Bajwa, through his tweets of 30 April 2015, termed Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s speech as “uncalled for and disgusting” and signaled legal proceeding against him. In one of the tweets he said, “Such reference to Army or its leadership as reaction to arrest of criminals, who may have links with any political party, won't be tolerated”. In his other tweets, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) General Asim Bajwa reacted against MQM chief’s speech, saying the statements against Pakistan Army are unbearable and the court will be approached in this connection. He tweeted, “Irresponsible remarks and using media to incite the people of Pakistan to rise against the state- the matter will be pursued legally.” He was of the opinion, “Such reference to Army or its leadership as reaction to arrest of criminals, who may have links with any political party but will not be tolerated.”

This is one side of the story while on the other side, Britain where Altaf Hussain is living since decades, is surprisingly quiet. The is the duty of our government to ask the UK Govt whether they would allow such a controversial series of hate speeches from a foreigner into their country, who is accused of having been involved in a serious money laundering case and for which he can be sentenced to jail for years? The most disappointing things are coming from the British and Pakistan governments. The former is not stopping her citizen from creating anarchy and restlessness through his live hate speeches, while the latter is criminally quiet over this disastrous conspiracy and neither taking any legal action nor banning such lethal speeches on electronic media. Its known to all and sundries that the LAEs (Law enforcing Agencies) Operations in Karachi are across the board and are without any like or dislike, nevertheless, the shady stance taken by Altaf Hussain creates suspicions and indicates MQM’s involvement in destabilizing Karachi. The role of LEAs to restore peace in Karachi is evident through its acts and it should be applauded and encouraged in true spirits without making biased references.

No one claims or alleges that the whole MQM is a band of criminals. It has, in fact, many balanced, sane and patriotic personalities. But it’s time for those personalities to think over it as to why should they remain the part of a lost, disgruntle and mischievous hoard? Knowing well, that a person sitting outside of Pakistan, having jolly good time while creating hurdles for them here by his hate speeches, has no right or reason to be followed or supported. Making a choice isn’t very difficult for them. O one side they have to follow a person whom they have not seen in decades and who is living on their party funds lavishly, abroad while on the other hand they have a holy motherland and its guardians, who should, logically be more important and dear to them. Pakistan Armed Forces are pro national in character without having any provincial inclinations. For them anyone who is against the State is their number one enemy, may he be a Punjabi, Pakhtun, Baloch or Sindhi. Mohajir otherwise sounds an out of place and out of time word as the last mass migration that took place was by the Afghan brethren. After decades some returned to their motherland and the others who preferred to stick around opted to change their nationalities and liked to be called as Pakistanis. If that’s so then why the people who migrated about 68 years back should be taken as the ‘Mohajirs’? Even the infants of that era are now senior citizens who have seen their wonderful time here in Pakistan. Many of them have called it a day and the rest are living peacefully in hibernation, then why this card of Mohajir is being played again and again when a meager number of actual Mohajirs is left alive and point to remember that when we call someone Mohajir its not only Urdu speaking class. The history suggests that Mohajirs from East Punjab suffered more at the hands of brutal Sikhs and gave far more sacrifices than anyone else.

My question is to the patriotic people of Karachi as to how long they will continue to stay mum and seal their tongues? And for how long they are going to tolerate lunacy of leadership? It is the first and foremost obligation of MQM workers to call Altaf Hussain’s oratory as sadistic, aggressive and treasonous. They should remember that as patriotic Pakistanis it’s their crucial test. What happens from here on would be entirely the responsibility of people of Karachi. They have to join their hands irrespective of their political parties’ alliances and have to raise a flag of unity and nationalism. Karachi is Pakistan’s lifeline. Pakistan as an independent state has stepped into seventh decade and third generation is enjoying the perks of independence.  How long we will continue to be Mohajir, let’s not negatively portray the image of residents of Karachi in a wrong way, they are now the proud natives of Sindh and majority of them is living happily. The loyalty and patriotism of Urdu speaking is beyond any doubt and it’s as pure and genuine as it is of a Punjabi, Pakhtun, Balochi, Kashmiri or Sindhi, however the same of a group within MQM is debatable. A big responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Karachites. It’s time for them to show their immense love for the motherland and let the history to write their names in the golden words. The armed forces are doing their duty and will keep discharging their responsibilities diligently and selflessly but it’s the people of Karachi who can stop Karachi from becoming Dhaka, when a handful bunch is hell bent upon playing into the alien hands.  

MQM Chief’s Blame Game against Key Security Agencies

                            

By Sajjad Shaukat

In the past few years, gang warfare, criminal activities and target killings have taken the lives of thousands of persons including the personnel of the Rangers and Police in Karachi. A number of terror-related incidents including sectarian violence have also resulted into several casualties.

Therefore, the Present Government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif launched the targeted operation in Karachi after obtaining consensus of all stakeholders like political parties, business community and members of civil society. For the purpose, Karachi was particularly handed over to Pakistan Rangers with power to take action against the culprits without any discrimination.

But, leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and particularly its Chief Altaf Hussain who was earlier vociferously seeking direct involvement of Army in Karachi abruptly changed his stance and started criticizing Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies with hollow allegation of partiality. Military exercised restraint, but venomous campaign of self-assumed blames against Pakistan’s key security agencies—Army, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan Rangers continued unabated. Under the growing condemnation and pressure from public and political circles, MQM leaders resorted to plead for forgiveness and regretted his remarks. It is his usual way, and political jugglery which he has been repeating quite often.

In the latest episode of Altaf Hussain’s ludicrous behaviour, he crossed all the limits of ethics and morality to demonize the key institutions of Pakistan, and even sought help from Indian secret agency, RAW. Like slaves, MQM leadership in Pakistan launched a campaign to defend him. Public pressure again forced him to seek apology.  However, like his previous contradictory statements, Altaf Husain again apologized for his derogatory remarks against Army and ISI, while praising the latter. He also backed out from his statement about seeking help from RAW. And his Karachi-based leadership also started presenting various clarifications to conceal the real face of its chief.

It is imperative to question political leadership in the country, how many times, he would rebuke the nation and its sons in uniform and how many times, the state would remain silent and bear his insolvent posture. At the same time, the British government may also be questioned—would they allow such a controversial series of hate speeches from a foreigner into their country.

It is notable that MQM’s leaders were already confused when on March 11, 2015, in a targeted operation, Rangers’ forces carried out a raid at Nine-Zero, the headquarters of the party in Karachi, and a large cache of illegal weapons were recovered and several criminals had also been arrested. In order to hide the anti-Pakistan activities, Altaf had again targeted Pak Army and ISI. Afterwards, he again admired these security agencies and Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif.

However, the real character of the MQM Chief Altaf Hussain needs analysis. In this context, it is notable that sometimes, he blames Pak Army and ISI for harassing his party workers, calling the residents of Karachi to defend themselves, sometimes, he admires these security agencies, sometimes, he threatens to separate Karachi from the federation, sometimes, he shows a strong sense of patriotism for Pakistan, sometimes, he suspends the membership of his party’s committee or sector incharges, sometimes, he restores the same, sometimes, he submits his own resignations, sometimes, he takes it back, sometimes, he instructs his party to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, and sometimes, Pakistan Peoples Party, especially when these parties are in government. He also blackmails these mainstream parties for the advantages of MQM at the cost of peace in Karachi.

While, law-enforcing agencies’ operations in Karachi are across the board and shady stance taken by Altaf Hussain indicates MQM involvement in destabilizing Karachi by its armed wing.

Notably, MPA of MQM, Nadeem Hashmi was arrested on September 10, 2013 owing to firing at a police mobile in the Haideri area of the city in which the two policemen were killed. In the same month, some MQM workers were arrested, who were found involved in criminal activities, while the founder and leader of MQM Altaf Hussain had condemned the raid on MQM’s offices.

Recently, the paramilitary force proved that the MQM was behind the Baldia Town factory fire in which 250 persons were killed. On February 8, this year, the Rangers also arrested a senior MQM worker namely Rafiq Rajput who not only ran a team of ‘hit men’ but was also involved in the May 12, 2007 carnage in the Karachi.

On February 10, 2015, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan disclosed that MQM Chief Altaf Hussain based in London has let loose a “reign of terror” in Karachi. He elaborated, “Nobody is safe at the hands of the party’s armed wing…with the revelation of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report in which Hussain’s party has been held responsible for the killing of over 250 Baldia Town factory workers.” Earlier, Imran Khan also pledged to take Altaf Hussain to the British court, as he is also behind the killing of PTI’s leader Zahra Shahid and journalist Wali Babar in Karachi.

Nevertheless, some developments need attention, as these have proved that traitors are within the MQM. On April 30, this year, during a press conference, while presenting two terrorists who he claimed belonged to the MQM, SSP Malir, Karachi Rao Anwar revealed, “Key MQM leaders have connections with Indian spy agency RAW”, adding that the arrested MQM workers had received training from RAW. He further said that the MQM was actively working against Pakistan, should be banned.

It is of particular attention that a recent report of the JIT disclosed that Saulat Mirza, the former MQM’s worker, who recorded his statement before the JIT said that MQM had links with RAW. Mirza confessed to killing 13 people, yet he was implicated in two murders only, and was executed by the court order.

It is mentionable that Zulfiqar Mirza, Sindh Home Minister and Senior Vice President of the then ruling party—PPP claimed on April 9, 2011 that he had been relieved from his ministry owing to pressure from the government’s coalition partner, the MQM. Mirza pointed out that the issue of target killing and extortion was just a ruse to remove him from his post.

As regards “Batha khauri”, everyone in Karachi knows that MQM has been collecting this illegal money from the local businessmen who are afraid of threats and terror-related actions of this party’s militant wing. While a majority of the innocent people of the city and followers of the MQM do not know the malpractices and criminal acts of this political party and are being misguided by their old leaders who act upon the directions of Altaf Hussain.

Meanwhile, on May 13, 2015, at least 45 people were killed after gunmen brutally opened fire on a bus of the Ismaili community in Karachi. Without any doubt, besides previous terror-attacks, Karachi bus incident is a handy work of RAW to sabotage the China-Pakistan economic Corridor (CPEC) by showing that if Pakistan government is not able to provide security to its citizens, how it can protect CPEC. Ismailis belong to Hunza (Gilgit/Baltistan) or have a spiritual linkage with this area, are Pakistanis. The CPEC would also originate from the same region.

Now, questions arise, how long the people of Karachi will continue to stay mum and seal their tongues? How long will the Muhajir cause of equality of representation, of economic opportunities be sabotaged by leaders like Altaf Hussain? And how long people of Karachi will continue to tolerate lunacy of its leadership?

Hence, it is the first and foremost obligation of MQM workers to call Altaf Hussain’s rhetoric as violent and treasonous. What happens from here is entirely the responsibility of people of Karachi. The loyal Pakistanis, living in the city must know that Karachi is Pakistan’s largest port and financial hub with the largest commercial markets, collecting 70 per cent of the country’s tax revenue. So, besides causing unrest in the city, creating instability in Pakistan, another aim of the MQM leaders is to cripple the economy of the city which is intermittently brought to a halt with shut-down strikes—many shops including other business centers are forced to be closed. And, old leadership of MQM, especially its chief misguide the people by propagating that national institutions are not made to develop other areas of Pakistan like Karachi, alleging that the establishment is once again doing the ethnic cleansing of Muhajirs.

In fact, Pakistan as an independent state has stepped into seventh decade and third generation is enjoying the perks of independence. How long we will continue to be Muhajir, let’s not negatively portray the image of residents of Karachi in a wrong way, they are now the natives of Sindh.

The residents of Karachi must be aware of the fact that Pakistan Army had given countless sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, while its top priority is to restore peace in the city. In this regard, Army Chief Gen. Raheel  vowed on April 29 to finish ‘all mafias’ in Karachi and made it clear that indiscriminate operation in the city would continue till its logical conclusion.  Pakistan Armed Forces are pro national in character without having any provincial inclinations. Hence, MQM chief’s blame game against key security agencies must be condemned by the patriot people of Karachi.

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