Much maligned Gen Yahya Khan

Posted by Belharvi

Although maligned by all and sundry, the fact is that all the bosses of Gen Yahya Khan in the Army gave him excellent reports and none doubted his military capabilities. Notwithstanding his failings, he was not corrupt and sincerely wanted to resolve the East Pakistan crisis to the best of his abilities. But he neither had political experience nor much understanding of political and constitutional problems. These shortcomings compelled him to heavily rely upon his advisers. Besides, circumstances and time were not in his favor and he had to preside over the breakup of Pakistan.

In order to appease the politicians of East Pakistan (EP) in particular, he scrapped the parity principle that had been worked out by Suhrawardy and adopted with the willing consent of both the wings. Break up of one-unit scheme, which was the popular demand of the smaller provinces and adoption of one-man-one-vote allowed East Pakistan, an edge over West Pakistan (WP) and victory of Awami League (AL) became a foregone conclusion. Had he not abolished the mechanism of separate electorate, the AL aided by Hindu votes could not have swept the polls and eliminated Muslim League and other like-minded parties owing to the deluge of Hindu votes. That way Pakistan could have been saved from disintegrating.

Yahya held the first ever general elections in December 1970. Neutralization of all other political parties in EP by AL hooligans using strong-arm tactics during the year-long election campaign followed by wholesale rigging during the casting and counting of votes, gave total victory to AL. Failure to install a proper monitoring system preferably by the Army and the judiciary gave false poll results. Bhutto was not justified in demanding postponement of inaugural session of national assembly on March 3, 1971 and insisting on a grand coalition with AL and insisting that constitution will not be framed without the concurrence of PPP. These demands led to an impasse.

Mujib’s unyielding stance on his six points and Bhutto’s refusal to attend the inaugural session at Dacca forced Yahya to commit the mistake of postponing the session. It sparked Bengali nationalism and hysteria in EP and became the first major cause which led towards division of united Pakistan. Yahya had agreed to all the six points of Mujib during parleys from 15 to 24 March, but the latter kept adding new points at the behest of India to fail the talks. Wali Khan and Bizenjo who were close to Mujib tried to persuade him to withdraw his proposals of separate constituent conventions and confederation but in vain. Yahya Khan was willing to consider Mujib’s revised formula dispassionately but the irreversible decision to establish Bangladesh had already been taken by AL.

The military crackdown in EP on March 25 was undertaken to stop the slaughter and rape of non-Bengalis and pro-government Bengalis undertaken by AL militants and to save the federation from breaking apart. While it achieved its short-term objectives, in reality it lost the first battle of united Pakistan. Thereon, it was a downhill journey. Had the military action not been undertaken, the AL with the help of East Bengal Regiments and East Pakistan Rifles and Police together with ex servicemen and armed infiltrators from India would have unleashed its battle plan which was to go into effect on the morning of 26 March to forcibly takeover EP.

Besides addressing political grievances, Yahya Khan went a step ahead of Ayub Khan to address inter-wing economic disparities and gave out categorical orders to narrow down the gap between the two wings. 52.5% resources were allotted to the eastern wing as against 47.5% to WP. Capital inflow in EP increased from 40 to 75%, while the investments grew from 39 to 54%. Rs. 231 crores was allocated for development in public sector as against Rs. 190 crores for WP. The development loans to EP that stood at Rs. 28.77 crore in 1957-58 increased to Rs. 210.41 crore in 1970-71, that is, an increase of 631%. WP received only Rs. 126.07 crore loans in that year. Grants in aid from the government to EP grew from Rs. 7140 crore in 1948-49 to 1958-9 to that of Rs. 293.89 during 1958-59 to 1970-71; that is, an increase of 312%. In case of western wing, the increase was only 202%.

By 1971, EP had 600 major industries. These included 77 jute mills, 4 paper mills, 2 paper-board/newsprint mills, 20 sugar mills, 42 cotton mills, one huge steel mill, a petroleum refinery, one oil refinery, 2 Rayon mills, about 30 match factories, several oil and vegetable ghee mills, two fertiliser factories, leather tanning factories and a cement plant.  Tea production had shot up considerably to the extent that EP met the needs of WP at a higher rate. EP became self-sufficient in sugar, fertiliser and tea and started exporting tea, jute items, tanned leather, paper and newsprint. Sugar production increased from 23000 tons to over one lakh tons in 1970. Out of 23 match factories in the country, 20 were in EP. Consequently, WP had become a captive market instead of EP.  In the field of education, there were five universities, three colleges and six schools of engineering, eight polytechnics, five colleges and several schools of medicine, dozens of hospitals and more than 200 degree colleges for arts and science. It had more than 3000 miles of metalled road and its power capacity exceeded 100,000 KW.

Two modern ports were built at Chittagong and Chalna. Besides, a welfare-oriented scheme was put into operation in EP in middle 1970 by virtue of which commercial banks provided loans to the depressed class. Head offices of the House Building Finance Corporation, Refugee Rehabilitation Finance Corporation and IDBP were shifted to Dacca in 1970. With this kind of development in all the fields at a massive scale, it was indeed preposterous on part of the vested groups within EP to sing the song of exploitation by WP. Having laid a sufficiently strong economic base, it would have achieved greater political strength with improved degree of provincial autonomy. By all standards, EP would have gained by keeping within the federation of Pakistan. Bangladesh’s prosperity owes a great deal to Ayub Khan’s reforms. Barring the hard core AL members, even to this day the people of Bangladesh hold Ayub Khan in high esteem.



The falsehood of the manipulated grievances was exposed within the first two years of creation of Bangladesh. The agonising truth dawned upon the people of Bangladesh that they had been cheated and duped by Mujib and AL. All the allegations that he and his henchmen had levelled so consistently and brazenly proved baseless. His tall promises of converting Bangladesh into Sonar Bangla after its detachment from Pakistan turned out to be illusory. The euphoria of the people of Bangladesh punctured like a pricked balloon within a year of independence and their disillusionment knew no bounds. Food and clothing was in very short supply and the inflation rate skyrocketed, while life and property of the people became insecure.




They nostalgically yearned for the good old days when everything was available in abundance and now they had been reduced to poverty-stricken levels. The later events validated WP’s apprehensions; it was India that converted Bangladesh into its colony by subjugating its economy and culture. Matiur Rahman writes, “Mujib’s plea of taking up arms against the government in the face of intolerable political persecution and economic exploitation was an utter lie that has no parallel. A greater lie could not have been invented nor could a greater falsehood be imagined by anyone conversant with facts”.(Asif Haroon Raja)

TV Channels Promote Yellow Journalism

Posted by Belharvi

                          

Yellow journalism which accelerated in the1890s in the west is described as the employment of tactics by newspapers such as sensationalism, exaggeration, distortion of facts etc. to attract readers in order to increase circulation in era of competition. With the advent of many television channels in the modern age, the era ended shortly after the turn of the century, as the world gradually decreased from the competition in sensationalism.

When such unethical practice continued by many TV channels and newspapers, consensus developed among responsible journalists and media owners around the world that it is against the moral codes of journalism. Hence, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) launched an Ethical Journalism Initiative in 2008. 

But, it is regrettable that techniques of yellow journalism are still being applied in some less developed countries, especially in Pakistan, without taking cognizance of its negative effects on the people. In case of Pakistan, spawning scores of new TV channels and associated burgeoning business interests led to coin unique methods of generating market competition so as to attract viewership and control financial shares. As advertisements and commercials dominated the viewers’ prime time, the contents of TV broadcasts have also skewed, while tone and tenor of media reports have got blended with sensationalism. 

In these terms, while presenting little or no legitimate well-researched news items, our TV channels, exploit, distort and exaggerate the news to create sensations and attract viewers in order to become more popular with the sole aim to advance their financial interests. Based upon opinion-masquerading as objective fact, our media anchors mislead and excite public opinion. They do not indicate what the people need, but show what the people want, thus have stunning impact of psychological shock.

Ignoring the moral codes of journalism, media reporters, analysts and anchors have adopted negative techniques and unscrupulous practices in their coverage because they have developed the habit of challenging the prestige of sensitive institutions of the state such as judiciary, army, ISI and law-enforcing agencies. While following the rude techniques of yellow journalism, they raise any issue or development and initiate controversial debate among the political commentators who themselves intend to gain eminence. Media anchors and experts who manipulate the concerned issue also conceal the truth and ground realities, particularly in wake of the war against terrorism—ignoring the multiple crises which Pakistan is facing at this crucial hour.

Besides, use of unethical songs, loaded conversations and erotic communications or airing foreign commercials especially those from India directly influences the moral fiber of our society. Resultantly, the moral fiber, ethical standards, public esteem and social order of the country are directly damaged. 

Notably, certain TV anchors and channels get over-assertive in their reporting against prestigious state organs only to improve their ratings, while others resort to sensationalism using slanderous and irresponsible expressions.While, the system of ratings to evaluate the performance and ranking of TV channels by using subjective viewership—scoring procedures has brought cut throat competition among the TV channels. The aim is to attract maximum clutter of commercials around popular programmes of lucky channels. This enabled the channels to rapidly grow so as to collect their revenues. 

In this respect, the rating schemes employ “The People Meter System” to measure the viewers’ responses for having viewed a number of channels as indicated by the meter. It is an automated system of electronic devices, which records what is being watched on the television.

For the purpose, various meters are installed at the residences of selected people in selected cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and few others. “The People Meter System” is absolutely faulty as it does not represent the population of viewers for which it reports. The concerned channels, however, earn billions of rupees despite using incorrect samples and unscientific techniques of rating.

In fact, “The People Meter System” does not reflect opinion of the entire population of related- TV viewers. Therefore, the rating results are biased and do not show the true picture. In this context, the rating system has only created an environment of furious competition among the TV channels, while anchors make strenuous efforts to improve the ratings of their channel programmes by disregarding the principle of objective reporting and thus, overlook the moral codes of journalism.

Moreover, some anchors and channels also employ unethical methods of bribing the viewers by suggesting them to keep on pressing the meter installed at their residences to get favorable results. Similarly, they target prestigious institutions and highly regarded individuals just to improve their ratings—falling below the ethical levels of respect and self-esteemed organs of state and the renowned persons. No doubt, mistakes have been committed by everyone in the past, and could unintentionally be done in the present. But TV channels and their commentators exploit the same instead of emphasizing solution of the concerned crisis. 

As a matter of fact, the tools employed by rating system are neither credible nor valid; hence, the entire exercise appears to be confounded, illegal and unethical. It needs to be reviewed by the authorities concerned.Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority must take notice of the issue in detail and lay down the procedure to measure the viewers’ response pertaining to the ratings of a particular TV channel or programme. In this regard, experts of social scientists must be engaged to make the ratings scientifically valid and reliable. 

Nonetheless, our media must follow the real principles of journalism by educating and guiding the people towards right direction through credible and true information. They should avoid developing ‘stereotypes’ among the people by displaying unbiased news and comments. 

Now, the right hour has come to pull the country out of the multi-faceted crises. In this connection, being the fourth pillar of the state, electronic media can play positive role.  Our TV channels and the concerned experts must seek the solution of problems, while promoting unity among various state institutions and the general masses instead of promoting yellow journalism.

(By Sajjad Shaukat)                                          

DPC Peace Call to Avert Sectarian Violence

Posted by Belharvi                                      

                                                          

Sectarian violence continues in Pakistan in one form or the other. In this regard, Punjab President of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), Maulana Shamsur Rehman Muaviya was shot dead by the two unidentified gunmen in Lahore on December 6, this year. A large number of workers of ASWJ staged sit-in protest and demonstrations across the country against his targeted killing. Particularly, in Lahore, shops and roads were closed and traffic jams were witnessed due to protest.


 Besides, on December 3, a senior leader of Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) was assassinated by two armed men on the University Road in Karachi. Following the incident, MA Jinnah Road was blocked and protesters pelted passing vehicles with stones, which also resulted in traffic jams in many parts of the city. Petrol pumps and CNG filling stations were also closed.

New wave of sectarian violence started in the aftermath of Rawalpindi tragedy which witnessed bloodshed between Shia mourners and Sunnis, leaving 10 dead and several injured in the city on November 15. Angry protesters targeted the mosque and the seminary, torching its building including an adjacent cloth market where events of looting and arson occurred. The incident was followed by violent demonstrations and bloody clashes between the two religious sects, which also took place in Multan, Chishtian, Bahawalnagar, Kohat and Hangu. Curfew was imposed and Army was called to restore peace not only in Rawalpindi, but also in other affected-cities.

In this regard, several Ulema (Religious scholars) and politicians belonging to Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Sunni Ittehad Council, The Sunni Tehreek Ulema Board, The Melli Yakjaheti Council, Tanzeem-i-Nefazi Fiqa Jafria, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F and Muttahida Quami Movement said, “Conspiracies were being hatched to destroy peace in the country though sectarian divide…the enemies had once again succeeded in igniting sectarian strife.” They also urged the masses to be patient to foil the international conspiracy and asked the government to unmask the culprits including some hidden forces behind the Pindi sectarian incident.However, the Rawalpindi tragedy carried the swelling prospects of spreading sectarian unrest in the country—there is a need to defuse the tense situation by undertaking various measures to resolve the sectarian crisis. 

In this context, peace call of the Defa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) to avert sectarian violence is of special consideration, as it is a step in right direction. Notably, in the recent past, DPC held a meeting under the Chairmanship of Maulana Samiul Haque in Islamabad to avert spread of sectarian violence across the country. The meeting was also attended by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Liaquat Baloch, Maulana Ahmad Ludhianvi, Ejazul Haque, Maulana Fazalur Rehman Khalil, Lt Gen (R) Hamid Gul, Mian Muhammad Aslam, Abdullah Gul and Sardar Attique Ahmad. The meeting concluded that Rawalpindi tragedy was a plot against Pakistan, and appreciated the patience demonstrated by students of the targeted seminary in Rawalpindi. DPC Chairman Maulana Samiul Haque lauded the role of Ulema for successfully averting the spread of violence. He also demanded that hate-material of different religious institutions should be banned.

Besides recommending to the Parliament to pass legislation so as to control sectarian violence, DPC also gave a peace call to protest against the Rawalpindi incident. Its Chairman Maulana Samiul Haque appealed to the potential protestors to remain peaceful on the Friday in the aftermath of the Rawalpindi episode. This was a right step forward to create conducive atmosphere for all schools of thought to mull over contemplating the need for introspective analysis and maintaining respect for other sects. 

Peaceful march on the related-Friday by the DPC proved that remaining peaceful and demonstrating tolerance and patience towards each other’s sect is much superior option than to react in retaliation. This also sent a message to foreign forces which have been funding sectarian groups to fight their proxy wars inside Pakistan.

It also showed that those elements which are trying to destabilize Pakistan would also be suitably scolded with a pledge that all Pakistanis are united and have the resolve to maintain sectarian harmony—sectarianism poses a security threat to Pakistan and we can fight it by keeping cohesiveness in our ranks and files. 

While, it was also prudent for the organizers of that Friday peace protest including law-enforcing agencies and the administration which ensured that peaceful march by the demonstrators was not disturbed by violent elements and criminals. And all possible measures were taken to make the march a peaceful, violence-free and dignified protest. 

It is mentionable that in the past few years, Pakistan has been facing various kinds of subversive activities, but foreign hostile entities have also accelerated sectarian violence as part of their unfinished agenda to further weaken the country. Undoubtedly, the sporadic sectarian violence against these Muslims has intensified, but, it cannot be seen in isolation as it includes multiple anti-Pakistan designs. Notably, secret agencies like American CIA, Israeli Mossad and Indian RAW are behind sectarian unrest in Pakistan.

In fact, the US had planned to spark a civil war between the Sunnis and Shias in wake of war on terror. So, we cannot blame these secret agencies without solid evidence.For the purpose, a study of the 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-a leading think tank, released on December 27, 2004 advocated that Sunni-Shia sectarian division should be exploited to promote the US objectives in the Muslim World.

The report of the Rand Corporation was first implemented in Iraq. In this context, CIA also got the services of Mossad and RAW to fuel sectarian violence in Iraq. 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, religious leaders through bomb blasts, suicide attacks etc.After Iraq’s experiment, more deadly pattern of sectarian strife and clashes have been conducted in Pakistan, which still continues in one or the other way.

As a matter of fact, some banned religious outfits like Lashkar-i-Janghvi and the Sunni militant groups, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have claimed responsibility for a number of terror assaults on Shias in Balochistan get arms and ammunition from RAW and CIA. These foreign-backed militants groups which have close connections with each other and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan are behind target-killing of many Sunni and Shia leaders, political figures of these sects, bomb blasts, suicide attacks, assaults on the religious processions, mosques, Imambargahs etc., carried out in various regions of Pakistan to achieve the covert aims of the US, India and Israel.

In this respect, while hinting towards US, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had rightly disclosed, “The bloody actions being committed in Iraq, Pakistan and Iran are aimed at creating a division between the Shias and Sunnis…those who carry out these terrorist actions are directly or indirectly foreign agents.”Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the Rawalpindi tragedy, the atmosphere presents an edgy picture, as tension still brews among sects of different religious seminaries (Madrassas)—heads of some Madrassas and sects which have also conducted demonstrations and rallies. 

As part of solution to counter the sectarian violence in Pakistan, DPC initiative of peace must be supported by media, civil society, key communicators and religious scholars who must play an effective role in creating religious tolerance and enlightenment amongst all religious factions, particularly those of Sunnis and Shias, convincing them to live in harmony and peace. They must point out that in democratic a state, peaceful protest is a right way, but violent attacks on places of worship and clashes against each other’s sect, and damaging the property is against the teachings of Islam. It will help creating an atmosphere conducive for all schools of thought to contemplate the need to remain peaceful and develop respect for others having different practices and view points.

Supporting the DPA demands, these internal entities including political parties should urge the Parliament to pass anti-sectarian laws, while the government must also focus on creating sectarian harmony in the country and political elements must not be allowed to muddle negatively in religious matters.(By Sajjad Shaukat)

Indian Scheme of ‘Great Wall’ along LoC in Kashmir

Posted by Belharvi

With the technological advancement, new era of economic development has changed the world in a global village. Long-awaited agreement which was concluded between Iran and six world powers on November 24, this year has endorsed this fact that Tehran is more interested in the welfare of its people than to continue war of nerves with the US-led European countries on the issue of its nuclear programme.

Taking cognizance of the modern world trends, Pakistan signed a number of trade agreements with India, which allowed India exports of multiple items across the Wagah border. During the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to Pakistan on September 9, 2012, both the countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on cultural exchanges in addition to agreeing on new cross-Line of Control (LoC) Confidence Building Measures related to trade and travel. It was due to Islamabad’s positive efforts through Aman-Ki-Asha and back door diplomacy that it is sincere in building bridges of peace with New Delhi. In this regard, while addressing the recent International Literary Cultural Conference at Lahore, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pledged to resolve all outstanding issues with India besides lifting the visa restrictions. In the recent past, Pakistani prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz who visited New Delhi held a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid to defuse tension at the Line of LoC and to restore the peace process. While keeping pressure on Pakistan, Khurshid said that “the conditions of the dialogue cannot be met till there is peace and tranquility on the LoC.”

Unfortunately, India has failed to reciprocate with the same spirit to improve relations with Pakistan. Instead, it has always acted upon duplicity by raising false allegations against Pakistan, its army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for sponsoring terrorism inside India and especially in the Indian occupied Kashmir. In this respect, recently, tension arose between both the countries when Indian military conducted a series of unprovoked firings across the LoC, and international border killing a number of soldiers of Pak Army and innocent civilians in wake of war-like strategy which still continues. On January 6, 2013, Indian soldiers crossed over the LoC in Kashmir and attacked a Pakistani check post, killing one Pakistani soldier and injuring many troops. Similarly, Indian troops also shot dead two Pakistani soldiers on January 10 and 15.

In order to justify its open aggression, India concocted a fabricated story of accusing Pakistan Army of killing its five soldiers on August 6, 2013. In this context, Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, Defence Minister AK Antony and the opposition fundamentalist party BJP including Indian media blamed Pakistan Army for killing its five soldiers.

It is mentionable that on September 29, 2013, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held a meeting in the sidelines of the annual UN summit. Afterwards, Indian National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon told reporters, “Both agreed that the precondition for forward movement in the relationship, which they both desire, is really an improvement of the situation on the Line of Control.” However, their dialogue ended with optimistic note, but in his speech in the General Assembly on September 28, Prime Minister Singh had allegedly said, “It is equally important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down.” Showing New Delhi’s contradictory approach, he also said that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India, and in this context there could never be a compromise.

Nevertheless, talking about the twin terrorist attacks in the Indian occupied Kashmir, which targeted a police station and a military camp, killing 14 personnel of army and police, Salman Khurshid wrecked the Nawaz-Manmohan talks when he blamed Pakistan’s ISI and the army in this context.

While, Indian military high command failed in producing dead bodies of alleged terrorists who had crossed the LoC from Pakistan to Indian-held Kashmir. The ground realities proved that it was just propaganda against ISI, and Pak Army, as indicated by the Indian media, Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the Hindu fundamentalist party, BJP.

On the one hand, Indian top officials have been accusing Pak Army and ISI of sponsoring terrorism in India and the Indian-held Kashmir, on the other, India’s media revealed in September, this year that on a defence ministry directive, asking for the creation of covert capability—the military intelligence unit, Technical Services Division (TSD) was set up by the Indian Army Chief Gen. VK Singh (R), which conducted covert operations in Pakistan. Besides, in an Indian TV Channel, Gen. VK Singh openly confessed that TSD was raised by India to operate inside Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Azad Kashmir to conduct terrorism and to bribe the politicians in the Indian-held Kashmir to crush the militancy (Kashmiri freedom fighters).

In fact, under the pretext of cross-border terrorism, New Delhi not only suspended the peace process of dialogue with Pakistan, but also decided to implement its scheme of erecting a Great Wall along the LoC in Kashmir. A recent report published in the Economic Times disclosed that Indian authorities are planning to construct a 10-meter high embankment along 198-km stretch of international border which separates Indian held Kashmir from Pakistan. The security wall will be higher and wider than both the Berlin Wall and serpentine barrier being created by Israel. It will be 135-feet wide and will pass through 118 villages of Districts Jammu, Kathua and Samba.

Reportedly, initial work on the wall has begun and revenue papers for designated land in 86 villages have been processed to get NOC from the state government. A joint land demarcation in 44 villages is likely to start soon. Although the total cost estimation has not been made public, yet it has been decided that Indian Home Ministry will fund the project, while it will be handled by Border Security Force (BSF).

Nonetheless, besides new pretension of the LoC violations, in the past too, New Delhi availed various crises to suspend the process of Pak-India talks. For example, in 2002, under the pretension of terrorist attack on the Indian parliament, India postponed the dialogue process. Again, in 2008, India suspended the ‘composite dialogue’ under the pretext of Mumbai terror attacks which were in fact, arranged by its secret agency RAW.

In the recent past, the Indian former officer of home ministry and ex-investigating officer Satish Verma disclosed that terror-attacks in Mumbai and assault on the Indian Parliament were carried out by the Indian government to strengthen anti-terrorism legislation, particularly in the Indian occupied Kashmir.

While, Indian top officials have always accused Pakistan of various subversive acts of terrorists, but it is quite silent over Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) terror which has obtained a new face, as Indian RAW, country’s high officials and fundamentalist parties have co-relationship.

Particularly, in January 2013, Indian Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde revealed that organized training camps run by the fundamentalist parties, RSS and BJP were promoting Hindu Terrorism, and were behind the Samjhauta Express, Meccca Masjid, Ajmer Sharif and Malegaon blasts. He also disclosed that these parties were involved many times in Hindu Muslim violence in India, especially Gujarat and Babri Masjid incident.

It is noteworthy that Indian Hindus are followers of Chanakya (Say some thing else and do some thing else). This fact has been verified by the misdeeds of Hindu fundamentalist parties like BJP, RSS, VHP, Shiv Sina and Bajrang Dal which have missed no opportunity to communalize national politics of India even under the Congress rule. With the support of Indian officials and RAW agents, these parties have been launching anti-Christian and anti-Muslim bloodshed coupled with the dissemination of Hindutva.
Notably, although the purpose of the Great Wall is to deter cross-border intrusions into the Indian controlled Kashmir by Pakistan, yet New Delhi intends to conceal its own state terrorism in Kashmir, and seems determined to keep its illegitimate control on that region. While, with the help of Israel, India has already built 12-feet high twin fences along the LoC, running parallel to each other with an eight-foot gap in the middle-filled with coils of razor-sharp concertina wire. India has also installed special instruments like thermal imagers and sensors to make the fence impregnable. In this context, the construction of the Great Wall will symbolize the by-gone days of the Cold War. Such a decision not only runs against the demands of time, but also uncovers real face of New Delhi-indicating Indian deep seated animosity and hatred against Pakistan.

India must know that Kashmir is a disputed territory and it would be illegitimate to erect such a Great Wall which would also further stretch distance between the people of Kashmir, living both sides of the LoC which divides Azad Kashmir and Indian occupied Kashmir. This scheme will also be rejected by the Kashmiri people, as they desperately desire to have closer contacts with their Kashmiri brethren across the LoC.

Regrettably, Indian war-like diplomacy, followed by another move like the scheme of Great Wall will further escalate tension between New Delhi and Islamabad. It is likely to take them away from the peace process by creating obstacles in the practical solution to their bilateral issues, particularly of Kashmir. This plan could further intensify arms race between both the neighboring nuclear countries, ultimately resulting into regional instability, turning hope for peace and prosperity into state of distress.
(By Sajjad Shaukat)

Why Bangladesh Propagates against ISI?

Posted by Belharvi

Having pro-Indian tilt, since Bangladesh’s Awami League came into power, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid has started a deliberate propaganda campaign against Pakistan, its army and especially Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

In this context, on the direction of India, unlike the past years, a ceremony was held in Dhaka on March 24, 2013, with full pump and show to honour ‘Foreign Friends of Bangladesh Award,’ in relation to the crisis which led to the separation of East Pakistan in 1971. For this purpose, several foreign friends who included various institutions and media anchors from various countries, particularly India were invited. Besides other renowned persons, the recipients of awards from Pakistan were mainly those personalities whose deceased fathers had opposed army action in the East Pakistan and had totally ignored the Indian supported secessionist movement led by Mukti Bahini. Notably, on the instruction of New Delhi, in December, 2012 when the names of participants in the said ceremony were announced, Bandladeshi Prime Minister Hasina Wajid had refused to attend D-8 conference in Islamabad unless Pakistan tendered apology for the alleged genocide of Bengalis.

In this regard, in the recent past, a book titled, “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: The Unfinished Memoirs” written by a Bengali as his autobiography has been simultaneously released in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. The book left no stone unturned in distorting Pakistan’s history and tarnishing the image of Pakistan’s armed forces regarding the separation of East Pakistan.

Without grasping reality, the book explained that it was not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bengalis who wanted to break up Pakistan, but actually created Pakistan. In fact, the political intrigues and blunders of military dictators broke up Pakistan—Majib was arrested and a military operation started in East Pakistan. Bengalis were massacred and their women were raped.

While speaking in line of the book, and concealing the real facts, senior media anchor, Hamid Mir who also received the award, reproduced its contents in his article, “Mujib’s Memoirs,” published in a leading daily, on November 24 praised Mujibur Ranman and implicated Pak Army. He wrote, “It is time now to apologise officially to the people of Bangladesh.”

Notably, a renowned Bengali journalist Sarmila Bose authored a book, “Dead Reckoning: Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War” after thorough investigation. Her book was published in 2011. While countering exaggerations of the Indian and Bengali Journalists, Bose argues that the number of Bengalis killed in 1971 was not three million, but around 50,000 while Bengalis were equally involved in the bloodshed of Punjabis, Biharis, Pashtoons and Balochis.

Everyone knows that Majib was already in connivance with India for separation of East Pakistan. Therefore, when East Pakistan was occupied by Indian Army in 1971, he stated with pleasure that his 24 years old dream of an independent Bangladesh had been fulfilled. He had earlier developed his contacts with Indian rulers and training camps of Mukti Bahini, established by Indian army and RAW which also funded Mujibur Rehman’s general elections in 1970.

Now, India is employing various tactics through Prime Minister Hasina Wajid who has become a tool in accelerating propaganda against ISI. Just like the Indian leaders of the ruling party, Congress and the fundamentalist parties, especially BJP, who have made ISI, a scapegoat for the forthcoming elections of India, Prime Minister Ms. Wajid including workers of the Awami League has been following the same pattern by propagating against this spy agency.      As a matter of fact, the government led by Awami League has brought about political instability, social strife and financial problems of grave nature in Bangladesh. Owing to incompetence, flawed policies, its leader Prime Minister Hasina Wajid has totally failed in resolving the problems of the impoverished masses. Therefore, present scenario in Bangladesh presents poor governance, while the government is generally known as an Indian puppet.

Nevertheless, resultantly political turmoil and social disorder with its negative impact go on haunting the socio-political milieu of Bangladesh. Lack of political vision and inefficiency of the government headed by PM Ms. Wajid and the ministers have turned the Awami League into a corrupt clique of politicians who are totally insensitive towards real issues faced by people of the country, as they remain focused in promoting their self-interests. Hence, party’s popularity considerably declined. As the country enters into new phase of elections, its leaders have developed irrational fears and sense of proportion speculating that they will be rejected by the voters. In this context, political experts indicate that Bangladeshis have lost hope in Awami League—bringing about any positive change in their poverty ridden socio-economic standing and status of deprivation. The political awareness of the fiercely independent and patriotic Bangladeshis has caused them to lose faith and respect for Awami League which has made their country the subservient of New Delhi and collaborator of Hindu extremists.

So, in this deteriorating situation, Awami League’s leadership has developed a psychological obsession with preconceived ideas to appease Indian government and extremist Hindus by propagating against Pakistan and particularly ISI.

It is mentionable that, in the election-campaign, Awami League’s rival party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Begum Khaleda Zia is likely to challenge the current problems, created by Awami League. Fearing the impending loss in the polls and feeling the pinch of the likelihood of losing to BNP, the Awami League has launched a vile propaganda campaign to malign BNP by linking it with ISI. In this venomous campaign, Awami League is being guided by its Indian advisers. It is notable that Tarique Rehman who is son of the BNP Chairperson Ms. Khaleda Zia is likely to take over the leadership of BNP from his mother and is a strong contestant to win elections in the country. In this respect, the content analysis of recently published propaganda reports in Bangladesh’s print media revealed that Tarique Rehman has contact with ISI for getting financial support. But some Bangladeshi sources disclosed that Bangladesh’s intelligence agency provided false data about Tarique Rehman to India for initiating a slanderous campaign against him in Indian media—quickly linking him with ISI for maintaining contact and allegedly getting financial support. However, the government of Hasina Wajid’s move is aimed at appeasing Indian leaders and diverting the attention of the Bangladeshi people from the real crises in order to win the elections.

Overtly, Indian rulers declare that they will not interfere in Bangladesh’s forthcoming elections, covertly; they have been using all means in meddling in the politics of that country. Alarmed with power-loss in Bangladesh, Indian top officials have started maligning BNP and ISI, and the same is being done by those of the Awami League. Unfortunately, nervous and confused leaders of the Awami Legue use Indian style propaganda to implicate BNP and damage its repute with a view to win elections. They intentionally indulge in targeting ISI so as to create hatred against Pakistan and its primary security agency, ISI. Although the people of Bandladesh are facing poverty due to the flawed polices of the PM Hasina Wajid, yet politically, they are matured to understand the manipulation by her party’s politicians who are playing in the hands of New Delhi.

Nonetheless, Pakistan’s media must assert upon Bangladesh’s writers and analysts to maintain their sense of proportion and stop propagating against Islamabad and ISI, especially when fresh elections in that country are likely to be held in the near future. Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Bangladesh by expecting the same from it. While exposing the Awami League’s connections with India, our media and politicians must condemn slanderous expressions against Pakistan’s ISI.   Returning to our main discussion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lacks political vision and competence to address the real concerns of the poor masses of Bangladesh, as her only priority is to soothe Indians by showing Pakistan in bad light. The inefficiency and corrupt practices of her party’s leaders are known to everybody both inland and abroad. Consequently, they have hardly any chance to be re-elected and hence, have started propagating against ISI.(Sajjad Shaukat)

Real Character of Fazllulah

Posted By Belharvi

After the killing of the Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone attack on November 1, this year, Taliban Shura decided to appoint the most ferocious and notorious militant Maulana Fazlullah as chief of the TTP.

In this regard, a controversy arose for the selection of new leader, as many TTP insurgents had been intensely whispering against Fazllulah by arguing that their head should have been from Mehsud tribe, as many voted for Khan Saeed alias Sajna who belongs to the same tribe. Setting aside the rift between TTP ranks and files, Taliban Shura favoured Fazllulah. This came as a shock to all Mehsud tribal cliques who have serious objections against Fazllulah’s selection as head of TTP.  

A majority of the Mehsud tribe believes that only Mehsuds have the right to lead TTP, and they also assert that selection of Fazllulah has created differences among TTP factions. Mehsuds also feel disturbed as TTP’s leadership has been taken away from them, whereas till now they were the leaders of the outfit.

On the other side, the TTP new Chief Maulana Fazlullah dismissed the proposed peace negotiations with the government as a “waste of time”, and vowed to target the prime minister, chief minister, chief of army staff and corpse commanders.

In fact, Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike on information provided by a senior TTP leader Latifullah Mehsud who was captured by US Special Forces in Afghanistan. He revealed the secret location of Hakimullah Mehsud to American investigators. He did so because he wanted to get money from US. Moreover, he was against Hakimullah for agreeing to start peace talks with Pakistan Government. Reportedly, internal differences and rift in TTP leaders existed which was exploited by Fazllulah to get top leadership of the outfit. 

Notably, unlike the TTP new Chief Maulana Fazlullah, Saeed is a moderate, who strongly supported the peace dialogue with the government.

The choice of Fazlullah as the new head of TTP has no significance because of his obvious vicious trend and stained mind set. The people of Pakistan, Swat and law-enforcing agencies have no doubt about his stature as a non-state actor with power-motives and greedy agenda.

However, Fazllulah is a familiar character, also known as Mullah Radio due to his infamous FM Radio Operations conducted against the state of Pakistan and Pak Army in Swat, while People of Pakistan especially the inhabitants of Swat recognize him as a killer with a history of criminal pathology, social delinquency, wicked brutality and cruel outlook. In this context, his real character needs special attention.

Maulana Fazlullah who belongs to Babukarkhel clan of Yusafzai tribe of Swat district, is son-in-law of Maulana Sufi Muhammad who had founded Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM), which was banned by Pakistan Government. On January 12, 2002, he became the leader of TNSM since Sufi had been sent to jail. During his control in Swat, he left no stone unturned in misinterpreting Islam by broadcasting his fiery speeches, preaching virtue and exhorting the people to abstain from vices in order to get their sympathy.

Having duality, he opposed the western system, and propagated that imposition of Islamic laws was the sole cure for all the evils in the society. As his supporters grew in size, he started taking practical action against so-called evil-doers by torching electronic and video shops. His militant threatened barbers not to shave beards and were forced to close their shops. Fazlullah also rejected anti-polio move in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while his insurgents targeted even women in this regard. He prohibited women from taking part in education and imposed ban on female education in Swat district. Some 400 schools enrolling 4000 girls were shut down and 170 schools were burnt. He had also ordered death of Malala Yusafzai because she favoured the education of girls.

During his reign of terror in Swat and other adjoining areas, Maulana Fazlullah allowed his militants to follow un-Islamic activities such as forced marriages, slaughter of captives, beheadings in public, floggings, kidnappings for ransom, suicide bombings, targeted killings, and eliminating the dissidents. It was due to his brutal methods that Green Square in Mingora earned the name of ‘Khooni Chowk.’ He acted upon cruel methods to frighten the people so as to impose his brand of hard-line Shariah on them.

In some tribal areas and Swat, insurgents led by Fazlullah have been involved in a number of anti-social and un-Islamic practices like drug-smuggling, car-snatching etc. They justified that thus, they collect money to wage the holy war. From wealth, collected through unfair means, he constructed a Madrassa in Mingora worth Rs 25 crores, which became his base of operation and he used it for the purpose of training terrorists. While making Swat a state within a state, his militants also killed several personnel of the security forces.

Optimistically, the Pakistan Government signed peace deals with Maulana Sufi and Fazlullah by agreeing to introduce Nizam-e-Adal in Malakand District and these insurgent leaders agreed to renounce violence. But, contrarily, Fazllulah’s terrorists occupied Dir and Buner by transgressing the Swat agreement.

When Pakistan’s armed forces successfully ejected the TTP militants out of these areas through Swat and Malakand military operations, the new leader of the TTP Maulana Fazlullah who had close connections with Pakistan-based TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud, had run to Afghanistan. Based in the Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan—with the support of Indian secret agency RAW, Afghan spy service, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) which also have tactical backing of the US, his insurgents intensified subversive activities in Pakistan by sending heavily-equipped militants. Notably, in the past few years, in connivance with the South Wazirstan-based TTP and its affiliated outfits, his militants killed thousands of persons across Pakistan through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings, beheadings, assaults on military troops, police stations, sectarian violence etc. Besides, they also targeted mosques, Imambargahs, mausoleums, and disgraced dead bodies.

It is mentionable that Latifullah Mehsud also confessed that Afghanistan and India were involved in promoting terrorist activities inside Pakistan. He also revealed that while waging proxy wars in Pakistan, terrorist attacks on Gen. Sanaullah Khan Niazi in Upper Dir, at Peshawar Church, in Qissa Khawani Bazar and elsewhere had been planned by Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies. Particularly, regarding terror-attack at Peshawar church, TTP did not claim responsibility, but it proved when the outfit misinterpreted Islam by indicating that it was in accordance with Sharia.

Nevertheless, Maulana Fazlullah and his so-called followers have also been playing a key role in recruiting very young boys—and after their brainwashing through indoctrination; they train them for suicide bombings. The planners misguide these Muslims by convincing that they will have a noble place in the Heavens in exchange of suicide attacks.

As a matter of fact, Fazlullah is a hypocrite, as he deserted his followers in Swat due to Army operation, and managed his own survival because he was standing through foreign funding and supply of arms cache to launch terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. In these terms, his morality is also questionable and so is the case of his heroism.

Simply speaking, Fazllulah represents ‘bad’ Taliban who are at war with Pakistan on behest of their foreign masters. His open verdict for not resuming peace talks with the Pakistan Government points at his future strategy to continue terrorist attacks. To Fazllulah’s full appeasement, TTP has already declared to avenge Hakimullah Mehsud’s death.

Nonetheless, return of Fazllulah as TTP leader is not a big deal, as all stake holders in Pakistan exactly know his double game. He is undoubtedly an instrument of foreign secret agencies which back him to destabilize Pakistan.

So, our political, religious entities and domestic media must assertively project the real character of Fazllulah and his terrorist activities. They must expose the anti-Pakistan forces which do not approve the idea of peace talks with TTP and would certainly go on assisting idiotic criminals like Fazllulah to further weaken Pakistan.

Pakistan’s public must also know that Maulana Fazllulah is not a Mehsud by tribe, but gained popularity in TTP due to his links with external secret agencies and maliciously harsh conduct. He is a propagandist who quickly manipulates information about current developments to keep him relevant in criminal band of TTP.

Fazalullah is a hypocrite who propagates Islamic laws, but   violates all norms and values of Islam to gratify his power-motives. He only understands the language of force and his time appears to be up, unless he mends his ways.(By Sajjad Shaukat)