Final Wake UP Call to the Nation

                                           

                                                          By Sajjad Shaukat

                                                

Although various kinds of terror attacks have been conducted by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its banned affiliated groups in the past few years, yet the massacre of 132 school children at Army Public School and College in Peshawar on December 16, this year proved a watershed, as it has given a final wake up call to the nation to unite against these ruthless terrorists.

In this regard, the armed forces of Pakistan have conducted several successful military operations against the terrorists; the most recent one being operation Zarb-e-Azb, which has successfully broken the backbone of militants. Frustrated by their failures, these insurgents are resorting to coward acts like attack on innocent children in Peshawar. 

Taking note of the school attack, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif has himself started supervising the military action against terrorists, and as part of the operation, several terrorists have been killed during air strikes in Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. Gen. Raheel also stated, “We are extremely saddened, but our resolve has taken new height”, and added “We will continue to go after the inhuman beasts, their facilitators till their final elimination.”

In this context, Gen. Raheel accompanied by the DG of Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), rushed to Kabul on December 17. During his meeting with his Afghan counterpart, President Ashraf Ghani and the ISAF commander, he presented evidence of the Peshawar massacre’s linkage with TTP sanctuaries in Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. He also asked the extradition of Mullah Fazlluah, and handing over to Pakistan. In response, they assured him to take action against the TTP.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s valiant forces, law-enforcing and security agencies including ISI have accelerated their operations against the Taliban and other terrorists who are being hit or arrested all across the country. They have also captured heavy arms and explosive-material.

However, the Peshawar school incident demands that the politics of disharmony, indecisiveness, expediencies and indifference should come to a grinding halt. For the purpose, leaders of all the top political parties including PTI Chief Imran Khan attended a meeting of the parliamentary parties convened by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after the deadly attack at a school in Peshawar. Setting aside his differences, Imran Khan called off the December 18 countrywide shutdown, ended PTI’s 126-day sit-in at Islamabad to give a clear message that the whole nation stands united against terrorism. Besides, all the leaders are cooperating with the government against terrorism, and unanimously formed a parliamentary committee to chalk out a ‘National Plan of Action’ in seven days, which is likely to be approved by the political and military leadership.

In the aftermath of the Peshawar school attack, there arose the need of immediate execution of outstanding cases of death penalty to terrorists. In this respect, it is good sign that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif revoked the ban on capital punishment in terrorism cases following which the terrorists facing death penalty are being executed. It is also indication that judicial body is also playing a positive role in fight against terrorists. So, judicial order should be implemented and national grace must be restored.

Nevertheless, the inhuman gruesome tragedy in Peshawar requires that the government, leaders of the opposition and religious parties including various segments of society and general masses must unite by playing their role against these ferocious terrorists.

And, Pakistan’s religious clerics (Ulema) who have condemned the terror attack at Peshawar school must continue issuing joint or separate fatwa against these brutal militants, as from time to time, they have clarified that “killing of innocent people, target killings and suicide bombings including sectarianism are against the spirit of Islam…the terrorists’ self-adopted interpretation of Islam was nothing, but ignorance and digression from the actual teachings of the religion.” Religious elements/groups should keep on checking the activities which are instigating intolerant tendencies.

Besides, media should be sensitized to play its positive role in the war against terrorism. It must be on low profile to avoid national demoralization, as careful reporting by media without glorifying terrorist acts is need of the hour. For the purpose, extremist people like Maulana Abdul Aziz (Lal Masjid) and Hafiz Saeed may not be given undue space by the media.

No doubt, media’s role is of great importance in creating a harmonious environment in the country. They have to ignore their business interests, differences and ratings and support Pakistan in striking back anti-state elements and their sympathizers.

Some analysts opine that like the previous anti-terrorism law, the ‘National Action Plan’ will not be implemented in its true letter and spirit. But, now the nation demands that while taking solid measures, counter-terrorism strategy or the National Action Plan must be implemented without losing more time. Political leadership is required to shun their differences and create unity amongst them to combat terrorism and extremists.

In fact, the menace of terrorism cannot be tackled with political expediencies, but with clear, firm and decisive policies, as on the tragic killing of 132 innocent school children, Pakistan must strike back terrorists and their sympathizers with zero tolerance.

It is mentionable that Pakistan’s Armed Forces have almost defeated the terrorists, particularly of the TTP by clearing the areas of North Waziristan Agency by military operation Zarb-e-Azb. Now, the operation which has been extended to other tribal areas needs support of the nation.

Undoubtedly, Peshawar school tragedy is a final wake up call to the whole nation, and now Pakistan has to decide firmly that barbarity of the terrorists will not be tolerated any more. So, all the segments of society including politicians, intellectuals, media, religious elements and the general masses need to endeavor harmoniously—to check the proliferation of extremist tendencies. Instead of verbal statements, they must display practical unity against these zealots who seek to create anarchy in the country to accomplish their self-motivated agenda at the direction of Pakistan’s enemies. Therefore, every patriot Pakistani must cooperate with the security forces, law-enforcing and intelligence agencies in fighting this war.

India behind the Fall of Dhaka

  Sajjad 

16th December is the day of tragic memory when Pakistan was dismembered and a new state of Bangladesh was created in 1971 as part of Indian conspiracy which still continues against the integration of Pakistan.

India has a long-gone history of many centuries, based upon religious prejudice against the Muslims. In this respect, Indian intelligence agency, RAW which was founded in 1968, has assumed a significant status as invisible actor in formulation of India’s domestic, regional and global policies, particularly directed against Pakistan.

Hindus give credit to Indira Gandhi who in the late 1970s gave RAW a new role to suit her ‘Indira Doctrine’ specifically asking it to undertake covert operations in neighboring countries, especially Pakistan which comprises majority of Muslims. RAW was given a green signal to mobilize all its resources by exploiting political turmoil in East Pakistan in 1971 which this agency had created through its agents who provided Bengalis with arms and ammunition for conducting guerrilla acts against the Pakistani defense forces.

Regarding the separation of East Pakistan, Indian RAW had unleashed a well-organized plan of psychological warfare, creation of polarization among the armed forces, propaganda by false allegations against West Pakistan, creation of differences between the political parties and religious sects of East and West Pakistan, control of media, manipulating linguistic, political and economic disputes in order to malign the Bengalis against Islamabad.

There is no doubt that one can note political, economic and social disparities almost in every Third World country. India, itself, contains these disparities on larger scale. In seven states of India, separatist movements are at work. But, New Delhi which has not recognized the existence of Pakistan since partition, left no stone unturned in planting and exploiting differences between the people of East and West Pakistan.

RAW has a long history of sinister activities in the East Pakistan, backing secular areas of Hindu minority who had played an important role in motivating Bengali Muslims against West Pakistan. RAW’s well-paid agents had activated themselves in East Pakistan in the 1960’s so as to dismember Pakistan. For this aim, it took the responsibility of funding Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans’ general elections in 1970 and the members of his party, Awami League. It colluded with the pro-Indian persons and had paid full attention in training and arming the Mukti Bahnis. RAW, playing with the bloodshed of Muslims, succeeded in initiating a civil war in East Pakistan. However, huge quantity of arms started entering East Pakistan along with the guideline of Indian army and RAW. Meanwhile, India welcomed the refugees from East Pakistan, providing them with every facility to provocate them against West Pakistan.

Majib was already in connivance with India for separation of East Pakistan. In this connection, Asoka Raina in his book, ‘Inside RAW: The Story of India’s Secret Service’, discloses, “Indian intelligence agencies were involved in erstwhile East Pakistan…its operatives were in touch with Sheikh Mujib as the possible ‘Father’ of a new nation-Bangladesh, who went to Agartala in 1965. The famous Agartala case was unearthed in 1967. In fact, the main purpose of raising RAW in 1968 was to organise covert operations in Bangladesh. Indian army officers and RAW officials used Bengali refugees to set up Mukti Bahini. Using this outfit as a cover, Indian military sneaked deep into East Pakistan…the story of Mukti Bahini and RAW’s role in its creation and training is now well-known.”

Asoka further explained, “Indian sources including journalists have put on record how much RAW had established the network of a separatist movement through ‘cells’ within East Pakistan and military training camps in Indian territory adjoining East Pakistan…carrying out acts of sabotage against communication lines so that Indian forces simply marched in at the ‘right’ time. RAW agents provided valuable information as well as acting as an advance guard for conducting unconventional guerrilla acts against the Pakistani defense forces.”

It is mentionable that before the 1971 war, Mujibur Rahman, had announced a separate national flag for East Pakistan in his six points which also included that currency of East Pakistan should be different along with a separate military.

His six points created prejudice among Bengali people especially against West Pakistan. The famous slogan, during his addresses and rallies was, “Punjabi dogs go back.” It was due to Mujib’s instigation that besides Punjabis, Bengalis had also tortured and killed Biharis, Pashtoons and Balochis, while their women were raped.

In this respect, a well-known 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 exaggeration 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 non-Bengalis.

As regards the fall of Dhaka, Majibur Rahman was already biased against West Pakistan, and started misguiding the people of East Pakistan by preparing their minds for separation of Bangladesh. In this respect, when in 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed Dhaka University; he declared that Urdu would be national language of the country. Majib stood up and said emotionally that Bengali should also be national language.

It is notable that East Pakistan tragedy was not a military defeat, as it was a political defeat, because politicians refused to accommodate each other in accordance with the election-results so as to obtain their political interests.

Despite this, Indian preplanned plot and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman negative role cannot be ignored. It could be judged from the fact that when East Pakistan was occupied by Indian Army in 1971, Majib stated with pleasure that his 24 years old dream of an independent Bangladesh had been fulfilled.

Undoubtedly, India had played a key role in the fall of Dhaka, which culminated in dismemberment of Pakistan. Even at present, Indian RAW has been implementing Indian hidden agenda by supporting separatism in Balochistan, and insurgency in various regions in order to further weaken or disintegrate the federation of Pakistan.

Why West is hiding spread of polio disease?

By Afshain Afzal
 

All hopes for the polio free world have vanished like water bubbles exposed to sun. The series of detection of new polio type virus cases in United States of America, Canada and some of the European countries has put a question mark on the effectiveness of the polio vaccines and credibility of the executors of immunization campaign,  There are many who have discredited organizations like Rotary International, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) due to their failure to share data around the world and non-focusing on developed world as epicentre of the disease. The latest revelation by clinics in western European countries confirmed that facts have intentionally being evaded. California health officials last month also admitted that they detected polio in United States but though 20 to 25 recent cases of sudden paralysis in children are linked to a polio-like virus but not caused by polio itself. Whatever, the case may be, the situation is alarming but one wonders why West is hiding this disease from the rest of the world.

 

Ironically, in Muslim countries including Pakistan, security is said to be the main reason for the spread of polio virus as vaccination cannot be organized there. In Pakistan and Afghanistan, control of large areas by Taliban is being referred as reason of failure of eradication of polio. It is strange that through coercive methods, Islamic Council of Pakistan has been competed to issue Fatwa (verdict) that the administration of polio drops to children is Islamic. In this regard, the Darul Afta of the Pakistan Ulema Council has also issued a Fatwa saying that prominent scholars and experts of the Muslim world are convinced that polio drops do not contain anything that is harmful to health, or against Sharia law. One wonders then why there is still massive propaganda against the Muslims for non-cooperation. It is being doubted, especially in Syria and Iraq that Western imperialist and expansionist powers are using polio campaign in Muslim countries as strategic tool to medically weaken their nationals. 

 

There can be no two opinions that Polio is causing paralysis and deaths around the world. However, the medical research organizations are not ready to admit that Polio viruses still rules the world, especially in developed countries. They believe that increasing number of people in USA, Canada, UK and other European countries have had polio in past and are mere developing a condition called Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). PPS is the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (called motor neurons) that were damaged by the polio virus. Their theory cannot be tote as most of the detection of polio cases in the West are in children. It is estimated that alone in UK, there are around 180,000 people who survived polio when they were younger. Some of these are likely to develop a PPS condition. Ignoring the bitter truth of detection of recent 140 cases reported in UK this year, the health official claim that they have doubts that their nationals have contracted polio from other countries. There are also some experts who have claimed it as side effect of the attenuated polio vaccine (containing the live virus).

 

The WHO and other world organizations claim that there are now only three countries where the polio condition remains a widespread problem. These are Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The latest reporting of polio cases in the West have put a question mark on misleading statements by these organizations. It is being contested that there is no cure for polio, so it is important to prevent it from occurring by making sure your child receives all their necessary vaccinations. It has been proved that polio vaccines have failed to produce desired results. One wonders that polio disease started from West and still not eliminated but it is being projected that developed countries are free from polio. There is no doubt that the Western countries are the carriers of this disease and are threat to the others.

 

It is no more any secret that a new type of polio-virus has become widespread in the US and has caused death to at least 21people. The gravity of the situation can be judged from the fact that from last month’s figure of 798 infected people in 46 states, it rose to confirmed total of 1220 people in 47 states. These people have been sickened with polio-virus that caused respiratory illness and has potential to lead to paralysis. Public schools in many states including New Jersey issued a warning to parents about polio type Enterovirus being reported at local schools. US health authorities are still calling it a non-polio Enterovirus despite confirmation of paralysis and deaths. It is being claimed that one of the reasons of spread of polio is that the practicing Christians have refused to allow their children and fellow Christens to use polio drops because of it prohibition in their faith. One wonders why US, Canada and other western countries are hiding the truth that their population are suffering from polio. It is high time that United Nations and International organizations must take a step forward to save these countries from the fatal disease of polio. There is requirement to ensure that every American, Briton, Canadian as well as others gets polio immunization before traveling to other parts of the world. 

Balochistan: The Conspiracies Meeting their Fate Finally

By: Aasef Chauhdry

Almost three years back an article under the title ‘A Discreet Conflict’ written by one Matt McCullough was published in an online journal ‘The Majallah’. It would have been comparatively a sensible article, written by any western writer, had few queries been answered logically. For example, without having any love lost for the armed forces and much talked ISI, one is always astonished that why only these two organisations which are supposed to look after the state’s interest are always blamed and targeted and why not the discreet stakeholders like the Americans, Russians, Indians and some of the European countries aren’t blamed, who have a visible nefarious agenda? The American, Russian and above all the Indians interest and concern in the region are well known especially when the American ambassador visits Quetta unannounced. 

So, why to blame these two forces without any concrete proof and not to doubt even those who are manipulating the game? Strangely, the Independence Day had been celebrated by handful insurgents as Black Day, for a couple of years and so called Baloch rebels happily killed their countrymen Punjabis and trusted friend China’s technical experts, while the Americans and the other western high profile dignitaries were roaming freely in the province and were not touched even?

Amazingly the nationalists displayed anger, for the deprivation, against the Punjabis and the armed forces who are the major contributors for the development in the province but those Sardars who sucked the Poor’s blood and kept them uneducated for decades, are still regarded as heroes? Can anyone deny that the Army has constructed the maximum roads, schools and hospitals in the Province? Will any Sardar claim that the light and gas in the province is his achievement? Fully agreed that there is 30 percent unemployment and 75 percent illiteracy but do the Nationalists have some character and morality to admit that this all is because of their Sardars, like Bugti, Mari and Mengal? No, they will not because these Sardars with the help of their Western Masters have been pulling the strings of these puppets popularly known as The Nationalists.

As the writer aptly said that, “the Balochistan is important to US interests beyond pumping gas and blocking Iran and China from doing the same”, so very simple and easy to understand that who is calling the shots in Balochistan? This drama of Balochistan liberation is currently witnessing the drop scene as the cunning stakeholders are gradually surfacing with the real motives. However, the most significant development is the return of the natives and reverting to the religion of patriotism by those who were totally disoriented. 

One such case is of Dr. Wahid Baloch President of Baloch Council of North America (BCNA) who has recently confessed that Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan and will remain as such and the ordinary Baloch cannot be misguided by the fancy slogans of Azadi, chanted by Nawabs, Sardars and their sons. In a historic statement made by Dr. Wahid, he asked the Baloch youths to shun the so called "war of independence" and focus on their education and not be misguided or brainwashed by these Nawabs and Sardars and their sons who are enjoying luxury life by themselves in Europe and are on payroll of foreign powers. In unambiguis words he warned that, those who are pushing the ordinary Baloch into this so called "war of independence" for their personal gains to get them killed are equally responsible for their killing.

Although the analysts are calling it an abrupt twist but the truth is that Dr. Wahid Baloch has finally realized his mistake. He has ultimately found it more like committing a suicide and an effort to bag deliberate insult and humiliation. That’s why he asked the Baloch leaders to shun the militancy and negative politics of hate and bigot and come to the negotiating table for a positive, productive and meaningful dialogue to end this so called "war of independence" and adopt a more realistic approach that can benefit the Baloch people and improve their lives. The sane Baloch majority realized and strongly believed in getting the issues resolved while remaining within the peripheries of the state.  
While on one hand if Dr. Wahid’s call is compelling the Baloch youth to think about their wandering away then at the same time it has frustrated the enemies of Pakistan who are involved in Baloch Insurgency, up to their sleeves.  He asked all the Baloch militant groups to reject the path of militancy and violence, lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table to solve the problems that the people of Balochistan are facing. It would certainly be a nightmare for the anti state elements and their masters who had drawn the great maps to destabilise Balochistan, thus dismember Pakistan.
Nobody denies that the Baloch are deprived and ignored but at the same time no one has ever picked the courage to admit that the fault lies with the political governments and the Sardars who have been ignoring and snubbing the poor Baloch majority. Now the return of a nationalist to main political and patriotic stream is a cool breeze wave and it’s believed that the other birds of the same flock will soon come out of the hallucination and will join their countrymen. Dr. Wahid rightly said that the dialogues and negotiations are the only way forward. He applauded Balochistan Chief minister Dr. Malik Baloch and Pakistan government for their sincere efforts to resolve the Balochistan problems on priority bases and asked them to accelerate the development programs in Balochistan so that the people can benefit from them.

No doubt it’s a great but healthy change and soon the malicious anti-Pakistan designs of the alien intelligence agencies will die their own disgraceful death. Every patriotic Pakistani firmly believes that the motherland is going through a tough time and it is the responsibility of every Pakistani generally and every Baloch categorically to demonstrate a positive, more responsible and realistic attitude to help solve the Balochistan's problems. Its high time that Baloch Diaspora leaders and activists should stop playing in the foreign hands and unconditionally move forward for a positive and constructive dialogue that can help resolve Balochistan's problems peacefully. As Dr. Wahid has asked them to join the Baloch Council of North America (BCNA) to promote a positive and more realistic message to save and secure the Baloch people's rights within the Pakistan, the genuinely annoyed Baloch youth must response to his call and play their positive role.  

The rationale behind the u-turn of a hardcore secessionist like Dr Wahid is not clear but, apparently, a pang of conscience caused his good sense to prevail. He is now calling for the promotion and preservation of a Baloch secular identity, language, culture and traditions, asking for the endorsement of friendship, tolerance, mutual respect, understanding and cooperation among the various ethnic groups within Pakistan and with other nations around the world through organised events, dialogue, meetings and conferences. If a flag-bearer of Independent Balochistan like Dr Wahid Baloch, who released an appeal to the US, India and Israel, seeking their direct assistance in preventing an alleged killing spree of Baloch people at the hands of the “Pakistani terrorist army” can take an abrupt U turn on the voice of his conscience then nothing stops those innocent Baloch youngster from falling back to the national stream, who are simply mislead by the foreign powers and their local agents in the disguise of their well wishers.

The subjugated and oft-neglected people of Balochistan have suffered at the hands of consecutive federal governments that remained unmindful to the genuine needs of the Baloch. It is time to write a new chapter in Balochistan’s history, treating it astutely in accordance with the hope of its people. If the BCNA is lending a helping hand, it is a welcome sign; hence the government should and must give it priority without wasting any moment. The sooner it is the better it would be.