Foreign Designs against Balochistan

Sajjad Shaukat

 

Located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar deep-seaport is close to the Strait of Hormuz from where more than 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. Its ideal location among three key regions, South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia has further increased its strategic significance. Its development with Chinese assistance and latter’s bilateral agreements with Islamabad has shifted the great game of Central Asia to Pakistan.

Besides, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources like gas, coal and gold, entailing Pakistan’s close ties with China pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries which intend to destabilize Pakistan for their collective aims. These hostile powers are trying to create fissures between Islamabad and Beijing so as to sabotage their strategic alliance.

In this regard, Balochistan’s business and trade opportunities have also made it important for US, EU, Russia, China, India, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics to play the great game, while anti-Pakistan powers are secretly working to create conditions to control and influence the resource-rich zones, disregarding the compulsions of mainland integration.

While terror-acts and human rights violations are already keep on going in Balochistan, but without grasping reality, and using the existing political predicament in the province as a pretext to encourage separatism, external enemies raise voice on human rights violations over projection of mass graves which were found in Tootak area of Khuzdar on January 25, 2014. And Baloch Sub Nationalists (BSNs) have unleashed false allegations against Pakistan by purporting fabricated figures of bodies over 150 and declaring these bodies as missing Persons—articulated voices of external enemies to alleged enforced disappearances, holding Pakistan’s security forces and law-enforcing agencies responsible for every wrong which takes place in Balochistan. It seems ridiculous when some of them allegedly say that security agencies are behind terrorist activities in Balochistan. Nevertheless, on 30 January 30, 2014, US Congressman Louie Gohmert delivered a highly venomous speech at US House of Representatives on Balochistan Situation, citing his meeting with BSN leadership, which was broadcasted live on Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network in US. Senator Gohmert also read out the article of Tarek Fateh (Canada based BSNs’ sympathizer), published by Toronto “SUN” on January 28, criticizing US for ignoring the mass graves issue during US Senator John Kerry’s meeting with Pakistan’s National and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz. 

Notably, India, US and Israel have been internationalizing the Balochistan issue in accordance with their secret goals. In this respect, in connivance with the Baloch separatist leaders who have taken refuge in Switzerland, Sweden, US and London, these external elements use media, various NGOs and human rights organizations for false propaganda against Pakistan’s security  agencies in relation to extrajudicial killings, mutilated bodies and the missing persons. 

As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from American CIA and Indian RAW—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. A majority of the disappeared individuals are also in the detention centers (Farrari Camps) which are being run by Baloch feudal lords (Sardars) who want to continue old system of feudalism in the province.

Unfortunately, BLA and BSNs are also in collusion with some US Congressmen to get foreign support so as to animate the scheme of separatism in Balochistan. In this context, dissidents like Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Khan, Hyrbyair Marri, Mehrab Sarjov and others are busy in Europe and US to project Balochistan issue on international level. For the purpose, these leaders and especially, Baloch feudal lord, Khan of Kalat planned to take the issue of Balochistan to International Court of Justice (ICJ) and expected that India would pay $2.4 million lawyers’ fee to contest their case in ICJ. As Indian support did not get materialized, these leaders contacted to US officials to forward their case.

In February 8, 2012, three Republican Congressmen including Dana Rohrabacher, Louie Gohmert and Steve King tabled a bill before US Congress stating, “Balochistan is currently divided between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan with no sovereign rights of its own. In Pakistani Balochistan the people are subjected to violence and extrajudicial killings.” The bill favoured Baloch rights of self-determination, having a sovereign state—and must be afforded the opportunity to choose their own status.

Earlier, the US subcommittee on ‘Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ convened a hearing on extrajudicial killings and violation of human rights in Baluchistan. Rohrabacher chaired the meeting, while Lt. Col. (R) Ralph Peters testified.  Lt. Col. (R) Peters is the architect of infamous 2006—New Middle East map and is an advocator for the disintegration of Muslim states on sectarian and religious lines. His map shows a number of Islamic countries including Pakistan as truncated. While writing in the June 2006 issue of The Armed Forces Journal of the US, he had suggested Washington about the creation of a “Greater Balochistan” which would integrate the Baloch areas of Pakistan with those of Iran—and the Frontier Province (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa) should be incorporated into Afghanistan.”

Although the US Administration quickly distanced itself from Congressional hearing by Rohrabacher and Peters’ testimony, yet US denial does not augur well with ground reality, as American think tanks, NGOs and websites go on instigating the separatist elements in Baluchistan. US State Department which funded National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Voice of Baluchistan (VOB) have been instrumental in fomenting dissension and nationalistic feelings in the province. It has been pressurizing Pakistan to allow opening of a US consulate in Quetta. The aim is to execute US covert designs against Islamabad.

It is mentionable that the Tea Party members in US Congress, especially Dana Rohrabacher, Louie Gohmert and Steve King are reportedly working to create an independent Balochistan. Their leaders are angry with Pakistan on the self-created presumption of sheltering Osama-bin-Laden, and intend to teach a lesson to Islamabad by assisting the Baloch separatists. These Tea Party members who currently back the idea of a sovereign Balochistan were in the forefront of Afghan Jihad against the former Russia. They also held meetings with dissidents in London. 

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. However, these elections proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation, as they have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by Dana Rohrabacher including other entities. 

Now, the right hour has come that Pakistan’s internal entities, particularly media must expose the foreign sinister aims against Balochistan. They must indicate that Baloch dissidents are being supported by external forces which are actually having devouring eyes on Balochistan’s mineral deposits. US Congressmen must also not encourage separatist elements in the province to advance their own agenda to usurp resources of Balochistan. US government must not muddle in the internal affairs of Pakistan, otherwise it will lead to dangerous consequences.  

Pakistani media, civil society, political parties and judiciary must realize that Balochistan is being plotted as part of the great game in which US and its allies plan to fulfil their strategic interests at the cost of Pakistan and China. Hence, all Pakistanis must get united to negate and defeat the greedy designs of US, EU and India. 

Political instability in Balochistan must come to an end and present government in Balochistan must be supported by media, civil society and political parties. Our media must denounce the intriguing designs of US members of the Tea Party, who are showing their hypocrisy and double face regarding Balochistan. Media should point out that these hostile members draw sanctified reference from British colonial era of the 18the century when a protest in Boston against absurd taxation on Tea (product) was held by a Tea Party as a measure of raising voice for human rights. The situation in Balochistan presents an internal issue of Pakistan which has mainly been addressed by the political leadership.

The issue of mass graves is under court investigations and official findings are being completed through DNA testing. Hostile propaganda by BSNs that actual number of bodies found was much higher than 13, as officially reported, must be countered. Foreign propaganda should not be allowed to encourage the separatists who are in minority. 

Media must also indicate 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 the Baloch people in the mainstream of the country. Particularly, our missions abroad must counter foreign designs and denounce meetings between Baloch dissidents and US Congressmen by exposing the connivance of anti-Pakistan forces against Balochistan.

Creating Fissures between Pakistan and China

Sajjad Shaukat

From time to time, shift occurs in international politics, depending on the relationship of big countries and their strategic rivalries.In this regard, Pakistan has a strategic geo-political location at the corridor of world’s major maritime oil supply lines, and has close proximity to oil rich Central Asian countries. Its location could influences Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Besides, Balochistan’s mineral resources and geo-strategic location with deep Gwadar seaport, entailing Islamabad’s close ties with Beijing pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries which intend to destabilize Pakistan for their common interests. These hostile powers are trying to create fissures between Pakistan and China so as to sabotage their alliance.

Availing the opportunity of the western propaganda, secret agencies like CIA, RAW and Mossad have also increased their secret activities against Pak-China relationship by supporting subversive acts in various regions of Pakistan, and by backing the insurgents of Balochistan.

In 2013, a day before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Islamabad; Chinese engineers being driven through Clifton Block-1 in Karachi escaped a major bomb attack. Afterwards, foreign-assisted Baloch separatist elements targeted Chinese engineers, working at Gwader. In fact, external supported-militant groups such as Balolchistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jundollah (God’s soldiers) including other insurgent groups are fulfilling the secret strategic designs of the US-led countries at the cost of Pakistan and China. In the past few years, these militants abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their heinous activities.

Plot by foreign elements against Balochistan and China could also be judged from the “Indian Defence Review,” of Jan-Mar 2009. The Review, while suggesting the disintegration of Pakistan, wrote that for New Delhi, “This opens a window of opportunity to ensure that the Gwadar port does not fall into the hand of China. Afghanistan will gain stability…India’s access to Central Asian energy routes will open up.”

It is due to covert strategic aims that the US which signed a nuclear deal with India in 2008 seeks to dismember both Pakistan and Iran—particularly to counterbalance China by making India superpower of Asia. During his visit to India in 2010, US President Barrack Obama signed multiple agreements with New Delhi in various fields. Owing to these agreements, India has also been purchasing C-17 and F35 aircrafts along with latest defence-related arms and equipments from America and other western countries, especially Israel. 

Setting aside the Indian irresponsible record of non-proliferation, defence agreement signed between the US and India on July 20, 2011 as part of the deal about civil nuclear technology, agreed upon by the two countries in 2008. America also pressurized International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Suppliers Group to grant a waiver to New Delhi for obtaining civil nuclear trade on larger scale. 

Especially, on July 20, 2011, while hinting towards Pak-China ties, the then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India to be more assertive in Asia, saying that as American ally, the country should play more of a leadership role. She explained, “India has the potential to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific.”  

The United States seems determined to keep around 10,000 troops in Afghanistan permanently after the withdrawal of NATO forces in 2014. Besides, US has also planned to maintain Indian role in Afghanistan to complete hidden agenda against Pakistan and China.

Taking cognizance of the enemy’s intentions, during his trip to Beijing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signed eight agreements on July 5, 2013 in various fields. The most important one envisages the establishment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China—connecting to Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass. Beijing has also offered to build an international airport, while the roads infrastructure in Gwadar would be connected with the communication network of rest of the country to facilitate transportation of goods. By rejecting US growing pressure, Pakistan has handed over the control of Gwader seaport to China.

In fact, Pak-China relations signify manifestation of mutual deference, deep feelings of affinity and natural political alliance. Their ties are based on principled pledges. Consequently, both the countries honorably supported each others proposals, plans and interests at regional and international levels including conventions at the UNO and global trade forums—resolution of regional and international disputes and initiatives to espouse ethical and legal issues. In this respect, China courageously supported Pakistan on its righteous stand on Kashmir and related UN resolutions. Both countries are still in consonance with each others strategic and policy framework. Pak-China relations simply reflect all-seasoned friendship free of petty prejudices and arid localized notion. History of Pak-China friendship and enhanced sense of mutual compassion enable them to reap the fruits of their all-weather strategic partnership. Due to fresh avenues of development and economic opportunities in commerce, trade, business etc., Pak-China friendship seems to attain new optimism.

Unfortunately, regional and international powers including US, Western powers, India and Japan, driven by their sense of economic competition, imperial designs to seize and grab energy, gold and other natural resources, and power motives to augment their political influence, are trying to create a wedge between China and Pakistan. Their misleading analysis and skewed reports using irritating jargon and threatening hunches are targeting the general public to create a sense of mistrust and mis-perception among them.

A recent analysis titled, “China in Pakistan: An Awkward Relationship Beneath the Surface,” published by Royal United Strategy Institute (RUSI Newsbrief, on January 15 2014) is a case in point. US and some western powers, being economic rivals of China are trying to create suspicions between Beijing and Islamabad, while the two friendly countries are planning to undertake mega economic projects like CPEC, construction of dams and Chinese investment in Pakistani textile, energy, banking, trade and industrial sectors including numerous other development projects.

It appears as if evergreen Pak-China friendship has become a major source of concern for anti-Pakistan elements and economic adversaries of China. In this context, Shaheen Sehbai in his article titled, “Cheen Ki Wikileaks,” published in a renowned Urdu daily, on January 27, 2014 also expressed bitterness over Pak-China cooperation claiming that rampant corruption in China will be hazardous for Pakistan—suggested that the Pakistan Government should not place all eggs in Chinese basket. His article has frightening contents for Islamabad as Chinese are likely to be misguided. Although he claims to have picked up details of Chinese corruption from foreign Website (The Global Mail and International Consortium of Investigative Journalists), yet timings of such reports clearly point at a mindset and a game-plan to create disappointing impressions of Chinese partnership with Pakistan. However, external propagandists are launching their anti-China campaign through multifaceted drive involving Pakistani writers like Shaheen Sehbai to gain credibility.

As a matter of fact, CPEC seriously irritates China’s rivals, while slow progress provides them an opportunity to comment negatively on the agreement. Chinese security in Pakistan is being blotted to stop Chinese investment in Pakistan. This is incorrectly linked to anti-Chinese sentiments in Pakistan which holds Beijing in high esteem, considering it as an all-seasoned friend and so is the case in China.

Propagandists are falsely trying to link issue of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Xinjiang (insurgency in China) to Pakistan and Taliban. The truth does not validate such allegations as Islamabad is not involved in any scheme detrimental to Beijing, as India is supporting the militancy in Xinjiang. Pakistani media must assert that linking Pakistan in such fundamentalist ideologies is totally erroneous and unjust.

Sino-Pakistan relations are being propagated in terms of trade, while it is argued that China has also invested in other regional countries like India and Afghanistan, and there is nothing special about Pak-China friendship. Our media must also project that both China and Pakistan cherish their friendship and consider their relations as everlasting. Chinese affinity towards Pakistan is jealously, felt by the rivals who lead to propagate against their companionship.

Besides, false corruption reports, published by selected group of journalists in West regarding China need to be responded by our media commentators. They should also indicate that Pakistani writers like Shaheen Sehbai must not promote foreign propaganda against China—a strategic partner and all-weather friend of Pakistan, while Pakistan must make efforts to enhance ties with China. Sino-Pakistan old partnership must exploit regional economic opportunities and complete mega development projects to realize the dream Chinese and Pakistani peoples. This will automatically counter anti-China propaganda. It is the right response to those lobbies which are trying to create fissures between Pakistan and China with a view to negatively impact their time tested friendship.

Enthusiasm and Energy of the Pakistani Youth

Sajjad Shaukat

Past experience proves that the youth played a key role in the nation-building of the developed countries, while pulling them out of any crisis due to their zeal and zest.Unlike the developed countries, Pakistan has been facing multi-faceted problems such as acute financial crisis, poverty, unemployment, so­c­ial inequities, lack of security, loadshading of electricity and gas in wake of continuous acts of terrorism. But, our young persons have shown a greater enthusiasm and energy in coping with these multiple problems. In these terms, their vitality and power of determination is praiseworthy.

On the on side, enemies of the Pakistan are using various schemes to manipulate the youth by provocating them to join the militants in order to conduct subversive activities, on the other side, a majority of the Pakistani youth is well-determined in thwarting the nefarious designs of the terrorists who are involved in brutal acts of terrorism and have brought embarrassment to the entire nation.

Now, Pakistan’s environment has been darkened with the perennial incidents of bomb blasts, turmoil and unrest, as the insurgent target educational institutions, public places like festivals, parks, business centers, hospitals, places of entertainment and worship. Our youth which is too sensitive and mindful of the terrorism-related phenomenon of trauma surrounding them, cannot remain oblivious to the same, as it is agonizing for them.

Knowing the memories of their relatives and dear ones who lost their lives in various terrorist acts like bomb blasts, suicide attacks, targeted killings, ethnic and sectarian violence, the youth has urged the various organs of the state—the government and the judiciary including law-enforcing agencies and media to take effective steps to get rid Pakistan of the menace of terrorism.

While some political and religious entities including some media analysts are misguiding the youngsters that it is elseone’s war, not Pakistan’s war, but the youth is well-aware that it is our own war against terrorism, as the militants are being supported by external enemies of the country. They know the reality that entrenched in Afghanistan external secret agencies like American CIA, Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad have perennially been arranging acts of sabotage in various regions of Pakistan, especially in  Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Balochistan and Karachi through their affiliated militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jundollah (God’s soldiers) including other insurgent groups and some Baloch feudal lords (Sardars) to fulfill the secret strategic designs of US, India and Israel at the cost of Pakistan, China and Iran. Besides martyring several personnel of law-enforcing agencies and security forces in various parts of the country, in Balochistan, these foreign-backed entities kidnapped and massacred many Punjabis, Pushtuns, Shias, people of Hazara community, patriot Balochis and Iranian Shias. In the past few years, they abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan. 

On a number of occasions, BLA, Jundollah and other separatist groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. So, the young persons know that these terrorists have accelerated their anti-social, undemocratic and un-Islamic practices in the country where their merciless activities continue unabated. Hence, they are showing vitality by emphasizing the necessity of unity to fight the ruthless enemy. 

No doubt, the youth in Pakistan is fully cognizant of the fact that all convicted terrorists especially those who were awarded death penalty by the courts of law should be executed without any delay, as it will send a strong message to the militants. And Judiciary on its part must ensure speedy disposal of all cases pertaining to terrorism, otherwise, justice in cases of terrorist attacks will remain delayed. According to a maxim, “justice delayed is justice denied.”

Nevertheless, the Pakistani youth is fully aware of the dangers which lurk ahead and the impediments which lie in the path of realizing their full potential and a brighter future. In this respect, the government of Pakistan needs to take serious measures to positively exploit the enthusiasm and energy of the youth not only in coping with the political instability, social strife and economic problems, but also menace of terrorism in the country.

For the purpose, our own media must show courage by denouncing all acts of terrorism, and stop providing space to these terrorists, as media statements by the spokesmen of the militant groups simply glorify the cause of terrorism in one way or the other. 

It is good sign that the Pakistani youth like its counterparts around the world also uses the social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc. effectively. In the cyber-age, social media which means online platform for interactive dialogue, have equally been utilizing by the peoples of the developed and less developed countries. In this context, the Facebook site originally was created for students of Harvard to get acquaintance with one another, but later, it was utilized by other colleges and universities as well, and now allows anyone to get registration. 

In fact, these sites are creating communities which allow people to keep tabs of their social relationships by exploring and finding other persons with similar interests. In these terms, social media services like Twitter and Facebook are really playing the revolutionary role. 

In this regard, a study suggests that online chatter about revolution often began just before actual revolution took place. And social media also served as an outlet for citizens of the region to tell their stories of revolution, which played an inspirational role for neighboring countries. The study explains that social media carried a cascade of messages about freedom and democracy across North Africa and the Middle East, and helped raise expectations for the success of political uprising—in Egypt where the Arab Spring blossomed—Howard and his team found that the number of tweets that mentioned revolution in that country exploded from 2,300 per day to more than 230,000 per day. The number of videos, Facebook updates and blog posts about government opposition also rose dramatically. 

Moreover, there is virtually no control over the sites, and some of the users can misuse by giving false information or spread disinformation. According to a NGO, the photos of flogging of 17 year old girl in Swat in 2009 displayed on the Facebook was engineered, which had brought disgrace to Pakistan.Nonetheless, our youngsters who know the art of using social media sites through internet must utilize the same for encountering anti-Pakistan propaganda of the external enemies, and in improving the image of the country in the eyes of international community. Thus, they can also unite various segments of the society in fighting the different war against terrorists.

It is notable that general elections 2013 witness the youth of Pakistan participating wholeheartedly in the electoral process. Optimistically speaking, if democracy prevails, the youth, being in majority, will actually dictate the type of government which will reside in the corridors of power. The current government’s recognition of the power of the youth is likely to motivate and to empower them.

It is mentionable that education and research are very essential for the development of a country, as we can see in the west. So, strenuous efforts for peace and an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of education, research and vocational interests are of prime importance in relation to the youth.Consequently, Pakistani youth which is full of enthusiasm and energy has expressed firm resolve to fight the menace of terrorism, and to play their role for the security of Pakistan, while helping the country in diversified fields for nation-building purposes.

Need of Timely Action against Terrorism

Posted by Belharvi                  

                                                          In order to resolve the menace of terrorism, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on January 29, this year announced the constitution of 4-member committee comprising impartial personalities to open negotiations with the warring Taliban. The committee has started contacts with all the militant groups, especially Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has also welcomed government’s offer of peace dialogue. But at the same time, while referring to the recent terrorist attacks in Bannu, Peshawar, Hangu, assaults on anti-polio workers, media, minorities and religious scholars, prime minister also stated, “All state institutions will stand behind the government, if it decides to use force against terrorists.” He also clarified that talks and terrorism cannot go together, and asked the militants to observe a ceasefire.

Quite contrarily, TTP-led militants continued their subversive activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Karachi, while in Balochistan, the Taliban have connections with other insurgents’ outfits like Balachistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jundollah (God’s soldiers), which are also involved in similar acts of terrorism.In fact, since the present government came into power, it has been wavering between fact and scepticism by following the policy of appeasement towards all the militant groups, especially TTP which has not ended its terror-activities such as suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings, ruthless beheadings of the innocent people, assaults on security personnel and prominent religious figures. 

Unfortunately, Pakistan is faced with extremely wicked, enigmatically elusive and subjectively imprecise threat posed by terrorism or TPP. The irony of the fate is that terrorists wear homogeneously accepted garbs as servants of Islam and use religion as their most effective mask and credible smokescreen. Their main pledges included demands for enforcement of Islamic system of governance by imposing Shariah laws (Islamic jurisprudence) in the country, ending diplomatic relations with US and western world and undertaking Jihad against the non-Muslims. They became self-proclaimed campaigners of Islam, rejecting all dissenting views on explicit explanations of Shariah. 

Rigidly, locked in insular mind-set, the terrorists, particularly of the TTP oppose the constitution of Pakistan, reject the system of governance and fight the Armed Forces by leaving no stone unturned in promoting their politically motivated agenda to gratify their power motives. Whereas they cause loss of lives, damage property and subject the entire nation with psychological pain and grief, while showing no compassion by openly rejoicing their criminal strikes. 

Now, these militants are expanding their violent activities by targeting all unguarded, reticent and mute segments of society. The aim is to blow out their boasting audacity and show off their strength of defiance. Suicide bombings on the personnel of the security forces and law-enforcing agencies present one pattern, while targeting schools, shrines, mosques and places of worship, religious processions, funerals and markets specially meant for women and children clearly explain their un-Islamic patterns of behaviour. 

Condemning the latest acts of terrorism, particularly in Rawalpindi by the TTP, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan stated that attacks on innocent persons and armed forces would not be tolerated. On the one side, they have repeatedly been emphasizing upon peace talks with the Taliban, especially with the TTP, while on the other, taking note of their terror-attacks, they have also suggested strong action against these militants.In this context, although the rulers have expedited the formulation and promulgation of anti-terror laws as part of counter-terrorism strategy, yet they are considering two options-dialogue or military operation. 

It is mentionable that TTP is acting upon shrewd tactics, as sometimes it claims responsibility for its terror-assaults and sometimes denies the same. For example, when its militants had attacked the church in Peshawar in September, 2013, TTP did not accept responsibility, but afterwards, by misinterpreting Islam, its spokesman said that it was in accordance with Shariah. Similarly, TTP condemned bomb blast in the Tableeghi Markaz (preaching center) in Peshawar, which killed nine people on January 16, 2014, but, it claimed responsibility of attacks on police in Malakand, Shangla and Mansehra including military convoy in Bannu and R.A Bazaar near GHQ.Notably, the TTP new Chief Maulana Fazlullah had 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.

However, tough terms of the TTP for reconciliation show double game. In the recent past, in a letter, Pakistani Taliban demanded that Pakistan should pull out of the Afghan war, abandon its pro-American and pro-western policies and change its constitution and foreign policy in conformity with Islamic Shariah.But, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar had pointed out that the Taliban’s offer of conditional truce was unacceptable, adding, “Taliban groups cannot dictate the state.” While indicating unclear policy, the government is indirectly pacifying the TTP and other Taliban insurgents who have been encouraged, and keep on challenging the writ of the state.  

 

While, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif initiated peace process with the Taliban in accordance with the decision of the All Parties Conference (APC) in which leaders of the mainstream political parties had participated. Contrarily, now, situation has entirely changed. Recently, while condemning the inhuman activities of the insurgents, particularly by those of the TTP, more than 100 Islamic scholars clarified in their joint fatwa (edict) and separate statements 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.” 

In fact, Islam is a religion of universal application, as it emphasizes peace, democracy, moderation and human rights including tolerance of political groups, religious communities and sects which are in minority in a country. In this connection, the Constitution of 1973 which was unanimously adopted, clearly states that Pakistan is basically a democracy guided by the Islamic principles and values—no law would be made contrary to Quran and Sunnah. 

Undoubtedly, Jihad is a sacred obligation, but its real spirit needs to be understood clearly, as murdering innocent women and children is not Jihad. These Taliban and their banned affiliated groups are defaming Islam, concept of Jihad, and are weakening Pakistan.As terrorists have accelerated their anti-social, undemocratic and un-Islamic practices, hence, people from all segment of life and majority of politicians want that a handful of terrorist elements must not be allowed to dictate their agenda and to impose their self-perceived ideology on the majority of Pakistanis.

While the present government issued three ordinances which are before the parliament—yet to take a concrete form of law. Nonetheless, it is due to delay in formulation and implementation of counter-terrorism policy that the Taliban who continue their brutal acts have been encouraged by the contradictory approach of the present government.Terrorism as a phenomenon needs to be fought collectively and the entire nation has to put up a collective effort. In this regard, a meaningful message must immediately be sent to the terrorists that the government has the will and power to eliminate them. 

Government has to take lead to fight the threat posed by terrorists, especially those of the TTP. Bloodshed must not be allowed to spread at the will of the militants. There is a dire need to develop political will to fight the insurgents through well-devised strategy and firm resolve. The writ of the Govt must be established at all costs and all and sundry be brought to the folds of law. In this regard, political leadership must take tough, but rationale decisions without any further delay. It must also be realized that time is running out, while terrorists are getting stronger with every passing day.  

For the purpose, Pakistan’s political leaders and media anchors must condemn terrorists’ attacks on the innocent persons, personnel of the security forces and other law-enforcing agencies with disdain and social contempt. They must pay homage to those who lost their lives while fighting the terrorists. For example, this includes Police officers like Chaudhary Aslam (Martyred) and young student Aitzaz Hussan (Martyred), as the entire nation is proud of such brave sons of soil. Besides, terror attacks at Peshawar Tableeghi Markaz must be thoroughly investigated and the culprits must be brought to book.  

Particularly, religious clerics must come forward to denounce such subversive acts, and participate actively in countering the menace of terrorism. Different factions must hold collective conferences on faith related issues and society be organized to fight this criminal elements.Despite all the efforts, there is a dire need to devise a comprehensive strategy to deal with the terrorists with iron hands. Therefore, instead of pursuing contradictory policy, the government needs to act upon a timely action against terrorism, as any delay in this respect will further embolden these militants who will intensify their terror attacks.(By Sajjad Shaukat)