Does ISIS Exist in Pakistan?

                                                   

Recently, propaganda intensified that the militant outfit Daish or ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) has its presence in Pakistan. Besides some newspapers and media anchors of some TV channels also misperceived that ISIS has penetrated into Pakistan. In fact, they made their observation on the basis of media announcements by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders and Indian media.

Although ISIS does not exist in Pakistan, yet Pakistan government, law-enforcing agencies, media and civil society must exercise high degree of vigilance against any possible ingress by any elements like ISIS. Despite this, existence of ISIS in Pakistan needs special analysis, as its presence can not merely be propagated on the basis of wall chalking or media announcements of the TTP leaders and India.

As regards this militant outfit, on 29 June 2014, ISIS proclaimed a worldwide caliphate by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, based in Iraq. It claims religious, political and military authority over all Muslims, while ISIS’s actions have been widely criticized around the world, with many Islamic communities judging the group to be unrepresentative of Islam. One of ISIS’s goals has been to establish a radical Sunni Islamic state in Iraq and the Levant region, which covers Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine etc., and southern region of Turkey. It is widely known for its violent propaganda which includes Internet videos of beheadings. The UNO and Amnesty International have held this group responsible for human rights abuses and war crimes. ISIS group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the UNO and the European Union.

Some reports suggest that as part of the double game, American CIA has also been supporting the militants of the ISIS to overthrow the Shia regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Another aim is to spread sectarian violence in the Islamic countries.

However, besides some Islamic countries, a majority of the religious extremists from the Western World and especially India has joined the ISIS. In this context, a deliberate oblivion on the part of the West about ISIS recruits from their countries also exposes their duplicity and hypocrisy.

It is notable that although various kinds of terror attacks in Pakistan have been conducted by the 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, 2014 proved a watershed, as it has given a final wake up call to the nation to unite against these ruthless terrorists.

In this respect, 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. Gen. Raheel 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.”

Undoubtedly, as a result of ongoing operations in Waziristan and Khyber Agency especially operation Zarb-e-Azb, militants are finding no place other than Afghanistan to flee and save their skin.

In this context, Gen. Raheel accompanied by the DG of Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), rushed to Kabul on December 17, 2014. 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 TTP chief Mullah Fazlluah, and handing over to Pakistan. In response, they assured him to take action against the TTP.

In fact, Afghanistan has become a hub of anti-Pakistan activities from where external secret agencies, especially Indian RAW are sending logistic support to Baloch separatist elements and TTP insurgents in Pakistan. Posing themselves as Pakistani Taliban, these enemies have joined TTP and other banned extremist outfits. In the recent years, especially TTP’s insurgents and its affiliated banned groups conducted many terror-activities in various regions of the country like suicide attacks, ruthless beheadings of tribesmen, assaults on security personnel and prominent figures including Shias, Ahmadis, Sufis, Christians and Sikhs as part of the scheme to create chaotic situation in the country.

It is of particular attention that spokesman of the Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Usama Mehmood and some other militant groups have also condemned the TTP in relation to the massacre of innocent children at Peshawar school.

Nevertheless, after Peshawar incident, strong public reaction against extremism/terrorism and dislike for Taliban/TTP elements—has been equally condemned by the political leadership as a national policy, showing solidarity with the armed forces. In this connection, on January 2, this year, political and military leaders agreed on a draft of legislative measures which would pave the way for establishment of special military trial courts. The participants also reiterated the commitment for dismantling and destroying all forms of terrorism and terrorist networks operating within the country. It was unanimously resolved that the 20 points enunciated in the All Parties Conference (APC) Resolution of December 24, 2014 shall be acted upon expeditiously—the bill as 22nd (Constitutional) Amendment, will be enforced soon after its approval from the parliament.

Meanwhile, media has reported that an Indian person namely Mehdi Masoor of Banglore remained affiliated with ISIS, and is running a pro-ISIS tweeter account. So question arises as to how India justifies its propaganda of ISIS linkage with Pakistan?  As a matter of fact, New Delhi has been frustrated by the successes achieved against the Taliban/TTP insurgents by Zarb-e-Azb. Therefore, sinister aim of Indian false propaganda about the presence of ISIS in Pakistan is to distort country’s image in the eyes of international community, while ISIS does not exist in Pakistan.

Mass Conversion to Hinduism In India

By Faheem Belharvi

Bajrang Dal, an offshoot of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) converted at least 57 Muslim families (200 people) into Hindus at a “Purkhon ki Ghar vapsi” coming home of the ancestors ceremony held at Agra, Uttar Pardesh. It is not a first event of its kind. Previously, in early 2014, Christians were forcefully converted to Hinduism which created unrest among Christian Clergy. BJP is trying to portray the event as of wishful conversion, however, since coming of BJP government in the center, RSS and its offshoots have accelerated their efforts for minority conversion into Hinduism. Recently a BJP state minister for Food and Security, Nirangan Jyoti stated that Muslims and Christians are sons of Ram, those who don't believe, should quit India. There was a lot of protest from Muslims and civil society circles to remove the minister but PM Narendra Modi denied her removal. 

There was a proper ceremony who arranged with coded name by the Hindu Pundits. In the ceremony and asked the Muslim to follow the words as spelled by the pundits. This was a high time that Hindus forcefully converted Muslims into the Hinduism. However, Hindus are claiming their religious is peaceful and there is no concept of force in Hinduism to convert the followers of other religious into Hinduism. This ceremony was the question mark on the assertiveness of Hindu Pundits. As they have violated the basic norms of their religion and tried to harm the ideologies other communities. 

Indian government, especially Indian religious ministry could not take any measures to slab the Hindus by taking this big step against the Islam and Muslims.Indian media portrayed this event negatively and made the Muslims responsible of this. Indian media has the view that the converted families were actually belong to Hindus about thirty years back. Indian media had projected that the families were not forcefully converted as they are free to follow any ideology according to their faith and will.   

Definitely, there were certain social factors for conversion of Muslims into Hinduism like poverty and illiteracy. The remote areas of India where Muslims and Hindus are living to gather. Being as the biggest minority in India, most of the Muslim population is living below the poverty line and they could not even meet with basic necessities. The fault is being exploited by the Hindu Pundits and they take the favour from circumstances to convert the Muslims into Hinduism. 

Surprisingly, Indian Muslim community did not display off their reservations and apprehensions on this ceremony and continued their silence. More than 180 million Muslims are living in India. They are dominating in the field of politics, economy, science and other social and professional sectors despite of that they kept silent on the ceremony. Even Muslim community did not launch any strong protest against this heinous act.

The custodian organization that are designed to protect the rights of Muslims throughout the world are appeared to be toothless. Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) could not lament the issue in order to mount pressure on Indian government.

Muslim print and electronic media also inactive and was not yielded strong response on event of mass conversion. However, in the presence of some very strong news agencies of Muslims like Al Jazeera and Al Arabia TV channels. But it could not respond the rebuttal on the issue. Muslim media should carry out efforts on the pattern of BBC and CNN.

The suggestions are here be given to neutralize such type of incidents in the future. The first and former responsibility of the Indian government to bar Hindu Pundits from doing such atrocious acts as it is the violation of the basic human rights. Being considered itself as a custodian of so called biggest democracy of the world its government must think over it.

Personal analysis, this is a planned conversion and the trend will continue for the next five years. It is part of RSS agenda of converting India into one religion people. It is the idea of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism, being promoted by BJP and PM Modi around the world among Indian origin people.   Stems from this ideology and the forced conversions are against international norms and fall under human rights violations. All major religions of the world are striving across the globe to protect their followers and ensure them peaceful independent religious life. However, the compulsions being committed in India are required to be highlighted massively. It is suggested that such conversions will have serous backlash not only in India but across the globe. Moreover, it has the potential to de-stablize the region. If India continues with this trend of forced conversions along with its successes at international level, the region will be threatened with the same menace.   

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.