Countering Indian Propaganda against ISI

                                     By Sajjad Shaukat

Indian spin doctors, especially those associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other extremist Hindu groups continuously propagate against Pakistan, and aggressively use anti- ISI narrative with a view to showing Islamabad in bad light, while maligning Pakistan’s top intelligence agency, ISI. Their sick mind and elusive psyche spread intriguing thoughts and breed wickedness against country’s superior agency. Driven by their crookedness and sense of acrimony, they coin fresh jargons and initiate chimera to conduct incessant psychological operations which are detrimental to Pakistan’s interest and cause aspersions against ISI.

In July 2013, Indian media, fed by its Intelligence Bureau (IB), shamelessly insinuated against ISI for reactivating its terrorist network to attack Hindu leaders and their establishments in several cities in India. Indian government was warned to put the security mechanism on high alert as RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat was touring multiple Indian states. Ultimately, the entire storyline-plot proved fake and fabricated. Pakistan ignored the Indian malevolence, suggesting that such baseless allegations will jeopardize the peace process between the two countries. But, Indian propagandists learnt nothing and ignored Pakistani advice.

In this context, Indian newspaper Deccan Chronicle published a similar story on November 7, 2014, titled “Pakistan’s ISI may target India’s key economic centers and important installations.” In this regard, Namrata Biji Ahuja who wrote it, contended that IB and other Indian assets informed that new terror module trained by ISI have entered India to strike at key economic installations including Reserve Bank, Bombay Stock Exchange, New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, Bengaluru BSF HQ at Jalandhar, Patiala Jail in Punjab and Avantipura in J&K. IB shared information with Indian law-enforcing agencies that the group entered India via Rajasthan border and proceeded towards Pune and that they will be provided with arms and ammunition by local sleeper cells. Such media reports not only leveled serious allegations against Pakistan and ISI for training terror modules to attack Indian targets, but also inflicted serious damage to the image of Pakistan and prestige of ISI. Above all, the storyline contains biased figments of mental illusions and fake contents.

Indian patterns of propaganda pose a very gruesome picture as whenever a sabotage   activity is planned by Indian RAW, Indian media pro-actively accuses Pakistan for an impending terrorist attack which is straight away categorized “I labeled it as Pakistan ISI sponsored.” The possibility of RAW undertaking a dangerous terrorist activity inside their own country cannot be ruled out, as they have been doing the same in the past.

In this respect, it is notable that Indian rulers were emphatically accusing Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) for the Mumbai terror attacks of November 26, 2008. But, on July 19, 2013 the Indian former home ministry and ex-investigating officer Satish Verma disclosed that terror-attacks in Mumbai in November 26, 2008 and assault on Indian Parliament in January 12, 2001 were carried out by the Indian government to strengthen anti-terrorism laws.

Similarly, exposing the nexus between Bhartia Janta Party (BJP) and RSS, Indian Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde revealed on January 20, 2013 that organized training camps run by the fundamentalist parties, RSS and BJP were promoting Hindu Terrorism. He also explained that these extremist parties were behind the Samjhauta Express, Meccca Masjid and Malegaon blasts.

But, India always accused Pakistan’s ISI of all these subversive acts, while, Indian official confession shows that these terror attacks were, in fact, arranged by RAW in connivance with Indian home-grown terrorists. This could also be judged from the incident, when on April 6, 2008 in the house of Bajrang Dal fundamentalists in Nanded, a bomb went off. The investigation proved that these militants were found in the bomb-making and attack on a mosque in Parbhani in 2003. Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra arrested a serving Lt. Col. Srikant Purohit along with other army officials, indicating that they were helping in training the Hindu terrorists, providing them with the military-grade explosive RDX, used in the Malegaon bombings and terrorist attacks in other Indian cities. ATS further disclosed that Lt. Col. Purohit confessed that in 2007, he was involved in bombing of Samjhota express, which brunt alive 70 Pakistanis.

While, Afghanistan has become a hub of anti-Pakistan activities conducted by RAW with the tactical assistance of American CIA and Israeli Mossad—from where particularly RAW is sending logistic support to Baloch separatist elements to dismember Pakistan. For this sinister move, a religious Madrassa of Wakhan, located in Afghanistan is functioning under the patronage of RAW. It is being used for brainwashing of very young boys who are Afghans and so-called Indian Muslims. Posing themselves as Pakistani Taliban, they have joined the ranks and files of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other banned extremist outfits. In the recent years, especially TTP’s insurgents and its affiliated banned groups conducted many terror-activities like suicide attacks, ruthless beheadings of tribesmen, assaults on security personnel and prominent figures including Shias, Ahmadis, Sufis, Christians, Sikhs and the suicide attack at Wagah border checkpoint in Lahore, on November 2, 2014. Besides, terror-attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Balochistan and Karachi are part of the scheme to create chaotic situation in the country. Indian Consulates in Afghanistan are also playing a very negative role in supporting TTP and Baloch separatists. Besides India is also encouraging TTP factions showing allegiance for DAISH ISIS(Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), to get united.

As regards cross-border terrorism, former Indian Army Chief Gen. VK Singh openly confessed in September 2013 that special intelligence unit like Technical Services Division were raised by him to operate inside Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Azad Kashmir to conduct terrorism and to bribe the politicians in the Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Moreover, in July 2012, Pakistani government released Indian prisoner, Surjeet Singh as part of prisoners’ exchange between the two countries. But, he openly admitted that he was in Pakistan to spy when he was arrested in 1982. In this context, Surjeet Singh said, “I was a RAW agent.” About another Indian prisoner, he revealed, “Sarabjit Singh is a terrorist who was responsible for the string of blasts in Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan in 1990.”

Nevertheless, as military operation, Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists is proceeding well in North Waziristan Agency by obtaining its objectives, and India feels out of sort. In this connection, Indian hawks have planned to keep Pakistan, its Armed Forces and ISI under pressure. Therefore, anti-ISI articles by their writers, associated with media wing of RAW clearly indicate Indian animosity against Pakistan and this top agency.

Nonetheless, Indian recent accusations that ISI trained modules are entering India through Rajasthan and are proceeding towards Pune are ridiculous and baseless. Hence, Pakistan must take such allegations seriously and an assertive rejoinder be issued against such media reports. While, countering Indian propaganda against ISI, our media must contest that Pakistan is a peace loving country and does not tolerate such insinuations. Indian media must owe an apology for publishing such a defamatory article in its national newspaper.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Turncoats: The Parasites of Pakistani Politics

Aasef 

Usually in the world dictionaries the meanings of one word are invariably common, may that be English, Persian, French, German or Arabic and so is for the word politics. Politics is about collective cause, shared values and common ideologies enabling people to pursue their goals and deal with their conflicts through direct method of negotiations or employing indirect strategies for the purpose. In nutshell its about the political principles. Politics becomes blessed and holy due to their unselfish nature, selfless deeds, visionary approach, ideological mooring, higher ethical values and respect for social norms. Politicians, driven by deeper sense of compassion, empathy and zeal to share collective pain and pleasure of public, tend to generate ideas, build ideologies, develop rationale and display leadership qualities to meet the demands of communities they represent.  However this all stands good when we talk of politics vis-à-vis rest of the world. Its to be remembered that in a democratic world, politics is played through political parties which are created on definite ideologies and philosophical concepts to work for the betterment of general public, whereas the politicians are just the characters who implement the political ethics, ideologies and manifestoes. While in our beloved Pakistan the things are on wandered.

Political parties set up the podiums and plinths where people pin hopes to achieve their goals and look forward to realize their aspirations. Switching parties is taken as a sin and politicians in most democratic countries are labeled as disloyal, dishonest and selfish, lacking loyalty and commitment. Generally their political careers end while they are associated with untrustworthiness and elusive self-indulgence.

Unfortunately in Pakistan, word Politics has absolutely different connotation.  Here changing sides to gain advantage has become a standard practice / political norm. People change political sides to gain power, popularity and prestige, just like that and without feeling any shame. Political ideology is dominated by patronage and kinship resulting into public repression, victimization, selective application of rules, jaundiced polity coupled with social injustice and rampant corruption. In Pakistan the politics is more of a profession. Here a person enters the parliament on a bicycle but on completion of his tenure exits on a loaded Prado. Here so-called heavy weight politicians in Pakistan are either the product of military dictatorship with shady past or opportunist feudal lords who are filthy rich, highly influential and powerful. They consider politics as their business and tend to invest with political parties from where they can earn better profit. Hence, they quickly join the popular parties to maximize their chances of getting elected. According to media and other reliable sources reports the majority of the sitting members parliament are corrupt and plunderers. It would be shocking if we start taking every second person’s name, nevertheless, to mention few notable turncoats seem unavoidable.

One of the interesting characters among them is Arbab Khizer Hayat Khan, who since entering the politics in 1996, has switched party allegiance at least for 14 times. Hayat’s huge mansion in Peshawar is adorned with his pictures with former president Ghulam Ishaq, former PM Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif which is enough to prove that how mature, steadfast and honest politician he is. He is a landowner with a long history in politics. He has shifted loyalties from Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) of Imran Khan to Sharif’s PML (N) via Bhutto’s (no more) PPP.

There is yet another interesting character named Javed Hashmi, who has rightly named himself a rebel as his politics solely revolve around shifting loyalties and changing sides. He should have been aptly called ‘The Political Widow’. He is a Jamat-e-Islami (JI) offspring but could not keep his commitment with his mentors as JI lacked popular support and could not afford him the chance to realize his power motives. He himself also was of the opinion that while in JI, he will never get a chance to take-off to accomplish his political aspirations. Hence, seeing popularity of Tehrik-e-Istaqlal (TI) of Asghar Khan he decided to join TI. Later on, he joined Zia sponsored PML (N) and deserted Muhammad Khan Junejo. He remained minister for Youth Affairs in Zia’s cabinet and took money from Younis Habib to form IJI against PPP, however, he insists that it was a loan taken from one Yousaf (front man of Younis Habib) which he returned subsequently. He went to jail for reading out anti Army fake letter during Musharraf regime and expected a worthwhile reward from Nawaz Sharif but was ignored. Subsequently when offered the president-ship of emerging political force Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), he betrayed Nawaz Sharif on lame excuses and joined Imran Khan (PTI) to advance his political motives. He felt alienated in PTI as his regional rival Shah Mahmood Qureshi was encouraged by Imran Khan. So he decided to stab Imran Khan in the back and leveled serious allegations against Imran Khan / PTI. He felt no shame while insinuating against Army / ISI.

In fact these two gentlemen are not the only one. There is yet another figure by the name of Marvi Memon. She is a direct product of General Musharraf’s regime and was taken as an employee of ISPR to learn politics and media handling, while her father Nisar Memon was Information Minister of Musharraf cabinet. She joined PML (Q) as a Minister. After Musharraf’s ouster and decline of PML (Q) she joined PML (N) to earn more fortunes. PML (N) is the same party which is trying her past boss and her father’s mentor General Musharraf on treason charges. As MNA in PML (N) she raises her voice with loud shrill and harsh tones, showing all the guts to be a politician of high morals, dignity and poise. Nabeel Gabol and Lashkari Raisani were two staunch PPP politicians who switched to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and PMLN respectively, shortly before parliament was dissolved in March. The trend shows that ‘LOTAs’ look for green pastures for themselves having least concern for public ordeal. The list of these shameless ‘Lotas’ goes on and on.

The most hilarious and interesting thing is that when their characterless politics was questioned and challenged they felt threatened and formed up an alliance against Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri and very shamelessly gave it the name of protecting the “Jamhooriyat” (Democracy). Almost sixty eight hundred thousand rupees daily were spent on a weeklong national assembly’s clueless and aimless session. Its strongly felt now that someone should put an end to this muck right here and right now. However, the same is only possible if the public comes forward to snatch their rights from these looters who change their loyalties with the ‘direction of the wind’. The wrong elaboration of the democracy should be discouraged if we want to see Pakistan prospering.

Maritime Verdict: Bangladesh Government Hides Facts

                              

                                                               By Sajjad Shaukat

Famous political thinkers, Hobbes, Machiavelli and Morgenthau opine that in international politics, rulers act upon immoral activities like deceit, fraud and falsehood which become the principles of political morality. They follow these tactics in order to obtain the interests of their countries. But, in case of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid has been acting upon these techniques against her own country so as to appease India, while the latter has entrapped her by exploiting her pro-Indian tilt to fulfill its strategic interests.

It is notable that Hasina Wajid had already directed her staff to close the chapter of water and border conflicts with New Delhi. Besides, she has given transit trade facilities to India—a move which has been resisted by the Bangladeshi patriots for the past several decades. In this context, a writer has rightly said, “Hasina Wajid again started Honey Moon Period of relationship with India.”

In this respect, maritime boundary dispute between India and Bangladesh (BD) in Bay of Bengal was referred to Permanent Court at Hague. On July 7, 2014, the Court of Arbitration gave its verdict, awarding 19, 467 square kilometers, out of disputed 25, 602 square kilometers area to Bangladesh. Law experts and technocrats from both India and Bangladesh contested the case. Whereas the government of Bangladesh termed the court decision as ‘Triumph of Friendship’, the opinion builders of the country observed it as ‘Sacrifice of Friendship.”

Sanity prevailed upon loyal Bangladeshis who were driven by their sense of rationality, and were prompted to hold seminar on the subject. The speakers, while protesting with concerns said that Bangladesh government failed to project its case before the Arbitration Court at Hague to get Talpatti, a gas rich island. They also pointed out that government’s weak foreign policy and ignorance of anti-Bangladesh agents resulted in a staged drama in which their country got one-third of the bay, while India received two-third of it.

Similarly, the court verdict also decided dispute with Myanmar regarding Saint Martin’s sovereignty which has been favorable to Dhaka. The court verdict will make Bangladesh to lose its rights to freely enter into deep sea.

As the Bangladesh government has hidden facts about the verdict so as to please India, but patriot leaders and people of Bangladesh have been protesting against the government in one way or the other. In this regard, speakers were of the opinion that the rulers were befooling the public in Bangladesh by projecting the judgment, as triumph, hiding the real facts. They rejected the fabricated and deceitful propaganda of the government that Bangladesh got more sea area than India.

As regards the details in relation to the protesters, to sensitize the public in Bangladesh about reality of the judgment, Liberty Bangladesh organized a seminar in which anti-government and anti-Indian themes were raised by all participants. The participants also included specialists of Bangladesh, having strong credentials in maritime border issue which enabled them to express their candid opinions.

In this connection, ANH Akhter Hossain said, “Bandladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid is a master of elusive dance. How can Sheikh Hasina receive recognition for her achievement when Saint Martin’s sovereign status (maintained since 1974) has been diminished? After losing Talpatti to India, she is telling us that there is no land under the water, and Talpatti Island does not exist. If you think otherwise, then go ahead and find it. He added, “These lies will not save the government—the people should take steps to claim Talpatti Island and take the case to the international court.”

Dr. Sabbir Mostafa Khan stated, “There is no question that we have gained maritime border from both disputes, but when it comes to arbitration, we always lost. We are incapable of claiming our rights in the court. We have a tendency to ask for less than what rightfully belongs to us. Government should move away from false promises and propaganda.” He appealed for the formation of a committee, comprising experts to take necessary steps.

Abdul Hye Sikder remarked, “Awami League led by Prime Minister Hasina Wajid has been boasting about the capability of their leadership. I have seen their capability through the court verdict. Sheikh Mujib surrendered everything to India. Now his daughter, the power hungry Sheikh Hasina has demonstrated her capability by sacrificing valuable maritime resources to India.”

The former Commodore Shafiq-ur-Rehman pointed out, “A great achievement from India and Myanmar disputes is that we now have a precise maritime border. This is a step forward. But, the sad part is that we were mysteriously unable to present strong statements in the court, and lost Talpatti Island.”  

Professor Dr. Emajuddin Ahmed said, Government of Hasina Wajid has come to power through illegal means, and is now floating on lies. By spreading propaganda, they are trying to avoid their responsibilities. This is a matter of great sadness for a free and sovereign nation. We have gained maritime border, but have lost Talpatti, as we failed to present our case properly. India knew about the gas reserved in Talpatti, and laid claims on the island. Bangladesh knowingly handed over this valuable asset to India. This is betrayal and a case of treason. A lawsuit could be filed against the government.”

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed sated, “People of Bangladesh are continuously being befooled. They are being told of triumphs…spreading propaganda to turn countless losses into victories. This will diplomatically weaken Bangladesh. News is being spread that Bangladesh has received more sea area than India, but actually India received double than Bangladesh.”

He elaborated, “The government has proved itself as traitor and puppet of India by denying the existence of Talpatti. Bangladesh made its defeat inevitable by mysteriously denying the existence of gas enriched Island. One day Sheikh Hasina will have to answer in court for her betrayal.”

While contending the judgment, a key speaker Captain M Rejaul Karim Chowdhury stated, “Bangladesh claimed that verdict regarding maritime boundary dispute with New Delhi is the ‘Triumph of Friendship’, but as there has been no verdict regarding South Talpatti, we can see    that the result is ‘Friendship Unresolved.”

He explained, “If Bangladesh gives up Talpatti, then it would be called ‘Sacrifice for Friendship.’ If truly it is to be called ‘Triumph of Friendship’, then Bangladesh should be able to claim the 100  trillion cubic feet of natural gas not to be used for corporate India, but instead, it be used to create an interest-free loaning fund called ‘Green Gas Fund’ for farmers of India and Bangladesh.”

Captain M Rejaul Karim futher pointed out, “A weak foreign policy and the ignorance of Bangladesh regime’s agents resulted in a staged drama in which the country received one-third of the bay. India on the other hand, received two-third of the area. Bangladesh propagated that the court verdict was a great success in having maritime borders. Actually, they lost the vital island of Talpatti which is enriched with natural gas. Government of Bangladesh denied that any gas enriched island like Talpatti existed, and therefore easily lost it to India. This has been termed as an act of betrayal and treason…one day Sheikh Hasina will be made answerable and accountable.”

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been following pro-Indian policies at the cost of her own country. Therefore, to appease New Delhi, and by giving false statement, her government has hidden facts about the verdict of maritime border dispute with India.

NOT A WAY TO PAY HOMAGE TO PEOPLE FIGHTING A WAR FOR YOU

By:    Aasef Chaudhry

What all is happening in Islamabad should have not happened at all. Marches and Sit-ins are not a new thing, neither their trespassing Red Zone is something weird. As a matter of fact the current govt has a far bad history for attacking the Supreme Court, parliament and the president house. But as they say that two wrongs can’t make one right so the same acts by PTI and PAT can’t be appreciated. However, if on one side we criticize both the parties for their extreme acts then on the other hand one must has to see what has forced them to come on the roads and opted for a march. No one has any doubt that the prevailing political impasse in the country with protesting groups of both PTI and PAT, observing sit-in at capital city of Islamabad, blocking sensitive Red Zone and threatening vital Govt buildings, have negatively impacted the entire nation causing fretful anxiety for all segments of society. But as earlier said that the demonstrations have been prolonged / extended unnecessarily, since the govt never considered their genuine demands seriously and the immature, self-centred advisors of the govt kept advising to handle the issue through its slow strategy thus could not grab the initiative to settle the issue through peaceful dialogue.

The govt could grab the initiative at many occasions but failed to do so. The PTI’s demand was initially recounting of four constituencies and enquiry of rigging in the election which, when govt didn’t address seriously then turned in to a demand for the PM’s resignation. On the other hand PAT’s demand was very simple as they wanted the FIR to be registered against PMLN’s political elite for the heinous murder of 14 people during broad day light at Model Town Lahore. The irony was that both the demands were not taken seriously by any quarter of the govt hence the situation aggravated.

If govt looked least interested in resolving the issue then on the other hand emotional speeches of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri coupled with digging graves/ showing coffin-cloth and Imran Khan’s hard stance to get resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, point at continuity of deadlock and impending perils of violence. Govt wasted vital time to address the rigging grievances of PTI, coldness/ insensitivity to register FIR against concerned people responsible for killing in Model Town, Lahore. Recent failure of dialogue, Govt’s decision to use force against the protesters and resultant killings in Islamabad has further spoiled the situation.

Everyone one was happy that the Army is keeping itself away from the political muck as they were otherwise busy in the most sensitive operation of Pakistan’s history operation Zarb e Azb. But here in Islamabad when the situation got worsened then very strangely the army’s name was heard for the first time as the likely mediators. It’s strongly believed that the govt herself requested the army for a role for the political motives best known to them and later backed out abruptly and tried to throw onus on PTI and PAT. Mediating role of Army was acrimoniously politicized which brought embarrassment for Army high command and caused delay in resolution of crisis.  
           
In whole episode Javed Hashmi’s role sounds quite dubious and suspicious. As PTI and PAT decided to demonstrate before the PM House, Javed Hashmi suddenly parted ways with PTI and asserted that Imran Khan was prompted by Sheikh Rashid to march towards PM House along with PAT. Javed Hashmi’s sensitivity towards Establishment is one thing but veiled pointing towards Army for having conveyed a message through Sheikh Rashid is a distrustful thought and a cynical view point. It is an ugly attempt to spoil civil-military relations in the country. That was the point from where things took turn and unfortunately the army’s character was questioned despite the fact that the Army maintains a totally neutral and entirely apolitical stance. It is, however, deeply concerned on prevailing political turmoil. Although a large section of press didn’t believe it and stood by the armed forces but a small section led by GEO; the govt’s media team tried their best to malign the forces. Ultimately the ISPR had to issue an unambiguous press release clearly expressed Army’s pro-democratic stance, asking the Govt to resolve the crisis through political dialogue and avoid violence / use of force.

The govt will have to do away with the habit of throwing blame on others and will have to seriously resolve the issue as this political turmoil in Islamabad has brought both protesting side and the Govt into a blind alley from where the rays of hope appear too slim. There is a need for the Govt to take bold decisions and hold dialogue with PTI and PAT leaders. Some compensation has to be paid for earlier loss of precious time to address the grievances of the protesting groups and the govt should remember that there is no shortcut to bringing the situation normal in Islamabad. Army as we all know is a prestigious institution and it fully supports the democratic system and averts all skepticism of derailing democracy. Such thoughts are ugly in nature and must not be attributed towards pro-democratic Army.

After ISPR press release the govt was badly embarrassed for lying that it was PTI and PAT who requested the Army to mediate. There are few ministers in the govt who are deadly against the army and are in habit of creating misunderstanding off and on. People know them well and some of them after this humiliation made another attempt and tried to create a feeling that the army sent a message to Imran Khan through Sheikh Rashid to join PAT leadership for marching towards PM House which was totally baseless. Javed Hashmi must be feeling alienated in PTI as perhaps competitors like Shah Mehmood Qureshi are getting encouraged by Imran Khan. Some media analysts and political leaders like Achakzai and Fazalur Rehman also tend to show their loyalties to top political leadership by mentioning about the possibility of military take over and they do not hesitate in insinuating against Army for its hidden role in present crisis. Such elements have an agenda to spoil civil-military relations. They must be countered assertively. 

It’s high time now that the govt must take the initiative using comprehensive strategy and visionary approach to resolve the issue without using force and avoiding violence. The situation presents serious challenges to the political leadership who must find a political solution with open mind and selfless dexterity. External elements are keenly studying the developments taking place in Pakistan and are preparing wicked schemes to damage Pakistan’s interests. Hence, there is a dire need to end the political standoff and learn how to hold own Army in high esteem.  

Army as a Facilitator

Army as a Facilitator
By Khurrum Shahzad Belharvi
Present political standoff in the country has deepened, as protesting groups of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) by Dr. Tahirul Qadri continue AZADI (Freedom) and INQILAB (Revolution) marches, observing sit-ins at capital city of Islamabad, blocking sensitive Red Zone area and threatening vital government buildings. They have negatively impacted the entire nation causing fretful anxiety for all segments of society. The demonstrations have been prolonged and extended unnecessarily, as the government of PML (N) led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif could not grab the initiative to settle the issue through peaceful dialogue due to its slow strategy.

On the one side, emotional speeches of Tahir-ul-Qadri coupled with digging graves, showing coffin-cloth and Imran Khan’s hard stance to get resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, pointed at continuity of deadlock and impending perils of violence. One the other side, government wasted vital time to address the rigging grievances of PTI, coldness and insensitivity to register FIR against the concerned people, responsible for killing in Model Town, Lahore, while recent failure of dialogue, rulers’ decision to use force against the protesters, which resulted into killings in Islamabad by the Police including assaults on the reporters and vehicles of the private TV channels have further spoiled the situation. It was due to the use of force that demonstrators who remained peaceful for several days, removed barriers and reached very close to the buildings of Prime Minister House, Parliament and Pak Secretariat, while entering the main building of the Pakistan Television’s headquarters which was vacated by the personnel of Rangers and Pak Army without any violence.

Unfortunately, certain media houses, analysts and commentators played a very negative role in projecting the entire gamut of political standoff between the government and the protesting parties. Instead of acting as a redeemer, allowing the public to take a sigh of relief, media took clear positions to support the wishes and promoting the agenda of their employers, while creating sensationalism, giving biased comments and remaining unruly, noisy and rowdy in their overall conduct. The viewers were at pains to see these media analysts, offering their comments and favoring their sponsoring agencies and influencing authorities. Their obvious and slanted views enabled the viewers to quickly understand that they were trying to pay back to their sponsors. This is nothing, but selling one’s intellect for few pennies or for other petty gains of personal advancement and fame.

By manipulating the political turmoil, created by the politicians, particularly media anchors, especially those working with Geo/JANG Group insinuate that Pakistan’s Armed Forces and intelligence agency, ISI are behind Tahir-ul-Qadari and Imran Khan’s long marches, and sit-ins in Islamabad. The commentators and reporters like Asma Jehangir, Ansar Abbasi, Tariq Butt, Wasim Abbas and Ahmed Noorani appear to have ganged up against Army and ISI, and are trying to score points against these security agencies by accusing these esteemed national institutions without any evidence. However, while speaking in the tone of foreign entities, such elements are hostile to Army and ISI, and leave no stone unturned in depicting these security agencies in bad light.

Undoubtedly, democracy has displayed its success in the west, but, it has proved to be fruitless in Pakistan. Therefore, it is generally said that “any instrument can be misused.” Pakistan’s politicians and media have always claimed that they nourish democratic ideals, but, we could not establish this system on a strong footing due to irresponsible approach of our political entities and media.

Past experience proves that our political parties have worked on undemocratic principles like hostility for the sake of hostility, formation of alliances and counter-alliances to win the elections. Much time is wasted in retaliation against the previous government instead of fulfilling the promises, made with the voters during election campaign. So, they forget the real aim of public mandate by resolving the economic and social problems of the masses. In this context, they also misguide the general masses by forming extreme opinion among them towards their opponents. In fact, concentration of wealth in few hands has created a privileged class of landowners and industrialists who contest elections winning the same against each other again and again.

It is noteworthy that in 2011, during the Memogate case, some political entities and media commentators were saying that martial law will be imposed in the country. The then Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stated, “The Pakistan Army has and will continue to support democratic process in the country.” As Army was acting upon the principle of non-interference in political affairs, therefore, the previous government completed its tenure.

At this critical juncture, Pakistan is facing multi-faceted crises. And our Armed Forces are successfully obtaining their objectives in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) through military operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists who had challenged the writ of the state, and had frightened the entire nation by their terror-acts. So Armed Forces are already committed in Zarb-e-Azb and have no intention to get involved in political issues. Political disputes need political solutions or political compromises with give and take. They sincerely desire political stability and economic viability in Pakistan. They support all peaceful efforts to resolve internal conflicts and condemn violence as well as acrimonious propaganda against them.

In this connection, taking note of the ongoing crisis and rumors, DG of Inter-Service Public Relations, Major General Asim Bajwa impartially stated on August 20, “The buildings in the Red Zone (Islamabad) are symbols of state and must be respected. He, also added, “All issues should be resolved through dialogue…all the stakeholders to hold result-oriented dialogue in the interest of the country and its people.”

Nonetheless, the protesting groups have challenged the moral authority of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Now, the premier has to show political acumen to handle the situation and prove his worth as a leader. In this respect, Pak Army and ISI fully support the government by openly rejecting the baseless allegations that the prevailing political mess has been orchestrated by the former. Therefore, sense must prevail upon those who tend to shift the blame on Army and ISI, as and when they fail in resolving the serious issues.

Now, situation in Islamabad is getting serious and so is the case of political temperature. According to latest reports, stalemate has deepened between the PTI-PAT and the rulers, and they remains firm on their stands—after the PTI launched movement of civil disobedience, and presented resignations of its members (Parliamentarians) in the National Assembly.

Time is running out. Hence, in wake of this unresolved crisis, demonstrating patience and tolerance, the rival parties should find out the solution in national interest with meaningful negotiations. And media has a great responsibility to remain neutral by offering balanced views, ensuring objective reporting and making efforts to show maturity, while commenting, analyzing and reporting high profile issues and matters, having involving national stakes. Instead of showing media biases against the security agencies by exploiting the political turmoil, our media must realize its responsibilities, especially when the country is faced with an extra-ordinary challenge like the one, being experienced in Islamabad.

Dragging Army in Politics

                                                            By Sajjad Shaukat

Prevailingpolitical impasse in the country has deepened, as protesting groups of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) by Dr. Tahirul Qadri continue AZADI (Freedom) and INQILAB (Revolution) marches, observing sit-ins at capital city of Islamabad, blocking sensitive Red Zone area and threatening vital government buildings. They have negatively impacted the entire nation causing fretful anxiety for all segments of society. The demonstrations have been prolonged and extended unnecessarily, as the government of PML (N) led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif could not grab the initiative to settle the issue through peaceful dialogue due to its slow strategy.

On the one side, emotional speeches of Tahir-ul-Qadri coupled with digging graves, showing coffin-cloth and Imran Khan’s hard stance to get resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, pointed at continuity of deadlock and impending perils of violence. One the other side, government wasted vital time to address the rigging grievances of PTI, coldness and insensitivity to register FIR against the concerned people, responsible for killing in Model Town, Lahore, while recent failure of dialogue, rulers’ decision to use force against the protesters, which resulted into killings in Islamabad by the Police including assaults on the reporters and vehicles of the private TV channels have further spoiled the situation. It was due to the use of force that demonstrators who remained peaceful for several days,removed barriers and reached very close to the buildings of Prime Minister House, Parliament and Pak Secretariat, while entering the main building of the Pakistan Television’s headquarters which was vacated by the personnel of Rangers and Pak Army without any violence.

Unfortunately, since the political crisis intensified, some politicians and most of the media anchors have continuously been misguiding the general masses by pointing out that the ongoing system of democracy can be derailed, and martial law can be imposed in the country. Some of them are playing a very negative role in projecting the entire gamut of political standoff between the government and the protesting parties. By manipulating the political turmoil, created by the politicians, they have blamed that Army and intelligence agency, ISI are behind Tahir-ul-Qadari and Imran Khan’s long marches, and sit-ins in Islamabad.

However, the civil-military relations in wake of the prevailing crisis need special analysis, as some entities are dragging the Army in politics.

In this regard, when PTI and PAT decided to demonstrate before the PM House, PTI president Javed Hashmi who was also issued notice by Imran Khan regarding expulsion from the party raised false allegations on September 1, this year. Javad Hashmi blamed that Imran and Qadri have backing of Army. He parted ways with PTI and asserted that Imran Khan was prompted by Sheikh Rashid to march towards PM House along with PAT. The estranged leader Hashmi also said that Chief Justice of the Supreme Courte, Nasirul Mulk had association with the PTI chief Imran Khan in this respect. But falsehood of Javed Hashmi was exposed when by rubbishing reports of any association with Imran Khan, the Chief Justice clarified that he had only once met with the PTI chief, as the acting Chief Election Commissioner about introduction of bio-metric system in elections.
Even Imran Khan who strongly denounced Hashmi’s accusations, remarked that he never sought Army and ISI help to resolve political issues, adding that he never supported martial law, and always struggled for democracy. Tahirul Qadri also rejected Hasmhi’s false accusations.

In this context, on September 1, by taking note of the ongoing crisis and false allegations, a statement of the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) categorically rejected assertions that the Army and ISI were backing PTI and PAT in any way in the current political standoff. It elaborated, “Army is an apolitical institution and has expressed its unequivocal support for democracy at numerous occasions. It is unfortunate that army is dragged into such controversies... integrity and unity of the army is its strength which it upholds with pride.” The statement also said, “The news being run on private channels after meeting of the Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the army chief asked the prime minister to step down or proceed on leave, is totally baseless.”

Javed Hashmi’s sensitivity towards establishment is one thing, but veiled pointing towards Army for having conveyed a message through Sheikh Rashid is a cynical thought and a jaundiced view point. It is an ugly attempt to spoil civil-military relations in the country.

Army maintains a totally neutral and entirely apolitical stance. It is, however, deeply concerned on prevailing political turmoil. On August 20, DG of ISPP, Maj-Gen. Asim Bajwa impartially stated, “The buildings in the Red Zone (Islamabad) are symbols of state and must be respected, explaining, “All issues should be resolved through result-oriented dialogue in the interest of the country and its people.”

Meanwhile, the ISPR press release regarding the corps commanders meeting held on August 31, reaffirmed support to democracy—the conference reviewed with serious concern, the existing political crisis and the violent turn it has taken. The statement, once again reiterated that the situation should be resolved politically through dialogue, without recourse to violent means.

In fact, the government itself pulled the Army in politics when on August 28, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asked Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif to intervene and play his role in resolving the ongoing political crisis. On August 29, Gen. Raheel Sharif met Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, but he did not meet Prime Minister Sharif when the latter backed out of his statement, saying in the National Assembly, on August 29 that neither the government nor the Army has asked to play any role of a mediator to bring the current political crisis to an end. As criticism mounts over the government’s seemingly desperate move to involve the military in the present political crisis, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the parliament that it was Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan who requested a meeting with General Raheel Sharif.

On the same day, both heads of the PTI and PAT, Khan and Qadri remarked that the government’s claim that they had requested Army to mediate is nothing, but a blatant lie.

Besides, on August 29, ISPR statement verified that the army chief was playing the role of facilitator for resolution of the current crisis at the request of the government. Moreover, contradiction of Prime Minister Nawaz was further exposed when the Federal Minister Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also justified military’s involvement as the only option out of the deadlock, saying that the government had asked the army chief to play his facilitative role. But in his speech, PPP’s Senator Aitzaz Ahsan though indicated that the parliament was standing with the prime minister and government—would not fall, but, he severely criticized the government about Model Town incident, corruption and so on.

In wake of the political uncertainly, join session of the parliament started on September 2. In their fierce speeches, while, indirectly criticizing army, leaders of PML (N) and some other parliamentarians said that they would oppose any move which could derail democracy in the country by rejecting the unconstitutional demands of PTI and PAT including the resignation of the Prime Minister Nawaz and the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Now, again, a team consisting of the leaders of PPP and Jamaat-e-Islami including some other political persons who have met Imran Khan, Tahirul Qadri and government’s top officials are hopeful that they would conclude an agreement between these rival entities, as they have become guarantors in this respect, and would defuse the tension through dialogue.

Undoubtedly, democracy has displayed its success in the west, but, it has proved to be fruitless in Pakistan. Therefore, it is generally said that “any instrument can be misused.” Pakistan’s politicians and media have always claimed that they nourish democratic ideals, but, we could not establish this system on a strong footing due to irresponsible approach of our political entities and media.

It is noteworthy that in 2011, during the Memogate case, some political entities and media commentators were saying that martial law will be imposed in the country. The then Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stated, “The Pakistan Army has and will continue to support democratic process in the country.” As Army was acting upon the principle of non-interference in political affairs, therefore, the previous government completed its tenure.

At this critical juncture, our Armed Forces are successfully obtaining their objectives in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) through military operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists who had challenged the writ of the state, and had frightened the entire nation by their terror-acts. Besides helping the Internally Displaced Persons of the NWA, our security forces are engaged in coping with the militants’ subversive activities in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi and other parts of the country including tribal areas. Externally, Pak Army and Rangers have boldly been responding to India’s unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir including Working Boundary in Sialkot and other sectors, and have also been facing cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan side, encountering heavily-armed militants who from time to time, target check posts of the Army, and other civil and military installations. So, Army does not want to involve in political issues. In this context, the mediating role of Army and Javed Hashmi’s statement was acrimoniously politicized which brought embarrassment for Army high command and caused delay in resolution of the crisis. Army never sent any message to Imran Khan through Sheikh Rashid to join PAT for marching towards the PM House. In fact, Javed Hashmi was also feeling alienated in PTI, as competitors like Shah Mehmood Qureshiare getting encouraged by Imran Khan.

Some media analysts and political leaders tend to show their loyalties to top political leadership by mentioning about the possibility of military take over and they do not hesitate in insinuating against Army for its hidden role in present crisis. Such elements have an agenda to spoil civil-military relations.

It is mentionable that external elements like India are keenly studying the developments, taking place in Pakistan and are preparing wicked schemes to damage Pakistan’s interests. Having cancelled scheduled secretary-level talks with Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that Pakistan was too weak to fight a conventional war, ceasefire violations along LOC—and least mentioning about Indian desire to conduct business and trade with Pakistan. No doubt, it indicates enemy’s intentions. Hence, there is a dire need to end the political impasse and learn how to hold own Army in high esteem.

For the purpose, government must take the initiative, using comprehensive strategy and visionary approach to resolve the issue without using force and avoiding violence. The situation presents serious challenges to the political leadership who must find a political solution with open mind and selfless dexterity.There is a need for the government to take bold decisions and hold dialogue with PTI and PAT leaders. Some compensation has to be paid for earlier loss of precious time to address the grievances of the protesting groups.

Army as a prestigious institution fully supports the democratic system and averts all skepticism of derailing democracy. Such thoughts are ugly in nature and must not be attributed towards pro-democratic Army. Although Army is concerned about the prevailing political turmoil, yet it maintains a totally neutral and entirely apolitical stance. Therefore, sense must prevail upon those who tend to shift the blame on Army and ISI. As these hostile internal entities have failed in resolving the ongoing grave crisis, they have been dragging Army in politics.