Now or Never ! By Abdul Salam Dadabhoy

Events leading to operations Khyber and Zarb e Azb, are prelude to the predictions of Ghazwa e Hind and as foretold by Sufis and spirituals. Till the USSR attacked Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan was a fairly stable State. The Soviet attack created interesting and intriguing dynamics and dimensions, not only for the USSR, but for the entire world. To settle old scores with the Russians, the Americans jumped in. Massive funding was pumped in, seminaries sprung up, jihadist groups were formed, training camps were established, dollars poured in and mujahedeen were launched, to fight side by side with the Afghans. Soviets initially gained ground, but later started losing when the Stinger surface to air missile was doled out to the Afghans by the Americans. Burdened by the costs of war, economic problems and separatist demands, a weakened USSR fragmented and was reduced to Russia.

Pakistan army, ISI & the close team of General Zia (the then President and COAS) were delighted to see these new developments. Support and training to the mujahedeen had defeated the Russians, which was way beyond imagination. During the war Pakistan had become a nuclear power, which the international community suspected but never expressed openly. In Pakistani military circles the dreams of Afghanistan as progeny, trade & energy routes to and from Central Asia, larger Islamic block, common currency and an army of mujahedeen against arch rival India started to appear as realities. General Zia was often quoted as expressing his comfort in walking down and praying in Kabul at will and wish. Watchful eyes and ears saw through the plan and could not digest a nuclear Pakistan with such ambitions. As luck would have it, majority of the top brass of the Pakistan army got killed in a plane crash in August 1988. Later when the Russians retreated, the Americans also deserted, leaving the warring factions of Afghanistan to their destiny.

Then came 9/11 & the War on Terror. General Hamid Gul (May his soul rest in peace) till his death in this year of the Lord, was often heard saying these famous words; ‘‘9/11 bahana hai; (9/11 is the pretext), Afghanistan thikana hai; (Afghanistan is the location), Pakistan nishana hai; (Pakistan is the target).’’ Whether the world is a safer place after the war on terror is not certain, but post 9/11 apparently only Muslim resources are compromised, only Muslims are racially profiled, only Muslim armies are engaged and only Muslim states are victims. After 9/11, a nexus of anti Pakistan elements has been in place to infiltrate saboteurs. There are host of financiers, who have been sponsoring proxy wars in Pakistan. Indian Consulates in Afghanistan continue to stir trouble. Truth be told, that many friendly States have also been fueling sectarian feuds. Baluchistan separatist movements are being funded by India and after the Indian Prime Minister has admitted to their role in East Pakistan in 1971, one should have no doubts. On the whole different countries may have different agendas in Pakistan, but one common objective is to see a denuclearized & possibly a fragmented Pakistan. Worthwhile to note is, that post 9/11 splinter groups working in and against India, in Kashmir, Punjab and Assam etc have been rendered redundant, which is why an emboldened R.A.W supported by others is hitting Pakistan perpetually.

General Pervez Musharaf is a patriot, but under pressure had to pull back from Kargil. After his departure Asif Ali Zardari has played havoc followed by Nawaz Sharif who has big business plans with Indian tycoons. Pakistan army is the only anti venom against lurking snakes. It is no exaggeration that sponsored mercenaries from the East, the West and the South are all active against Pakistan. Sold out media, foreign funded NGO’s, polluted judiciary and corrupt politicians (except Imran Khan), seem to have the same common agenda; to humble and humiliate the only firewall against sinister designs. Equally agonizing is the fact, that there is no other institution, to handle any calamity, mishap or incident, including floods, earthquakes or epidemics. Army is over stretched & over burdened, for and by a people, who lack vision and nationalism. Peshawar high court has most recently suspended the death sentence of an alleged terrorist handed down by a military court. Continuous opposition to Military courts indicates the sorry and sad state of affairs.

Painstakingly difficult but ideal it would be to hang terrorists, restore complete peace, conduct across the board accountability and clean up in Mao Zedong style. If any anti Pakistan serpent is left it will spit venom again. Genuine system of electing honest people may be introduced, with constitutional amendments, to ensure role of the armed forces, as Ex Officio part, of every civilian Government Cabinet.

Terrorism undoubtedly is the biggest challenge for Pakistan, but will soon be replaced by an ever increasing vulnerable and exploding uneducated populace, a whole new generation of young blood ready to be exploited. This is where an honest civilian government steps in, just like the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is doing its best to spread education, create jobs, show direction and dispense justice. Opportunities do not knock time and again. Operations are underway. Political options have emerged. All is set to set the course straight.

Abdul Salam Dadabhoy.
27 August 2015.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)