The truth about Balochistan

By Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi

Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan with a history of supporting Resolution of Pakistan-1940, which envisaged creation of a separate homeland for Muslim majority areas of sub-continent India. No doubt Baloch leaders and people of Balochistan played a very vital role in creation of Pakistan and ultimately succeeded under the able leadership / guidance of  Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and achieved Pakistan as an independent state.

Unfortunately there have been certain dissident elements that not only opposed the idea of two nation theory – the fundamental ideological base for creation of Pakistan – but also left no stone unturned in polluting the minds of innocent Baloch youth by distorting the history of Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan. In reality before the independence of Pakistan the territories now consolidated into the province of Balochistan did    not constitute a settled province?

As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Salvation Front (BSF) 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 foreign-assisted Baloch feudal lords (Sardars) who want to continue old system of feudalism in the province so as to maintain their status, prestige and influence at the cost of people of the province.

No doubt, Baloch leaders and people of Balochistan played a vital role in creation of Pakistan, and ultimately succeeded under the able leadership and guidance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in achieving Pakistan as an independent state. As a matter of fact, Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan with a history of supporting Resolution of Pakistan-1940, which envisaged creation of a separate homeland for Muslim majority areas of the Sub-continent, as the Baloch had strongly opposed plan of the united India.

Our own intellectuals must indicate that insurgency of 1948 which started by Shehzada Abdul Karim of Kakat never took off, because it was not supported by other realist Baloch leaders, and it was based on misguided thoughts suggested by few Indian Congress leaders. The aim was to destabilize Pakistan by creating militancy in Balochistan.

The Miscreants playing in the hands of the foreign forces are using all brutal and inhuman techniques to suppress and frighten the people of Balochistan; to create misunderstandings between the people of Balochistan and the law enforcement agencies of Pakistan. They mercilessly slaughter the innocent people of Balochistan and throw away their deformed dead bodies in deserted areas where wild animals tear these bodies apart. All this is done to add more agony to the already distressed families. And more painful is the fact that the blame of this atrocity is shifted to the Law Enforcement Agencies. The brave people of Balochistan are very well aware of this heinous conspiracy. They are as much devoted, sincere and patriotic as other Pakistanis are and they are not ready to surrender before the brutal designs of the miscreants.

Baloch Sub Nationalists (BSN) distort history of accession of Kalat with Pakistan and give reference of insurgency (1948) by brother of KoK whereas the document of accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan was signed by KoK himself as legitimate ruler of State of Kalat. Baloch Salvation Front has called for a shutter down strike in Balochistan on 27th March to observe it as Black Day. Since it is the date of legal accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan, therefore, the strike call is based on negative contemplation and wicked designs to pollute the minds of Baloch youth. The same needs to be countered giving true perspective of history and denouncing the dissidents for distorting the facts in order to advance their vested interests. However, the government of Pakistan must realize the painful situation which the people of Balochistan have been facing since long. They really need more care, more attention and more kindness from their government and their fellow countrymen.

Balochistan Great Game Alarms Sirens

 Posted By Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi

When during the Musharraf regime, Pakistan government initiated the construction of Gwadar deep-seaport in Balochistan province in March 2002 with Chinese assistance, sirens went off in the capitals of foreign countries, especially the United States, India and Israel. The US took it as a threat to its global plans, and India felt that it threatened its integrity. Israel took it as a greater threat from an Islamic country.

Located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar 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 has shifted the Great Game of Central Asia to Pakistan. Hence, sirens still continue alarming in the foreign countries.

However, 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. Besides, Gwadar’s development has created strategic irritations among certain powers including USA, India, Iran and Afghanistan. Chinese signatures in Gwadar are perceived as a threat to the US influence in the region by monitoring US in the Persian Gulf and Central Asian Republics. India watches Gwadar with an oblique angle, as it hinders India's influence in Iran and Afghanistan.

These hostile powers are trying to create fissures between Islamabad and Beijing so as to sabotage their strategic alliance. They are also creating differences between Pakistan and Iran. 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.

If once becomes fully operational, Gwadar seaport could connect the landlocked Central Asian states with rest of the world. Being the commercial hub, the port is likely to increase volume of trade, bringing multiple economic and financial benefits to Pakistan like the Suez Canal which changed the destiny of Egypt when Israel returned it to the former. It will enable high-volume cargo vessels to move in the major oceans. Gwadar project will not only uplift the impoverished people of Balochistan by providing thousands of employment opportunities and is likely to develop whole the province by redressing their grievances. The resulting prosperity would trickle down to the Baloch people and damp the separatist sentiments.

Nevertheless, Balochistan’s Gwader project irks the eyes of India, US and Israel who 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. The main aim behind is to discourage Beijing for the development of Gwadar port.

Unfortunately, Balochistan lacks technological prowess and economic resources to exploit its minerals and untapped resources. In this context, government of Pakistan has made considerable progress to develop Gwadar into an international port with a future plan to link it with Kashgar (China).

Observing the intentions of the hostile powers which have eyes on mineral resources of Balochistan and its significance due to geo-strategic location, 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.

India is facilitating Iran to build Chah Bahar deep seaport which will neutralize due to Gwadar. Afghanistan feels to be isolated, if Gwadar-Kashgar linkage gets completed. Afghanistan also opposes development of Gwadar owing to pro-Indian policies.

Regrettably, as part of the Great Game, certain foreign entities are using Baloch dissidents and anti-Pakistan NGOs like “American Friends of Balochistan”, and individuals with hideous personal reputation like Ahmer Masti Khan-a known passive gay, to promote their agenda in Gwadar. In this context, Ahmer Masti Khan writes letters to Oman embassy in Washington seeking help of Sultan Qaboos to defeat the alleged “Pak-China Plan” to takeover Gwadar. He also distorts history that Gwadar was part of Oman, disregarding the fact that Gwadar was purchased from Oman by Pakistan in 1958 during the era of Ayub Khan.

In fact, “American Friends of Balochistan” is a Washington based NGO which works for the Indian lobby to promote dissent and provoke insurgency in Balochistan. The aim is to destabilize Balochistan and disseminate false information to the audience using social media. While, Baloch members of this NGO are those who have hideous reputation and shady character traits like Ahmer Masti Khan who is actually a passive gay, and has least self- respect. He has no association with Baloch people, as he was born in Burma and his family lived in there for a very long time. He is still living in USA and does not come to Balochistan very frequently. His real face should be shown to the loyal and noble people of Balochistan who accord high value to self-respect and dignity.

People like Ahmer Masti Khan cannot be the spokespersons for Baloch people. They are simply available for few pennies and are always   on   sale.  Such   disgraceful   people   must be condemned through own media.

The people of Balochistan must be educated on conflicting strategies and dynamics of the Great Game, being played in Balochistan and Gwadar by anti-Pakistan regional and international powers. They must remain calm and resist external pressures including any foreign mischief.

Media should present true historical perspective of Gwadar and Balochistan, taking reference from history in order to refute the false propaganda not only of the external elements, but also of the Baloch Sub Nationalists.

Undoubtedly, the Baloch are loyal, patriotic and respectable people with political will and inner strength to stand against any propaganda, conducted to tarnish their dignity and damage their unity. They would not allow the passive gays to exploit them and damage their reputation.

Nonetheless, Balochistan Great Game alarms sirens in foreign countries. Therefore, it is the right hour that Pakistan government must implement a well-considered plan so as to respond to the hostile powers and those lobbies which have been weakening the country and are trying to create differences between Pakistan and China with a view to negatively impact their time-tested friendship, while working against Pak-Iranian ties.(By Sajjad Shaukat)

Moles in Sikh Organizations

By Zaheerul Hassan

Sikhs although started struggle of their rights just after the partition of Hindustan but it took new dimension in 1984 when Indian armed forces with their boots on, entered into Golden Temple and killed thousands of people.


According to the independent sources, in that tragic incident more than 20,000 Sikhs had been murdered by the order of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated on October31, 1984. Later on, Sikh nation probably decided to speed up “khalistan Movement”, so that they are able to live according to their own customs and free to perform their religious obligations.


Ruling Congress Party of India though elected Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister just to suppress the demand of punishing culprits of Golden Temple attack. He failed to provide to justice his community. Thus, Indian secularism is just not more than deception. Notably, Sikhs population in the world is around 27 million that’s makes them 0.39% of the world population. However, out of these 27 million approximately 83% live in India with 76% of all Sikhs living in Punjab. Other Indian states where Sikhs have sizeable population i.e. greater than 200,000 are Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir.


It is again a misery that Sikhs who ruled over Punjab for many years but remained failed to even enjoy the status of autonomous nation after partition of India. Moreover, like Muslims and Christians communities, Sikhs can’t perform their religious obligations openly and freely. The extremists Hindus even do not feel hesitation in playing with the lives of minorities whenever they find a chance. In this connection the incident of Babri Mosque is true story of brutality and Hindutva mind. A per Times of India report of April 8 ,2013 “polit bureau member Brinda Karat stated that the BJP manifesto is a blueprint to take forward the Hindutva agenda. "Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership there was a commitment to nation that issues of Ram Mandir, Article 370 and uniform civil code will be put on the back burner. The brutality against Christians in Urisa, bleeding Tamils in Maoists and Tamils, Crush Sikhs in Amritsar and firing Kashmiris in Indian occupied Kashmir, blowing up Samjota Express and violence against Muslims by BJP nominated Narendra Modi are enough examples of unveiling of Indian secularism.


Recently, to show of solidarity the global Sikhs community stood up to save Professor Bhullar and after continues protests able to commute the death sentence of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar (Prof. Bhullar) to life imprisonment on March 31, 2014. After 19 years of trial finally, the Supreme Court of India based their decision on the grounds of the inordinate delay in deciding his mercy plea and his present mental condition. It is notable that between 1984 and 1994 around 250000 Sikhs disappeared in Punjab. As per credible sources of Sikh organizations the disappearances have never been accounted for. Would that mean that there are 250000 souls waiting for the Panth to give them closure by bringing justice to them.


His arrest and conviction raised several human rights issues; since he was arrested and tried under the notorious law, “Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA)” The law contains provisions incompatible with international fair trial standards; a lack of evidence proving his involvement; and an involuntary and forced ‘confession’, which he later retracted. Prof. Bhullar was sentenced to death in 2001 by a Delhi trial court for triggering a blast in New Delhi in 1993.


Nevertheless, the minorities in India are feeling deprive of their rights. To crush the minorities’ voice, Indian intelligence agencies keep on devising plans like killing, arresting, raping women and disappearing leaders of minorities. In this regard RAW have penetrated many moles in the organizations fighting for the minorities’ rights. They are being tasked to create rifts among the lines of the organizations and provide day to day information to controlling desks of RAW. They even are being making part of the Sikh contingents visiting Nankana Sahib, Pakistan.


According to one renowned Sikh scholar Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh disclosed that the Indian government has used many tactics to undermine the Sikh struggle for freedom. It has infiltrated organizations such as the World Sikh Organization. It even infiltrated and continues to control Babbar Khalsa, the organization that India accused of carrying out the Air India bombing. By accusing Babbar Khalsa, it is essentially taking the blame itself. The organization’s primary backer received a $2 million loan from the State Bank of India just before the Air India attack, according to Kashmeri and McAndrew.


Many other Sikh organizations have been heavily infiltrated by Indian. He further stressed that the Indian tactic is to set up parallel organizations. One such organization is the so-called Khalistan Affairs Center, set up by the mysterious RAW agent Amarjit Singh. Amarjit Singh, who claims to be a doctor but is neither a Ph.D. nor an MD, will not reveal where his family is from in Punjab or when he came to America. He will not let anyone know anything about his background. Nor can he say where his money comes from. Yet he is able to afford an office in the expensive National Press Building in Washington, DC, an office which is usually unoccupied, and he is able to afford expensive newspaper advertisements. Amarjit Singh was recently banned from Canada. Perhaps he would like to explain to the Sikh Nation why he was banned. When will the United States ban him and send him back to his Indian paymasters?


Anyhow, Hindus mindset would never be changed due to extremist approach of Indian rulers. Therefore, Sikhs struggle for independents state “Khalistan” would only be the answer of getting their rights.

Turbat incidents Expose Baloch Miscreants’ Cruelties

Sajjad Shaukat

As a result of the elections 2013, the government led by a nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has been established. Being progressive and moderate man, he ensured that socio-economic justice would meet with success, while playing a key role in empowering Baloch leaders to manage the affairs of their province and also to participate in Pakistan’s decision-making process. And on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in Balochistan.While terror-acts still keep on going in Balochistan, but without grasping reality, and speaking in the tone of external entities, some politicians, human rights activists and media persons of Pakistan have been propagating against Pak Army, Frontier Constabulary (FC), country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) including other law-enforcing agencies regarding subversive acts in the province. It seems ridiculous when some of them allegedly say that security agencies are behind terrorist activities in Balochistan. 

It is mentionable that India, the US and Israel have been internationalizing the Balochistan issue in accordance with their secret designs. In this respect, in connivance with the Baloch separatist leaders who have taken refuge in Switzerland, Sweden, US and London, these foreign elements use media, various NGOs and human rights organizations for false propaganda against Pakistan’s security forces and ISI in relation to extrajudicial killings, mutilated bodies and the missing persons.It is notable that Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is also in collusion with some US Congressmen to get foreign support so as to animate the scheme of separatism in Balochistan. For the purpose, BLA and the Baloch feudal lord, Khan of Kalat had 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, BLA and Khan of Kalat went over to US leaders to press 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. 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 America’s clandestine aims against Islamabad. As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows the foreign-backed separatist groups such as the BLA, Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province get logistic support from American CIA and Indian RAW—these miscreants 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 militant outfits claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. 

In fact, miscreants in Balochistan employ coercive techniques and cruel methods to intimidate local people to expand their influence and enlarge their support base. Their oppressive tactics are extremely harsh, as they cruelly kill innocent people and throw away the dead bodies to inflict psychological pain to the bereaved families, impersonating their frightening clout and masquerading posture. These ruthless killers demonstrate their real mischief by shifting the blame of their heinous crimes to law-enforcement agencies including FC, MI and ISI. Hence, by playing the double game, they manage to conceal their brutalities, and present themselves as victims. Unfortunately, due to their vested interests and insular mindset, some media analysts and political leaders of Pakistan fall prey to the elusive schemes and deceptive plans of the Baloch miscreants. In this regard, investigative media, judiciary and elite leadership have not been able to uncover the real designs of the militants who frequently assassinate innocent civilians in Balochistan through cruel techniques, and then openly grumble through media by insinuating that security forces and law-enforcing agencies are responsible for such killings. 

In this respect, illegal abduction and cold blooded murder of the 14 years young boy, namely, Chakkar, son of Khuda Dost, resident of Turbat city, is a case in point. On January 7, 2014 at 4 PM, a group of unknown motorcyclists kidnapped Chakkar from Turbat city’s fish market. After three days, his bullet-ridden body was found from Kech Kour-Koshkalat area of Turbat, and handed over to his family. Later on, the miscreants propagated that ISI was involved in abduction and killing of an innocent child. But, technical probe, undoubtedly, proved that miscreants of the BRA were involved in kidnapping and merciless killing of that young boy. After knowing the true picture of the incident, on January 16, 2014, a protest demonstration was staged by family members and relatives of the late Chakkar at the Main Chowk in Turbat in front of Press Club Turbat, District Kech. 

The aggrieved protesters chanted slogans against BLF and BRA for targeting guiltless people. They demanded from the government to eliminate terrorist organizations which have been targeting innocent persons of Mekran Division and are disturbing law and order situation in the area. Another similar demonstration was held on January 18, 2014 at Press Club Turbat by the relatives of Javed, resident of Azian, Tehsil Tump, District Kech, who was also killed by the Baloch miscreants of the BLF on December 21, 2013 in Hochat area, Tehsil Dasht, District Kech. Besides, on November 27, 2013, in Turbat, District Kech, Abdul Karim from Zehri (Khuzdar) was abducted by the BRA culprits and his body was thrown away on November 28, 2013. The poor fellow was a popcorn seller, but was eliminated by trigger-happy and power hungry culprits of the BRA. Similarly, on November 12, 2013 in Turbat city, four miscreants of the BRA murdered two sweepers and fled away. Both the deceased persons were government servants, employed at Technical Training Centre Turbat and belonged to Sindh.

While, on November 14, 2013, the cruel insurgents of the BRA killed a laborer, namely, Qadir Bakhsh, resident of Sindh. The incident took place at Dashti Bazaar Turbat, District Kech and the youth was brutally massacred, due to pistol used by the BRA terrorists. And on November 18, 2013, three innocent persons belonging to Dera Ghazi Khan, namely, Mulazim, Abdullah and Mustafa were killed by the terrorists of the BLF in Josak area, Tehsil Turbat and District Kech. Now, instead of shifting the blame game to the security forces, ISI and other law-enforcing agencies, our responsible media anchors and commentators must expose the real face of foreign enemies—assisting the Baloch miscreants who are not only involved in kidnapping the innocent civilians, but are also behind their cold blooded murder including mutilated bodies and extra-judicial killings. They cunningly pose themselves as victims whereas they are the real killers of innocent people. In this context, without any doubt, Turbat incidents have become a test case which exposes the Baloch miscreants’ cruelties.

Uncompromising Media Need Positive Changes

                                

Sajjad Shaukat

Every one knows that besides facing multi-faceted problems like acute financial crisis, unemployment, so­c­ial inequities, lack of security, lack of sound educational base, least technological prowess, loadshading of electricity and gas in wake of continuous acts of terrorism, Pakistan is also coping with external intrigues which are posing serious challenges to  the people as well as the country. In these terms, Pakistan is passing through the most testing time of its history. Regrettably, our own ethical values, traditional customs and cultural norms are not only neglected, but are also being depicted as orthodox, extremist and outdated. Domestic media, educational institutions and governing elite appear to have forgotten the significance and undercurrents, associated with own core middle class and the ideals required to maintain social order.

In the western countries, no doubt, media have been playing a key role by educating and guiding the people regarding various developments and issues which have been taking place on global and regional level. When taking advantage of the freedom of expression, in the west, newspapers and TV channels employed various tactics like sensationalism, exaggeration and distortion of facts to attract the maximum readers and viewers for financial gains in the era of competition, consensus developed among responsible journalists and media owners around the world that it is against the moral codes of journalism. Therefore, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) launched an Ethical Journalism Initiative in 2008.

Unfortunately, that freedom of media in Pakistan appears to have been totally misused due to the uncompromising media. In this regard, without taking cognizance of its negative effects on the people, spawning scores of new TV channels and associated burgeoning business interests led to coin unique methods of generating market competition so as to attract viewership and control financial shares. While presenting little or no legitimate well-researched news items, our TV channels, exploit, distort and exaggerate the news to create sensations and attract viewers in order to become more popular with the sole aim to advance their financial gains. Based upon opinion-masquerading as objective fact, our media anchors mislead and excite public opinion. They do not indicate what the people need, but show what the people want, thus have stunning impact of psychological shock.

Ignoring the moral codes of journalism, media reporters, analysts and anchors have adopted negative techniques and unscrupulous practices in their coverage because they have developed the habit of challenging the prestige of sensitive institutions of the state such as judiciary, army, ISI and law-enforcing agencies. At present, the security and investigation agencies which are engaged in counter-terrorism operations across the country have been barred from talking to media persons, because the Interior Ministry has decided to streamline the procedure of sharing of information with media so that the latter could not manipulate the same through sensationalism.

It is notable that a select group of media anchors not only holds prime time TV Talk Shows to promote their premeditated ideas and skewed opinions, but also project their views through print media leaving no space for middle class to offer feedback on the quality of contents discussed during panel discussions. Resultantly, freedom of expression is getting repressed by media itself, as few anchors and media owners have monopolized the media market and have formed powerful syndicates to support each other, while silencing the voice of the dissents by sparing no space for impartial and independent expression.

Therefore, serious issues like terrorism and dialogue process with Taliban get confused and perplexed, causing psychological stress for the audience. During the peace dialogue, our media analysts cynically commented that both Taliban and the government seemed to buy time, as military operation was imminent against the former. The aim was to dishearten the mediators and the public. Media was projecting trivial details which permitted the extraneous elements to promote their own agenda through acrimonious arguments so as to spread a sense of discontentment. Consequently, the secrecy of dialogue was exposed to compromising risk. Media reports resorted to hasty coverage of all happenings, neglecting the confidentiality of contents and sometimes objective reporting was also overlooked. Thus, due to media trial, the dialogue process runs into contemptuous ridicule. It also serves the agenda of anti-Pakistan forces which have been propagating against the peace dialogue.

Media anchors pose as jacks of all trades but actually they lack knowledge, insight and zeal to build correct perceptions on real issues. Consequently, they tend to project the themes of few political leaders to promote their insular agenda.Moreover, advertisements shown on electronic media contain double loaded messages with vulgar images and erotic contents. Such commercial might be offering large amounts of revenue, but social ethics and moral values cannot be sold at any cost. Hence, there is a need to curtail the oversensitive commercials. Furthermore, advertisements, aired on domestic TV channels’ broadcast, publicize products, films and celebrities from India with extraordinary elements of nudity and eroticism, allowing penetration of Indian culture in Pakistan. This brings sense of shame and guilt among domestic viewers. In this context, TV commercial “SAATHI” might also be cited as an example.

However, our uncompromising media have not been able to build public pressure to convince the concerned authorities to pay attention on foreign sponsored schemes, designed to change the relevant contents of text books, syllabus—by promoting ideology of Pakistan, glorification of past Islamic history and moral values as related to own social order. It seems that as part of the psychological warfare, anti-state foreign entities appear to have collaborated with domestic media and some renowned anchors so as to weaken Pakistan by inculcating ideas. Now, the right hour has come that being the fourth pillar of the state, our own media must show responsibility in order to pull the country out of the multiple crises. This needs positive changes.

For the purpose, values maintained by middle class must be upheld and media programmes be tailored to extend respect to Pakistan’s cultural norms, while promoting social values. Middle class must be held in high esteem, as they are the one who can uphold the national flag with honor.Media anchors must improve their understanding of different issues with a view to building consensus among masses, and avoid confusion on vital issues. Matters like dialogue process between the government and the Taliban merited more matured approach. Live coverage and indication of the location of the government’s dialogue committee also created security hazardous situation, therefore extra-care needed to be exercised to keep the location secret.

At this sensitive moment, our Armed Forces and law-enforcing agencies are operating under warlike conditions. Therefore, media must realize that some degree of filtration of information is essentially required. This will enable the security forces and law-enforcing agencies to block some vital elements of information reaching the criminals. So, it is time for all of us to get united and show confidence in the government, these agencies and Armed Forces in order to succeed against terrorists and criminals. Besides, our media must follow the real principles of journalism by educating and guiding the people towards right direction through credible and true information. They should avoid developing ‘stereotypes’ among the people by displaying unbiased news and comments.

Media must provide space for impartial expression of opinions and get positive criticism to reach a workable solution rather than exploiting the issues and reaching no where. Electronic media Talk Shows should not be commented and reinforced through print media by the same anchors to close the chances of expressing dissents’ point of view, as is presently done by some media.Indian commercials, films and dramas must be censored and naked vulgarity be covered to protect own audience from bad images and objectionable contents. TV advertisements must be morally approved contents and ethically acceptable images.

Media must assertively contest change of syllabus and text books, as the same will weaken own ideological bonds. Muslims have cherished past and its glorification through text books which must build moral strength among our youth through media. Attention must be paid by all media anchors and commentators in thwarting all anti-Pakistan schemes, designed to erode our moral values, cultural norms and Islamic bonds, besides distorting country’s image, and are promoting radicalism or extremism. Particularly, our media has a greater responsibility in countering external intrigues and schemes which inflict damage to Pakistani values. All this could be possible, if, our uncompromising media change positively.

 

One history, two narratives

Beena Sarwar 
 
How does a math student turned tech entrepreneur get involved in putting together a history book for children in India and Pakistan – a book that juxtaposes and highlights two conflicting narratives with a view to creating greater understanding?

The seeds were planted, if you’ll pardon the pun, some 13 years ago when a bunch of 14-16 year old students from India and Pakistan met at the annual Seeds of Peace camp in Maine, USA. Launched in 1993 by journalist John Wallace, the programme brings together teenagers from countries hostile to each other – UK, Ireland; Israel, Palestine; India, Pakistan, Afghanistan to name some.

“We were really excited to be going to America, to this beautiful camp – and then we learn that guess what, a bunch of Indians is going to be there too, and that we’d be sharing a living space with them. We got there before them – and none of us slept that night, waiting for them to arrive”, recalls Qasim Aslam, one of the young initiators of The History Project.

The camp activities are structured so that children from the opposite sides have to be on the same team, competing for the same goals and facing joint challenges against other teams. They also participate in dialogues and discussions that push them to question long-held beliefs and ideas.

“We spent a day talking about history. Voices were raised, tears shed, walkouts staged… And over the course of three weeks, we realised there is no way to reconcile the two narratives and establish one truth that both sides would accept. Once we understood that, it became easier to listen to each other”, he says. “We left the camp with best friends on the other side.”

The friendships endured and the ongoing dialogue led to The History Project, launched in Mumbai in April 2013 with an engagingly illustrated (by Zoya Siddiqui) book that reproduces text verbatim from history books on either side. The book has since been launched in Pakistan as well and is being taught in several schools in both countries.

“The way we are taught history aims to turn us into conformists. The History Project aims to inculcate a culture of questioning, counter how history is taught as a set of facts, not a narrative – which is what it is. A fact can’t have two versions,” says Qasim.

It’s not just history books. “Even children who haven’t started studying history have all these clichéd ideas about the other side. We go into classrooms in India and throw out key words like ‘Partition’, ‘Jinnah’, ‘Gandhi’ – and their responses are very different than the responses we get from the same age group in Pakistan. They know none of the facts but all of the stereotypes – from jokes, hearing their parents talk, the media. It’s all around. It shapes ideology at a very young age. We need to reverse engineer this conditioning, and we need to start now.”

Incidentally, Qasim attended St Anthony’s School in Lahore, where the principal was the late great Cecil Chaudhry – a retired Squadron Leader with the Pakistan Air Force, decorated for his heroism in the 1965 war with India – who himself was active with Seeds of Peace.

Qasim recently made presentations at various educational institutes in the US. I attended at his session at Brown University that the history professor Vazira Yaqoobali Zamindar (author of the brilliant book ‘The Long Partition’) introduced.

Also present at the well-attended event was former Indian ambassador Nirupama Rao, a fellow at Brown’s Watson Institute this year, Andy Blackadar who runs Brown’s non-profit Choices Program, several students and community members.

Launched in the 1980s, Choices tries to “explore the past to shape the future” as Andy put it. It focuses on curriculum development, taking up current and historical international issues, and works with high school teachers to improve course materials with a special emphasis educating students in their participatory role as citizens.

The goal is “to democratise information and develop an engaged and thoughtful American public, and change the prevalent insular view of the world”, says Andy.

He hopes it has made a dent, but recognises that it’s a long haul, and an ongoing process. Those involved in The History Project, which is now connecting with Choices, will undoubtedly find this to be true for their effort too. That’s fine. There may not be any immediate results, but the process must continue.

Beware of TTP’S Double Face

Sajjad Shaukat 

After the continued aerial strikes by the Pakistani jets and helicopters which have bombed militants’ hideouts including bomb-making factories in some tribal and surrounding areas of North Waziristan, killing several terrorists, on March 1, this year, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced a month-long ceasefire with the government for resumption of peace talks. In response, while welcoming the TTP offer of truce, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan assured Maulana Samiul Haq, Taliban committee member that stalled dialogue would re-start within a few days and the government was also considering stoppage of the ongoing surgical operations. But, on February 20, 2014, Chaudhry Nisar had clarified that Pakistan’s armed forces are undertaking strikes in FATA in ‘self-defense.’ On February 27, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz said that dialogue with the Taliban had derailed, adding that the state’s writ would be established in the troubled regions.

In fact, while the committee of the Pakistan Government was conducting peace talks with that of the TTP, a deadlock occurred when Taliban claimed responsibility for the brutal massacre of the 23 personnel of the Frontier Constabulary in Afghanistan, who were abducted from Mohmand Agency, four years ago. This heinous act which was strongly condemned by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, leaders of various political and religious parties including Jamat-e-Islami Chief Munawar Hassan and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan who are sympathizers of these Taliban, came as a blow from the sky, giving a greater setback to the peace process. 

Earlier, Taliban militants targeted the Rangers, Police bus and anti-polio workers in Karachi in wake of the peace talks for which TTP accepted responsibility. Particularly, the tragic incident of terrorist attack on the Police bus in Karachi, killing 13 and injuring 57 commandos have been condemned by all segment of society.

In the recent past, on the one hand, TTP spokesman has condemned the terror-events which took place in Karachi and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa including assaults on the personnel of the security forces and law-enforcing agencies, on the other; he has claimed responsibility, while stating that the outfit will continue terror-assaults. Similarly, TTP had condemned the terror-attack on the church in Peshawar. But, afterwards, its spokesman had remarked that it was in accordance with Sharia (Islamic Jurisprudence) which indicated that the militant group was behind that ruthless assault. So, contradictory statements of the TTP-led Taliban have endorsed that the militant group sabotaged the peace dialogue by playing double game. 

Meanwhile, the militant attack on a polio team in Jamrud on March 1, which left 11 dead—as part of their dual approach, TTP did not claim responsibility. In response, gunship helicopters struck the headquarters of Mullah Tamanche involved in the attack on polio workers, killing five culprits. However, double face of the TTP could also be judged from some recent statements of its spokesman. Sometimes, he agreed with government, saying that the TTP wanted to advance peace process in accordance with constitution of Pakistan, and sometimes, he rejected the constitution as un-Islamic. Notably, the constitution which was signed by the leaders of all the political and religious parties, declares the country, The Islamic Republic of Pakistan—also mentions that the government will made efforts to implement Islamic system in the country. 

Similarly, earlier the TTP rejected government’s condition for unilateral ceasefire; a day after the Federal Cabinet urged its militants to renounce terror activities without pre-conditions. As regards surgical operations, its spokesman had warned, “the government will have to bear more loss than us.” But, it is due to the pressure, built by the successful air strikes that the outfit has announced ceasefire for a month with the government, inviting the latter to revive the peace talks. Despite it, fact remains that the TTP-led insurgents also want to deceive the government through its shrewd techniques, as they seek stoppage of selective military actions in order to strengthen their position for future terror-attacks. They also intend to create a rift between the civil-military relations. In this respect, on February 26, Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif along with DG ISI Lt. Gen. Zaheerul Islam met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other top officials. The military leadership informed the meeting about hideouts of terrorists in North Waziristan, assuring that these could be eliminated in two weeks, as the recent strikes have inflicted heavy damage to the militants. They also ensured that armed forces would eliminate terrorism from the soil of the country.

 

Besides, the TTP also wants to create fissures between the political and religious parties to fulfill the nefarious designs of their external masters. In this context, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam (F), Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Munawar Hassan have welcomed the Taliban’s declaration of ceasefire. And Imran Khan who has recently favoured military operation against the Taliban also supported TTP’s truce offer, while emphasizing the government to avail this opportunity. It is of particular attention that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has asserted that peace talks and violent acts of terrorism cannot go side by side. While unveiling the prime minister’s national security policy in the National Assembly on February 26, he said that the attacks from militants would be met with an appropriate military response. But, at the same time, he pointed out that doors of dialogue with the TTP were still opened. On March 1, Nisar stated that no military operation was going on in the tribal regions, and only targeted action was being carried out, as the government had not decided such an operation. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Syed Khurshid Shah and those of other political parties have remarked that they support the government over the issue of tackling terrorism, but asked the rulers to announce a clear-cut policy over the matter. Now, some political and religious entities have been pointing to some external elements which are thwarting the peace process between the TTP and the government. In this connection, without naming US, some are hinting towards the “third power”, and some are saying that Indian secret agency RAW is castigating these peace talks.While, 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. During Swat and Malakand military operations, Fazlullah fled Swat and took shelter in Afghanistan. 

Well-established in Afghanistan, with the tactical support of the US, in connivance with Indian RAW and Afghan spy service, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) and Pakistani Taliban, Maulana Fazlullah—and these foreign agencies have been conducting target killings, bomb blasts, suicide attacks, beheadings, assaults on civil and military personnel, installations and forced abductions including ethnic and sectarian violence. By sending heavily-equipped militants in Pakistan, these entities are also assisting Baloch separatists.

Unfortunately, terrorists led by the TTP use Islam as their most effective mask. Their main demands include enforcement of Islamic system of governance by imposing Shariah laws in the country, ending diplomatic relations with US and western world and undertaking Jihad against the non-Muslims. They have become self-proclaimed campaigners of Islam, rejecting all dissenting views. While, the victims of terror-attacks in Pakistan have been innocent men, women, and children including security personnel and prominent religious figures—blowing children schools, the militants also targeted cinemas and the places of worships. 

No doubt, Jihad is a sacred obligation, but its real spirit needs to be understood clearly, as murdering innocent women and children is not Jihad. In fact, by implementing the agenda of some foreign powers, 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, therefore, people from all the segment of life and majority of politicians want that a handful of terrorist elements must not be allowed to impose their self-perceived ideology on the majority of Pakistanis, while supporting military action against these culprits. 

Political leaders must not advance their political agenda on valuable assessments given by top military leadership on the possibility of success of military operation against TTP in Karachi as well. Out of context references not only ridicule the Armed Forces, but also help glorifying the Taliban. 40% success of Army operation stated by ex-chief of army staff, Iman Khan and the prime minister who wrongly referred the statement of DG ISI pointed at creating an impact of the operation in achieving overall objective of resolving the problem for restoring peace. Hence, leaders must exercise prudence in issuing ill-conceived statements to gain political prominence. They must not evade responsibility on terrorism by putting the entire blame on the third force. They have to accept responsibility to take the country out of terrorism. Postings in Sindh Police during Karachi operation must also not be done before the prior consent of DG Rangers Sindh.

Nonetheless, instead of wavering between fact and scepticism by following the policy of appeasement towards all the militant groups, especially the TTP, our rulers need to be aware of their real intentions which display their double face. The government must devise a comprehensive strategy to deal with the terrorists with iron hands, while declaring a full-fledged military operation against them, as any delay will further embolden these militants who will further intensify their subversive activities.