By Sajjad Shaukat

At this critical hour, Pakistan’s armed forces have been coping with internal and external challenges of grave nature in order to maintain the security of the country. While, Indian fanatic rulers are also escalating tensions with Pakistan and have continued shelling inside Pakistani side of Kashmir by violating the ceasefire agreement in relation to the Line of Control (LoC). Especially, Pak Army and Rangers have been boldly responding to India’s unprovoked firing at the LoC.

Undoubtedly, these forces have been fighting a different war, while enemy is also different, who employs subversive activities of various kinds. In this respect, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has repeatedly stated that Pakistan is facing the challenge of hybrid war.

But, it is our misfortune that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has launched a movement to topple the current elected regime.

In this regard, addressing a PDM rally in Gujranwala via a video link from London, ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accused army chief Bajwa and ISI chief Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed of rigging elections and toppling his government to install Imran Khan in his place. During the election-rally in Gilgit Baltistan, he, again, targeted them.

In one way of the other, PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz also criticized the army and country’s main intelligence agency ISI.

Earlier, PML-N leader and former speaker of the National assembly Ayas Sadiq allegedly said: “The government had pleaded to parliamentary leaders in a meeting to let Indian pilot Abhinandan be freed. The chief of army staff also attended the meeting”.

In response to Ayaz’s remarks, Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen. Babar Iftikhar stated that such comments were “disappointing” and “misleading…following the attack on Indian troops in occupied Kashmir’s Pulwama area, India showed aggression against Pakistan on February 26, 2019, in which not only did it face defeat but was humiliated around the world…we shot down two enemy war planes…Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured…country’s entire civil and military leadership was united in the decision”.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi dismissed PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq’s statement, saying that “the government had taken all parliamentary leaders into confidence…the captured Indian pilot was not mentioned in that meeting…Highly irresponsible statements are being issued for political gains.”

However, PTI government had also released the Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan as a gesture of peace.

Nevertheless, intense anger has been shown by the ruling party PTI, various political parties and the public, including many entities of the PML-N itself and those of the PDM in the aftermath of the remarks of Ayas Sadiq and online speeches of the former Prime Minister Sharif.

Besides top officials of the government, on various occasions, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that “Nawaz Sharif is a jackal who ran away to London…Sharif, who has been handed a seven-year jail term on corruption charges…is trying to sow discord in the military, the judiciary and the government in an attempt to escape accountability…the jackal used inappropriate language against the incumbent army and ISI chiefs…is trying to stir up a rebellion in the Pakistan Army …Sharif as a protégé of army generals is now trying to re-establish himself as a champion of democracy…the opposition [PDM] is attempting to blackmail me so I can forgive them for their alleged corruption…Their interest is against Pakistan’s interest…These people are speaking the language of Narendra Modi…it was disappointing what Ayaz Sadiq was saying about Abhinandan.”

Debate which continued among the politicians regarding the key institutions of Pakistan intensified after the statement of the ISPR about the Karachi incident.

In this context, in a recent statement, ISPR said that officials of the ISI and Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, involved in the kidnapping of Sindh Inspector General Mushtaq Mahar have been removed pending further departmental proceedings for acting “overzealously…with the fall out of the desecration of Mazar-e-Quaid…on the orders of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa”.

Last month, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had called on Gen. Bajwa and ISI Director General Lt-Gen. Faiz Hameed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of PML-N leader Capt (R) Mohammad Safdar in Karachi on October 19.

Besides some MNAs and MPS of PML-N itself, including several ministers of the PTI appreciated the report.

Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif rejected the inquiry report, while Bilawal welcomed it saying: “This step will elevate the stature of the institutions.”

Maryam Nawaz and PML-N leader ex-President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi criticized the findings of the probe.

Regrettably, it seems that these hostile leaders have forgotten the sacrifices and services of the armed forces.

In this connection, Pakistan’s armed forces and ISI have successfully broken the backbone of the foreign-backed terrorists. Peace has been restored in the provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi, including other vulnerable regions.

And in the recent past, terrorist attacks particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is central point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) show that the CIA-led Indian RAW, Afghanistan’s intelligence agency National Directorate of Security and Israeli Mossad are destabilising Pakistan and want to damage the CPEC project which is part of China’s OBOR or BRI. Besides, Pakistan is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World. Therefore, it has become special target of some Western entities.

Anyhow, recall armed forces’ innumerable services and sacrifices especially army such as the resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons during the Swat and Malakand military operations, counter-insurgency operations and restoration of law and order on many occasions—during catastrophic periods—floods, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic, locusts’ attacks etc.

Notably, Pak Army has not only been successful in uprooting the anti-state and separatist elements, but also contributed a lot in socio-economic development of Balochistan and  has made strenuous efforts to develop the infrastructure in the province by providing the people employment opportunities to bring the Balochis in the mainstream of the country. For the purpose, Army has not only established schools and colleges in Balochistan, but also set up technical and industrial institutes in the province besides giving military training to the youth, while protecting mega-projects and the CPEC staff.

When more than 250 children died of malnutrition and diseases during four months of this year in Thar region of Sindh, Pakistan Army established a free medical camp in Tharparkar. Army doctors and paramedics provided essential medical treatment to over 1,800 patients.

Moreover, since 1984, Pakistan’s military is fighting intermittent battles against the Indian forces in the Siachen Glacier region despite the unfavorable weather conditions.

It is mentionable that during the previous regime of the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, WAPDA was going to be bankrupted and he had invited the Army to manage its affairs. By collecting the electricity bills, even from the influential persons, army’s personnel had saved WAPDA from bankruptcy.

Nonetheless, Pakistani armed forces have been the redeeming saviors of nation under all circumstances and always reached out to all citizens of Pakistan. But, at this crucial juncture, some leaders of the PDM, particularly those of the PML-N have ignored the sacrifices and services of the Pakistan’s armed forces and ISI for their political gains.

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: [email protected]

By Mehr Ispahani

It began like any other morning in Peshawar’s Army Public School. Students were busy with their books while teachers delivered lectures. At least 132 students and nine teachers were killed in the assault with around the same number injured. Following a military rescue operation, the siege ended around eight hours after it began with all six militants killed. Marked as the ‘Black Day’ in Pakistan, 16^th December evokes anguish and spine-chilling memories of the drab morning on which the Taliban assailants stormed the school and opened indiscriminate firing on the students.

The tragic incident hardened Pakistan’s resolve in fight against terrorism and brought the nation together. Four terror convicts identified as Maulvi Abdus Salam, Hazrat Ali, Mujeeb ur Rehman and Sabeel were executed at a high security prison in Kohat for their involvement in the APS attack. They were sentenced to death by the military courts. Pakistan men linked to December’s massacre. The role of the Armed Forces is appreciated in uprooting the terrorists from their so-called safe havens.

Since the establishment of military courts, 345 terrorists were given death penalty and 296 rigorous imprisonments of varied durations, ranging from life imprisonment to a minimum duration of five years. Five accused were also acquitted. Those, who have been given death penalty, included masterminds, executers and abettors or facilitators. During the last two decades, Pakistan has been the worst hit country by terrorism. More than 70,000 citizens including 6,900 security personnel have perished due to terrorism and alongside inflicting the loss of $123 billion to the state. The year 2008 witnessed the worst onslaught of terrorism in Pakistan. During that year, 2,267 Pakistani citizens were killed in 2,148 terrorist incidents that included 63 suicide attacks.

In May 2009, the government launched a military operation called Rah-e-Raast (the Right Path) in Malakand (Swat) Division against terrorists. More than one and a half million people had to be temporarily displaced before the launch of this operation. In 2009, another military operation, Rah-e-Nijat (the Path of Riddance) was launched in South Waziristan Agency after the Swat operation. The gains of this operation could not be consolidated due to lack of required public support; the environment was also not as much conducive as it was in the case of the Swat operation. On the night of June 8, 2014, the terrorists launched a brazen attack at Karachi airport killing 28 people. The post-operation intelligence confirmed that planning of this attack took place in the terrorist sanctuaries in North Waziristan. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ─ a terrorist outfit took the responsibility thereby challenging the writ of the state. The government launched a full-scale operation in North Waziristan Agency on June 16, 2014; Operation Zarb-e-Azb (Swift and conclusive strike). On the night of June 8, 2014, the terrorists launched a brazen attack at Karachi airport killing 28 people. The post-operation intelligence confirmed that planning of this attack took place in the terrorist sanctuaries in North Waziristan. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ─ a terrorist outfit took the responsibility thereby challenging the writ of the state. The security forces, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, continued their surge in urban areas to eliminate hiding terrorists. Since remnants of the terrorists fled away to far flung areas of Balochistan focus of intelligence based operations also shifted accordingly. “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran.

These children who seek education are a promise for a better future of Pakistan. These children are a promise of peaceful Pakistan. These children are a dream of prosperous Pakistan. These children are the warriors of light in the battle with darkness. These students of the APS Peshawar are the real heroes of our nation. They witnessed their friends and their teachers die in front of them. They watched the horrors of the gore massacre and the grim darkness of death. But yet these students faced the grisly reality and firmed their resolve for attaining education. These students of the APS Peshawar are the real heroes of our nation. They witnessed their friends and their teachers die in front of them. They watched the horrors of the gore massacre and the grim darkness of death. But yet these students faced the grisly reality and firmed their resolve for attaining education.

The students who lost their lives that day and those who survive dare the peaceful warriors of this battle; and hold the torch of hope for victory. The incident prompted the civil and military leadership of the country to unite and launch a national action plan against terrorism. The barbaric killing of innocent children melted the hearts of those who have been on a killing spree across the world for years now. A lot of effort was put in by the teachers and the staff. They not only kept themselves composed but also guided the students towards life. Operation Zarb-e-Azb has successfully been completed by February 2017 after achieving the desired results, replaced with another operation named ‘Radd-ul-Fasaad’ to conduct Counter-Terrorism operations by Rangers in Punjab, to keep continue the ongoing operations across the country, focus on more effective border security management, countrywide explosive control and de-weaponisation and pursuance of National Action Plan. The brazenness of the APS massacre united all the political parties and military leadership of the country to unanimously condemn the attack and make the National Action Plan (NAP) to eradicate terrorism. The blood of the innocent united the nation against all forms of extremism, terrorism, violence and hatred. On this day while paying tribute to our young martyrs, we also laud the sacrifices of our armed forces, police and law-enforcing agencies in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.

(The writer is Peshawar based freelance columnist)

Askari Raza Malik

The Arabs were quite familiar with India from the pre-Islamic days. Their coastal trade route covered Gujarat, Kerala and Bengal. Much before the first military expedition under young general Muhammad Bin Qasim in 672 CE, the Muslim traders had built their worship places in several places in India. Barwada Mosque in Chayna, Gujarat was built in 623 CE, Charaman Juma Mosque, in Methala, Kerala in 629 CE and Palaiya Juma Palli in Tamil Nadu in 628-630 CE. The Babari Mosque was built by general Baqi on the orders of Zahiruddin Babar, the king of Delhi in 1528-29. This mosque was not in distant past, seized by the Hindu extremist RSS, demolished and in its place a temple is being constructed under the jungle law of might is right that pervades the entire India today.

After 17 years old general Muhammad Bin Qasim captured Sindh and Multan by defeating Raja Dahir, of Brahmin dynasty, India became a favourite hunting ground by the Muslim invaders. The reason was simple. The momentum of Islamic revolution could not be contained within Arabian Peninsula. The vast and fertile spaces of India provided a compelling temptation. The Indian armies could not match the indomitable spirit of Jehad and martyrdom driving the Muslim armies. (Pakistan Army fortunately truly retains that spirit).

Here a common misperception needs to be corrected. Islam was not spread by sword. At the time of Akbar’s death, the Mughal empire spread from Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal. Forty years of Akbar’s rule (1556-1605) and twenty-two years of Jehangir (1605-16270) almost sixty years were enough to convert the whole of India Muslim. The kings were just kings, primarily interested in trouble free rule. They were Muslims in name only. Even if the kings had encouraged and supported innocuous preaching missions to the interior of India the Muslims would not be a minority in India today. Islam was spread in India by the Sufis and the Saints with plentiful historical evidence. Modi-minded extremists who call forceful conversion of Muslims and Christians as ‘coming back home’ is one of the forms of naked persecution of the minorities. Their forefathers had converted by their own sweet will.

In the 1950s as beautifully portrayed by Jawed Naqvi (an illustrious Indian journalist), it was common to see Indian women disembarking flights from the Middle East with a train of children and baggage followed by a much older Arab husband carrying the tail. The discovery of vast reserves of crude oil in Saudi Arabia (SA) and the Middle East (ME) changed the entire spectrum. The impact of the Petro dollar was being amply felt around the globe including India and the surrounding countries. Dollars poured in plenty in the Middle East. The hardy Arabs suddenly became opulent, needed servants, people to work for them, from household chores, sanitary workers, drivers, office managers, pilots to dancing girls. It became another Gold rush, this time for the black gold.

The population shift reversed. People from all over the world were attracted by employment opportunities in SA and the ME. The maximum to benefit were India, Pakistan and BD, poorer countries, that provided the cheapest labour. Everyone was welcomed regardless of religion, caste, colour or creed, inherent Muslim generosity. The latest arrival of Russian business girls has added another cultural dimension to the population shift.

The Indians benefitted the most. Those from the South, with software expertise occupied management slots and encouraged others to join the white collar jobs. They became the favourites of their bosses. Except for Makkah and Madina they were everywhere.

The Indians number 2.6 million in the UAE, 30 percent of its population and over 7 million all over the Muslim ME. It is said that India earns over $ 65 billion from the UAE and overall approximately $120 billion from all the Middle Eastern countries. Modi of India was recently awarded Bahrain’s highest award, ‘King Hammad Order of the Renaissance’ and UAE’s highest civil award, ‘The Order of Zayed’. Saudi Arabia has announced a huge investment of $ 100 billion in Modi’s India.

The simple Arabs were perhaps carried by the memories of old trading relations with India. They made no distinction and allowed the Indians in bulk to enjoy good jobs, perks and privileges. They have no idea of the Hindu instinctive viciousness and their subcontinental proverbial reputation of ‘Baghal main chhuri munh main Ram Ram. In other words, a cloak and dagger community.

Then the truth shocked the Arab world like a bolt from the blue. Without any provocation and completely out of context a typical Modi boy, a 29 years old political brat of BJP tweeted, ‘95 percent Arab women have never had an orgasm in the last few hundred years! Every mother has produced kids as act of sex and not love.’

(Major General (Retd) Askari Raza Malik is author of book “Pakistan in Search of a Messiah)