Indian ‘Aid’ to Kabul: 1 billion diabolical schemes to split Afghanistan

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Moin Ansari

There are increasing calls from the pundits in Delhi to push to partition Afghanistan along ethnic lines. According to the new Indian Doctrine, Bharat wants to create further schisms in Afghanistan by attempting to control the Tajik and Uzbek sections of the country and anoint Abdullah Abdullah as the leader of the Non-Pakhtun areas. Bharat would then use Iranian roads, and links from Tajikstan to export its goods to Central Asia. Some of this has been proposed by Mr. Sameer Lakwanit in an article written in dawn.com and then reproduced by Foreign Policy and Reuters-UK. However Mr. Lakwani is not the lone voice in this. Other Bharati thinkers want to leverage the “so called “aid” to Afghanistan to accomplish Bharat’s nefarious schemes.

Bharat (aka India) is very proud of proclaiming that is has spent $1 Billion in aid to Pakistan. This is pure unadulterated nonsense. What Delhi should say that it has given $1 billion to Bharati companies who has spent a fraction of that to build projects which would help Bharat gain access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. For example, it has built a short 150 km highway linking the ring road to a road that leads to Iran. The road is nothing but an attempt for Bharat to ship products to Kabul and beyond. The road runs through Taliban territory and has been blown up by the Taliban who totally control it. Another Bharati project is the construction of dam in Afghanistan which denies water to Pakistan and Iran. Both the neighbors hate the dam as it denies water to Pakistani Pakhtuns.

  • Indian popularity in Afghanistan–what a joke!
  • Pakistan’s contribution to Afghanistan is ten times what Delhi could ever hope to do for the Afghans
  • According to Bharati thinking neighbors are regarded as enemies and an enemy’s immediate neighbor as a friend. Chan Akya
  • Indian pledged huge aid package to Afghanistan has neither been dispensed nor any mega development project for Afghanistan had commenced in time.
  • In past 7 years India remains more committed in buying time for Indian owned projects in Afghanistan on one or the other pretext and increasing number of RAW agents in the garb of security personnel, workers, doctors, engineers etc.
  • After using the water of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali rivers India is escalating its water terrorism to Iran as well.
  • India is building Salma dam on Hari Rud river basin in northwest in Afghanistan, which flows into Iran and forms Sistan delta
  • Islamabad hosted 3 million Afghan refugees for more than a decade in Pakistan.
  • Even today, Pakistan hosts about 2 million refugees, many of whom live near Quetta–and some may constitute the much maligned Quetta Shura.

Bharati aid to Kabul is to serve its own interests–to buy warlords, spread its influence, and to put pressure on Pakistan, and get access to Central Asia. All its projects are for Delhi’s interests.

Bharat thumps its chest every opportunity it gets about spending $1 billion in aid to Afghanistan. A false claim. Bharat did give several hundred million Dollars to its own firms to build some things in Afghanistan. The Indian firms used the Indian money to make themselves rich. They in turn did spend some money in Afghanistan. The project where the money was spent was not based on Afghan needs–the projects were based on the needs of Delhi. All the projects undertaken were not undertaken to assist Afghans or to help them.Bharati projects in Afghanistan were to allow it a land access to Kabul and beyond. Insidious Indian propoaganda against Pakistan

Pakistani support to the Afghans was based on kinship, brotherhood and assistance for the Afghans where Kabul needed it. Pakistan directly spent about $500 million on Afghan projects. However the biggest help is in another form. More than 3 million Afghans are still hosted in Pakistan without any international assistance. HUndreds of thousands live near Quetta, and hundreds of thousands have melted away into Pakistani society. Pakistan does not thump its chest about this. Pakistanis think of this as their duty.

Today Bharat’s thumping its chest is being berated and ridiculed all over Afghanistan. The roads are already unusable and other projects lie in disrepair. Today Bharat faces an eviction from Afghanistan. To stay in Kabul, it will have to defy 62 countries and the combined Loya jirga between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is obvious that Bharat will not willingly melt away in Afghanistan. Indian sabotage of Pakistan continues.

For the first time in history it has used Afghan soil against Pakistan. The rise of Fascism in Bharat has largely been ignored by the West. America and Europe ignores the rise of parties like the RSS, Bajrang Dal, VHP and the BJP at its own peril. The chickens have come home to roost. Today Bharat faces imminent eviction from Afghanistan.

Pakistan has spent $500 million in Afghanistan, and provides logistical support to the Afghan lifeline–water, food, equipment, appliances all go through Pakistan at subsidised not internal tariff rates. Pakistan’s contribution to Afghanistan is ten times what Delhi could ever hope to do for the Afghans. Islamabad hosted 3 million Afghan refugees for more than a decade in Pakistan. Even today, Pakistan hosts about 2 million refugees, many of whom live near Quetta–and some may constitute the much maligned Quetta Shura.

Unfortunately, after using the water of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali rivers India is escalating its water terrorism to Iran as well. India is building Salma dam on Hari Rud river basin in northwest in Afghanistan, which flows into Iran and forms Sistan delta. Originally Salma Dam was constructed in 1976 while in 2004 Water and Power Consultancy Service (India) Ltd (WAPCOS) began reconstruction of Salma Dam power project in 2004. The completion of the project has been unnecessarily delayed and it is now expected to be commissioned by 2011 instead of 2009.

Salma Dam like projects is manifestation of India’s dual regional policy according to which neighbours are regarded as enemies and an enemy’s immediate neighbour as a friend. Also all such dams are a clear violation of the rights of lower riparian according to international law. Yet, USA is looking up to India as central player in resolving Afghanistan problem. But what can one possibly expect from a country which stoops to lowest level of immorality by stealing water and blocking rivers to turn agricultural lands barren?? If US really wants peace and stability in the region then it should restrict India from making war-ravaged Afghanistan a chessboard to pursue her own agenda. Better it would be for India to refrain from playing foul games, testing the patience of Afghans and victimizing other regional neighbours through its water terrorism before it is too late. On the other hand, it would be better for Afghan authorities too, that despite playing in the hands of Indian and relying on the alien clutches’, they better should struggle themselves to stand on their own feet and realize the Indian conspiracy before time runs out. Indian Water Strategy – To Embrace or Alienate? Kashmir Watch, March 5. S. Ashfaq. Author can be reached at: shamsaashfaq@yahoo.com. Posted on 05 Mar 2010 by Webmaster

Indian interests lie in good will of Afghan masses is merely an eyewash. Indian keenness to reconstruct Salma dam is aimed at encouraging Afghan masses to agitate against the Iranian interference in the construction of Salma dam in order to create rift between Afghanistan and Iran at one hand and to appease USA by depriving Iran of appropriate flow of water thus harming agricultural economy on the other hand. India by and large has no interest in developing Afghanistan besides keeping it under thumb. Paradoxically, Indian pledged huge aid package to Afghanistan has neither been dispensed nor any mega development project for Afghanistan had commenced in time. Instead, in last 7 years India remain more committed in buying time for India-owned projects in Afghanistan on one or the other pretext and increasing number of RAW agents in the garb of security personnel, workers, doctors, engineers etc.

Factually, India needs the Afghanistan link for many reasons i.e. to maintain its links with the Central Asian states, to carry out subversive activities against Pakistan – considered its enemy No 1 and to appease US and western allies. During Taliban rule, India faced difficulties in maintaining its influence in the Central Asian region, which is not only energy rich but its large consumer market is of geo-strategic importance to India.

According to an Indian analyst, Meena Singh Roy,“India as an extended neighbour of CARs, has major geo-strategic and economic interests in this region”. That is why India is investing heavily in building road s and infrastructure linking Afghanistan with the Central Asian states. Apart from Salma dam project, Indian oil companies are active in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Moreover, in March 2007, after completing the refurbishment of a military base at Ayni, India became fourth country, apart from Russia, US and Germany to have a base in Central Asia. The base is of strategic importance to India. An Indian analyst Sudha Ramachandran observed that. “ A base at Ayni allows India rapid response to any emerging threat from the volatile Afghanistan-Pakistan arc … It also gives New Delhi a limited but significant capability to inject special forces into hostile theaters as and when the situation demands … in the event of military confrontation with Pakistan, India would be able to strike Pakistan’s rear from Tajik soil… Ayni has to do with India’s growing interests in Central Asia as well”.

US tells Delhi to back off Pakistan and lay low in Afghanistan. All countries are working on peace in Kabul–except one. Bharat has consistently managed to aggravate each and every one its neighbors, Nepal, Lanka, China, Maldives, Sikkim, Bhutan and Pakistan. Even Bangladesh is extremely angry with Delhi ton immigration, on the Border Security force, and for Bharat’s illegal support for the terrorist among the Chittagong Hill Tracks.

A seminal article that describes the pickle Bharat finds itself in.

http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/LC12Df03.html

Here is an excerpt from that article.

If Delhi failed to anticipate this shift in Karzai’s order of priorities, it has only itself to blame. Thus, even in the face of impending realignments in the Afghan political and military situation that were obvious to most perceptive foreign observers, Delhi kept up the presence of a few thousands Indians in Afghanistan whose security becomes now almost entirely its responsibility to shoulder.

The malaise of the Bharati foreign policy in Afghanistan and beyond is defined below.

In retrospect, Delhi’s hare-brained idea of a US-led “quadripartite alliance” against China, the “Tibet card”, the dilution of a 2003 strategic understanding with Iran, neglect of the traditional friendship with Russia, the lukewarm attitude toward the SCO, exaggerated notions within the establishment regarding the US-India strategic partnership as an alternative to an independent foreign policy and diversified external relationships – all these appear now like dreadful pantomimes out of India’s foreign policy chronicle of recent years that Delhi would rather not think about.Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar

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Dilemma of the Indian Armed Forces

Posted on March 17, 2010 by ikb714

Incidence of suicides and fratricides is on rise in Indian Armed Forces. Recently, Defence Ministry A.K. Anthony told the Indian Parliament that 49 cases of suicide and fratricide have been reported in the armed forces. Overall, there have been a staggering 495 cases of suicide and 25 cases of fratricide in the Armed Forces over the past four year. Of these, 154 suicides and 13 fratricides occurred in 2006, 142 suicides and seven fratricides occurred in 2007 and 151 suicides and four fratricides occurred in 2008. Of these total cases, 412 suicides and 24 fratricides were reported from the army, 76 suicides and one fratricide were reported from the air forces and seven suicides were reported from the navy.

The ongoing insurgencies in different states of India are exerting psychological impact of fear, shock, mental depression and stress, resulting in demoralization of the Indian military and paramilitary troops. Indian defence analysts and psychologists have indicated various causes of suicides and fratricides. They have attributed these trends to continuous work under extreme hostile conditions, perpetual threat to life, absence of ideal living conditions, easy availability of firearms, extended tenures of stay, lack of recreational avenues, domestic worries, irregular mail, and home sickness due to long separation from families. All these increase the level of frustration among the Indian troops deployed in the Indian Held Kashmir, insurgency ridden North Eastern and Naxal affected states. In many cases, the incidents of suicide and colleague killing happened when Jawans wanted to go on leave and were denied that privilege or were just returning from leave. In the first case, the necessary relief after a stressful stint is missing. In the second case, the problems at home, which remain unattended due to long periods of absence, could be the cause. So, in such a stressful state of mind a normal rebuke, scolding or an embarrassment is enough to ignite them. Retired Maj. Gen Afsar Karim said, “The stress may be high among soldiers because of lack of leave. The army is involved in a tough long running internal security environment. There is lack of rest. Soldiers get angry when they are denied leave and their officers themselves take time off. It triggers a reaction, while they are well armed and they take their own lives or those of their colleagues”.

So according to Gen. Afsar the rapport between Officers and Junior Commissioned Officers is missing in Indian Armed Forces. Officers at senior level are more concerned with their own welfare rather then the welfare of Jawans. Similarly, Jawans in Indian Army also face economic pressures. They are deprived of adequate housing and decent salaries. They face poor promotional opportunities and meager pensions. Due to economic pressures Armed Forces personnel seek premature discharge from the services, which the Indian Government is reluctant to provide. These army men when trapped in insurgency hit areas and finding no way out suffers from mental stress, which eventually drained out anger and violence against fellows and others. Similarly, the changes in Indian society such as the breakdown of the tradition of men staying with their parents even after marriage also contribute to the pressure. Previously, a soldier who went off to war was sure that his wife and children would be looked after in the event of his being killed in the battle. With modern nuclear families, the soldier is always beset by concerns about his family’s future.

The hostile working conditions in insurgent infested areas are no less important. The jawans, trained to fight a visible enemy, have to fight an invisible enemy in insurgency ridden areas and are exposed to enemy by themselves. So this confusion increases mental stress and frustration that results into rash actions. Soldiers in counter insurgency operations of the North and North East carry loaded rifles with them all the time. The smallest arguments usually result in the safety catch being slipped off and triggers being pulled.

According to a study conducted by scientists of the Defence Institute of Psychological Research, suicide and fratricide rates in the Indian Armed Forces are highest among troops deployed for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East because their jobs are highly demanding. Director of the Institute said, “We have come across around 150 factors leading to stress among the armed forces”. He further described that the stress could be of a personal, operational, organizational or familial kind or a combination of all these.

In the insurgency-wracked area, soldiers operate in an environment where they are not sure about their future. Dr. S Khrushid-ul-Islam, who teaches behavioral sciences at the Institute of Management and Public Administration in Srinagar, is of the opinion that stress caused by continued combat situations is the crucial reason for the rise in suicides and fraternal killings. Dr. Khrushid said that regular exposure to media transmissions from the outside world could enhance mental disturbance rather than act as a palliative. With introduction of internet and cable TV, these people get exposed to the other side of the world, where life looks rosy. Away from their homes and amidst constant tension, they began feeling that people outside are enjoying life at their expense. So desperation sets in and they search for an escape.

An Indian parliamentary panel had indicated that the military establishment despite well aware of growing problem of suicides and colleague killing is not taking it seriously. The panel said that the “alarming trends of suicides and fratricidal killings in the armed forces is attributable to increased stress environment leading to psychological imbalance in the soldiers”.

The Indian Army has decided to recruit psychiatrists to cope with stress within its ranks. Relaxation exercises including yoga and Pranayam have also been introduced at the unit level. Director General Medical Sciences Lt. Gen. N.K. Parmar indicated, “Sixty psychiatrists have been trained and are working in close coordination with the troops. If there are any signs of stress, this will immediately be brought to the commanding officer’s notice”. The government trained 50 Junior Commissioned Officers from the Army Medical Corps as counselors in the Northern and Eastern commands where troops are battling insurgency. The Indian Army recently began distributing field manuals on suicides and fratricides, for use by Officers and men in North and North East to inform soldiers about the stress symptoms and ways to prevent outbreaks of violence. Similarly, religious teachers, JCOs of Army Education Corps and regimental medical officers have also been identified as “psychological health mentors” at the unit level. The government approval of two psychiatric centers at the Northern and Eastern Commands in addition to advisories on formal and informal interactions between senior and junior officers is indicative of the intensity of problem.

The Indian Armed Forces have been so demoralized by fighting with the freedom fighters that either they commit suicide or kill their own colleagues and seniors. They completely lack the will to fight. Amid this scenario, Gen Deepak Kapoor’s claim that India is capable of fighting and wining the war against China and Pakistan at the same time and that she would finish Pakistan within 96 hours of a war sounds absurd. Because wars are not fought with machines alone, its men with high morale and motivation upon which victory rely.
Indian Armed Forces’ Dilemma, 15 Mar, 2010 Mamoona Ali Kazmi

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History didn’t begin on 911: Leaving Afghanistan to Afghans

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Moin Ansari

A selective version of history has been propagated about Pakistan and Afghanistan. Events do not happen in isolation. It is pedagogical to view the historical perspective on the Afghan quagmire. Mr. Raja narrates the history in a succinct and cogent manner.

In the aftermath of 1971 Indo-Pak war, many earth shaking geo-political events took place at international and regional levels. India emerged as a major military and nuclear power in the region and Indo-Soviet nexus adopted an active policy to dominate Indian Ocean. Afghanistan became more belligerent and started to propagate Pakhtunistan stunt aggressively. Populist leader Mujibur Rehman who became the first head of state of newly carved secular Bangladesh was assassinated along with his family members in 1974. Gen Ziaur Rahman took over and declared Bangladesh as an Islamic Republic state. USA had to a beat a retreat from Vietnam after fighting and massacring Vietnamese for over a decade.

Islamic revolution in Iran ousted Shah of Iran and brought in Imam Khomenei in February March 1979 which impacted the Muslim world and caused consternation to both the super powers. While USA lost an important ally whom it was aspiring to make it into the Persian Gulf policeman, and also suffered the trauma of American hostages in Tehran, Moscow felt concerned for its Muslim Republics of Central Asia.

In December 1979, Soviet troops barged into Afghanistan at the invitation of Parcham Party. In their bid to Sovietise Afghanistan, Soviets unleashed a reign of terror against the Afghan people and installed a puppet regime of their choice at Kabul. Over eight million Afghans were rendered homeless. Pakistan got sucked into Afghan imbroglio when 5 million Afghan refugees trekked into Pakistan and heavily burdened the already dwindling economy. Realising that the big bear would prowl forward in search of warm waters, Pakistan decided to stand up to the challenge. It took the US and other western countries one and a half years to make up their minds and to extend full support to proxy war in close cooperation with Pakistan.

Jihadis were induced by CIA from all over the world, particularly from Middle East and brought to Pakistan which was converted into main base for launching biggest ever covert operations in concert with ISI against Soviet occupied Afghanistan in 1981. In addition to setting up training camps, religious madrassas were lavishly funded, provided arms and ammunition and mandated to motivate and train the youth to wage Jihad in Afghanistan against godless Soviet troops. Mujahideen were pampered and their exploits profusely lauded and projected as holy warriors. Jihad was funded by CIA with the help of drug trade at a large scale.

Notwithstanding ruthless massacre of the Muslim fighters by military machine of USSR, fresh crop of fighters were continuously pushed into the furnace of Afghanistan. For the downtrodden, mostly sustained by madrassas funded by philanthropists and affluent class, which provided them free lodging, food and religious education, it was a new occupation which apart from material and religious benefits had an element of adventure. It gave them a sense of satisfaction and a kick that they were up against a super power and another superpower was at their back. They had a just cause and a base to operate from; hence recruitment never dried irrespective of mass scale casualties.

Pakistan acting as the frontline state had to pay a very heavy price for fighting proxy war. It was subjected to sabotage and subversion by KGB-KHAD-RAW combine together with India-Afghan supported Al-Zulfiqar terrorist outfit. High speed war kept the rulers deeply immersed in trying to deal with threat of Soviet-Afghan forces from our western border, Indian threat from eastern border and internal threat posed by Al-Zulfiqar and RAW agents.

Victory over Soviet forces in 1988 by rag tag Afghan freedom fighters became a genuine cause of celebration. However, death of Gen Zia and senior army officers in a C-130 plane crash in August 1988, which was an act of sabotage, marred the joys. His sudden departure created a vacuum which mercifully got filled up through general elections in November 1988 and PPP led government under Benazir Bhutto coming into power.

Afghan cauldron ultimately proved to be the graveyard of Soviet Union and in 1991 it collapsed from within under the weight of economic disorders. Six Central Asian states and several Latvian states became independent and war of independence erupted in Chechnya. Yugoslavia fragmented into six states because of extreme corruption and weak leadership while Eastern Europe got reabsorbed in Western Europe. Fragmentation of Soviet Empire led to demise of communism and put an end to cold war. In Germany, Berlin wall of belligerence fell and united the two Germanys. These events paved the way for creation of European Union. Much of the world embraced market capitalism and the US under its doctrine of New World Order started to convert the world into a global village.

When the time came for Afghan Mujahideen and Pakistan to get rewarded for the huge sacrifices rendered and for paving the way for USA to emerge as sole super power, USA decided to depart abruptly from this region at a time when its assistance was needed the most. Instead of rewarding, Pakistan was subjected to harsh sanctions under infamous Pressler Amendment in October 1990 due to nuclear factor. It was natural for all Pakistanis to feel deeply vexed and frustrated. To rub salt in their wounds, the US decided to embrace India that had throughout opposed US policies in the region tooth and nail and had sat in the lap of Soviet Union.

The Middle East remained in turmoil due to belligerence of Israel, unsettled Palestinian issue and defiance of PLO under Yasser Arafat. Israel continued to persecute the Palestinians and refused to hand back territories it had captured in 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Its high handed policies and repeated provocations against its neighbours triggered 1973 Arab-Israel war. Breach of unassailable Barlev line across Suez Canal by Egyptian troops became a cause of huge embarrassment for Israel and ultimately led to signing of Camp David peace accord between Israel and Egypt. Peace with Israel resulted in isolation of Egypt among Arab countries.

Saddam Hussein who took over as president of Iraq in 1979 started dreaming of becoming the leader of Arab world. Taking advantage of fluid state of Islamic revolution in Iran and egged on by Washington and London, Iraq invaded Iran in October 1980 to settle Shatt el Arab dispute but got bogged down for the next eight years without achieving any results. The war gave an opportunity to Israel to destroy Iraqi nuclear plant at Osirak in 1983. Iran on the other hand not only succeeded in beating back the aggressor but also completed its cycle of revolution despite being completely isolated. Saddam fell from grace of USA when he prodded by Washington invaded Kuwait in August 1990. It gave an excuse to the US and its western allies to launch 1st Gulf War against Iraq in 1991 and cripple its forces as well as its economy; thus paving the way for Israel to emerge as unchallenged regional power.

In India, several separatist and insurgent movements erupted in number of Indian states and Sikhs in Punjab became assertive. Indian ruthless military operation Blue Star against Sikhs holiest shrine in Amritsar called Golden Temple (3-6 June 1984) was ransacked and almost all its inmates including women and children gunned down. This barbaric act led to assassination of PM Indira Gandhi at the hands of two Sikh bodyguards on 31 October that year which triggered a mad Hindu onslaught against Sikhs mercilessly killing thousands. Most were torched alive and their houses and shops burnt. These gruesome events sparked Khalistan movement demanding their own state in Punjab including Punjabi speaking areas of Rajasthan, Harayana and Himachal Pradesh with Chandigarh as the capital. Sikh movement kept raging for years till it was brutally crushed during Rajiv Gandhi regime in 1989 but its embers could not be extinguished. Over 3.2 million Sikhs have been killed in several genocides. Punjab has been turned into an open jail for Sikhs. Dr. Awatar Singh in exile and many of his Sikh compatriots have kept the Khalistan movement alive.

While India’s hands were full in dealing with Sikh insurgents, eruption of armed freedom movement in Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) in 1989 in the wake of rigged state elections came as a bolt from the blue. India pumped in huge number of security forces to quash the movement but when India failed to make any headway it started blaming Pakistan for abetting the freedom fighters. Over seven hundred thousand Indian security forces battled few thousand armed freedom fighters and unleashed a reign of terror that paled Halaku Khan’s atrocities. More than 100,000 Kashmiris have been martyred and rape and torture is used as weapons of war. The civilised world has taken little notice of worst human rights violations.

Indo-US relations warmed up from 1991 onwards and gradually transformed into strategic partnership. Taking advantage of soured Pak-US relations, India stepped up its propaganda campaign to convince Washington to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. Pakistan was also accused of manufacturing an Islamic bomb. Bill Clinton Administration laid the foundation of Indo-US strategic alignment which blossomed in March 2000. While USA got busy in reintegrating Europe, our democratic era got locked up in PPP-PML-N deadly clash, each trying to down the other thereby giving lethal blows to democracy.

Jihadis that had taken part in Afghan Jihad having been refused re-entry into their respective countries settled down either in Afghanistan or in FATA since they had developed deep rooted comradeship with people of the two regions. American supplied armaments together with huge arms dumps left behind by withdrawing Soviet forces were taken over by warring factions of Mujahideen and soon war ravaged Afghanistan got sunk in power tussle resulting in internecine war of attrition which raged till 1995. Poppy growing and arms smuggling became sources of income.

Amidst infighting, Taliban emerged as a new force in 1994 and within a span of two years they captured Kabul and restored semblance of order by reigning in warlords, eliminating social vices through imposition of Sharia. Pakistan recognised Taliban regime and soon the two developed strong and fraternal relations.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan became a transit camp for drug and arms smuggling from Afghanistan which had debilitating effects on its society. Sectarian war that started to simmer in Pakistan after Islamic revolution in Iran got heated up during the nineties. Several extremist parties like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba, Sipah-e-Muhammad, Jaish-e-Muhammad cropped up and attacks on mosques and Imambarghs became common. Foreign powers added fuel to sectarian war. Fallout of Afghan war together with Intifada in Palestine and eruption of freedom struggle by Kashmiris in IHK contributed towards militarization of Pakistani society. Large numbers of jihadi groups both in IHK and in Azad Kashmir surfaced to give boost to Kashmir freedom movement.

RAW was assigned to work upon Sindh on the pattern of erstwhile East Pakistan. It made deep inroads in rural Sindh where nationalist leaders were cultivated and idea of Sindhudesh germinated. Ethnic war in Sindh peaked during late 1980s and throughout 1990s because of rural-urban antagonism and MQM’s fascism to make Karachi its fiefdom. Both Nawaz and Benazir during their respective stints in power ordered operations against MQM in 1992 and 1995 to bridle its militancy but failed. Onus of checkmating ill-effects of Afghan war rested on elected regimes from November 1988 to 1999, which were free of pressures of proxy war, and not that of Zia regime that was deeply involved in the war against next door super power. However due to infighting by two mainstream political parties and premature fall of regimes after every two to three years kept Pakistan politically unstable and economically weak and debt ridden. These factors together with increasing poverty, rising inflation, spiralling price hike and growing unemployment heightened violence.

Conduct of nuclear tests by India in May 1998 and tit for tat response by Pakistan nuclearised South Asia and turned it into a flashpoint but mellowed down jingoism of Indian BJP leaders and prompted Indian PM Vajpayee to undertake a bus ride to Pakistan in February 1999. He was the first Indian leader to acknowledge Kashmir as an unresolved dispute. He visited Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore in a bid to dispel widely held perception that India had not reconciled to the existence of Pakistan. High hopes of possible resolution of Kashmir issue and two neighbours living peacefully were dashed with the onset of Kargil conflict triggered by the then Army chief Gen Musharraf without taking Nawaz government into confidence. The conflict which raged intensely for ten weeks reenergised Indo-Pak antagonism. US intervention defused the explosive situation which had all the potential of getting converted into full scale war with nuclear overtones. However, Kargil paved the way for downfall of heavy mandate Nawaz regime on 12 October 1999 and takeover by Gen Musharraf.

Internationally, Pakistan almost became a Pariah state as was evident from visit of Bill Clinton to India and Pakistan in March 2000 when he doled out huge economic and defence endowments to India and laid the foundation of Indo-US strategic alignment but cold shouldered Pakistan. The military regime under Musharraf took off well under its much publicised seven point agenda and produced impressive economic results. But like his predecessors, it did not take long before he lost direction and adopted self serving policies to prolong his rule.

9/11 transformed the global geo-politics which impacted the Muslim world in particular. Gen Musharraf was castigated for accepting all the seven demands of USA on a phone call and taking a u turn on Afghanistan and agreeing to make Pakistan the frontline state to fight US war on terror at his own and that too without seeking benefits matching what all he surrendered. Although Pakistan gained economic benefits but those proved illusory. Fighting US war on terror had debilitating impact on Pakistan’s social, political and economic life. As against $10.5 billion US aid, Pakistan lost over $35 billion. Micro-management of Pakistan’s domestic affairs by intrusive USA resulted in gradual erosion of sovereignty of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s security compulsions came in conflict with the new Bush Doctrine to see the stability of West Asia and South Asia hegemonised by Israel and India respectively. There was a growing Indo-US axis to complement US-Israeli axis. 9/11 came as a blessing in disguise for India since it helped India achieve what it could never have in normal course. It regained entry in Afghanistan and speedily expanded its influence to be able to encircle Pakistan. India got closer to Iran and China. New rules on global terrorism framed by USA and doctrine of pre-emption and shock and awe conceived by George W. Bush led neo-cons helped India to convert Kashmir freedom struggle into terrorism and to brand Pakistan as an abettor of cross border terrorism and a nuclear proliferating country.

Indo-US-Israeli-British-Afghanistan nexus was formed in Kabul in December 2001 after the occupation of Afghanistan and overthrow of Taliban regime and its replacement with US proxy regime led by Hamid Karzai. Besides other regional objectives, the nexus aimed at destabilizing, denuclearizing and de-Islamising Pakistan and turning it into a vassal state of India so as to accomplish its strategic goals. Since sinister objectives were to be achieved under the garb of friendship, USA facilitated Indo-Pak peace treaty in January 2004. India took full advantage of hypocritical composite dialogue to take the steam out of Kashmirfreedom struggle and to quietly launch cultural invasion from the east and covert operations from Afghan soil as well as Iran against Pakistan without giving anything in return.

Induction of Army in South Waziristan in 2002 at the behest of Washington and launching of military operations made the militant tribesmen turn their guns inwards because of which the flames of militancy engulfed whole of FATA, greater part of NWFP and even entered Punjab. Balochistan was also lit up by sowing seeds of separatism among the Baloch. Pak Army thus got engaged in fighting its own people and both sides started to bleed each other as a result of which centre of gravity of terrorism shifted from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

Apart from unleashing massive covert operations to foment unrest in Balochistan, FATA and other parts of NWFP, the band of five unleashed sustained vilification campaign against Pakistan to undermine its premier institutions and weaken it from within. Stories of balkanization or breakup of Pakistan were frequently circulated. Maximum pressure was exerted on nuclear program on the plea of its vulnerability and its likelihood of falling in wrong hands.

Musharraf’s popularity graph began to plummet rapidly after his unwise decision to sack chief justice Iftikhar in March 2007, his unwarranted support to MQM for its gory role on 12 May and ill-planned Lal Masjid operation in July. His skewed concept of enlightened moderation to show soft face of Pakistan promoted ultra liberalism which in turn bred religious extremism. These events together with triggering of suicide bombings and lawyers movement shrunk his manoeuvring space and forced him to strike a power sharing deal with Benazir in July 2007. He later issued an unholy NRO on 5 October in return for getting elected for second term.

When the lawyer movement duly joined by civil society started to choke him he was left with no choice but to impose emergency in November 2007 which instead of strengthening him further weakened him. He was thus impelled to shed his hat of army chief and hand over the baton to Gen Ashfaq Kayani and also to announce elections. Murder of Benazir on 27 December was a watershed in the history of Pakistan which made the overall situation volatile and forced Musharraf to advance the election date from 8 January 2008 to 18 February. Her sudden departure paved the way for Zardari to come on the centre stage and become PPP co-chairperson. Much against his and his patrons in Washington hopes of a dream team comprising PPP, PML-Q, MQM coming to power, PML-N upset the plan. PML-Q got consigned to opposition ranks while PML-N formed coalition governments in the centre and in Punjab. PPP-PML-N honey moon lasted for few months because of Nawaz’s serious differences with wavering Zardari who did not stick to his pledge of restoring sacked judges.

Fearing impeachment, Musharraf thought it wise to abdicate in August and thus paved the way for Zardari to occupy his seat. It didn’t take long for Zardari to lose his popularity and credibility owing to his lackadaisical approach, corruption scandals and lack of governance. Instead of making the parliament supreme and abiding by charter of democracy, Zardari chose to arrogate all powers and rendered Gilani led parliament into a rubber stamp. Cronyism, nepotism and corruption have become the hallmark of the democratic government. Load shedding, gas shortage, and acute shortage of essential commodities together with back breaking price spiral have made the lives of the poor and salaried class difficult.
The people have got disillusioned with the democratic government since it has not brought any change in the reviled policies of Musharraf led regime nor given them any relief. New rulers have become more subservient to American dictates. The US influence in Pakistan’s affairs has become too intrusive. War on terror supported by foreign powers based in Kabul has become more menacing. Despite launching series of military operations in NWFP, Malakand Division, Swat, Darra and several agencies of FATA starting June 2008, ‘do more’ mantra is sung by US officials unabatedly. Encouraged by USA, India has adopted an uncompromising and belligerent posture. In its bid to browbeat Pakistan, apart from launching covert operations in Balochistan and FATA at big scale, it is resorting to water terrorism to turn Pakistan’s agriculture lands into wasteland.

Two years of PPP led government has witnessed high spate of suicide and terrorist attacks and drone attacks causing colossal human and material losses. Despite unanimous resolution of parliament and repeated protests to stop this grisly practice, CIA operated drones continue to strike suspected targets in Waziristan in which 98% innocent civilians die. US dictated war on terror which has now become our war has had debilitating impact on Pakistan’s social, political and economic life. Had the Army not turned the tide of terrorism in battles of Swat, South Waziristan and Bajaur, by now situation might have gone from bad to worse. This war will continue to rage as long as US-NATO troops remain in Afghanistan and Indian perverse influence prevails.

Like Zardari, Obama who had promised change is also a disappointment both for the Americans and the Muslim world. Instead of rectifying the wrongs of his predecessor, he is reinforcing failure in Afghanistan by sending additional troops under the vain hope of turning the tide which has gone in favour of Afghan Taliban. Unless the US corrects its course, it will become exceedingly difficult for US-NATO troops to get out of Afghan quagmire with honour. Grant of civil nuclear and defence deals to India by George Bush had disturbed the regional military and nuclear balance which has not been so far corrected by Obama. Under Indian pressure he has backtracked from his commitment to help find an amicable solution to Kashmir dispute. He has so far taken no step towards resolution of Palestine issue. Unresolved issues of Kashmir and Palestine and unjust policies of USA, Israel and India have bred extremism and terrorism.

While the US and western world are quiet over these burning issues, the world at large have become seized with Afghanistan and have arrived at a conclusion that without taking Taliban on board Afghan imbroglio cannot be solved. London conference attended by representatives of 70 countries have endorsed the idea of reconciling with Taliban who till recent were treated as outcasts. It is in this context that Pakistan has figured in US calculus which has been constantly distrusted, maligned and oppressed. This change in thinking has taken place because the US has finally realized that it can neither win the war on terror nor can sustain it because of fast melting economy, declining morale of US-NATO troops and growing home pressure to bring back troops. While the US has become debt ridden, economy of its major foe China has up surged and Russia has become militarily and economically assertive. While North Korea and Iran remain in aggressive mood, Arabian Peninsula has begun to simmer, Iraq is turbulent, large numbers of Latin America states have become rebellious and Al-Qaeda is uncontrollable.

Israel and India, so-called strategic allies of USA are chiefly responsible for its misfortunes but America finds itself utterly helpless. Both are devising plots how to prolong the stay of ISAF or as a minimum, make Washington agree to hand over the baton to India. Outcome of military operations launched in Afghanistan during 2010 will decide the future course of USA. Unless the US manages to depart from Afghanistan with grace, it will not be able to retain its global leadership. This is possible if the US trusts Pakistan and not India.

Brig Asif Haroon Raja is Member Board of Advisors, www.opinion-maker.org He has been a Defence Attache to Egypt and Sudan, MSc War Studies, a DS at Command and staff College Quetta. He has written 5 books and numerous articles. Pakistan’s security environments (1971-March 2010), 17 Mar, 2010 Brig Asif Haroon Raja

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US transfers a fleet of Cobra choppers to Pakistan. Finally!

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Moin Ansari

According to media reports, the United States has finally transferred a fleet of Cobra Helicopters–about a dozen and a half. Washington also will upgrade some of the older choppers that Pakistan owns. Pakistan’s Frontier Constabulary and the Frontier Corps needs more than a 100 choppers to effectively monitor the Durand Line–the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Pakistanis have been asking for night vision glasses, bullet proof vests, drones, and M-16s. None of these have been provided to the front line state and the Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).

The transfer of about 16 choppers will go a long way in alleviating the issues.

LAHORE: The United States on Tuesday handed over a fleet of modern AH-1 Cobra helicopters to Pakistan, which has been inducted in the Army Aviation, a private channel reported on Tuesday. A squadron consists of 14 to 16 helicopters.

The channel quoted its sources as saying that such helicopters are being being used by the Jordanian Armed Forces. The US will also fund $75 million to upgrade the helicopters currently being used by the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Cobra helicopters were used in operation Rahe Nijat and the new additions will provide much-needed help and firepower to the army, especially in the upcoming operation in Orakzai Agency.

Cobra helicopters can fly at an altitude of 11,400 feet and can be used effectively for night-time operations. Each Cobra helicopter is equipped with two 7.62 mm multi-barrel guns, two 40 mm guns and grenade launchers, while 70 mm rockets can be attached to it.

Pakistan is also getting French choppers.Pakistan’s Augusta Subs, Orion P3Cs, Mirage fighters, & now Tiger choppers

Admiral Edouard Guillaud, military personal staff officer to French president Nicolas Sarkozi, heading a delegation on the follow-up of President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to Paris, called on the Pakistani president a few days ago and conveyed his government’s decision to provide Tiger combat helicopters and other equipment to Pakistan to strengthen its abilities [...]. None of the news agencies elaborated whether these will be ex-stock French army or newly built. But since its own operational requirements are not fully met, (the French Army has or will be placing a follow-on order for another 40), it would appear that these helicopters, in all probability, will be new.

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Eliminating Trust deficit in Pakistan: Reparations, Drone technology, Parity, Nuclear Plants

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Moin Ansari

EXCLUSIVE PAKISTAN LEDGER

Reversing Anti-Americanism in Pakistan: Parity, Nuclear Plants

President Zardari has clearly informed the US Administration that if they want to reduce the trust deficit in Pakistan and reverse growing Anti-Americanism in the region–then President Obama has to accord Islamabad parity with Delhi and not hold back on critical technologies that Pakistan needs. The two areas identified are Nuclear and Drone Technology. Pakistan needs both of these in order to resolve the energy crisis and to deal with the terror groups that cross into Pakistan. Since the US is responsible for the spillover of the war into Pakistan, and because Pakistan has been a front line state, first against the USSR, and now against terror–it is Pakistan’s right to demand reparations for the losses incurred.

Empty promises will not work anymore. The US has to expeditiously deliver ROZ, FTA, nuke plants and Drone technology. This has to be resolved expeditiously. US Pakistani strategic partnership?–Here is a list

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called on the US administration to assist Pakistan with civilian nuclear technology, and sought the early transfer of drone technology.

“Civilian nuclear technology will help Pakistan meet its growing energy demand… the [transfer of] drone technology will… [lead to] wider public acceptability [of strikes],” said Zardari at a meeting with Director of US National Intelligence Dennis C Blair, who had called on him at the Presidency. The president said the two technologies could also facilitate the bridging of a trust deficit between the two countries.

Zardari expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals, and called for a review.

Briefing the media after the meeting, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said, “The president said the provision of civilian nuclear technology would go a long way in addressing misperceptions about the US in Pakistan.” He quoted the president as saying that US drone attacks “on our soils not only infringe Pakistan’s sovereignty, but also undermine national consensus against the war on terror”.

The president also called for the US to expedite the passage of reconstruction opportunity zones legislation. “We need to create opportunities for the people to prevent them from falling in the trap of the militants,” said the president.


Zardari said Pakistan had suffered a huge loss of over $35 billion over the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy, in addition to social and human losses. “With limited resources, our security forces have achieved remarkable success against militants.”

Babar said the president called for working on a counter-terrorism strategy within the agreed parameters and establishing an effective intelligence-sharing mechanism between the two countries.

Zardari also asked the US to help strengthen Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities through the provision of timely assistance and necessary tools and equipment.

About the regional situation, Zardari said Pakistan had legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, and welcomed international assistance in this context. Blair praised the government and Pakistan’s security forces for their struggle against militancy, and reiterated the US administration’s commitment to work closely with the government.

The meeting was attended by Neil H Joeck, national intelligence officer for the South Asia National Intelligence Council; US Ambassador Anne Patterson; and US Regional Affairs Counsellor Jonathan D Bank – while the Pakistani side was represented by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha, Secretary General to the President Salman Faruqui, Senator Sughra Imam and other senior officials.

Separately, Blair also met Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who said the immediate development of the areas cleared of militants was crucial to retain national consensus and public support in the war on terror. He said a damage assessment of these areas had already been undertaken, along with the identification of viable development projects. He said the international community should step forward to help Pakistan undertake these projects.

About the upcoming Pakistan-US strategic dialogue, Gilani said concrete and visible signs of implementation of commitments in sectors already identified was compulsory.

He said a successful strategic dialogue would be greatly beneficial in bridging the trust deficit between the two countries and addressing misperceptions over Pak-US relations.

He also highlighted the importance of increased market access for Pakistani exporters in the US.

Gilani called on the international community to honour the pledges made in Tokyo last years, to accelerate the pace of rebuilding and development in Swat, Malakand and FATA. He hoped that he US would expedite projects being undertaken in the energy sector of Pakistan to overcome the power shortage in the country. Daily Times. Zardari seeks civilian nuclear technology from US. Staff Report

The designation of  parts of Pakistan as ROZ (Reconstruction Opportunity Zones) is a first initial step that is a move in the right direction. We have always advocated a Marshall Plan for Pakistan. This is the only way to suppress the insurgency and reverse Anti-Americanism in the region. The US has wasted $143 Billion in Afghanistan and not achieved any gains. We have over the years advocated a Pakistan FTA with the USA that would allow about $15 Billion of exports to America. This hard earned money would belong to the Textile exporters who would have to build extra capacity and hire more workers. The new employees would become more integrated into the society, and would send their children to the best schools in their vicinity would would graduate and perhaps go to the USA and Europe. These would bring back education and moderation to the people similar to what has happened in Malaysia and Korea.

The area under ROZ should be dramatically increased to include all of Pakistan. The US should build 1000 hospitals and 5000 schools and 100 new American Universities which would cost less than the bombs that are thrown at the FATA residents. The hospitals would be a living symbol of good American intentions and the Universities and Schools will create moderate and literate Pakistanis. The American University in Beirut is an example how one campus can make the difference in the entire region.

While the UEA can purchase campuses from the West, Pakistani students could be offered scholarships to attend the modern American campuses in Dubai and the Gulf States. The educated Pakistanis would build shops and businesses in Pakistan that would generate wealth and moderation.

End rendition. Find Missing Pakistanis. Repatriate Dr. Afia

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How can US help? A Pakistani American speaks

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Moin Ansari

Nadia Naviwala is an American of Pakistani origin. She has written a great article on the changes engulfing Pakistan. However it was disappointing to see that alcohol consumption and “partying” was seen as a sign of “progress” and “modernization”. Both may reflect Westernization, but may or may not reflect “modernization”. Modernization is the calibre of a people to be self-confident, a people who can create something out of nothing, a nation that can challenge those who work against the national interest.

If Ms. Naviwala believes that eliminating “boredom” in Pakistan is a good criteria to judge the people, or if people meeting in the mall is a great barometer of progress, then we should all applaud the progress.

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts — What do we do about Pakistan? Because I am a Pakistani-American who recently spent several months there, people here are constantly trying to get me to answer that question. One of the most important things I can offer them is a reality check.

I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, but my family moved to Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, in the early 1990s. Those were Karachi’s worst years and constitute my earliest memories of terrorism.

Political and ethnic violence wracked the city, becoming, as we have seen in Iraq and Afghanistan today, an excuse for every type of crime — shootings in mosques, kidnappings, violent break-ins and streetside executions if you belonged to the wrong ethnic group. By 1996, my family gave up on Pakistan and came back to the United States. By 1999, Pervez Musharraf gave up on Pakistan and overthrew the government.

Worse than the violence, for a Pakistani-American child, was that Pakistan was boring. As far as I am concerned, Pizza Hut was the only good thing that happened to Pakistan in those years. Prior to that, there was no American fast food in Karachi, let alone malls or highways. You couldn’t even find a decent candy bar.

And as I got older, I grew increasingly irked by the conservatism. Pakistan, I felt, was easily the most closed country in the world — traditional dress was mandatory, girls were either stuck at home or harassed in the streets, and I almost never saw a foreigner.

I never imagined that I would see Pakistan the way I saw it this summer, after a mere 14 years. Karachi today looks like any major, cosmopolitan city — movie theaters, restaurants, and cafés full of boys and girls smoking, in jeans, mingling together.

More women are finishing college and getting jobs, and they have traded traditional baggy shalwars for trousers and capris. The city has been aggressively transformed by a mayor so impressively capable that he seems misplaced in a culture of corrupt politicians and broken bureaucracies.

If I sound like a wide-eyed Pakistani-American, it’s because I am. Pakistan today is more open and progressive than Pakistani communities in the United States. My parents’ generation in America has worked hard to preserve the Pakistan they left behind in the 1980’s.

Pakistani-Americans whisper and shake their heads about the wild parties they hear go on in Pakistan today. It’s true: alcohol, although illegal, is everywhere. And when I celebrated Christmas in Karachi this December, it was a Pakistani-American girl I met there who commented disapprovingly. Meanwhile, my Pakistani friends didn’t believe me when I tried to tell them that, having grown up in the United States, I have never met a Muslim who celebrated Christmas.

This is the change we need in Pakistan, but no U.S. policy or aid program could have brought it about. The desire that many Pakistanis have for a more open and liberal society, and the local leaders and businesses that are making it possible, are our best bet for stability and security in the region. Social change, economic growth, political maturity — these are things that crowd out groups like the Taliban and make their rhetoric fall flat. But these things have no formulas and Americans have the least ability to understand or control them — no matter how many policies are pronounced in Washington or billions of dollars poured into Islamabad.

More importantly, progress in Pakistan — strengthening economic growth, governance and liberal values — takes years to realize but only a few American airstrikes or Taliban bombings to destroy. American mistakes in the region have been aggravating public sentiments for years and fueled fundamentalism in the mainstream. In the 1990s, none of my aunts wore burkas. Now, they all do. And Taliban bombings in the cities are leading to a flight of people with means, usually the most progressive and educated, and capital. As we learned from our support for the mujahedeen in the 1980s, the secondary effects of U.S. policy are the most damning.

How do we harness and support positive trends in Pakistan? If Washington can put good people to work on that question, who will also factor in the limits of American understanding and ground capabilities in Pakistan, they will come to a better question: How can we protect the progress that Pakistanis have already made?

Instead of fixing “Af-Pak,” the best thing America can do for the region is stop it from getting more fouled up than it already is.

So my answer to the question “what do we Americans do?” is to first understand what we have done already: U.S. war policies are inadvertently undermining the social and economic progress that Pakistanis have made over the years.

We need to accept the limits of our capabilities and understanding of realities on the ground. Unlike Iraq and Afghanistan, where the United States and other countries have a huge presence, few Americans travel to Pakistan and U.S. officials are extremely restricted in their movements.

Finally, we need realistic objectives, which will end up looking more like damage control than the magic bullet against the Taliban that everyone is looking for.

Pakistan is a different story from Afghanistan — it is far more developed and modern. Afghans may not have the ability to lead themselves out of this mess, but Pakistanis do. After all, Pakistanis are the ones who suffer the most when their cities are bombed and their soldiers killed. If the United States continues to distort the situation through aggressive policy demands, then we are only reinforcing anti-Americanism and the breakdown of Pakistani institutions. What’s worse, if U.S. attention remains fixated on narrow measures of military success, Pakistan will become collateral damage of the Afghan war.

Nadia Naviwala is a student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a former national security aide in the U.S. Senate. She is currently researching U.S. development assistance in Pakistan. By NADIA NAVIWALA, Published: March 16, 2010. Let Pakistan Make Its Own Progress

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Indian sabotage of Pakistan continues

Posted on March 14, 2010 by ikb714

On March 13, 2010, two suicidal bombers walked up to Pakistan military vehicles and exploded themselves in densely populated area RA Bazar of Lahore cantt. In these attacks 45 persons included five soldiers killed and more than 120 individuals sustained injures. This is the second attack of on going week.

Earlier on March 8, 2010 Pakistani Intelligence Agency’s “sub-office” in Model Town Lahore was rocked at the time of a suicide attack and killing 15 people and many injured. It is also added here that since January 2010 twenty suicidal attacks have been launched against soldiers and citizens. In the night at from 0830 – 0930 PM again three bombs exploded near Moon Market, in which many individuals got injured.

Out of revealed suicidal attacks, 12 have been carried out against the security forces. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani condemned the Lahore blasts of March 12. They expressed condolences with the families of those who lost their lives in the dastardly terrorist act. The President said the government and people are determined to defeat terrorism and such gruesome acts cannot deter the national spirit is ready to defeat terrorists. It is also mentionable here that last year five attacks were launched in Lahore:

  • 15 October 2009: Terrorists attacked Federal investigation Agency
  • 12 June: a prominent anti-Taliban cleric killed by a suicide bomber at his religious school.
  • 27 May: a car bomb attack on police buildings killed 23 persons.
  • 30 March: Gunmen attacked a police academy, killing eight people
  • 3 March 2009: Gunmen killed six police guards in an ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team.

The conspicuous increase in volatility has been noticed since after ‘Mumbai attack”. India has started all out proxy war against Pakistan. Her Intelligence agency is using criminal elements of FATA and remote areas of Paksitan for fomenting terrorism. Indian Interior minister P Chidambaram and chief of Army Staff repeatedly threaten Pakistan. In a ceremony held on March 12, 2010 Inidan home minister once again alleged Pakistan for their domestic ongoing violence and militancy. He said that any act of terrorism from Pakistani territory against India will be taken as not be tolerant in future. In fact the purpose of such types of statements political and military leadership is to justify Indian covert and open sabotage activities against Pakistan.

The statements have to be analyzed keeping in view of the on going war on terror. New Delhi is using criminal and militants to terrorize the determined Pakistani Security Forces and general masses. Pakistan Ambassador at New Delhi Shahid Malik while answering to journalists rejected Chidambaram stance and said that India is involved in spreading terrorism in Balochistan instead of resolving burning issue of Kashmir and water.

Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor has also clearly shown her desire of striking Pakistan on November 22, 2009 when he warned that a limited war under a nuclear overhang is still very much a reality at least in the Indian sub-continent. On November 23, 2009 Pakistan Foreign Office Spokes man Abdul Basit asked the world community to take notice of remarks passed by the Indian Army Chief. He also said that India has set the stage and trying to impose a limited war on Pakistan.

In this context, earlier Pakistan Army Chief of Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has categorically expressed at number of occasions that Indian attack would be responded in full strength while using all types of resources.

Pakistani investigation agencies have collected the solid proves in the shape of fake Pakistani and American currencies, Indian made armaments, medical equipments and passports. The dossiers composed of evidences regarding Indian involvement in fomenting militancy in Pakistan has been provided to Indian authorities in recently held sectary level negotiations at New Delhi. It is also notable here that the terrorist are also being imparted training in Afghanistan and India for launching and targeting security agencies and important installations. A wave of suicide and bomb attacks across Pakistan has killed more than 3,000 people since 2007.

Hindus extremists are creating problems in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India is giving the money and weapons to the terrorists in these countries. India wants to destabilize his neighbours. But she should  not forget the result of the Russia / Soviet Union. If India did not changed its behavior then soon would be disintegrated into in 27 parts. Though secular India claimed that she is the most religious in tolerance but on ground facts are quite difficult. Muslims, Christens and Sikhs even cannot shake hand with extremist Hindus. India is the only country in which there are always riots, killing of minorities, raping Tamils, Maoists and Kashmiries innocent women. Yearly more than 3000 individuals of minorities are being killed by Hindus extremists. Sikh still crying for justice and cannot forget the incident of Golden Temple in 1984. The killings of Muslims after Babri Masjid Shahdat went to its extreme where more than 3000 Muslims killed in Gujrat in 2002.

Indian extremists Hindus even don’t spare their own Sikh Prime Minister and use obnoxious language while criticizing him. In one of the comments posted in Indian Express called his Prime minister as “Manhoos Singh Govt’. The commentator also said that Indian government is appeasing all anti national elements. Talks with Pakistan, free entry to kashmiri militants, punishment to Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, everywhere this man (Manmohan Singh) is hurting India. He further stated that Kashmiri Muslims are our enemies. They will never be loyal to India. Crush them with an iron hand. The commentator has written these comments in response to news of killing a sixteen year old Zahid Farooq by a soldier of 68th BSF Battalion in the Kashmir Valley.

Research Analysis Wing (RAW) is known as brain of Indian Hindu Extremists. The radical Hindus are working in the nucleus of RAW. They are famous in elimination of their government and civilian personalities for the completion of their entrusted tasks. It is worth mentioning here that wife of Late Anti – Terrorism Squad Chief Hemant Karkare in an inquiry also alleged Col Prohit for murdering of her husband during Mumbai Drama. Col Prohit was also involved in killing of minorities and blasting of Samjota Express. Islamabad has at number of occasions demanded handing over of the Col to Pakistan for detailed investigations but New Delhi neither took any action against him and nor ready to hand him over to Pakistan. Reportedly, former Indian Intelligence officer Lt Col Prohit would soon be released.

Anyhow, coming back to the topic, I would say that India has chosen a calculated time frame for fomenting militancy in Pakistan i.e. (One) Pakistan Security Forces have met remarkable victory against foreign sponsored militancy; (two) American and NATO forces are no more interested to stay in Afghan region,(three) Indian stay in Afghanistan would be difficult after depart of US led ISAAF forces,(four) President Karzai has carried out successful visit of Islamabad , Pakistan Army Chief has offered the training of Afghan forces and police , (five) Pakistan recently stepped up its drive against the Taliban leadership (six) arresting Taliban second most senior commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, (seven) news about arresting many top figure heads of Al-Qaida, (eight) national unity against militancy, (nine) rising political and economical stability of Pakistan, (ten) to change world attention from Indian domestic violence, (eleven) American are stressing to resolve Kashmir and water Issues with Islamabad.

Thus the success of Pakistan, its security forces and intelligence agencies are not being digested by India and she has started a planned fresh wave of targeting heart of Pakistan (Lahore). New Delhi might be trying to force Pakistan to invest more forces on domestic fronts which would be helpful in case of already planned aggression against Pakistan. If it is true then World community should forces India to stop proxy war against Pakistan otherwise it would be proved another disaster for the global peace. USA and Russia should stop providing arms and transferring of nuclear technology to irresponsible country which is busy in spreading terrorism in the neighbouring countries.

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Lahore Blasts: Indian sabotage against Pakistan

Posted on March 14, 2010 by shakir2

On March 13, 2010, two suicidal bombers walked up to Pakistan military vehicles and exploded themselves in densely populated area RA Bazar of Lahore cantt. In these attacks 45 persons included five soldiers killed and more than 120 individuals sustained injures. This is the second attack of on going week. Earlier on March 8, 2010 Pakistani Intelligence Agency’s “sub-office” in Model Town Lahore was rocked at the time of a suicide attack and killing 15 people and many injured. It is also added here that since January 2010 twenty suicidal attacks have been launched against soldiers and citizens. In the night at from 0830 – 0930 PM again three bombs exploded near Moon Market, in which many individuals got injured. Out of revealed suicidal attacks, 12 have been carried out against the security forces. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani condemned the Lahore blasts of March 12. They expressed condolences with the families of those who lost their lives in the dastardly terrorist act. The President said the government and people are determined to defeat terrorism and such gruesome acts cannot deter the national spirit is ready to defeat terrorists.

It is also mentionable here that last year five attacks were launched in Lahore:

5 October 2009: Terrorists attacked Federal investigation Agency

12 June: a prominent anti-Taliban cleric killed by a suicide bomber at his religious school.

27 May: a car bomb attack on police buildings killed 23 persons.

30 March: Gunmen attacked a police academy, killing eight people

3 March 2009: Gunmen killed six police guards in an ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team.

The conspicuous increase in volatility has been noticed since after ‘Mumbai attack”. India has started all out proxy war against Pakistan. Her Intelligence agency is using criminal elements of FATA and remote areas of Paksitan for fomenting terrorism. Indian Interior minister P Chidambaram and chief of Army Staff repeatedly threaten Pakistan. In a ceremony held on March 12, 2010 Inidan home minister once again alleged Pakistan for their domestic ongoing violence and militancy. He said that any act of terrorism from Pakistani territory against India will be taken as not be tolerant in future. In fact the purpose of such types of statements political and military leadership is to justify Indian covert and open sabotage activities against Pakistan. The statements have to be analyzed keeping in view of the on going war on terror. New Delhi is using criminal and militants to terrorize the determined Pakistani Security Forces and general masses. Pakistan Ambassador at New Delhi Shahid Malik while answering to journalists rejected Chidambaram stance and said that India is involved in spreading terrorism in Balochistan instead of resolving burning issue of Kashmir and water.

Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor has also clearly shown her desire of striking Pakistan on November 22, 2009 when he warned that a limited war under a nuclear overhang is still very much a reality at least in the Indian sub-continent. On November 23, 2009 Pakistan Foreign Office Spokes man Abdul Basit asked the world community to take notice of remarks passed by the Indian Army Chief. He also said that India has set the stage and trying to impose a limited war on Pakistan.

In this context, earlier Pakistan Army Chief of Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has categorically expressed at number of occasions that Indian attack would be responded in full strength while using all types of resources.

Pak investigation agencies have collected the solid proves in the shape of fake Pakistani and American currencies, Indian made armaments, medical equipments and passports. The dossiers composed of evidences regarding Indian involvement in fomenting militancy in Pakistan has been provided to Indian authorities in recently held sectary level negotiations at New Delhi. It is also notable here that the terrorist are also being imparted training in Afghanistan and India for launching and targeting security agencies and important installations. A wave of suicide and bomb attacks across Pakistan has killed more than 3,000 people since 2007.

Hindus extremists are creating problems in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India is giving the money and weapons to the terrorists in these countries. India wants to destabilize his neighbours. But she should  not forget the result of the Russia / Soviet Union. If India did not changed its behavior then soon would be disintegrated into in 27 parts. Though secular India claimed that she is the most religious in tolerance but on ground facts are quite difficult. Muslims, Christens and Sikhs even cannot shake hand with extremist Hindus. India is the only country in which there are always riots, killing of minorities, raping Tamils, Maoists and Kashmiries innocent women. Yearly more than 3000 individuals of minorities are being killed by Hindus extremists. Sikh still crying for justice and cannot forget the incident of Golden Temple in 1984. The killings of Muslims after Babri Masjid Shahdat went to its extreme where more than 3000 Muslims killed in Gujrat in 2002.

Indian extremists Hindus even don’t spare their own Sikh Prime Minister and use obnoxious language while criticizing him. In one of the comments posted in Indian Express called his Prime minister as “Manhoos Singh Govt’. The commentator also said that Indian government is appeasing all anti national elements. Talks with Pakistan, free entry to kashmiri militants, punishment to Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, everywhere this man (Manmohan Singh) is hurting India. He further stated that Kashmiri Muslims are our enemies. They will never be loyal to India. Crush them with an iron hand. The commentator has written these comments in response to news of killing a sixteen year old Zahid Farooq by a soldier of 68th BSF Battalion in the Kashmir Valley.

Research Analysis Wing (RAW) is known as brain of Indian Hindu Extremists. The radical Hindus are working in the nucleus of RAW. They are famous in elimination of their government and civilian personalities for the completion of their entrusted tasks. It is worth mentioning here that wife of Late Anti – Terrorism Squad Chief Hemant Karkare in an inquiry also alleged Col Prohit for murdering of her husband during Mumbai Drama. Col Prohit was also involved in killing of minorities and blasting of Samjota Express. Islamabad has at number of occasions demanded handing over of the Col to Pakistan for detailed investigations but New Delhi neither took any action against him and nor ready to hand him over to Pakistan. Reportedly, former Indian Intelligence officer Lt Col Prohit would soon be released.

Anyhow, coming back to the topic, I would say that India has chosen a calculated time frame for fomenting militancy in Pakistan i.e. (One) Pakistan Security Forces have met remarkable victory against foreign sponsored militancy; (two) American and NATO forces are no more interested to stay in Afghan region,(three) Indian stay in Afghanistan would be difficult after depart of US led ISAAF forces,(four) President Karzai has carried out successful visit of Islamabad , Pakistan Army Chief has offered the training of Afghan forces and police , (five) Pakistan recently stepped up its drive against the Taliban leadership (six) arresting Taliban second most senior commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, (seven) news about arresting many top figure heads of Al-Qaida, (eight) national unity against militancy, (nine) rising political and economical stability of Pakistan, (ten) to change world attention from Indian domestic violence, (eleven) American are stressing to resolve Kashmir and water Issues with Islamabad.

Thus the success of Pakistan, its security forces and intelligence agencies are not being digested by India and she has started a planned fresh wave of targeting heart of Pakistan (Lahore). New Delhi might be trying to force Pakistan to invest more forces on domestic fronts which would be helpful in case of already planned aggression against Pakistan. If it is true then World community should forces India to stop proxy war against Pakistan otherwise it would be proved another disaster for the global peace. USA and Russia should stop providing arms and transferring of nuclear technology to irresponsible country which is busy in spreading terrorism in the neighbouring countries.

Zaheerul Hassan

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Karzai accepts ground realities–Islamabad’s supremacy

Posted on March 13, 2010 by Moin Ansari

Afghan President was told in no uncertain terms that Afghan Taliban arrested in Pakistan would be tried in Pakistan and not extradited to Afghanistan.

  • Kabul knows that Islamabad remains a powerful regional player and its longtime links to the Taliban could make it an indispensable part of talks. AP
  • “The Afghans are not in a position to take on Pakistan,” Ahmed Rashid

Speculation over Pakistan’s role in peace talks with the Taliban has increased in recent weeks following Islamabad’s February arrest of the group’s No. 2 leader in a joint raid with the CIA.

The arrest of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, considered a likely channel in any talks with the top Taliban leadership, came as a surprise. He was one of the first senior Taliban commanders captured by Pakistan. Associated Press

Mr. Karzai had wanted to take these pro-Indian militants who were trying to sabotage the peace deal and work directly with Bharat. The ISI got wind of these independent actors and picked them up.

Captured Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is “singing like a male canary,” according to intelligence officials, reports Fox News. Baradar, who remains under Pakistani custody, is providing vital information about the Taliban and other extremist groups in the region. After a series of arrests, the Afghan Taliban’s leadership has reportedly dispersed across Pakistan to avoid capture. The pressure on the Taliban is undermining insurgencies in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, said Western officials. Huffington Post.

Mr. Karzai is being pulled by Delhi in one direction and the 60 members of the London conference in another direction. If Mr. Karzai is to survive, he has to make his political choices.

Karzai recently made a renewed push to jump-start peace talks with the Taliban, which ruled Afghanistan until late 2001 and since then has lead a bloody insurgency against the U.S.-backed government in Kabul.

Pakistan has offered to help negotiate with the militants. But many observers believe Afghanistan wants to keep Pakistan out of any talks, suspicious of Islamabad’s support of the Taliban government while the militants were in power.

Karzai tried to dispel that speculation during a joint news conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani as part of a two-day trip to Pakistan — his first since he was re-elected in a fraud-marred vote last year.

He thanked Gilani “for offering support to Afghanistan’s efforts for reconciliation,” and added: “Indeed, Pakistan has a significantly important role to play there, and Afghanistan welcomes that role.” Associated Press.

Pakhtuns make up about 40 percent of the population of Afghanistan. Mr. Karzai is a Pakhtun, belonging to one of the smaller tribes. For the first time in history, Afghanistan’s smaller ethnic groups play disproportionate roles in the government and the military. This has created the Taliban uprising who are mainly Pakhtuns and have close links with their brothers and sisters across the border in Pakistan. In fact million of Paktuns have been born in Pakistan and still live in Pakistan.

  • Afghanistan, Pakistan we’re conjoined twins. Karzai
  • “India is a close friend of Afghanistan but Pakistan is a brother of Afghanistan. Pakistan is a twin brother … we’re conjoined twins, there’s no separation,” Karzai.
  • The Afghan president welcomed Islamabad’s offers of support for Afghanistan’s efforts at reconciliation.
  • Pakistan “has a significantly important role to play in that and Afghanistan would welcome that role”. Karzai
  • Karzai’s government has called on Islamabad to extradite Baradar but some analysts suggest he could become a bargaining chip for a Pakistan determined to have a say in Afghanistan’s future.
  • Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan was “consulting legal experts” with regard to the extradition request but reiterated willingness to assist Afghan-led peace efforts.

Beneath the flowery language, Mr. Karzai was disappointed at being politely rebuffed by Prime Minister Gilani. During the exclusive and delegation level talks President Zardari stressed for enhanced interaction between the two countries to better cope with the issues of terrorism and extremism.

Critics have accused the Pakistani government of protecting Taliban leaders to maintain good relations with the group in anticipation of Western forces eventually withdrawing from the country — an allegation denied by Pakistan.

Some analysts have speculated the country was trying to guarantee itself a seat at the negotiating table.

“The Afghans see this as an undermining of their (peace) initiative,” said Ahmed Rashid, a Pakistani expert on the Taliban.

…Despite long-standing tension between the two countries, Kabul knows that Islamabad remains a powerful regional player and its longtime links to the Taliban could make it an indispensable part of talks.

“The Afghans are not in a position to take on Pakistan,” said Rashid. Associated Press

Mr. Karzai a former Unocal representative is a self-professed Taliban himself and had been proposed by the Taliban as the UN representative. He lived in exile in Quetta and enjoyed the hospitality of the Baloch and Pakistan. Pakistan still hosts 3 million Afghan refugees who have refused to be repatriated and or go back to Afghanistan.

(Reuters) – Afghanistan does not want a proxy war between Pakistan and India or anybody else fought on its soil, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday during a visit to Pakistan.

Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan are vying for influence in Afghanistan, complicating U.S.-led efforts to end an intensifying Taliban insurgency and bring stability to Afghanistan more than eight years after the Taliban were ousted. Reuters

The US and the UK are putting pressure on Mr. Karzai to deal with the Tlaibann, and Pakistan’s role is seen as crucial to that venture.

  • Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan is close to the core of Islamabad’s national security interests and Pakistan has to be a partner in finding solutions in its western conflict-hit neighbor…British Foreign Secretary David Miliband
  • David Miliband emphasized Wednesday while also urging Afghans to pursue a political settlement in their country.
  • “Pakistan is essential here. It holds many of the keys to security and dialogue. It clearly has to be a partner in finding solutions in Afghanistan.” David Miliband.
  • Of course, Pakistan will only act according to its own sense of its national interest, he remarked. David Miliband
  • It is perpetually worried about India’s relationship with Afghanistan. David Miliband.
  • “That is only natural. Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan is close to the core of its national security interests. David Miliband
  • Pakistan fears the build up of a non-Pashtun Afghan National Army on their doorstep.David Miliband

Karzai said he did not want any country using Afghanistan against another. His visit comes after Pakistan has intensified efforts to fight militancy, winning U.S. praise.

“The bottom line is, Afghanistan does not want any proxy wars on its territory,” Karzai told a news conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.

“It does not want a proxy war between India and Pakistan in Afghanistan, it does not want a proxy war between Iran and the United States in Afghanistan,” he said.

India has developed close relations with Karzai’s government while ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been fraught with tension over recent years, mostly over Afghan suspicion Pakistan is quietly helping the Taliban.

Analysts say Pakistan sees the Afghan Taliban as a tool to promote its interests in Afghanistan, where it wants to see a friendly government in power and to limit India’s influence.

While India accuses Pakistan of backing militants who attack its interests in Afghanistan, Pakistan accuses India of using its diplomatic missions in Afghanistan to help separatist militants in its southwestern province of Baluchistan. Reuters.

Mr. Karzai has accepted the Pakistani role in Afghanistan, and solicited help from the Islamabad in brining peace to Kabul.

  • Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan was “consulting legal experts” with regard to the extradition request but reiterated willingness to assist Afghan-led peace efforts.
  • “In the pursuit of peace and development, for national reconciliation and reintegration, Pakistan places its full weight behind the agenda and the vision outlined by the Afghan people and their elected leadership,” he said.
  • “We will continue to assist the people of Afghanistan in every manner possible,” he added.

“TWINS”

Karzai said India was a very close friend and had given much support but Pakistan was like a brother.

“India is a close friend of Afghanistan but Pakistan is a brother of Afghanistan. Pakistan is a twin brother … we’re conjoined twins, there’s no separation,” he said.

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan were facing regular, deadly attacks, Karzai said hours before a roadside bomb killed four people in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar.

“We in Afghanistan are fully aware and recognize that without Pakistan, and without its cooperation in Afghanistan, Afghanistan cannot be stable or peaceful,” Karzai said.

“It is also, I believe and I hope, recognized in Pakistan that without a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, there cannot be stability or peace in Pakistan,” he said.

The recent arrest of several Afghan Taliban leaders in Pakistan, including top military strategist Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has led to speculation Pakistan is changing its position on the militants in anticipation of some sort of peace process and the departure of Western forces.

Pakistan has said very little about the arrests, only officially confirming the arrest of Baradar. Gilani said he and Karzai discussed an Afghan request for Baradar’s extradition.

“We have our own judiciary … we are consulting the legal experts too, and we’ll sit with them and discuss it and get back to the honorable president,” Gilani told the news conference.

A Pakistan court late last month barred the government from sending captured Afghan Taliban leaders abroad.

The Pakistani interior minister had earlier said Baradar was being investigated for crimes in Pakistan and would be tried there in the first instance. Reuters.

  • A Joint Declaration issued at the end of two-day visit of President Hamid Karzai on “Next Steps in Afghanistan-Pakistan Comprehensive Cooperation” expressed determination by the two sides to realize the full potential of their vast human and natural resources for the progress and prosperity of their peoples.
  • Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to evolve joint strategies for early implementation of trans-Afghan energy projects, with particular focus on CASA-1000 and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Gas Pipeline.
  • The two countries agreed to attach priority to undertaking completion of Peshawar-Jalalabad Expressway and completing feasibility study of Peshawar-Jalalabad rail link.
  • They also agreed to develop plans of action for customs harmonization and trade facilitation to facilitate bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan and to optimally utilize the natural comparative economic advantage of the two countries so as to enhance bilateral trade to $ 5 billion by the Year 2015.
  • The two sides also agreed to establish a Silk Route CEOs Forum, and establish Pakistan-Afghanistan Reconstruction Consortium, pool public and private corporate resources for reconstruction and development.
  • It was also decided to explore establishment of a Joint Investment Company to undertake joint development projects, including initiatives to develop region’s vast mineral and hydel wealth and also to consider setting up Economic and Industrial Zones.
  • The two countries decided to enhance the number of scholarships for Afghan students in Pakistani educational institutions from the current 1000 to 2000 and to make special arrangements for female Afghan students.
  • It was also decided to set up an Institute on Management, Business Administration and Faculty Training in Afghanistan.

Ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been uneasy since Pakistan’s independence in 1947 but have warmed since a civilian government came to power in Islamabad in 2008.

At times, Karzai and former Pakistani military leader Pervez Musharraf were hardly on speaking terms. Reuters. (Additional reporting by Ibrahim Shinwari; Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by Paul Tait)

  • Afghan President Karzai urged for a partnership which allows realization of the full potential of human and natural resources and want greater connectivity, more trade and economic cooperation. He called for new development projects and investments in the two countries driven by energy corridors in the region.
  • Karzai thanked for Pakistan’s support and efforts for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Afghanistan.
  • President Zardari pointed that Pakistan’s bilateral trade with Afghanistan was US$ 1.4 billion in 2008 and there was a vast economic potential and great opportunities for cooperation. He said the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement was under negotiations and hoped it would further boost economic interaction.
  • President Zardari also pointed to the over 3 million Afghan refugees that were still in Pakistan and said an early restoration of peace and normalcy in Afghanistan will enable the return of these refugees to their motherland.

Afghanistan is like ethnically German Austria–German in every way, language, culture, religion and was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The Allied powers were bent upon separating it from Germany. Today it is united in the EU with Germany.

Over the centuries, Afghanistan was part of overlapping Pakistani and Afghan empires. The British separated Afghanistan from Pakistan as a beffer between Tsarist Russia and Imperial Britian. IN the Fifties, King Zahir Shah had agreed to a confederation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the 90s, the countries had pretty much come together as one–without the formal announcement which was unnecessary and would be seen as provocative. The Indians (aka Bhartis) and others are trying to keep the “inseparable conjoined twins” away from each other.

Millions of Afghans have been born in Pakistan. Today the inevitable union of the two countries will happen as soon as the US forces leave and the foreign influences are defeated.

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Kayani not getting an extension! Who is next COAS?

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Moin Ansari

LAHORE: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is not considering any proposal to grant extension in service to Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, said PPP spokesperson and parliamentarian Fauzia Wahab, amid reports that he may get another two years in office. “Neither the Army Chief nor anyone from the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party has forwarded a proposal to the President in this regard,” Wahab said on Wednesday. “Keeping in view past examples, extensions to army chiefs have not proved beneficial for democracy and the country,” she said.‘Zardari not considering extension to Kayani’. Indian Express.

Who will be the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in Pakistan?

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