The Need of a Vision
Aneeza Qazi
It is usually the conversation with my friends and colleagues that starts me thinking. It usually goes something like this: “The situation is very bad in your country, isn’t it? “Yes, its not good.” “ But now, is the whole country behind this war against extremists”? “Well I would say the vast majority is”. “But I remember last year you were cursing “MO-shaaraf” for killing his own people. Do you now feel his strategy was right?” It is only the last sentence that literally sets me on fire. “He is the very reason why things have reached this point. If we can somehow eliminate his 8 years of darkness out of our national history, things will suddenly look much brighter”. But this particular comment got me thinking and I kept on wondering what is the difference between “then” and now. Why do we support the military action against the militants now and did not in the past? We really need to understand this difference.
It all started with our (meaning our army’s) aims and delusions of grandeur. They created and cultivated the “jihadi” element as our “B” team. During Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, this B team was used by US to get to their own ends, while they (meaning our army, to be more precise) exploited the jihadi element to stay in power. It is true that many Pakistanis felt with their hearts for the Afghans across the borders and many even went to fight for them. Sadly, the intentions of the Pakistani government were not so noble and the support being extended to Afghanistan was for reasons other than fraternity. At that time, it was our mistake to play the religion card. Army, and those so-called masterminds, always thought that the jihadis were their reserve force and could be controlled. It was wrong and unfair to brainwash simple individuals and promote a certain type of ideology to get material gains. In other words, exploiting religion. We can now see how uncontrollable the Frankenstein’s monster has become.
It is a sad thing that military dictators have been using one reason or the other to legitimize their reign in power. The second major milestone came after 911 when the same jihadi elements, promoted and trained by CIA, became the bad boys. Again we were unfortunate to have had a military dictator in power, who used the Taliban as bogeymen to get the dollars out of the American to line his and his generals’ pocket. The “war against terror” was unleashed in Afghanistan and then crept in through the border to Pakistan. We followed the US diktat with the “B team” mentality working at the back of our mind. While we were allowing the Americans to kill scores of our civilians in the name of collateral damage, we were not able to locate and shut down an FM radio from spewing venom in Swat. What could have been controlled by our intelligence network, a few firm stances and lots of welfare work in those areas, reached explosive limits and finally the uncontrollable state that it is in now. They thought they were smart enough to fool the US into giving them more and more pittance as a reward for their “doing more”. “Do more” we did indeed! But only to the advantage of palatial mansions constructed in the name of GHQ in Islamabad. That era of double game ended with Musharraf’s government collapse. Or did it?
Comes 2008 and the much venerated elections. After years we have an elected government. True that they had a baggage of past problems but instead of meticulously getting to work, we saw them indulging in one misadventure after another. From deferring and dithering about the restoration of judiciary to their brazen, brainless and tactless meddling in Punjab, they jumped from one folly to the other. The so-called air of “reconciliation” blowing in the country brought soot and filth with it. They finally woke up to the fact that nations are not given unlimited time to resolve their problems so something needed to be done. Then we saw them swinging to the other extreme and striking deals from a position of weakness with the terrorist militants. We should thank Mr. Fazlullah and his band of yahoos to have been so utterly reckless that they left the government with no option but to embark on a military operation, and that is how we see army doing what it is doing in Swat. It was the ruthlessness of the so-called saviours of religion that tilted the sentimental scale of the nation against them. The mockery they made of religion with their ill intentioned actions, helped eliminate the soft corner for them in the hearts of many.
But where do we go on from here? We have a war going on in our territory, a war that was never ours but has now become our struggle for survival. We have thousands of IDPs waiting to go back to their homes or settle down for good in other areas. We have the economic meltdown, the power crisis. Every day is bringing a new challenge. The first thing to do is to have a clear policy and timeline regarding our operation against the militants. It should be the government calling the shots. The current commitment and progress of army is commendable but it is too soon for us to forget the fact that not so long ago the same army was showing blatant incompetence in effectively fighting militants. Our 60 years history has taught us this one lesson really well that army is best when doing its own task and worst when poking its excessively large nose where it should not. Having said that, unless the civil administration and government rise to the occasion, army will always be looked up to even in areas they should not venture in. So it is of paramount importance for our current government to formulate a clear short term and long term policy regarding the ongoing operation. Any cowering under “agencies” or “establishment” pressure is not going to be helpful. That can only be achieved by making parliament stronger which in turn can best be started by implementing the Charter of Democracy. It is in government’s own interest, if they can only see it.
One of the reasons these militants gained stronghold in Swat and other areas was the lack of administrative and judicial system. People should now clearly see the policy and plans regarding the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Swat. The government should be seen to be doing something in terms of development and not merely paying lip service and distributing cheques.
One of the reasons for the public’s sympathies (if only ideologically) with the militants has been their opposition of US. America is seen as the enemy of Islam. US has done everything in the past to make its approach towards Pakistan to be regarded with suspicion. At this point in time, by some strange twist of fate, our own and US interests have converged. However, we should only allow as much convergence as is there and not go overboard in following US diktat. We should follow their agenda as long as it suits our purpose. We are fighting militants because they are endangering our country and our ideology and not because US thinks we should. This message should come out loud and clear in our dealings with US. How we can begin to do that is by strictly taking a stand on drone attacks. We are fighting the militants ourselves, we do not need US intervention but only help when we ask for it. Period. Moreover, we don’t need money like alms, we should ask for concessions in exports, wavering of debts, power agreements to give a few examples. We should show some vision for once in our life, keeping our long term strategic interests in mind. Sadly, the present government has not taken advantage of the winds of change that blew in the US. Bush administration was not willing to treat us as equals but not having being able to impress our due importance on Obama administration is our own fault. We do not seem to have an iota of national pride and tact is an art unknown to our leaders. When our own President (who had no business being there in the first place as the constitutional head of government is PM) goes and begs and grovels in front of American president and takes his son along to present as a model to gain sympathies over his wife’s death, what kind of reasonable treatment can you expect from US! When the President constantly talks about US supporting “his democracy”? What exactly is the message he is trying to convey? It is sad to see that while Obama took a strategically different approach towards the Muslims in the world (example his stance on Palestine), his approach towards Pakistan has been the same – a mere useful tool to fight US war. And it is not he who is to blame but our own leadership, which fails to keep its own interests in sight and act intelligently and honourably in the country’s interest. Not only US but the way we let ourselves be bullied by India is also shameful. Diplomacy is an art and sadly our leaders need to take major lessons in that. Being firm does not mean going on an open confrontational path.
The ongoing war against the militants is a test of fire for the country. In last 3-4 years, Pakistanis have matured as a nation as they did not in the last 50 years. We took a stand for judiciary, irrespective of political or religious affiliations. This unified approach on military action against terrorists is a similar blending of schools of thoughts. People from all walks of life, from all levels of religious inclinations are getting together firmly on this one stance, that this, at least, is not on. It does not matter if somebody is for secular Pakistan or for a theocratic country, they agree on one thing: what this band of yahoos is doing to our country is not acceptable and that enough is enough. What is also different between now and “then” of Musharraf’s times is that we have an elected government and that should make a big difference. Our leaders should realize their power in this respect. They should not be searching for reeds to hang on to for legitimacy. They have people’s mandate, they should sense people’s will. It is in times like these that the need for true leadership becomes dire for the country. Leadership, that harnesses and channelises thr collective sentiment to a direction and to new heights. Sadly, when we look around we do not see anyone capable of this. Yet, in history even if there were not natural leaders in command, the ones who had the responsibility of leadership thrust on them, rose to the occasion. Our leadership must keep in mind that mediocrity is not a fault but selfishness and egoism is. The lack of capability and vision can be compensated for by utilizing the collective wisdom of intelligentsia and by empowering the parliament but the delusion of adequacy of one person or a group has destroyed many a stronger nations.
well said aneeza,
the author needs a vision of an unseen sight. you spewed a lot of hatred and venom here; a total destructive and biased approach, full of westernize extremist ideology. although, there is a deficiency of few points, about how kirai kai fauji jawans(in advance- shaheed) are doings, dummy parliament and wadaira culture.
In the prevailing circumstances, the analysis and recommendations by the author are convincing and worth considering.
Assalam-o-Alaikum-Warahmat-ULLAH ALL,
After reading ALL of this, I’d say, the author is largely confused. They have little or no information or facts. Mostly they are shooting blind and hoping for the best.
When a person is not able to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, this is all that they can do. This is the same condition with the author.
When people don’t heed warnings of those who know, when people don’t listen to logic, when people don’t adhere to rational choices, this is the result
ALWAYS confirm every event, with investigation, with evidence and facts, hard facts preferably. More important is to use!!! the ALLAH’s given gifts of brain and common sense.
Lastly and most importantly, if you are a Muslim, ALWAYS adhere to Islamic laws and you’ll surely find the path to success.
The saying which goes like, a Muslim doesn’t get stung from the same thing twice, should make sense to most people by now
Dua go,
HarisKhan
Assalam-o-Alaikum-Warahmat-ULLAH ALL,
The rise of new media i.e., electronic media and the spread of Internet has brought spreading deceit to new levels.
I blame this media to have been a tool for spreading wrong information without any limits, without any accountability.
Today, so much lies are being spread so easily, on a global scale, that it is hard to differentiate between right and wrong.
The best way to get out of this era of confusion is to establish an impartial, unbiased, non-discriminatory, across the board, FAST!! justice system, accessible to every citizen of Pakistan easily and without any threats
The justice system is the perfect way to differentiate between right and wrong in a civilized manner. That is what makes societies “civilized” i.e., resolving matters of conflict INSIDE court of LAW
Dua go,
HarisKhan
I don’t agree with the contention that Afghan war was a master plan of the CIA and ISI. It was a genuine effort by the Pushtoons to liberate their land from foreign occupiers.
What the CIA saw was an opportunity which was exploited with the help of ISI. What ISI did back then was for its country, to safe guard its own interest, and what is wrong with that?
Take an example of CJ, hundreds and thousands of ordinary people saw his dismissal as an unjust act of one individual. For 2 years these men/women made countless efforts to honor him with what he deserves.
Could you imagine BB and NS could ever think of coming back to the country? Nawas support for independent judiciary was/is the sole reason for his popularity – Opportunity for personal gains. Afghan war – opportunity for personal gains.
What was taught then was never out of context just emphasized
US was never a friend and will never be a friend, US loves US and we should learn this from the US.
“I don’t agree with the contention that Afghan war was a master plan of the CIA and ISI. It was a genuine effort by the Pushtoons to liberate their land from foreign occupiers. ”
Just to correct you, it was a genuine effort by all afghans, not only pashtuns. Tajiks like Masood and hazara like Khalili were in the forefront of that liberation struggle.
Zia ul Haq is wrongly blamed by his detractors for the Afghan policy. pakistan’s Afghan policy was made by Z A Bhutto during whose government mujahideen fighters like Rabbani, Hikmatyar and Masood went into exile from Afghanistan and were given sanctuary (as well as military training) in Pakistan by Bhutto government. Zia ul Haq continue this policy and strengthened it when Soviet army invaded Afghanistan.
Assalam-o-Alaikum-Warahmat-ULLAH ALL,
The only problem we faced AFTER Afghanistan Russian war was that the people gathered for war/Jihad at that time were not given a chance to re-integrate their lives when the task was complete.
They were left astray by both US/Nato AND Pakistan. Neither state’s govt. helped them re-integrate back into our societies.
Fighting endless wars don’t solve anything. Finding LONG LASTING, STRONG peaceful solutions do.
Nizam-e-Adl didn’t fail. It was sabotaged by govt. of Pakistan because US/Nato was not happy. US/Nato was not happy because peace prevailed in Swat for 10 weeks following this deal’s approval by all parties envolved.
Also, the longer the conflict goes, the more Afghanistan gets ruined, the more Pakistan gets ruined, the more our chances of making progress get ruined.
The more we in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran have no peace, the more we in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran get ruined, the more the west gets success in their global agenda, the more India becomes powerful, so to speak, the more terrorism spreads, because injustice remains, because there is no other Muslim states capable of resisting them.
US has illegally occupied Afghanistan. Its war on terror was and is a marketing scheme to drop its troops inside Afghanistan for them to establish their military presence in the region. Exactly as they used Iraq Kuwait war to establish their military presence in Middle East.
Since US/Nato has established their military presence in middle east, ALL trade of oil from KSA has been in US $. Which means, worth of US $ grew and remains, because the most widely demanded natural resource of the world is being traded in that currency.
US is occupying Afghanistan. Israel is occupying Palestine. India is day dreaming of occupying Pakistan and implementing its hegemony on us i.e., Muslims.
The sooner we push US/Nato out of Afghanistan, the sooner we clear this region of US/Nato’s presence. The sooner US/Nato’s military influence goes to ZERO in this region.
The sooner we push US/Nato out of Afghanistan, the sooner we destroy chances of India’s becoming a regional imperial power and causing mischief in all its surrounding countries.
The sooner we clear this region of US/Nato’s presence, the more we make it difficult for US/Nato to create mischief in this region. The more we make it difficult for them to hire thugs, murderers, criminals to do their bidding.
The more we make it difficult for them to create mischief in this region, the more peace we will have.
The more peace we will have, the more happier lives we can ensure for citizens of this entire region.
As we do that, we can offer our services to Middle East in a grand plan which aims pushing US/Nato’s military presence OUT of Middle East
I don’t need to tell you all, pushing US/Nato’s military presence OUT of Middle East is critical!! if we want OIC or Muslim nations to have a constructive role in the world
The Muslims of this world MUST struggle to realize these goals. THESE are the goals that we should set for ourselves to achieve in our life-time. THESE are the goals which WILL ENSURE peace and prosperity for everyone in this entire region, if not in the whole world.
THESE are the goals which will DEFEAT!!! US/Nato and its hegemony over the world.
THESE are the goals which will help us Muslims rebuild Muslim UMMAT i.e., the peace loving empire of Muslims in which justice and education, research are the order of the day.
Remember, Iraq had huge libraries, which contained ALL THE collective KNOWLEDGE of the whole world when Muslims were in power, more than 500 years ago
Muslims of that era were peaceful. They lived their lives immersed in education and research.
Education and research brings prosperity in the lives of people
Dua go,
HarisKhan
@hariskhan
I agree with you that the US / NATO forces should leave Afghanistan. But will they listen to us ?
Do we have the ability / capability to force them out of Afghanistan ?
The question is that if we are not able to force them to leave Afghanistan, should we start killing our own people? Should we destroy our own properties? Should we weaken our own country?
@ Haris Khan
1. Stop using Ctrl-F7 and write simple but coherent sentences.
2. Please read the article again, and give “references” to the inferences you took for your harangue.
Your comment number one is nothing but a personal attack on the author, a classic “shoot the messenger” without reading anything. It refers to nothing except generalizations and vagueness.
Your second comment is a little better than the previous one, however it seems irrelevant. The topic of the article is about vision for the future for the country. Of which Justice system is a part, but not the whole. The article is about “long term strategic vision”.
Your 3rd unnessarily long diatribe is an apology for the pre-islamic barabrity and “Jahiliat” of the kuffar-e-makka perpetrated in the name of islam by the marauding mercenaries in Swat. Nothing more.
Please contribute positively towards a discussion. Something solid and achievable. Wishing NATO and US away from Afghanistan will not achieve anything. Neither has wishing away zionists from Palestine achieved that in the past 60 years.
Dua Goh
The Giant Squid
@Adonis
I agree
Our only need of the hour is ” the honest and sincere leadership”, a commodity in short supply. Just start praying and imploring to invoke God’s Mercy, to rid our wonderful country and the people from these leeches(on both sides of the aisle) who are sucking us white and filling up their coffers once again, for another stint in their palatial abodes abroad, May curse of Allah befall on them………Ameen.
God bless you all.
@Aneeza
Good account of Pakistan power politics. I have to add that “Jihadi”ism was a very useful technique in cold war era. No one can disagree that western world liked it and sponsored it with all their might. It become a mediocre strategy after 1988 as western support withered and it turned into one nohting but absolute absurdity after 1998. We became a nuclear power in 1998. After that we needed to adopt policy reflecting maturity and responsibility but we and our strategic policy makers kept living in cold war era. Had we started a massive rehad program after 1998 for these ‘used’ jihadis and developed the nation economically we would have earned the respect of western world by now. but we are too short sighted and we dont believe in analysing our past and learning from our mistake. We keep looking for a saviour after having seen four saviours.
We keep on doing the same things hoping result would change
Every one is misguided by media
اور حارث خان پر وحی اترتی ہے
LøL
Assalam-o-Alaikum-Warahmat-ULLAH ALL,
@The Giant Squid: My comments are being hidden or deleted. I am unable to post messages on this website
HarisKhan
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