Terrorists attack on SIA building in Lahore
Monday, March 8, 2010
The threat of terrorism looms large on all Pakistanis on daily basis. It has been so for many years now. Since the life must go on, we all continue moving about despite hearing the news of terrorists attacks taking place in our city or another city. Sometimes, we don't hear the news but the noise of the blasts themselves. This is what happened about eight hours ago. I heard a big blast which was heard all over Lahore. Owing to load shedding, I could not switch on the TV to find out as to what had happened. A few minutes later, I got a phone call from my cousin in Canada who inquired about the well being of all family members. She could not get through to talk to her mother, my aunt. I rang up my aunt and then informed her daughter that everyone in the family was safe. Soon thereafter I got a call from my daughter who is studying in Montreal, Canada. Same concern and question about family's safety with the same answer from me that all of us are fine and safe. I rang back to my daughter as call from her side is more expensive. She commented very seriously that we should emigrate. How many of us can emigrate?
How many phone calls must have been made by Pakistanis all over the world to inquire about the well being of their near and dear ones in Lahore. All phone call responses were certainly not of all correct report. Over a dozen persons died and another five dozen were injured in the suicide attack which shook Model Town, Lahore and its surrounding localities. The target was the building in K block in use by the Special Investigation Agency, Punjab. A vehicle loaded with 800 kilograms of explosive was banged into the building by the suicide attacker/driver. The blast caused a 12 feet hole at the point of impact and shock waves of the blast caused cracks in the buildings nearby. Window panes of buildings up to two to three kilometers broke. Why was this office located in a residential area? Why wasn't it well secured? There are countless questions but no answers! That's the state of affairs, we, in Pakistan, happen to be bearing and passing through.
Labels: War on Terror
posted @ 4:18 PM,
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Anti terrorism-thinkers or doers
Sunday, December 6, 2009
For a nation put to sleep by many a sermons of religious purpose, the mass bloodshed of innocent brethren comes as no surprise. We pray to an invisible God, believe in the words of the invincible preachers and devote our lives to chant verse after verse like imbecile parrots. We believe in those who make us believe in them and abandon any who dares dissent. We declare those who worship our exclusive Gods in any way other than the one deemed appropriate by us as heretics. And yes, we do condone the execution of one transgressor after another in the name of blasphemy.
We, the people of the fading green flag, the aloof crescent with the bleak star, take religion seriously. We live and die for it. We kill and reincarnate in its name. We trace our origin and destination to be religious perfection. And we perfect others more than ourselves. We perfect our neighbor before our kin. We burn their mosques before illuminating our own. And we ostracize them before including ourselves. We march forward as a herd of mindless sheep whose shepherd has gone astray. And once lost in utter chaos we hold faith. In time of need and otherwise, we always hold faith.
While our faith is intense and potent, we rest it in the hands of self-appointed custodians and go about carrying our affairs with the nonchalance of beings bereft of responsibility. We believe in them and their virtuous service but we do not take onus of our blind acquiescence. We condemn the strangers executing our brethren one after the other but we never wonder about where the wizards of doom emerge from. We plough to make our land fertile for strife and exonerate those planting the seeds of bloodshed. And when it is time to reap the fruit of our doing we stare exasperated at each other pointing fingers.
You see, we are believers. We believe and we believe well. If only we were thinkers or doers.
Labels: Anti Terrorism, War on Terror
posted @ 5:20 PM,
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US review of Afghan strategy and Pakistan
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Foreign office of Pakistan has communicated to the US that Pakistan should be taken on board while US reviews and formulates Afghan strategy afresh. By all logic, US ought to take Pakistan's point of view. However, there has been no response on the issue from the US government. Any increase or decrease in troops is going to have a direct bearing on Pakistan. Even other aspects of the strategy related to use of force or negotiations, or a combination thereof, too, will directly or indirectly affect Pakistan's efforts in the war on terror. Obama has repeatedly asked the planners to review the strategy from the beginning till end to include the time frame and methodology of withdrawal of troops from the region. This, too, is relevant to Pakistan as to how Pakistan should plan its strategy once US and NATO troops leave the region.
On one hand US considers Pakistan to be the front line state on the US and NATO allies' war on terror. US has also, in the recent past, grouped Pakistan with Afghanistan to fight its war against terror and calls it as its AF-Pak strategy. Isn't it then surprising that Pakistan is not being taken on board? There must be reasons for the same. Pakistan government needs to look into the matter seriously and take appropriate diplomatic and other measures. Learning from this, Pakistan should understand that, in the eyes of America, Pakistan's role has been and will remain reactive and not pro active despite the latter being so called non NATO ally of US.
Labels: US Invasion of Afghanistan, US Pakistan Relations, War on Terror
posted @ 8:10 PM,
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Pursuit of terrorists
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The recent upsurge of terrorist activities is mind boggling. The frequency of the terrorist attacks has grown to one everyday in the last one week. The leadership of the NWFP and the federation continues to state that the recent increase in the terrorist activities is related to the military operation in South Waziristan. They are of the view that the terrorists are reacting to the losses being suffered by them at the hands of the army. Some have even stated these terrorists attacks to be the last ditch effort on part of terrorists facing defeat in South Waziristan. Although even these losses at the hands of terrorists are pretty bad, sad and hard to bear, I wish and pray that these terrorist activities are at their dying end, but to me it doesn't appear to be so. I don't agree with the general perception that all would be fine after the military operation in South Waziristan.
The successful pursuit of terrorists in South Waziristan should have resulted in weakening them and decreased their activities elsewhere which is not the case. It is perceived that all terrorist activities are planned and their execution is controlled and directed from their center in South Waziristan. If that be the case, one thing is for certain, the military operation has so far not been able to disrupt the nerve center of the terrorists to the extent so as to prevent them from executing terrorist activities. Thus, either the military operation is not proceeding successfully or the current terrorist activities are being launched from elsewhere. The latter is more likely. The terrorists have spread all over the country and we will have to pursue them in every nook and corner of our mother land.
Labels: Military Operation in South Waziristan, War on Terror
posted @ 8:13 PM,
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Political Leadership and the Military Operations
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Political leadership of government of Pakistan has repeatedly stated that our country is at war, the war against terrorism. Besides, looking for and chasing the terrorists all over the country, we have already had a successful military operation in Swat Malakand areas. And, now, another military operation is in progress in South Waziristan. Barring one odd exception, all parties, both in the government and opposition, continue to support the military operations. Every now and then, we hear lot of statements from leaders of both sides supporting the military operations and appreciating the heroic deeds of our brave soldiers. But, that's all.
Whereas the the senior military leadership including Chief of Army Staff regularly visited the troops in Swat Malakand areas during the military operation and is also visiting the troops in South Waziristan, there has not been a single noteworthy leader of the government or the other political parties who has taken the trouble of going to the operational areas.
It's not understood as to why the political personalities of our country who all claim to be the leaders of our country have not visited the troops. You don't push out your troops in the battlefield and forget about them. American and NATO leadership including heads of the governments has made countless visits to Iraq and Afghanistan to look up their troops and see for themselves as to what progress is being made. Perhaps, our leaders have more important things to attend to than the war! That's why they have left this not so important job to the military leadership. It's only today that Nawaz Sharif is in Northern Areas addressing public rallys in support of the candidates of his party in the oncoming elections due in the next few days. Certainly, to him, this is far more important than visiting the troops in the battlefield! None of the leaders have even taking the trouble of visiting the wounded soldiers in the hospitals or the next of kins of the martyred ones. Deeds speak louder than the words.
Labels: Leadership, Military Operation in South Waziristan, War on Terror
posted @ 5:22 PM,
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Obama's Afghanistan Dilemma
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It has been over eight years, soon after 9/11, that America invaded Afghanistan. America has over hundred thousand troops and Britain has over fifteen thousand. Other NATO countries have also contributed troops in single digit thousands. The invasion was undertaken as the perpetrators of 9/11, Al Qaeda organization, led by Osama Bin Laden was in hiding in Afghanistan. Prior to invasion America had demanded the handing over of Osama Bin Laden and his accomplices from Mulla Omar led government of Taliban. Mulla Omar denied the said demand. Despite a lapse of eight years, NATO forces have neither been able to capture Osama Bin Laden or Mulla Omar nor have they been able to neutralize Al Qaeda. Only a few months ago Obama sent around seventeen thousand troops to Afghanistan. The present American military commander has been demanding reinforcement by another forty four thousand troops for last few weeks.
Thousands of innocent Afghan nationals have been killed so far, some say the number to be over hundred thousand. A large number of Afghanis have been disabled. Many of them become homeless. Over one thousand NATO troops have also been killed. However, neither the NATO troops nor the present Afghan government have been able to establish their control over Afghanistan to root out Al Qaeda and Taliban. Whether the induction of another forty four thousand American troops will be able to achieve what has not been achieved in last eight years or not is the question before Obama. There is another school of thought. It advocates buying of Taliban rather than chasing and killing them. Let's see which of the two options is followed by Obama.
Labels: Al Qaeda, Taliban, US Invasion of Afghanistan, War on Terror
posted @ 3:10 PM,
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Punjabi Taliban
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A report published by the Washington Times said,
Extremists from Punjab had increasingly taken control of the Taliban forces fighting the army in Waziristan, but might now be fleeing back to Punjab “which already has been the scene of multiple suicide bombings” before the army launched the offensive.
Madrassahs from all over the country in general and from Punjab in particular have been the major source of recruitment of terrorists. These Madrassahs are academic home to not only the major part of the poor youth of Punjab but also the rest of the country, particularly, NWFP. Pseudo Islamist parties and a number of foreign actors provide financial and all other type of support to these Madrassahs. These Madrassahs do not belong to one school of thought but they have one common misperceived goal which is to enforce sharia through force. That's another reality that each school of thought has its own interpretation of sharia different than the other. Whereas behind the scene actors have their own vested interests and not the love of Islam, quite a few innocent educated and the rich Pakistanis and Pakistanis living abroad are also victim of the mindset that Islam can only be spread through force and the society can only be made to practice Islam through force. Since students join these Madrassahs in early childhood and remain there for their entire period of impressionable age, the students 'graduating' from these Madrassahs have only one mindset; force all and sundry to follow their version of Islam and if they do not kill them by waging Jihad implying that if in the process these jihadis get killed they will go to heaven. It was this very theme which produced jihadis to fight against Russian invasion of Afghanistan and later the freedom struggle in Kashmir. However, 9/11 reversed the situation and jihadis of yesteryears have now become terrorists. Pakistan government created these jihadis and armed them and only government can shatter them and disarm them. The government can only do this if it has political will to do it.
Labels: Madrasahs, Pseudo Islam, War on Terror
posted @ 11:49 PM,
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India warns of fresh militant attack
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The News International, Pakistan, Wednesday, October 21, 2009 reports,
NEW DELHI: India’s prime minister on Tuesday warned of a fresh militant attack and urged the armed forces to take measures to tackle security challenges nearly two weeks after a bomb attack on its embassy in Kabul.
It's only a couple of days ago that Iran accused us of terrorism. Afghanistan has been accusing us for many years and India started doing that more vocally ever since Mumbai attacks in Nov'09. Now that our armed forces are deeply involved in military operation in South Waziristan, India has resurfaced on the scene. I won't be surprised if India orchestrates a terrorist act on its soil and makes it an excuse to launch some sort of military actions across the borders. It is fair to assume that our government and, particularly, armed forces must have made some contingency plans to deal with the Indians. Success of military operation in Swat neither suits Americans nor Indians both of whom are interested in weakening Pakistan armed forces, the only unifying and integrating organization, and hope left for survival of Pakistan as a nation/country. If you have any doubts about that, read Kerry Luger bill.
Labels: Indo US Nexus, IndoPak Relations, Military Operation in South Waziristan, War on Terror
posted @ 6:28 PM,
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Fight terrorism actively and not pasively
The News International, Wednesday, October 21, 2009
All government and private schools, colleges and universities have been closed throughout the country because of fears about militant attacks after twin suicide bombings at a university campus in Islamabad on Tuesday, officials said.
Closing of educational institutions all over Pakistan may be a wise step if it's a temporary move for a few days. These few days should be utilized by the administrations to review the security measures and bring them up to the mark. Having done that, the institutions must open. We, as a nation, should not adopt a passive and reactive approach to deal with the terrorists. We must face them fare and square. There is a need to educate all Pakistanis to keep their eyes and ears open and report any untoward activities to the law enforcing agencies. I don't see any public information publicity campaigns by the government. I would go even a step further. Government should organize public awareness sessions with the masses or their elders at the village/mohallah level to educate the masses. Families, shopkeepers, workers in restaurants, hotels, offices, factories and all other sections of the society need to be educated to observe untoward activities and report. Terrorists are living amongst us. Unless all of us unite to identify them before hand, we will continue to be reactive and passive. We need to follow a proactive approach. But for the media, not a single leader has taken the trouble of mobilizing the masses. Who else is going to do this job?
Labels: Government, Leadership, War on Terror
posted @ 6:04 PM,
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NATO vacates check posts on Pak Afghan border!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Daily Times dated Tuesday, October 20, 2009, writes,
RAWALPINDI: NATO forces vacating checkposts in Afghanistan allow Afghan Taliban to cross the Pak-Afghan border and join the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani said on Monday.
The above issue was raised by Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani during a meeting with US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General David Petraeus. Any good reasons for the NATO troops to vacate the check posts in Afghanistan bordering Pakistan in the neighborhood of South Waziristan! Removal of these check posts will allow Afghan Taliban to join Pakistani Taliban and also it will facilitate the Pakistani Taliban to flee into Afghanistan to fight another day. This very clearly speaks of the ill intentions our so called allies have about us. Earlier there was a lot of hue and cry on their part that Pakistan was not taking any serious action against terrorists in South Waziristan, and now that Pakistan Army is launching military operation, NATO has opted to provide terrorists with entry/exit points by vacating the check posts. This was the time that NATO should have beefed up/strengthened these check posts and asked Pakistan Army as to how else they could support the military operation in South Waziristan.
Labels: 9/11, Military Operation in South Waziristan, NATO Troops, Terrorism, War on Terror
posted @ 4:14 PM,
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UN offices to continue despite suicide attack threats
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The News International dated Tuesday, October 06, 2009 writes,
ISLAMABAD: The representative of the United Nations Tuesday said the UN is not dismantling the operations in Pakistan; only a few offices have temporarily been closed; however, important offices will remain open uninterruptedly.
It's indeed very encouraging to know that after the suicide attack on one of the UN offices killing around half a dozen people.
Labels: 9/11, Suicide Attacks, Taliban, War on Terror
posted @ 9:52 PM,
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Mobilizing the Nation Against War on Terror
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Our country is fighting a war on terror. There is a military operation going on in Swat and Malakand. Over thirty million people have become homeless. Army is chasing/encircling Taliban in North and South Waziristan. Drone attacks are taking place in Waziristan. Owing to a massive military operation by Americans in Helmund province, Army is being redeployed along Afghan border in the South to prevent fleeing Taliban entering Pakistan. Terrorists are being killed in dozens per day. Army, too, is losing its soldiers on daily basis.
With all above happening in our country, the life goes on as usual except for a few statements from the political leaders and regular programs of discussion on TV channels. Has the government or anyone else seriously thought of mobilizing the nation? Even the electronic media has not been able to produce one good national song reflecting the current situation. There is a need for the government to find ways and means to mobilize the nation and implement the same as a well thought out policy.
With all above happening in our country, the life goes on as usual except for a few statements from the political leaders and regular programs of discussion on TV channels. Has the government or anyone else seriously thought of mobilizing the nation? Even the electronic media has not been able to produce one good national song reflecting the current situation. There is a need for the government to find ways and means to mobilize the nation and implement the same as a well thought out policy.
Labels: Media War, Mobilizing the Nation, War on Terror
posted @ 11:59 AM,
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EU Rejects Trade but 'Aids'
Friday, June 19, 2009
The EU, at the first summit with Pakistan in Brussels, has ignored President Zardari's call for trade concessions but extended 20 million Euros in aid for the IDPs. All what has been agreed upon is well short of Pakistan's expectations. But, as they say, something is better than nothing.
It's strange that, on one hand, America and the developed world call Pakistan as the front line state against War on Terror, and, on the other hand, once it comes to deeds the formers do not follow their own words. USA named Pakistan as its non NATO ally but we don't see US supporting Pakistan like it supports its allies. Pakistan needs to seriously reflect as the aid being received for the large scale military operations being undertaken in the name of war on terror doesn't turn out to be AIDS.
It's strange that, on one hand, America and the developed world call Pakistan as the front line state against War on Terror, and, on the other hand, once it comes to deeds the formers do not follow their own words. USA named Pakistan as its non NATO ally but we don't see US supporting Pakistan like it supports its allies. Pakistan needs to seriously reflect as the aid being received for the large scale military operations being undertaken in the name of war on terror doesn't turn out to be AIDS.
Labels: Pak-EU Summit, War on Terror
posted @ 11:42 AM,
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Is Baitullah Masud a US Agent?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Haji Turkistan Betani, a former close aide of Baitullah Mahsud, has claimed that Baitullah Masud was American agent. The former during an interview with a local TV channel has sted that he was with Baitullah Masud once the latter sent his men to assassinate Benazir Bhutto. Betani stated that if Baitullah Masud was an not American agent he would have by now been targeted by US drones.
During the ongoing Swat operation, some of the weapons, equipment and munitions seized by Pakistan army have been found to be of American origin. How did these fall into the hands of Baitullah Masud?
During the ongoing Swat operation, some of the weapons, equipment and munitions seized by Pakistan army have been found to be of American origin. How did these fall into the hands of Baitullah Masud?
Labels: Baitullah Masud, Benazir Bhutto, US Pakistan Relations, War on Terror
posted @ 2:32 PM,
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Closing down Illegal Seminaries
Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started issuing notices to seminaries (madrassahs) operating illegally in Islamabad territory. Reportedly, there are a total of 260 seminaries of which 15 are operating illegally. According to CDA officials, some of these illegal seminaries are spreading hatred against the government and the army, and are promoting extremism. It's never too late to mend!
CDA doesn't let a citizen change the design of one's house by an inch without its prior approval. What has CDA been doing for all these years right from the laying down of foundations of these seminaries to their construction and functioning? Was it the fear of reaction or some officials have been pocketing money to keep their eyes closed. It's worth finding out as to how many such seminaries are operating illegally all over Pakistan. It's equally relevant to find out as to how many of the seminaries operating legally are also involved in spreading hatred and promoting extremism. And, last but not the least, as to how many of these madrassahs are serving as the training grounds for would be taliban.
CDA doesn't let a citizen change the design of one's house by an inch without its prior approval. What has CDA been doing for all these years right from the laying down of foundations of these seminaries to their construction and functioning? Was it the fear of reaction or some officials have been pocketing money to keep their eyes closed. It's worth finding out as to how many such seminaries are operating illegally all over Pakistan. It's equally relevant to find out as to how many of the seminaries operating legally are also involved in spreading hatred and promoting extremism. And, last but not the least, as to how many of these madrassahs are serving as the training grounds for would be taliban.
Labels: Madrasahs, Seminaries, War on Terror
posted @ 2:12 PM,
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When American and NATO Troops Leave Afghanistan
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
It has been over seven years that America invaded Afghanistan in pursuit of Al Qaeda who according to them masterminded 9/11 attacks. History of Afghanistan bears testimony to the fact that no invader has ever been able to reign in the Afghans. The achievements, if any, of US and NATO troops to date also indicate the same. Afghan government and the foreign troops are restricted to a couple of cities and the rest of the country is under control of Taliban, allies of Al Qaeda.
There are indications that sooner or later Americans intend leaving Afghanistan. It's doubtful that this departure would take place after eliminating Taliban and Al Qaeda. So, once foreign troops leave, Taliban will be back in control of Kabul and will be running Afghan government. Having alienated Taliban, how Pakistan is going to deal with Taliban led government?
There are indications that sooner or later Americans intend leaving Afghanistan. It's doubtful that this departure would take place after eliminating Taliban and Al Qaeda. So, once foreign troops leave, Taliban will be back in control of Kabul and will be running Afghan government. Having alienated Taliban, how Pakistan is going to deal with Taliban led government?
Labels: Al Qaeda, America, NATO Troops, Taliban, War on Terror
posted @ 11:36 AM,
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Pro Taliban Islamist Parties
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The divide betwen pro Taliban and anti Taliban is becoming clear with everyday passing. Certain Islamist parties and their leaders are playing a double game. They consider the activities of Taliban as a reaction to the government fighting America's war and demand that the government should take a firm stand of its own rather than fighting Taliban on behalf of America. Do they want America to invade Pakistan like it invaded Afghanistan?
Labels: Counter Insurgency, Islamist Parties, Pro Taliban, Taliban, War on Terror
posted @ 10:44 AM,
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Neighbourhoods of Taliban
The recent suicide attack resulting in killing of Anti Taliban religious scholar Dr Sarfaraz Naeemi is a clear signal from Taliban to all other religious and political leaders who condemn the activities of Taliban and declare these to be against the teachings of Islam. Some system will have to devised to protect these leaders and scholars. It will not be possible for the government to undertake this protection. Respective organizations which are headed by these seminaries will have to arrange security of their leaders.
But, what about the security of the common man. The common man, too, will have to arrange for his security by himself. How? It is the vigilance on part of each Pakistani wherein lies the security of not only the common man but that of the entire nation. The neighbourhoods of Taliban are asleep. If they were not, howelse could recruitment, training, planning and preparation of suicide persons and vehicles go unnoticed?
But, what about the security of the common man. The common man, too, will have to arrange for his security by himself. How? It is the vigilance on part of each Pakistani wherein lies the security of not only the common man but that of the entire nation. The neighbourhoods of Taliban are asleep. If they were not, howelse could recruitment, training, planning and preparation of suicide persons and vehicles go unnoticed?
Labels: Counter Insurgency, Taliban, War on Terror
posted @ 10:20 AM,
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America Supports Pakistan's Stand on Kashmir
Friday, June 12, 2009
The recent statement by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, after his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a welcome shift from America's earlier stance of indifference on Kashmir Issue. On a three days' visit to India, William Burns while addressing a press conference said, " It remains our view that a resolution of that (Kashmir) issue has to take into account wishes of the Kashmiri people".
It's an indication that America has come to realize as to how the resolution of Kashmir Issue is linked with war on terror and peace in the region. However, it's just the beginning and Pakistan should not lay high hopes as America will continue to change its stances as it suits it. This shift in American policy, a sort of reward to Pakistan, appears to be due to the serious resolve of Pakistan to wage war on terror as is evident from the ongoing military operation in Malaknd, Swat and Bannu.
It's an indication that America has come to realize as to how the resolution of Kashmir Issue is linked with war on terror and peace in the region. However, it's just the beginning and Pakistan should not lay high hopes as America will continue to change its stances as it suits it. This shift in American policy, a sort of reward to Pakistan, appears to be due to the serious resolve of Pakistan to wage war on terror as is evident from the ongoing military operation in Malaknd, Swat and Bannu.
Labels: India, IndoPak Relations, Kashmir Issue, US Pakistan Relations, War on Terror
posted @ 11:12 AM,
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Taliban Cause Early and Total Summer Vacation
Thursday, June 11, 2009
All public and private sector educational institutions have been closed two weeks earlier than their usual schedule. Summer camps, planned by most of these institutions, too, have been done away with. All this has been done in view of the prevailing security situation caused by Taliban. It's more of a reactive rather than a pro active approach. Loss of a couple of weeks of academics may be bearable. However, it's worth considering as to how we are going to proceed after Summer vacation. Is the threat to our security likely to minimize or is it going to be the same or is it going to increase further? The present trends indicate further deterioration in the security situation. Whatever be the situation we should be planning for the worst. So, the question is as to whether we are going to close our educational institutions indefinitely or we are going to face the threats pro actively. It is this period of three months which needs to be judicially utilized to plan and put the plans in place if we want education to go on after Summer vacation.
Labels: Education, Summer Vacation, Taliban, War on Terror
posted @ 11:08 AM,
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