Tariq Khalil
SPONTANEOUS, spectacular and most daring expose by a Muslim leader in the last 70 years. ZAB was a good speaker but his speech in UN did more harm then benefit to Pakistan. Three days he did not attend that he was not well and than while Indians forces were advancing on to Dhaka, he tore off Polish Resolution for ceasefire and at that moment Pakistan got broken. He did not want to give power to Mujeeb. Agreed, he was framed by India but Pakistan may have survived. Whereas Imran had a clear vision in front of him while going to UN. General Assembly is only a forum to convey your point of view. All of four points taken up were important, but two major points Islamphobia and Kashmir were the crux. These are well presented and have been acclaimed throughout the world barring our opposition parties that will find space in every action, not realising public is no more fool. They have not forgotten uninvited arrival of Modi at Jati Umra ostensibly to present well wishes, but MNS did not realise the man sitting next to him is killing innocent Kashmiris and perpetuating sabotage in Balochistan, Indian Ministers are openly threatening to break up Pakistan. The other Party is assuring America its willingness to do anything in exchange to get relief. The scenario in other parties is also no different. Back home, in typical nature of Muslims in India, we are grabbing at each other’s throat. We lost right to rule in the 18th Century India and lost Muslim Empire. May be they have objections on election, but they did not go to proper forums to address the issue. There is difference between protest and disturbance. This is the ideal scenario for Bharat. Indian media is making full use of Dharna and projecting all arrested in corruption behind it. India has, besides stationing nine hundred thousand troops, moved forward their strike formations in forward areas adjacent to Pakistan whereas their Navy and Air Force are in full readiness. Beside false flag operation, possibility can not be ruled out of deeper adventure across the LoC by India. Naval and air operations in south, this to gain some areas quickly before crossing red line. This will effectively put Kashmir on back-burner.
Simultaneously, as fifth generation war is in full swing, tons of money is being pored by enemies of Pakistan and there is no dearth of collaboration from political, nationalist elements. In this milieu sabotage and subversion against the sitting government rings danger bells. India would like to create similar situation, a la 1971. They know conventional war they cannot win, thus create fissures in society and create conditions favourable to destabilise and bring puppets. CIA and MOSSAD are expert in this game and since World War-II a number of countries were destabilised. Israel is actively supporting India in this game.
In parallel, situation in the vast is becoming extremely tense. Though talks with Taliban resumed. They came and held peaceful talks. The outcome will not only take time but also uncertain. Yet peace is illusive in short term. Afghanistan election are over , though results will come later this month as already disputed , but elected Government will not like to leave power .In western Afghanistan DAES is controlling large areas and expected to spell trouble. In back door India is putting its effort to retain slice in the coming days. All this do not auger well and continuity in hostilities will continue to affect Pakistan both strategically and economically. Nevertheless Pakistan is playing its cards well and hope for the progress in peace efforts. There two important developments may also stall the process.
The deep state in USA view is to keep quantum of troops in Afghanistan and inquiry to impeach Donald Trump. All this is going to impact Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan is vital for Pakistan. Further, keeping involved at the Western front dampens world attention on Kashmir. There is a quantum increase on LoC violations. These are likely to increase. Coupled with this, internal disruption will be made to increase. Dharna is a step in this direction, MNS and AZ are getting impatient, but they will wait that country plunge into chaos so that opportunity arrive to get relief. Pakistan media has already put Kashmir on the back-burner to them most important is Dharna, as money is pouring in for media. On the contrary, world leadership is reposing trust in IK and even asked him to mediate between Iran and SA, a major trust gesture by USA. First leg in Iran-SA mediations has already begun. But no quick results can be expected. PM’s China visit has been termed as great success, and with CPEC phase two Pakistan’s economy is likely to get boost but with that conspiracies will also be stepped up.
Back home economic indicators are improving and encouraging. After 10 long years textile has rebounded and there is 26% growth and earned over US$ 14 billion. Yet paid media continue harping as all the economic front is crumbling. In a country where no one wants to pay any tax, corruption is the rule, governance is hard. Service sector must be brought in tax net with iron hand. Traders, under a political agenda being encouraged to cause disruption. Convince people, govt is not imposing any tax but asking what is due. Thus to defeat internal and external threats, firm and strong governance is the key. Step up exterior diplomacy and Russian must be fully involved along with China while keep engaged USA. Russia is a major player not only in the region but also in the world. Mr Putin in a recent interview on RT made Russia’s official policy clear. Russia will not favour one country over other. The forthcoming visit of Mr Putin to SA is very important. So security of PM also vital.
—The writer, a retired Brigadier, is decorated veteran of 65 & 71 wars and a defence analyst based in Lahore.
