Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Israel-Palestinian war!
During WW-II, when Hitler targeted the Jewish population, there was a glaring absence of willingness to offer shelter to those who survived. Not even today’s fast allies like the US and UK provided refuge. Eventually, they wrote on their ships – “Germans destroyed us, don’t you destroy our hopes” – and headed towards Palestine. So, the Muslims of Palestine provided them shelter on humanitarian grounds, following the ideology of Islam!
It is said that when a blind regains eyesight, he tends to discard his stick first of all. Similarly, the Jews proved this adage by submitting a claim in the then ICC, asserting rights over Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Despite the panel of judges consisting of European arbitrators, lawyers, international historians and archaeologists, it notably lacked Muslim participation (!).
The ICC’s decree regarding ownership of Holy Mosque in Jerusalem was that “Western Wall belongs to Muslims alone and they have right to it (because) it constitutes an integral part of the area of Noble Sanctuary which is part of endowment property. Muslims, also, own ownership of sidewalk located in front of wall, and in front of area known as Al-Magharibi Quarter, opposite the wall – due to endowment according to provisions of Islamic law” (!).
Currently, a genocidal war is going on against Palestinian civilians by Israel/West’s joint venture. They’re destroying homes, hospitals, ambulances and refugee camps. Reports cite over 17,000 civilian deaths, including 8,000 children and women, with 37,000 injured and 1.3 million displaced from Northern Gaza.
Oh! Advocates for human rights openly support Israel, while those seeking control over Muslim territories consider establishing the ‘Ben Gurion Canal’ as an alternative to the Suez Canal through Gaza for global trade. However, international bodies such as the UN, UNSC and ICC seem indifferent to their responsibilities. The OIC and Arab League remain passive, akin to the historical wait for a Rangoon-like situation faced by Bahadur Shah Zafar. Logically, Jews must pay Jizya, adhering to Islamic laws, instead of acquiring Palestinian land, potentially leading to a situation that might trigger a conflict resembling World War III (?).
M AZAM MINHAS
Tatrinote, AK
Hybrid warfare
Hybrid warfare poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s security due to its multifaceted nature and the complexities it introduces. This form of warfare combines conventional military tactics with unconventional methods such as cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, economic coercion and support for proxy groups. Pakistan, situated in a geopolitically sensitive region, faces challenges arising from hybrid warfare tactics employed by various state and non-state actors.
The country has experienced a blend of conventional and unconventional threats, including cross-border terrorism, cyber intrusions and propaganda campaigns aimed at destabilizing its internal security and impeding its progress. Hybrid warfare techniques can exploit societal fault lines, exacerbate ethnic or religious tensions and weaken the trust between government and citizens. Pakistan’s efforts to combat hybrid threats involve a multifaceted approach, encompassing bolstering cyber security capabilities, enhancing intelligence gathering, countering disinformation and strengthening its military readiness. Furthermore, fostering international cooperation and diplomatic alliances to address these threats collectively is crucial in mitigating the risks posed by hybrid warfare.
As Pakistan navigates these challenges, adopting a comprehensive strategy that combines defence measures, technological advancements and societal resilience becomes imperative to safeguard its sovereignty, stability and national security against the evolving landscape of hybrid threats.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN
Sukkur, Sindh
Balochistan’s critical crisis!
I am deeply concerned about the severe deficiencies in facilities across Balochistan. Even being the largest province, Balochistan grapples with acute shortage in essential services like sanitation, food and electricity.
The provincial government’s inaction has inflicted immense hardship on its residents, creating an alarming situation for such a significant region. Immediate attention and concerted efforts from both provincial government as well as the federal government, led by esteemed Premier Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, are imperative to swiftly find sustainable solutions.
MAHGANJ ALI BAKSH
Via email
Balancing act
Recently, Pakistan has repatriated numerous undocumented Afghan refugees to their homeland. However, an unsettling trend has emerged, with some individuals within our nation drawing parallels between Pakistan’s actions and the contentious policies of Israel, particularly concerning the Palestinian crisis. It is perplexing to witness our homeland facing internal criticism for what is being unjustly labelled as displacement.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Pakistan has been a generous host to Afghan refugees for nearly four decades. During that period, even those who crossed the border illegally were afforded refuge. Yet, the present economic challenges and precarious financial state of our nation cannot be ignored.
We teetered on the brink of default in the recent past, grappling with a rising inflation rate that has escalated the turnover rate and left many middle-class families in dire straits. Moreover, Pakistan has been scarred by numerous terrorist attacks, adding to the complex tapestry of our challenges.
In the light of the current situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban Government is working towards restoring law and order, it is only logical that these refugees return to their homes. It’s important to clarify that the repatriation efforts primarily target those residing within Pakistan without legal documentation. Afghan nationals with Pakistani citizenship face no such predicament.
NOOR AYESHA
Via email
Box letter
Smoking epidemic
I express deep concern about a pressing issue in Pakistan ie smoking. It has become a daily habit for entrepreneurs, impacting a significant portion of the population. This habit poses major health obstacles, leading to issues like cancer, respiratory problems and more. Unfortunately, there’s been no effective action taken to address this issue, affecting many young lives. Despite its destructive effects, the government hasn’t prioritized tackling this problem. It’s distressing that many are involved in this business, resulting in a 40% annual death rate, affecting all demographics. I implore authorities to act swiftly in curbing this pervasive issue.
SAFIA HASIL
Karachi
