Blog: The developing new world order and Pakistan

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Friday, 7 March 2014

By Danish Kazi | Published in the XReports.net, on March 7th, 2014

Its probably my first piece on international political influence on Pakistan. I strongly feel that with the developing situation. We soon might need to choose sides again and I hope that we choose the right ones this time. We don’t want to side with a situation that it would take a generation to correct our mistakes as currently we face in Pakistan for our past mistakes.

At the center we have a government whose forte might not be the global policy but it is clearly a regional political player for obvious reasons. It may be a blessing and at the same time might back fire as well depending on how our regional allies are aligned to which global partner emerges or re-emerge.

As I write this piece . Russians have started to sound the horn that they want to regain the lost position they had till the 90’s . After many years its current President Vladamir Putin who was a darling for the West until a few years ago is trying to stretch his muscles. Now it could be that he intend to create a distraction for keeping power for a few more years or it could be well possible that he has achieved monetarily and technologically for his armed forces where he feels that he can now confront the world powers left ruling the world after the fall of USSR; after decades of equal supremacy. Either ways his actions could have an out reaching effect.

Now I have been hearing that he might be not very certain about the military threat to the Ukraine but lets not forget that the regimes that Russia has backed i.e. in Libya and Syria have been either wiped out as in the case of the former and is struggling as in the case of the former. Now seeing the change of anti Russian government right at its border and that too backed by the United States might be too much for him to handle. I am sure they would not let this one slide in their back yard without a fight physical or diplomatic.

Now how does it impact Pakistan in my view. Finally, some force equal in size and capability is again getting up to confront the United States view of the world. So US knowing that no other nation holds the capability to hit its shores but Russia would now look towards the North to confront or contain the rising Russian threat. Means simply that they would need another war machine in the region of Middle East and South Asia to out source its battles. I am sure that whilst the US looks north. They would not want a situation that a gap is created for China to form a stronghold to access the warm waters of Arabian Sea and might add to their troubles.

At the same time whilst they would confront Iran on the diplomatic front. With Russia coming out open against United States . It could mean a bigger group of Nations who have been anti US lately or in-fact its (US’s) victims might look to Russia for the new big brother. I feel Hamid Karzai who has recently been snubbed by Barack Obama might think as well. I am not sure how the Taliban would react to this news but I am sure they would like to sit on a couch and watch this out.

Pakistan’s role becomes more strategic in my point of view as I feel that with the developing situation United States which was planning to pull out forces from Afghanistan would now like to continue holding its forces there to create a flanking strategy in case Russia becomes too over ambitious to challenge its writ. As I am sure the closest port giving them with land access is through Pakistan. Though Iran provides the same but I feel how much the US might want; Israel would never let that proximity happen. So the dependency on Pakistan is significant.

We heard the recent news that Saudi Arabia is in talks with the Pakistan government to send a few army divisions or a division to the Kingdom to safeguard their interest as they see the unrest simmering in the Eastern Province having proximity to Iran. With Bahrain still restless but under control. At the same time Syria and even Egypt in turmoil closer to their borders means a menacing situation for the rulers . Suddenly Saudi Arabia is feeling that they are in need to have more soldiers on the ground. With distrust on the United States on the ground there as some feel that the unrest in the East is because of the US itself. Fearing that it might create another wave of Al Qaeda type fighters if they look to the US again this time and with wars so close to their border. They know for sure that they would have to look to ancillary options like Pakistan; a brotherly state for the same purpose. I am sure this could be an amicable solution for all as US would now like to focus on Russia and as well at the same time with Iraqi oil under their control would not like to be embroiled in the Saudi issue as it might impact their relationship with the government in Iraq as they (Iraqi government) are now closer to Iran. US would like to out source this to the next best war machine with able bodied men in the region. Pakistan is that ideal fit.

So at the same time whilst I feel that the US is going no where from Afghanistan any time soon to not only keep a check on Russia but also fearing that if Karzai goes the Russian way . The block of Russian-Iran-Afghanistan could mean disaster for their interests in the region. So I feel dependency on Pakistan would increase and at the same time I am sure they would like to focus on one enemy at the time. Means either they would like to clean up the Taliban issue before Russian juggernaut wakes up completely or would like to have peace with Taliban. Now I am sure whilst US may for a moment gulp down their ego and drink to that with a big grin on the face. I doubt the radicals within Taliban would be forgiving and some might continue to fight . Again which means US needs to be closer to Pakistan as an ally to make sure that whilst they focus on Russia they are not attacked from the rear in form of Taliban.

It could be a possibility that Russian might enter an alliance with Taliban to avenge the US for their defeat in the late 80’s . I am sure that Taliban would have less trouble engaging with the Russians now as they are a religious state unlike the communists mindset they earlier had in the past as they were USSR.

So its time that Pakistan plays its cards well. I strongly feel that they should not be an easy ally for United States but should take severe advantage from the arising situation if it reaches that level and bargain properly. If I would be in the government . My first list of demand would be 5000 MW worth of Nuclear Power Facilities across the country. Second on the list would be Desalination Plants at the coast to ensure adequate water supplies for the future and Third to write off its loans by at least 50% . Last but not the least give us the F-16’s which never came as promised . Well I am sure there are more like health care etc but I am sure that our rulers are smart enough to ask otherwise.

I am sure they would all find an opportunity to become richer by selling themselves off. Maybe setting a steel mill in the US or may be in Russia if I am a Sharif. And if I am a Zardari . I would go for a dinner with Cate Blanchett followed by a castle in California. But I wish had it been Gen Pervez Musharraf. He could have negotiated it better. Now don’t tell me that he gave in 2001. He ensured that he get Pakistan bank rolled and at the same time contained the war and also remained with the wealth which he accumulated by serving the Pakistan Army as seen recently that not a single case of corruption has been discovered against him though the hounds chase him.

But lets see how it goes. The situation in Ukraine and its end would determine the future or else I would seem over optimistic after a few months if some one reads this piece. I feel that Ukraine issue can bring the balance to the force. At the same time I wish it reduces pressure on our mother land and serves better for us. Pakistan Zindabad!

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The XReports.

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Blog: Taliban the real traitors or terrorists

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Monday, 20 January 2014

By Danish Kazi | 21-01-2014
Ehsaanullah Ahsan’s statement live on Express News program claiming the responsibility of the attack on their staff in Karachi; claiming that media has brought it upon it self and further elaborating that its because that they feel that there is no Shariah Law imposed in Pakistan reason why the media is being attacked. It has become clear that the call which was placed from Afghanistan (as claimed by the recipient i.e. Javed Chaudhary) and a blatant acceptance of the attack by Tehreek e Taliban e Pakistan or TTP conveniently in Karachi shows one thing that its time now that we all put our act together and agree to take concrete actions against Taliban.

Broadcasting a live call from the spokesperson of TTP whilst brings transparency to the issue but at the same time would definitely create a fear amongst the common Pakistani listening that whilst the call is placed live . How daringly the TTP threatens another pillar of our country? And the incapability of our state authorities to tackle them. Historically this has been the style of the Kharjiites mentality or Hassasins in the Islamic Historical past between 900 A.D. till 1200 A.D. ; to deliver their attacks in the public to deliver the message of fear. This attack and the follow-up live statement has actually in my eyes achieved this for them. I am sure Taliban would party tonight for an overall success and I fear this is just the beginning.

Watching a lot of spy movies ; we knew decades ago one had to be on the call for 90 seconds to get traced and I am sure that science has come a long way for that. The convenient call by the TTP spokesperson with no hurry to hang up clearly shows that they do not fear of being caught as they might be out of reach of our government or know that may be they would not be taken care of. Now whilst I agree that Mr. Chaudhary clearly stated that the call is from Afghanistan . I would stress on our government to launch a complaint in the UN in that case at least and plea of cross border terrorism like Karzai and Indian government has done so many times in the past. Also I don’t mean to say that killing the messenger would serve the purpose but the message clearly shows that who is the bane of all the issues for the insanity which prevails in Pakistan . Their confidence grows as we remain indecisive as a nation thanks to some black sheep like JI amongst us whose leader i.e. Munawar Hassan was still heard saying of a political solution with those who either do not believe in politics or democracy.

Few years ago i.e. about 2004 when I had Karahi at Pahad Ganj. I remember Taliban styled man walking freely there. As I stepped into my car after finishing . I told my friend that this area is gone to Taliban for sure. Few years later Altaf Hussein openly declared that Karachi is slowly being given in the hands of Talibans probably under a deal where the democratically elected government i.e. PPP were colluding with TTP to get some guns on the ground to counter MQM. The proof of the pudding of that possible understanding was when the Katti Pahadi skirmishes happened in 2010-11 . Talibans purportedly announced from speakers of the mosques over there as per residents that the other community are Jews and all should be killed. Post which when the fight began. It was given an ethnic touch and no solid operation got conducted. This really gave boast to the spirit of the Taliban who in return who raised their heads in other areas of Karachi . Still our government which was lead by PPP both in the center and Sindh whilst they conducted operations in KPK ignored the fall out due to the millions of refugees coming to Karachi and many Talibans who came under their guise.

A lot of reports have clearly stated that TTP used Karachi as a place for R&R (Relaxation and Rejuvenation) and in addition started a campaign of loot , Bhatta , dacoities and kidnappings in the city in addition to the existing groups operating in the city to keep their campaign bank rolled. The whole world knew this that how slowly Talibans got into the skin of Karachi without any hindrance which some say under a deal to act as a first line of defence against MQM . Some reports/sources even say that TTP has been or is being used by certain agencies or by political rivals to kill on their behalf in the city . Mainly effecting MQM and ANP.

I clearly blame the PPP government for this situation of Karachi today as they are now ruling it since 2008 . They have not done any thing to take this bull by the horn. Whilst their leadership at Ghadi Khuda Bux roars against Taliban or in the social media. Their ground level leadership either out of hypocrisy or out of fear of their lives are in bed with TTP. Some recent reports also say that PPP is going to go in alliance with Taliban for the Local Bodies Polls in tandem with PTI and JI to forge an undeclared alliance in Karachi to get their Mayor at any cost. I wonder what price they have agreed to pay in return for such an unholy alliance as PPP should not forget that TTP has been behind many attacks on the Shias of Pakistan across the country.

At the same time it looks like the Grand Father record i.e. Imran Khan is going to keep on playing in KPK arguing for negotiations. Whilst the reports of negotiations been started and failed is coming out by the central government but PTI and Imran Khan insist on the same. There can be many reasons for this positioning , fear of life, proximity with Jamaat e Islami who are Taliban political face and mentors for PTI , many leaders joining the ranks of PTI coming from JI would also be enforcing the same or Imran Khan and his like minded know that the day they speak out openly against this menace the vacuum on which PTI gambled to gain as a launching step and to access other segments would see them to be on the radar and I doubt that they would be able to sustain the retaliation as well as sustain being now so much embroiled with them that only divorce I see between them is bloody and lethal. So when we say that PTI is the B Team for TTP . Its seen that the way Imran Khan is dodging continuously denouncing them and opposing operation against them giving them time to recuperate for a summer offensive against the people of Pakistan.

Unfortunately , it pains to see that the so called operation going on in Karachi has failed to address the raising Taliban factor. May be out of understanding or may be out of limitation. I wonder Pakistan Rangers who are leading the operation is part of the same Pakistan Army which is giving away so many lives up in the north in KPK. It confuses me to see that why whilst our most respectable army fight TTP in the north their sister force is looking miserably counter productive in Karachi.

MQM looks vindicated in their suggestions years ago and have paid a lot along with ANP in Karachi fighting Talibans. I wonder why would our security agencies not join hands with them to get better ground intelligence instead of persecuting them. I am sure its time that after Chaudhary Aslam’s brazen attack and now the attack on Express News would be a wake up call for the agencies, our forces and I would say many in the media who were fighting the cause for negotiating with Talibans.

But at the same time I wonder who are the real traitors of the country. Are those who have openly challenged the writ of the state and make mockery out of it every day and terrorize all and sundry or those like Pervez Musharraf and other political parties like MQM and ANP who have stood up against them. Many say that the Laal Masjid was Musharraf greatest mistake bringing the ire on Pakistan of the fundamentalists. I would say he did right but only less.

I wonder how many more lives of our civilians or soldiers or police officers or political workers or social workers or students like Aitzaz and Malala would take before we all agree that you cannot negotiate with Taliban and unite as a nation to take conclusive action against these tyrants. I feel that all those who are chiding negotiations in my view are confusing the nation more and infact buying time for TTP. It would have been better that whilst US remaining in Afghanistan . A joint operation from both sides would have been conducted against them to wipe them out and stopping them from trickling like a cancer to the other parts of the country.

The tone of TTP spokesperson on the TV Channel when the anchor repeatedly begged for negotiations looked dismissive and non serious for the same. I am sure that any patriotic Pakistani would eventually take the bull by the horn. We plan and give the political support to our forces to conduct a country wide operation against Taliban instead of confusing them in the name of negotiations. PTI and Imran Khan and his like minded would now have to decide . Are they with Pakistan or against it? As in my view Taliban are terrorists and traitors of Pakistan and who ever side with them for me and Pakistan are the same. Its time we stand united and take action against this for good. Pakistan Zindabad!

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The XReports.

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Pakistan will ask Afghans’ refugee to go back

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Saturday, 21 July 2012

An Afghan refugee on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan. Photograph: Muhammed Muheisen/AP  

21-07-2012 | Guardian

Afghanistan faces further crisis as world's biggest cluster of refugees faces expulsion.


Pakistan plans to cancel refugee status for all Afghans living in the country at the end of this year, leaving some 3 million displaced people – the world's biggest cluster of refugees – facing possible expulsion to a country that many barely know.
Pushing the refugees into Afghanistan would be likely to create a new crisis for that country, already struggling with an insurgency and an economy almost entirely dependent on the western presence and the illicit drug trade.
The west is pressing Pakistan to reconsider its policy, which puts it at odds with the United Nations and other international partners. The international community and the Afghan government have no strategy prepared to deal with any such influx of people.
However, Pakistan's top administrator in charge of the Afghan refugee issue, Habibullah Khan, secretary of the ministry of states and frontier regions, told the Guardian that Islamabad would not relent. "The international community desires us to review this policy but we are clear on this point. The refugees have become a threat to law and order, security, demography, economy and local culture. Enough is enough," he said.
"If the international community is so concerned, they should open the doors of their countries to these refugees. Afghans will be more than happy to be absorbed by the developed countries, like western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia."
Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for more than 30 years, after they fled the Soviet invasion in the 1980s, the horrors of the civil war, Taliban rule and, most recently, the conflict triggered by the US-led invasion of the country in late 2001. Whole generations have grown up in Pakistan and do not know their homeland. It is the largest and longest-running refugee problem in the world.
There are currently 1.7 million Afghan refugees registered in Pakistan – more than half of them under 18 – of whom 630,000 live in camps. A further 1 million are estimated to be living in the country unregistered and therefore illegally.
"After 31 December 2012, there is no plan to extend the validity of the POR [proof of registration] cards of Afghan refugees. Those currently registered will lose the status of refugees. They will be treated under the law of the land. The provincial governments have already been asked to treat the existing unregistered refugees as illegal immigrants," said Khan.
Khan declined to spell out what would happen to the refugees after the end of the year but, if the policy sticks, they will all be in the country illegally and liable to be thrown out.
The UN is running a voluntary repatriation programme but it is making slow progress. So far this year, it has been able to entice just 41,000 people to return to Afghanistan, a slight increase on the 35,000 who returned in the first half of 2011. Since 2002, the UN has repatriated 3.7 million Afghans to Afghanistan, but the rate of return stalled in recent years as the war intensified, while it is likely that many of the returnees have slipped back into Pakistan, given that today there are almost as many Afghan refugees in Pakistan as there were in 2002.
Earlier this year, Baroness Amos, the former British cabinet minister who is now the UN humanitarian affairs chief, said she was "appalled" by the conditions for returning refugees, after visiting a camp for them in Kabul. Once they reach Afghanistan, returners are entitled to a one-off $150 (£96) per person from the UN.
Neill Wright, the Pakistan representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that the UN would still recognise registered Afghans in Pakistan as refugees after the end of 2012 under international law, "until a durable solution can be found".
"We hope that the government of Pakistan will continue to recognise them as refugees," said Wright. "Returning them to Afghanistan could destabilise the country further at a time when it is already experiencing instability from the drawdown of international forces."
While some Afghans have prospered in Pakistan, the poverty of the majority is obvious, even in Islamabad. On the outskirts of the city, opposite the huge and gleaming Metro supermarket where it is possible to buy everything from imported salmon to a washing machine, lies a little mud-shack settlement of Afghan refugees, all of them officially registered.
No one in the few dozen houses of Sorang Abadi village can read or write, none of their children goes to school, there is no electricity or water. Yet none wants to return to Afghanistan.
"I haven't stepped across the border in 30 years," said Sher Zaman, 62, originally from the northern Afghan province of Kunduz. "I don't even have a single room to go to in Afghanistan. I'm a poor man. I hope I can stay here and die here."

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KSA & Afghanistan don't have railways, Why Pakistan should : ANP Bilour

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Wednesday, 19 October 2011

We still have clowns in our govt. And Pakistanis were thinking we were developing!! Federal Minister for Railways,Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour,has advised to the govt that Minsitry of Railways does not have enough funds and if govt cannot run railways then Pakistan Railways should be shut down!! Further strengthening his argument Mr Bilour said that Saudi Arabia,Afghanistan and many other countries do no have railways,but those countries are fine.

Can you believe this??We still have fools who compare ourselves with countries which have totally different geographical,economical and demographic backgrounds than Pakistan?? Maybe if you knew how to manage and and run the systems you would have had enough finance to even loan the govt.!! Do not hide your incompetence under the rubble of the excuse that Railways is not provided enough funds!!

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Operation in ANP dominant area, Afghani Terrorists arrested with Sophisticated weapons

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Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Search operation in ANP dominant area (Sohrab Goth) by Rangers, arrested several suspects including Afghani from Al Asif Square at Super Highway.  Sophisticated weapons also recovered from their possession.

VIDEO

http://www.jang.com.pk/jang/sep2011-daily/14-09-2011/updates/9-14-2011_81697_1.gif

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