The war in Afghanistan has reached a decisive stage. Few contradictions exist in this scenario when we review the ground reality within the region. Let’s go further and analyse the facts here. First, the US policy in the region has been deliberately tailored to ensure an unstable Afghanistan and its bordering countries in order to meet their strategic intent. Secondly, internal terrorism is on the rise in Pakistan with immense pressure on our state and our government to act swiftly. A delicate stage as both our military and civilian regime needs to ensure that they are on the same page, along with the law enforcement agencies and our security and defense apparatus.
Externally, the fact again indicates, that a lack of action on our part to control our internal weaknesses, is leading the outside devils to take advantage. Case in point – USA. Their policy is aggressive. Our army has shown a true example of restraint and political diplomacy, yet our political leadership is losing trust amongst the masses and lawlessness is on the rise under their noses. Very few criminals are caught and the rate of convictions even amongst those is low. This raises questions on the government as well as the judiciary.
In Pakistan, the system is monopolistic and corrupt. The judiciary has proof and can use the constitution to save the country against external and internal evils. The state has not failed but the system must be saved.
On a positive note, Pakistan has taken some recent bold steps and, to an extent, the credit must go to the current establishment. The decision not to go begging to the IMF, along with the decision not to support covert operations in North Waziristan, the re-establishment of ties between Iran and then Russia, the Pak-Turkey agreement to establish business and trade ties, the China factor and the anti-terrorism drive all across the country. Yet other issues affect us which includes lack of consensus by various party leaders on vital country issues like corruption, law and order, nepotism and lack of justice.
For Pakistan, nothing has changed. Back in 47, some elements betrayed the nation after the Quaid s death and we ended up losing the war of Dhaka, lost our credibility in the Muslim world and then, in the 80s, fell for the biggest IMF trap of being in a vicious debt cycle. Can we continue like this? Not a chance. We have been bitten one too many times and it should be an eye opener.
We are not America’s playground and we should now engage as one nation and act as one state. If America wins or loses a war, it should not be important to us. We should clearly do what is in our best interest. Going back to the 90s, similar US pressure over Pakistan was created with regards to our nuclear policy. We sustained ourselves at the time due to our predominately mature intelligence measures as well a calculated response by the then Bhutto government. This time, we are surrounded by heavy floods, risking our livelihood, our lands, our income and precious agricultural resources along with dealing with health epidemics and viruses all around the country. The enemy always hits us when we are at our weakest.
The Corps Commanders have taken a measured stance and so has the government. The All Parties’ Conference to be held soon is a positive measure. War is not an option for us at this time as we simply are fighting on too many fronts already. We must unite to stabilise and reaffirm commitment to peaceful negotiations.
Our political leadership must evolve a consensus for the sake of national interest. They must then have a firm mandate and join heads together and do a gap analysis or a swot over the country’s defence and economic strategy. The Parliament must also note that we must continue to keep diplomatic means open to discussion so that America is persuaded to resist its temptation for another war and the red lines created are not breached.
The recent outburst by America is not simply a cry under pressure because they might be losing the war, but is a calculated tactic to put pressure on Pakistan and its armed forces and weaken the resolve of the country. NATO forces have been secretly creating a war zone against our country from across the border and the recent Haqqani network controversy is a plot to escalate tensions.
Coming back to basics – we, the people of Pakistan, must raise our voice against the innocent killings of our citizens. We must understand there is grave danger within our country and we must expose the culprits from within. As the UN general assembly session continues, there is a rising rage for order. We must learn the Art of War – and act wisely.
The writer is a banker and a radio broadcaster.
Look forward to all your views and insights 🙂 ZS
A very neutral view on Pakistan. The article talks about both the current problems Pakistan is facing as a muslim nation and suggestions about how to deal with such problems. People make the government and when both have the same goal only then a country can get its problems taken care of.
A very well written and well covered article. Keep writing, spread knowledge. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your very logical feedback and review.
Insightful as long as people are clear on the grey areas and seek to find a viable solution to peace.
Article is precise, well and positively written and must read piece. Very informative for those who wants to know what is going on with Pak-US relationship. shaw
thanks for your update and feedback .
there are a lot of trators in Pakistan I donot like Rehman Malick he ashould have resigned long time ago this situation is brought on Pakistan by the greedy generals like Zia who murdered Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and got involved Pakistan in Afghanistan's Mess and now Pakistancant get out of it thanx to Musharraf greedy Jageerdars are also a Problem
There are lot of wolves amongst the sheep. This article aims to seek them out and expose them to an extent. Thanks for your comments and hope to hear more from your side .
Your articles always make a lovely reading. Powerful,effective and meaningful.
Thank you – your valuable feedback will always be appreciated.
The article by Mr. Zeeshan shah is an in-depth analysis of the war and how it is not the answer to the problems we face in Pakistan. He skillfully points out that the war of Afghanistan is not to be based on the U.S policy or terrorism that prevails in our country. He stresses that our strength lies in having a good leadership, which is essential for having a good government.
Even though we have failed in many aspects, he highlights the positive points where Pakistan has maintained some of its integrity by not begging the IMF and not supporting secret operations in North Waziristan and re-establishment of ties between neighbouring countries.
He also highlights the past mistakes of the country and how we should not continue making such mistakes in future. He commends the good points of not growing into U.S dictates in 90's as well as the nuclear policy.
He stresses that good political leadership must have unity if we are to remain as a strong nation to survive.
This calls for good diplomatic relations and open mindedness which will give a clear picture to America about what we stand for, that we will not give into being pressurized and that our country is not a battlefield for U.S war games.
Hence, we must learn the art of war with being wise and sensible and shielding our nation from unnecessary trouble.
florence – a fantastic review . Very skillfully narrated.
Highly impressive – do keep up the good work !
Appreciated .
Best regards , Zee
thanks 🙂
Conspiracy theorists will never cease to exist. The scribe seems to have disregarded the fact that it was an unstable Afghanistan that gave this world the headaches called “Al Qaeda and Taliban”. Are we still not dealing with it? To suggest that the United States would like to keep Afghanistan and its bordering countries unstable is nothing less than ridiculous. This world and the United States have suffered enough from the instability of the region. Our desire is to leave a vibrant and stable Afghanistan, where the law rules supreme. We have been training the Afghan security forces to take command as we exit the country. Pakistan will need to play an important role in this regard, and that is the reason we have been working with Pakistan in eliminating terrorist safe havens in their areas. Don’t you agree that eliminating the terrorists will help make Pakistan more stable? The real art of war is to know when to attack and when to wind down… It is time to end this war by eliminating the terrorists who have been enemies of peace and change in the world.
Maj David Nevers
DET- United States Central Command http://www.centcom.mil/ur
I agree that the mutual goal between the two countries is a stable region. The Best will be seen ahead in time . Thanks for your comments and for your viewpoint .
Totally agree with the author
Thank you – these are hard hitting times where we have to come to terms with whats out there for real – and preserve our nations !
I CANT HELP I WAS BORN INTO this place called Earth. What I can do is Protect the innocent from Greedy Bullie headed Mammals Across the world that think its okay to slave People to use people to lie 2 people rape and kill at leisure Tell them how to walk talk and how to live. I call ever true leader rise for love and Justice Everywhere. Those that impose inhuman acts shall Perish for its the wrath of the Unseen. The Wages of sin is Death. You kill Youll be killed You Save and Youll be Saved. Eternity is Forever. Let me ask you this would you rather die being a Heroe or die being a Criminal… Me I Pick Humanity. If I had an Army that felt the same as me! ld look out Corruption no matter where you Reside or hide. I know in my Heart that The majority of any Country Picks Peace Not War So With that I Say Corruption Beware For the Hand of Love and Disapline is at Time. Why Because People want Peace Not Curruption Everywhere! If you Dont Agree You are Part of the Problem Repent .
I believe the net conclusion here is that we have to help ourselves and not let others help us. I do not live in Pakistan and therefore have a wider overall perspective on this. Your article is very articulate and raises some important issues that definitely need to be addressed and dealt with. The question is whether democracy is a good thing at this point. Perhaps if education was made top priority and people of the nation understood the seriousness of the nature of the issues, better decisions could be taken at the top level. We certainly don't want war because that is not the solution here, but then if the problems have been so intelligently recognized, how can they be solved. Who will take those steps in a land where corruption prevails at all levels. Isn't it time to clean out the system. Is it even possible?
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