Although Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) leaders claim that it was not a political coalition but on the other side its leaders has clarified that Difa-e-Pakistan Council was not temporary organisation. They also announced complete support for those fighting in ‘Occupied Kashmir’ as well as the Taliban in Afghanistan. Besides dispersing anti US and anti Indian sentiments through their speeches and campaigns at public level, these parties are bluntly threatening the government, media for grave consequences because of their policies and activities.
One speaker ordered “break the legs of any ‘whore’ who went to India to sing and act in films”, while other claimed if “DPC’s ongoing activities weren’t given full coverage he will turn Karachi in to graveyard” according to one assumption DOP is united to gain political momentum but according to other assumption DPC platform is being used to convey establishment thinking to US and India. Difa-e-Pakistan is openly challenging the state institutions and its policy towards anti state elements.
The extremist and Taliban’s ideology had become ban in Pakistan after starting of the operations against militant groups. Unfortunately, today the mindset holding and supporting Taliban’s ideology is out for the defence of Pakistan and the state and concerned authorities remain silent. Difa-e-Pakistan Council is taking full opportunity of the vacuum and free space available for the propagation of its so called agenda in the name of Islam and Sharia and trying to revive old narrative of state.
It will be early to predict whether the government will allow banned leaders to raise their message once again during their scheduled visit to Quetta or halt them like Islamabad rally? In this scenario important questions are being raised by analysts, various sections of media and society.
If establishment is not backing Difa-e-Pakistan Council and political government is not afraid then why both state institutions and concerned wings are inactive and not willing to counter ongoing anti state agenda? Where is counter strategy of state against militants and who is making it? What message we are sending to our neighbours and whole international community which is already blaming us and alleging us of supporting terrorist.
Today, the whole world is looking towards Pakistan as a major game player in the war against terrorism. Instead of allowing parties like the Difa-e-Pakistan Council to propagate anti state agenda , our policy makers should come forward and make a new foundation for peace and stability.
Our foreign policy should be made by the consensus of the military and civilian administration, not dictated by this emotional party that is suggesting the impractical option of isolation. We should preserve our sovereignty but simultaneously also align ourselves with the international community’s stance on the war on terror to counter the criticism levelled against us by the world.
There is a need to review policy and strategy to stabilize country, besides deployment of forces and conducting operations in areas under militant’s control, proper planning and procedures should be designed to abolish and counter anti state mindset and thinking like Difa-e-Pakistan and others.
Our academia and media can play major role to take Pakistan out of danger and save the future of our coming generations and if the policy makers and main institutions will not take positive initiative the current situation will lead the country towards another disaster and isolation for our coming generations.
HUMAIRA KANWAL
Islamabad