INTERVIEW: Mushahid Hussain Syed
Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its history
The Yemen issue cooked up quite a storm, especially in parliament. Whether or not Nawaz expected one thing and got another at the joint session remains to be proved. But the debate did make for a rare convergence of political opinion. And one of the most passionate speeches came from Mushahid Hussain. He reminded the prime minister – much like he used to when he was information minister – of the hazards of taking the Saudi call. Nawaz, in turn, not only appreciated the good advice, but also reminisced over the good old days when such counsel was on the same side.
But, not very strangely, the polite ‘no’ did not suffice to convince or calm our Gulf friends. Once again the prime minister flew to Riyadh, taking the army chief along. All this, of course, as NA-246 went down, the Chinese largesse was just announced, and political temperature was high enough at home to worry about other places and wars.
What, then, is really happening? Are things as we are told or is there more than meets the eye? And what direction is Pakistan really taking. Considering Mushahid’s command over just such matters, DNA talked to him to make sense of the situation.
Q: Did parliament really settle the Yemen matter? What are Nawaz and the army chief doing in Saudi now, especially meeting Hadi? Also, considering that Saudi demands have not changed, did the two Sharifs go all the way just to tell them what they have already told them, or is something cooking behind the scenes?
Mushahid Hussain Syed: I think parliament has really risen to the occasion over the Yemen issue. Politicians have delivered the goods according to the people’s will. The unanimous resolution by the joint session of parliament was important because it helped project public view over a national issue despite the fact that the maximalist demands of traditional friendly countries have not been met. It is also heartening to note that the civilian and military leadership remained on the same page over Yemen crisis.
In my view, our situation demands that we stay away — what parliament has already advised. Moreover, our army is overstretched as almost 40 percent of our soldiers are already involved in operation Zarb-e-Azb, while troops are also deployed on the eastern border with India. The rest are involved in intelligence-based operations across the country against terrorists.
It’s a good omen that “Khaki Sharif and Mufti Sharif” have gone to Saudi Arabia to explain Pakistan’s stance. It is also good that the government is speaking with one voice to a friendly country. This visit would go a long way in meeting concerns of our Saudi brothers.
It’s a good omen that “Khaki Sharif and Mufti Sharif” have gone to Saudi Arabia to explain Pakistan’s stance. It is also good that the government is speaking with one voice to a friendly country
As far as the meeting with President Hadi is concerned, I think it is in line with the United Nations resolution over Yemen. We are moving in line with the unanimous resolution passed by our houses of parliament while we are also cognizant of the obligations of the UN resolution on Yemen as a good member of the world body.
Q: PTI must be a little stung by the Karachi by-election. Yet despite its victory MQM’s troubles remain. How do you see Karachi’s politics playing out till the next general election? And what shadow would it cast on the centre?
MHS: As far as the Karachi by-election is concerned, I think media hype created a rosy picture about the prospects of an upset in NA-246. During my discussions with the PTI members, I had understood that the party’s leaders knew deep down about the factual position on ground. They were actually preparing for tomorrow while creating the media hype on Karachi by-poll as they have appeared as strong stakeholders in Karachi, after MQM. They are also stakeholders from Karachi to Peshawar and from Punjab to Muzaffarabad.
On the other hand, MQM has shown that despite legal and other problems, it remains a potent political force in Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh. The most important development was that despite a war of words between PTI and MQM, it was a peaceful election — a very good omen for the future of Karachi.
Q: Considering your expertise on China, what do you make of the controversy over the route of the Corridor? Is Nawaz Sharif really thinking of fiddling with blueprint to play politics like the motorway? And what of Nawaz’s habit of keeping secrets (since you have worked so closely with him)?
MHS: Since the CPEC is a joint project of China and Pakistan, it needs to be a transparent matter for all. Even the controversy over the route shows that the Chinese investment is a hot piece of cake and every province and each party wants its own share. We must be clear that CPEC is not a land route from Kashgar to Gwadar. Rather it is a concept of socio-economic development meant for changing the destiny of the people of Pakistan.
The Chinese leadership has given a serious vote of confidence to Pakistan’s future. CPEC projects are spread over 15 years, which means a long investment in three phases. Moreover, these projects are not restricted to one province or a specific area but are spread over the whole of Pakistan — meaning a win-win situation for all stakeholders in the country. During the APC hosted by PPP co-chairman Asif Zardari, we decided to hold special briefing for the political leadership over the CPEC so no one could mislead the nation over the issue.
Moreover, President Xi Jinping in his speech delivered in parliament on April 21 made it clear that CPEC is an inclusive plan and it would cover all provinces and parts of Pakistan.
Q: Do you think the Modi government will come to its senses somewhat and take the finger off the pressure button now that Pakistan is gaining internationally – better placed vis-à-vis Afghanistan, US, China, etc?
MHS: Modi’s government is already getting a reality check internally. Let’s just compare two recent visits to the region — President Barrack Obama’s visit to New Delhi and President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad. In real terms what has Modi got from the US president other than mere promises and announcements? Nothing in concrete.
MQM has shown that despite legal and other problems, it remains a potent political force in Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh. The most important development was that despite a war of words between PTI and MQM, it was a peaceful election — a very good omen for the future of Karachi
Conversely, Pakistan is fortunate that Asia’s biggest and the world’s second largest economy has developed strategic stakes in strategy, stability and economic viability of Pakistan. Mr Modi should realise that the 21st century is the age of inclusive politics and regional cooperation rather than confrontation and divisive politics.
Q: How long – if at all – before Zarb-e-Azb turns from the bombs and bullets in the tribal area to more intel-intensive and targeted operations in urban centres, especially peripheral Punjab, which houses sectarian outfits with known links to powerful political parties?
MHS: As the military leadership keeps reminding us that operation Zarb-e-Azb is aimed at removing the menace of terrorism from the soil of Pakistan, the operation can’t be confined to one part or a region of the country. So this operation has to be broad-based, nationwide and across the board.
This also reflects the determination of Pakistan to take terrorism head-on. So there would be no good or bad terrorists or any no-go area for counterterrorism forces.
Q: What direction do you think is Pakistan taking?
MHS: I feel Pakistan is at a critical juncture of its history. China has already given a vote of confidence to the future of Pakistan. The US also wants stability here because it needs Pakistan’s help to stabilise Afghanistan. India is too busy with its internal issues with a new government that is still finding it hard to find its feet.
Within Pakistan, Zarb-e-Azb is proceeding well. The military and government are on the same page while political polarisation has decreased after the formation of the judicial commission. So this is a historic opportunity for us not to repeat our past mistakes but grasp historic opportunities coming our way.
If we take the right decisions, we can change the destiny of our nation by taking it to better future. Today, we are in a strong position in the regional perspective as opportunities are coming our way.
The best solution would be for all the political forces to agree on the core issues of extremism, terrorism, economy, energy and education. We must agree on a national charter for five to ten years and not play politics with these issues. This issue will be the biggest test of our political leadership. Whether or not we can come together will, of course, decide our fate. And we have just proved, over Yemen, that we, as a nation, came rise to the occasion when needed.
