Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act under which Rangers has been given the authority to detain suspects and terrorists. Moreover, target killing, kidnapping for ransom and extortion have also been included in the act. The step is worth appreciating. In many areas of Balochistan and Karachi, the security forces have discovered Indian weapons being used by terrorists and target killers.
India is also violating the Line of Control (LoC) continually while blaming Pakistan for the violations. Pakistan army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has denied strongly Indian claims that ISI was supporting terrorist organisations. India should avail the opportunity offered by Pakistan of an investigation into the incident. The Indian media is also busy in spreading propaganda against Pakistan. India wants Pakistan to ban many welfare organisations in Pakistan that are working for the welfare of not only Pakistan but also the world at large, but it is not willing to ban Shiv Sena which is actually a terrorist organisation.
The world must also recognise the so-called peace strategies of India. The Indus Water Treaty is a water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan, negotiated by the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). The treaty was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960, by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Mohammad Ayub Khan. India is violating the treaty and making dams on Pakistani rivers. It can cause droughts in Pakistan. Another subject that should be brought into light and must be taken seriously is that India doesn’t intimate Pakistani government before releasing waters in the rivers causing floods.
Pakistan is a peaceful country and wants to solve problems through talks but India is making lame excuses, which should end right now if we want to see any progress in the region.
M ATHER
Bahawalpur
