Pakistan is heading towards another debacle???

Way back in the 60's when I was studying in class X at Rangmahal Mission High School, Lahore, earlier known as the Forman Mission High School, my father used to take me along on his visits to Karmanwala, a small place near Okara, on Sundays. There, we used to spend time with Hazrat Ismail Shah sahib, popularly known as Hazrat Karmanwala. He often said to my father in Punjabi that I will be very 'parhakoo' (learned). I was'nt 'parhakoo' at that time and so did'nt take his comment seriously. Shah sahib was, undoubtedly, a Wali Allah and one could feel it right there in his presence. Monthly 'Shama' Lahore, a very popular magazine of the time, used to publish personal experiences of the visitors to Karmanwala.

Hazrat's prophecy came true as the time passed and I became a passionate reader and writer. From reading to writing had been a long but pleasant journey, opening up the windows of my intellect, intelligence, and intuition. As I understand it, knowledge is 'roshni' that guides one to research, analyse and interpret the phenomena around us. At the same time, it makes you more sensitive, more human and more concerned when the events around you become enigmatic or unbearable and those who could change the course of events are found to be insensitive to the human suffering, national interests and global perspective.

The game that is being played shall have a tragic end unless Almighty Allah steps in and saves our country and its people. As far as the human endeavour is concerned, we are all set for a disaster of unimaginable and unmanageable magnitude.

Today, as I see it, there is a pyramid of power in place. At the top lies the US and the West and at the bottom is the politicians in one corner and the military in the other one. In our country, there has always been mistrust, misunderstanding and misjudgement between the politicians and the military. At the same time, both looked upto the US and the West for guidance and support.


In my humble opinion, the US has one-point agenda in the region i.e. to establish a pro-America government in Afghanistan. All the military might could'nt accomplish this task over the past 8 years. Taliban, warlords and the Northern Alliance rule most part of the country and only a small portion is being ruled by Hamid Karzai government in Kabul. It is my gut feeling that the US believes that the ISI can help establish US-sponsored govt in Kabul, duly supported by Taliban and others. The US also believes that the ISI is not helping its cause; rather the ISI officials, present or past, are helping the Taliban against the US and Nato. The ongoing insurgency is nothing but a ploy to pressurize the government and the military in Pakistan to help the US realize its agenda, I presume.

The physical presence of the US and the Nato forces in the region is hardly palatable for other players such as China, Russia, and Iran. As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is in a fix. It cant possibly go against the wishes of its neighbours and friends. At the same time, Pakistan cannot trust the US because of the past history when the US never came to its help vis-a-vis India. The ongoing courtship between the US and India is a clear indication of where the US interests lie and who has priority over the other. Under such an environment, only fools in Pakistan would opt for the American patronage.

The tilting gesture of the US towards India is a major concern to Pakistan and its people. A stronger India versus a weaker Pakistan means nothing but disaster for Pakistanis and the end of the sovereignty and independence of Pakistan.

Pakistan has all along been a staunch supporter and trust-worthy ally of the US and the West since its inception. In return, Pakistan received mistrust, humilitation and indifference to its interests in most of the US and the Western administrations.

The Obama administration is trying to woo Pakistan's government and military by offering military and non-military aid without understanding the public sentiments in the country. Neither the present political government nor the military is popular with the people at this point of time. President Zardari is hardly trust-worthy; he has proved it several times during the last one year. That is probably the reason why the US is also working on Mian Nawaz Sharif. General Kayani is highly respected for his professional approach and his desire to keep the army away from active participation in the political system. He is trying hard to reinvent the army's public image after the 9-year distasteful rule of Gen Pervez Musharraf. The present government is least backed by other political, religious and sectarian forces in the country. PMLN's changing moods and the PMLQ's white paper are evidence in place. ANP, JUI(F) and MQM are minor partners and vulnerable to changing their loyalties.


Under the present scenario, the Obama admn has no choice but to review its Pak-Afghan strategy side by side the US-India strategy
and take confidence building measures with the people, politicians and the military of Pakistan. The US has got to create a new perception of its relationship with Pakistan. It has to build a strong bond with Pakistan based on mutual respect, trust and fair-play. Words alone will not help; the US will have to prove its intentions by practical measures. That is going to be a long-drawn process and any attempt in haste can alter the scenario altogether to the disadvantage of the US and the West.

I hope extra common sense will prevail upon the Obama admin, Pakistan's politicians, government and the military in the larger interest of the country and its people as well as the region.

Mumtaz A. Piracha
May 10, 2009 2:32 PM