The Role of Pakistan and India in Regional and Global Peace

No one can deny the role of these two countries in Peace, be it regional or global. It will be just an academic discussion why the role of these two countries is important. Though the religious radical parties were there before the great divide of the  sub-continent India.  In Pakistan they found the staff to implement their dreams and make it a reality.

Though all the rulers of Pakistan needed their help to strengthen their rule, but the game was at play in the background; waiting for an opportunity to come out openly and work with close collaboration with the establishment. Gen Zia and Musharraf provided them the opportunity, proving the prophetic words of Maulana Azad to Maulana Maududi. It is no secret as it was said by an American writer when he was interviewed by one of our anchors that Al-Qaeda was created in university town, Peshawar. Initially US insisted for a Saudi prince, but later they agreed to Osama Bin Laden as his family was very close to Saud house.

There are always factors, important to stimulate the growth of radicalisation or any other phenomenon. It needs a society where free expression of ideas is not allowed and retardation of human evolution. While the rulers are using religion as a sand bag and allow the clergy free to preach hatred. It is not only applicable to religion but could be in any form of dictatorship like communist states.

Secondly, in such societies certain people and dogmas are held up above criticism, wrapped in divine shroud or different interpretation are considered unacceptable like Ideology of Pakistan. Probably some of our liberal thinkers in the west might include me in the group; who blames west even for traffic jams but certain facts have to be admitted based on historical facts.  In Pakistan, US ally is the armed forces. In Middle East to counter Jamal Abdul Nasir the US and the UK propped up King Faisal. Due to short sighted policies of the West and USSR their own weapon backfired on them, resulting in anarchy and radicalisation. The world order has never been so unstable as it is now.  No-one is safe, be it Western established democracies or autocratic regimes. One could never imagine the strikes in the heart of Paris, Brussels, London, Spain or the parliament of India in the era of cold war. It looks as if, with the fall of Berlin Wall and the disintegration of USSR the whole world order has dashed down.

In my simplistic approach to the intricate problem of restoring peace is the philosophy of “stake”. Pakistan must realize its own interest. The armed forces of Pakistan have an established major role in the country’s political life.  (If conspiracies can be called Politics). No doubt that Pakistan armed forces have the night to deal with this menace, but have they the moral courage to confront the parties right to the center parties and sectarian organizations? We can keep on cheating ourselves, but the fact is that the government has totally lost the writ on the country. One cannot be oblivious to the recent developments in the country that have occurred in a regular fashion.

The reluctance of federal and Punjab government and the use of police, civilian agencies to counter military operation, the open demonstration of alliance with the hard core radicals of the sectarian mainstream parties and establishment of parallel religious court in Lahore, leading of funeral prayers of a radical madman by JI leader, Mr Serajul Haq and invasion of IslamAbad have put the capability and integrity of all pillars of the government in a doubt. It gives an impression, that there is no authority in the country to check these murderers, has shaken public confidence. JI and JUI are the Mother organizations of the violence in and outside the country

It is a free for all, the voice of sanity has been silenced. No one is sure where, when the shadows of death will strike. Everyone is surprised about the accuracy of their intelligence, precision of the strike and the security of their supply lines.  Their kakools or sleeper cells are safe where strategists are making strategies and financier are looking after the supply. Once radicalized sent for training to hinterland uninterruptedly. They have no logistical problems. They are nowhere but everywhere. They come out with a blind faith and divine idea that killing themselves is to find an eternal life in the heavens, guaranteed by the Mullah.

Pakistan should look at the problem from its own perspective, whether it is in the interest of the country or not? Is it justifiable to look after the “stake factor” in this situation. They have not only hidden facilitators and financiers, but now the breaches in the national resolve are so obvious that they have come in open, if we go through press reports like the statement of Maulana Sami Ul Haq reaffirming his support for Taliban and a school of thought who believes; attacking them in their hideouts will create direct confrontation in Punjab; as Mr. Rana has put it in its article in the Dawn.  This is a terrifying situation for the public and establishment should not be in any misconception that the nation and all political and religious parties are on its back.

India and USSR should also realize that the philosophy of Stake”” is basically flawed and sick notion. Fire does not care for boundaries, the priority is only and only peace. Unless we deal with it jointly and squeeze dry their supply; only then they will succumb.

The Gulf States and particularly KSA should be told by Americans without chewing words that they must stop. Gen. Raheel can also tell them point blank that our technical assistance and military support is not at the expense of the disintegration of the Pakistan and destabilizing Afghanistan; because to  stop the spell over is not possible. Unless the armed forces show their teeth and allay the fear of the public to counter this mad- mad game by logic and strength of character and to strengthen the national resolve nothing can be achieved or at very high price by the army. The foreign relations are always based on mutual interest and it can never be one way traffic. Afghanistan should not be expected to do more as it is a totally destroyed country with no institution or army; strong enough to deter enemy within and outside. If it is holding due to its intrinsic strength as a WATAN. Primarily it is the responsibility of Pakistan, India and then comes China, USA, USSR and K.S.A.

By Prof.(Dr) Khurshid Alam