The Indus people of Pakistan and the Himalayan water

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Pakistan is at the vortex of three towering and magnificent mountain ranges-- the Grand Himalayas, the majestic Karakorum and the ruthless and bloody Hidukush. This confluence of the highest mountains in the world "creates space for shared economic development and security and stability in the adjacent regions."

"Dams being built in the Himalayan region can produce energy, sustain agriculture, conserve water, promote fisheries, and sustain communities": Ambassador Masood Khan speaking at a seminar titled "Stability and Development of Himalayan Areas" at Southwestern University of Political Science and Law.

The Indus brings water, and silt which is instrumental in crop growth. The Glaciers also bring floods and misery to the people.  The Indus joins Pakistan and China in friendship and divides Pakistan ad Bharat in perpetual Hydro Wars.

The Himalyas have been the fountainhead, and the lifeblood of the people of the Indus. World experts  gather together periodically to discover the potential and unmask the mysteries. "Ms. Sujata Koirala, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Zhang Guolin Secretary General of CPC, Southwest University of Political Science and Law and Professor Li Xiguang, Director Chinese Academy of World Agendas were also present."

• Ambassador Masood Khan said that we can use the abundant resources of Himalayas to reduce poverty, adding it is also our collective responsibility to preserve the biodiversity, ethnic richness, and cultural heritage of the Himalayas.


• Pakistan has welcomed China's investment in hydropower sector, Khan said adding "with the support of Chinese Government's concessional credit lines as well as credit insurance, we have been able to attract top Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan's hydel sector".


• The major Chinese companies, which include CWE, Gezhouba, DEC have been working on small and large projects. Our collaboration on Kohala and Neelam-Jhelum projects has been successful. Now, we are looking at even bigger projects like Bunji, Diamar-Bhasha, and Dasu, said Ambassador Khan.


• He said that the "Abode of Snow", as the Himalayas are literally called, are the most glaciated region outside the North and South Poles. The glaciers and waters of the Himalayas are a source of life, livelihoods, and sustenance in our region. Hydro World.

The Himalayas present mountains of opportunities to overcome the loads of issues that are presented to the South Asians. The Himalayas have been the life line for the people of the Indus for thousands of years. Pakistanis five thousand years ago were drinking the water from the Himalayas, using the glacier water for trade, and harnessing the energy in terms of small "pan chakkis" or water dams. Bharat at the peak of the Indus valley was jungle and and Ganges Valley did not have a civilization. That came later--centuries later.

• "At least 1.3 billion people are directly and half of humanity is indirectly dependent on them. Such is the importance of the Himalayas


• which is the backbone of multiple adjoining regions," Ambassador Khan observed.


• He pointed out that 14 of the highest peaks in the world are located


• in these diverse mountain ranges spreading from the Karakorum all the way to the Tibetan Plateau. They inspire people and lift their spirits. For many the Himalayas have sacred and religious value.


• The Himalayas, he said are truly a global heritage, as they have been over the centuries overseeing the interchange of civilizations from the Indus Valley to the Tibetan Plateau to the Brahmaputra Basin.


• "The Himalayas Mountains do not divide but unite South Asia, China and South East Asia. The 2,400-km long arc of the Himalayas thus constitutes a "trans-border", not a border".


• The Indus and Sutlej rivers, for instance, originate from the Himalayas, but run through the lands of Pakistan. Similarly, the Mahakali, the Ganges, and the Brahmaputra start from the Himalayas, pass through South Asian lands and flow into the oceans and seas.


• The Himalayas join at least six countries "Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan" and many regions as common eco-systems with shared geography and topography, he added.


• It is therefore our collective responsibility to preserve biodiversity, ethnic richness, and cultural heritage of the Himalayas, he said, adding we can use the abundant resources of the Himalayas to reduce poverty. Hydro World.

Kashmir Life reports that "Pakistan had earlier raised objections over the 240 MW Uri-II project being constructed on Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir and the 44 MW Chutak plant being built on Suru, a tributary of Indus River in Kargil district. This was, perhaps for the first time that Pakistan has accepted the designs of power projects at the level of Permanent Indus Commission. Earlier, it took a ministerial meeting to make Pakistan agree to Salal Power Project.".

Through subterfuge and lies, Bharat has been able to get control of water that flows down through Kashmir. While Bharat's Aqua wars continue unabated, Pakistan has to deal with the new realities. Internal consensus and an army of engineers is needed to overcome some of the impediments faced by the nation.

It can also become the most visible and the massive project for environmental protection. We must work together to reduce the impact of climate change on this precious network of ecosystems, Khan noted.

• Recently, Ambassador Khan said, Premier Wen Jiabao paid a successful visit to Pakistan.


• During the visit, the two sides affirmed that Pakistan-China relations have gone beyond bilateral dimensions and acquired broader regional and international ramifications.


• We also said that friendship between Pakistan and China serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and the peoples, and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond.


• Pakistan and China would explore the feasibility of establishing joint programmes on environmental studies, in particular research and exchange of information on shared ecosystems.


• "We have decided to set up an Energy Cooperation Mechanism to push forward cooperation in conventional, renewable, and civil nuclear energy" he observed.


• South Asia and China are water stressed regions. It is important for us to develop a regional approach on waters, glacier melting, water conservation and watershed management.


• We also need to use the Himalayas and the related mountain chains for enhancing connectivity through more road and rail links.


• "If centuries ago, Fa Xian and Xuan Zang could cross mountains, we can do so much more easily by using modern technology for the good of humanity" Khan stressed. Hydro World.

Hydro world reports that the water resources are a rich means of hydroelectric energy and described the launching of Institute of Himalyas Studies in Chongqing city.

• He expressed the confidence that the Institute of the Himalayas will help us realize this dream by means of precise and well targeted research and deeper understanding of the Himalayan region.


• "I am sure the Institute, under the guidance of its leadership and in the supportive environment of Chongqing, will conduct very valuable studies on Himalayan glaciers, judicious use of water resources, climate change, and flora and fauna. But, most importantly, the Institute can emerge as a vehicle for dialogue on the Himalayas to promote stability, security and stability in the region" he said.


• China, he said is an active observer of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The Himalayas can become a catalyst for even closer relations between the two regions. Hydro World.

The Indus Water Treaty is a colossal bone of contention between the two South Asian giants. Prime Minister Syed Jammat has finally fired Ali Shah. He had been  Indus Water Treaty Commissioner for more than a decade. According to news reports he was unceremoniously removed  by Islamabad last week.

Kashmir Life reports that "The development came at a juncture when Pakistan had moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the 330 MW Kishanganga project coming up in Bandipora district in scenic Gurez Valley. Pakistan’s objections are that diversion of waters from Kishanganga rivulet (also called Neelam) would leave almost a 100 km stretch of Neelam Valley across the LoC barren. Pakistani sources say, he was replaced because of “his persistent differences with Assistant Advisor to Prime Minister on Water, Kamal Majidullah on some sensitive issues.".

Commissioner Shah had been the target of intense criticism and was much despised by nationalists who claimed that mr. Shah had not properly represented Pakistan's case in front of the Bharatis. Commissioner Shah was replaced by Sheraz Memon, an official of Sindh Irrigation Department.

The Himalayan Indus still offers opportunity to the people of South Asia. It is up to the people of South Asia who need to harness it for the collective good of the people of the region.

Sources: The Tsinghua International Center for Communication Studies, the Chinese Academy of World Agendas, and Southwest University of Political Science and Law on the inauguration of the Institute of the Himalayas Studies Published by HT Syndication with permission from Right Vision News. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com. Pakistan: Himalyas water resources rich of hydroelectric power generation: Pak envoy. Right Vision News, December 30, 2010

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Senator Obama missed the boat on shwoing vision for US Pakistan relationship

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻 | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース | Notizie di Rupia | PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Bookmark and Share Add to Technorati RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 9th, 2008 | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ |


Can Obama use his diverse background to build a better world? Barack Obama wants us to execute "Change we believe in". However he is regurgitating the Neocon agenda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Carpet bombing Afghanistani civilians with Daisy Cutters did not eliminate the opposition to occupation, it fueled the resistance. The Obama rhetoric on Osama Bin Laden and against Pakistan displays a lack of understanding of the region. His Vice President knows Pakistan well and needs to be applauded for his visionary strategy of tripling the aid to Pakistan. Obama is whisper away from sanity. Even though he has the best advice in America, he keeps on spouting Neocon claptrap. Is Bush stealing Obama’s war on Pakistan?

America’s Secret war in Pakistan-MSNBC uncovers Marines with long beards and without uniforms

Obama’s Afghan Iraq mirror images policies contradict each other. Barack Obama wants to bring about "change that we believe in". However he is spouting rhetoric against reminiscent of George W. Bush's false accusations against Iraq. A cacophony of Republicans voices say the same thing. Obama's harranague on this subject simply mimics the "W" war mongering. Threats: Obama’s Kabul indoctrination: Venom against Pakistan.

War drums in the Gulf, Hindu Kush & the Khyber Pass. Today Barack Obama is crying at the tone and the decibel level of the rhetoric against him. However he is using the same type of rhetoric against the Pakistani--portraying them as bad, duplicitous and evil--charges that he himself faces. If Barack Obama had any vision, he needs to show it, not only about bipartisanship on Capital Hill. If Barack Obama is the statesmen and wants to talk with all those that disagree with America, then he cannot stop at the Hindu Kush. Barack Obama needs to learn from history and not repeat the Mossadagh episode that turned all Iranians against the Stars and Strips.

McCain,Obama Afghan bluster on Pakistan overtaken by events. The US, Taliban and the Karzai government are talking in Saudi Arabia facilitated by Nawaz Shairf, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. These antagonists are trying to sovle the problems facing Afghanistan and come up with a government of national unity to replace the Norhtern Alliance dominated non-Pakhtun government in Kabul. Karzai the biggest drug baron in Afghanistan

* Seven Years in Afghanistan by Gary Leupp
* The War Spreads to Pakistan by Gary Leupp
* UK Brig. Smith: “We’re not going to win this [Afghan] war”
* People hate Karzai support Taliban: Afghan Senator Ahmadzai

Its over before the lady sings! Impact of Obama on GWOT. One of the consequences of the the aerial drone bombing in Pakistan and the intrusion into Pakistani territory is the growing Anti-Americanism in Pakistan. Iran is already Anti-American already and has been for several decades. Pakistanis have traditional been Pro-American. The elite and the urban areas are still Pro-American. The villages have been ambiguous or pro-American. Now at least two provinces are solidly Anti-American and even the elite has been pushed into positions that cannot be considered good for America. By humiliating the Pakistan Army, constantly bombing the territory and violating the airspace of Pakistan, huge sections of Pakistani society now share the Iranian point of view. If this drone bombing continues, the fire of Anti-Americanism now solidly encompasses the land between the Euphrates to the Indus. This is not good either for America or for Pakistan. Certainly it is not good for the world.

A Shift Toward the Center (of Fascism)? Obama's bluster has emboldened the current US machinery (which he opposes), to bomb Pakistan and send in the marines, some of them out-of-uniform. Is it McCain Guiliani, Lieberman vs Obama, Lugar & Biden? Barack Obama and John McCain have to stop demonizing the Pakistanis who have been allies of the USA for the past six decades--otherwise they are no better than the Neocons who own the media and regurgitate nonsensical Islamphobia on a routine basis. Bush & Obama both war mongers. Barack wants a different war?

Obama visited Pakistan: Didn’t learn anything! 30,000 FATA residents who fought with the CIA to defeat Russia are now dead. 300,000 of the same Pakhtuns who sacrificed 2 million for the sake of the Stars and Stripes are refugees in their own country. What is compelling them to shoot at the choppers that only a few years ago were considered birds of mercy during the earthquake. Risk of another war: How many more American Crusades?

Obama threats kills Pakistani stock market. Billions lost. Foreign capital leaves in respone to Obama claptrap. All this does not auger well for America and its policy in West Asia. Obama blows hot and cold on Pakistan again!

Pakistan-Iran ties: Shifting sands, tectonic shift or Anti-US axis? Pakistan and Iran are working on the Iran-Pakistan pipeline without India. Iran is also providing Pakistan with 1000 MW of electricity. Iran is also going to help Pakistan build power plants. Small steps that may grow into lasting relationship.

Pakistanis to USA: We want “Friends Not Masters”. Pakistan is moving towards Iran, and if this relationship is consecrated as an alliance, the US access to Central Asia will be blocked for generations.

as de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻 | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース | Notizie di Rupia | PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape Bookmark and Share Add to Technorati RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 9th, 2008 | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ |

How to build a relationship with the Pakistanis

پاکستاان لیجر | PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا |Sept. 23rd, 08 | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی |



Former President Pervez Musharraf once described it as a delicate art of "tightrope walking"; the problem for Zardari is that the rope is fraying and the winds are growing fierce. According to a June poll conducted by the International Republican Institute, 71% of Pakistanis oppose Pakistan's cooperation with the U.S. against Islamist militants. For critics of the policy, it has always been "an American war" forced on an unwilling country, and they blame it for bringing the Afghan conflict over the border and encouraging a wave of terrorism in Pakistan's major cities. Time Magazine September 23rd, 2008

Terror has raised its ugly head in Pakistan again. There are two kinds of thinking on this matter, "The blame Pakistan first crowd", and "Blame everything on America crowd". It is pedantic to execute an exegetical examination of of the terror data in order to try to list, define, and describe the roots of the origins of terror in Pakistan--then and now. Pakistan has faced terror in two time periods, during the 80s and in the post 911 era.

The Marriott devastation has traumatised Islamabad as never before, despite having seen violence and terrorism with regularity over the last few years – especially since last year. Perhaps it was the widespread damage far beyond the Marriott, which in itself was as tragic as it was horrific, or perhaps it was the live television coverage that took the horror to everyone’s home. Anger, rage, condemnation, fear and helplessness are certainly some of the emotions that have been brought to the fore.Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 2008. The writer is a defence analyst. Email: callstr@hotmail.com

a) Terror against Pakistan in the 80s: The worst incidents of terror were during the 80s during the US sponsored war against the USSR that was carried on in Afghanistan. General (Retd) Hamid Gul lists many incidents of terror that were directly tied to RAW, KGB and Khad. The attacks on Pakistan were never carried out is a simple manner. There was much thought put into the location of the bombs so as to cause maximum harm in terms of blood and gore but also in terms of psychological and long term damage. The attacks carried on Pakistan were placed in Sunni and Shia places of worship. This had the dual affect of exacting blood, but also was an attempt to create religious strife among Pakistanis. Another RAW tactic was to create ethnic strife among the citizens of Pakistan. By using terror against one ethnic group, the Indians want to create racial divisions in Pakistan. This has worked for for them in many areas of the world. This is a favorite of the Indian terror tactics which they have perfected in Sri Lanka, Tibet, Sikkim, Bhutan and Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"I think it is essential for Pakistan to be a willing partner in any strategy we have to deal with the threat coming out of the western part of Pakistan and the eastern part of Afghanistan," September 23rd, 2008: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at hearing of Senate Armed Services Committee.

b) Post 911 terror: After the Afghan war was over, there was a lull in the terror attacks. Listening to the purile cowering of Mr. Karzai, one wonders about his maturity level.His own record on managing his fiefdom is execrable The current spate of attacks against Pakistan became more severe when the tide of the Afghan war began turning against the occupation forces who went there to liberate the country. There is now an exponential increase in terror in Pakistan after the completion of and operation of the 4 Indian Consulates and 13 "Information Centers" in Afghanistan.

If we can officially create space between the US and ourselves, and there can be no covert assent to US access in Pakistan as was the case with the previous government – something that was consistently criticised in these columns – at least the nation will rally around the state and allow it to make an effective beginning to a long term strategy to deal with extremism and violence. Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 2008

Shireen Mazari is right when she says that terrorism in Pakistan has many different origins. It is pedagogical to note that most of the terror against Pakistan started after 911. She has criticized the PPPPs pusillanimous response to threats from across the border. We have expanded Dr. Mazari's list to six broad categories of the origins of terror in Pakistan.

1) Al-Qaeda: This ephemeral group is the "catch all" for all activities that are carried on against the US and its proxies. This group has its origins outside Pakistan and is funded outside Pakistan. According to the CIA reports it attacks US targets. Many do not believe that the group exists as a cohesive unit and some conspiracy theorists believe that the groups persona has been manufactured and embellished to malign and discredit institutions and countries.

..a strategy has to first recognise that terrorism in Pakistan has a number of differing origins: there is the most violent one that is rooted in distorted religious extremism and is linked to Al Qaeda and seeks indiscriminate destruction for impact. This is not about winning hearts and minds so much as creating fear in hearts and minds. Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 200



2) Balauch "Sub-Nationalists": This group of Pakistani malcontents had their hay day during the Cold War when it was funded, aided and abetted by the masters in the Soviet Union and India. It has its origins outside Pakistan and is funded outside Pakistan. Recently the BLA has been resurrected with different masters. The Government of Balauchistan has been established in Tel Aviv and many Balauch remnants are supported by New Delhi.

But there is also the political sub-national violence and terrorism, such as in Balochistan, which is also abetted by external forces but has indigenous political roots, and discriminates in its targeting. This attempts to win hearts and minds and so targets are selective – security forces and strategic installations – and is susceptible to a political solution. Clearly an overarching strategy would need to make these distinctions.Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 2008



3) Kabul miscreants and Northern Alliance and Pro-Indian Karzaiites: These groups have their origins outside Pakistan and is funded from sources outside Pakistan. This groups is meant to avenge the impotence and inefficiency of the government organs of Kabul. The US may tolerat these elements but Pakistan considers them sworn enemies.



4) Criminal elements and Drug Lords: There are criminal elements on both sides of the border that are taking advantage of the situation and often use the name of other groups. The hostage taking of the Pakistani ambassador to Kabul is a case in point. The Ambassador was taken hostage by thugs, and criminals and later sold to a different groups. He may have finally ended up with the Taliban.



5) The 38 groups fighting the US Occupation forces in Afghanistan: "Taliban, Hizb e Islami, Hizb ul Mujihideen and others. These groups are busy fighting the occupation forces in Afghanistan and have not attacked Pakistan.





The [September 23rd, 2008: Robert Gates at hearing of Senate Armed Services Committee.]defense secretary acknowledged that the Pakistanis did not see all insurgent groups as enemies. Pakistan, he said, has had a long-term relationship with the group led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the Hezb e-Islami party, and another by Jalaludin Haqqani, a former Taliban commander.

"I think in many respects they don't see the Taliban as their enemy," September 23rd, 2008: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates at hearing of Senate Armed Services Committee.

6) Tehrik e Taliban and Fidayeen: This terror group is purely a terror group with almost no agenda expect to destabilize Pakistan. Without a doubt this terror group has its origins outside Pakistan and is funded outside Pakistan. This group is a well funded and diabolically oiled machine that has mounted extremely satanically planned attacks on the Pakistan army as well as Pakistani hospitals and civilian targets of little value to any armed group. The ruthlessness of the group can be judged by the fact that it has taken hundreds of innocent lives.

Over a year ago, in these columns I had written about strange American personnel going in the direction of Warsak and now we have a disturbing story of US marines with questionable baggage, which was not screened and one has to wonder why, on the fourth floor of the Marriott – where the fire first started. Were their some weapons or incendiary devices which the Marines had brought in? The time has come for the government to come clean on this and stop such covert US activities for the future. As for US "advisers" or "trainers" coming in, our people and leaders should recall that that is how the US began its military invasion in South Vietnam – advisers followed by troops! Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 2008




7) Domestic Malcontents: There is no doubt that there are some elements in Pakistan who want to make trouble for the Pakistani government which they see as a proxy of the US.However these miscreants neither have the wherewithal nor can they survive without the oxygen that is provided to them from outside sources.

In the context of FATA, any strategy would have to include, alongside a delinkage with the US, a genuine and immediate political and economic outreach to the people of FATA and other violence affected areas of Pakhtunkhwa, under the umbrella of military protection. People who do not support extremist militancy must be given protection and positive incentives to remain steadfast while the fence sitters must be shown benefits of coming over to the state’s side and costs for not doing so. Protect the locals so that they can shun the extremists without fear of retribution. Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 2008



Pakistan may identify terrorists against Pakistan in countries outside Pakistan and request the US help. This is on a case by case basis.



8) US attacks on Pakistan: Ostensibly the attacks on Pakistan are made on the pretexts of hot pursuit.



"I will say to you, though, we will do what is necessary to protect our troops, but it is every important to engage the Pakistani government.

"And I think the threat that they are seeing, threats to themselves, creates the opportunity where we can work together and there is no necessity for us to take any actions to protect our troops along those lines," Gates at hearing of Senate Armed Services Committee

Most of the drone bombings have been against the innocent civilians. Even if the drone bombings were considered successful, the impact of the bombings has been negative. In killing a few terrorists the bombs have created more anti-Americanism than ever before. The US is losing the war in Afghanistan. So the policy of bombing targets in Pakistan has not worked. It has not only backfired, it has created a blowback for Pakistan as well as prop-Americans in Pakistan.

And, while we are seeking to fight our own terrorists, let us not forget that we also confront an equally menacing threat from the US which has already infiltrated our country at multiple levels. That is why winning over our own people and exposing the many-headed enemy has to be the starting point. Otherwise Pakistan is in danger of being reduced to just so much collateral damage! Shireen Mazari. The News Sept 24th, 2008

MILITANTS WITHIN PAKISTANI TERRITORY: Pakistan will deal with all militants within Pakistani territory. No help is required from the US.




APPENDIX A:

Pakistan: just so much collateral damage? By Shireen M Mazari 9/24/2008

The Marriott devastation has traumatised Islamabad as never before, despite having seen violence and terrorism with regularity over the last few years – especially since last year. Perhaps it was the widespread damage far beyond the Marriott, which in itself was as tragic as it was horrific, or perhaps it was the live television coverage that took the horror to everyone’s home. Anger, rage, condemnation, fear and helplessness are certainly some of the emotions that have been brought to the fore.

Anger and rage over the act itself and the timing – the month of Ramazan and just when Muslims were ending their fast; anger and rage also at those who have the gall to call themselves Muslims and then kill their fellow Muslims, indeed their fellow human beings, through such barbaric acts of violence; anger and rage at the total failure of the security apparatus of the state, despite the hotel being in the Red Zone of high security; anger and rage at the continuing disconnect within the government, with even the prime minister and interior adviser at cross purposes in their pronouncements – even now the disconnect continues with the interior minister declaring that the official Iftar party was initially to be held at the Marriot while the hotel staff has categorically stated that there was no such arrangement. And, there is anger over the inadequacy of emergency response equipment and procedures, despite the capital having gone through an earthquake and earlier acts of terror. Some of us had always critiqued the CDA’s elitist focus under Lashari and once again Islamabad has paid a heavy price for this.


There is condemnation for the state leaving its citizenry at the mercy of the terrorists – both from within and from outside. The total focus of the state on the ruling elite was evident in the immediate aftermath of the Marriott attack when representatives of the official party came on television and pronounced that the security arrangements had saved the lives of the ruling elite safely ensconced in the Prime Minister House – what insensitivity at the devastation of the rest of Pakistan and its citizenry. Moreover if we are to believe the national security adviser that the official iftar party venue was changed at the last minute, did this justify a security lapse in terms of protecting the Marriott since the government seemed to have known of an impending attack? Certainly no condemnation can be too strong for the state looking merely to its own and leaving the rest of the population as cannon fodder for the terrorists.


The fear and helplessness have been growing within ordinary Pakistanis since our state went into the US war in Afghanistan. Fear that this war, if fought on US terms would extol a heavy price from Pakistan and helplessness in the face of our state’s non-responsiveness to the voice of its own people. As the US war has drawn Pakistan into a deathly vortex of a new home-grown terror of suicide bombings and Iraq-imported Improvised Exploding Devices (IEDs), more space is being created for extremists and terrorists from within us – as the state has yet to project credibility over its own war against terrorism.


If we in Islamabad feel all these intense emotions in the aftermath of the Marriott attack, can we not for one second step back and reflect on how the people of the FATA region have been feeling when confronted with death and destruction at the hands of foreign military power with their own state a seemingly helpless bystander? Is it any wonder that impressionable young youth have offered their lives in the face of the death and destruction of their families and homes – especially when they see their state do nothing? Can we not see that it takes little for the evil preachers of hate and nihilism to convert such people to taking their own lives along with many innocent others? Is there to be no rage, anger, condemnation, fear and helplessness amongst these local people when they see innocent families wiped out by US drones, missiles and now ground troops, as their own state does nothing? And, is it any wonder, that in the settled areas like Swat violence and militancy have flourished because the hapless locals are convinced the state offers no security against the hate teachings of the extremists?


The misguided and fearful people of these extremist-infested areas are the human shields for the terrorists and this phenomenon has now spread as the internally displaced people (IDPs) have moved far beyond their homes. Leaving aside our emotions, a reality check will show how our state has to create the space between itself and the US if it is to mobilise support for its own war against terrorists and extremists within the country. Yes, we do have a war on our hands but it is different from the US war which has its own agenda, and it has to be fought differently – within an overarching political strategy and economic and military tactical prongs. Effectiveness of such a war will depend on establishing credibility for it and that cannot come unless we create space from the US.


Over a year ago, in these columns I had written about strange American personnel going in the direction of Warsak and now we have a disturbing story of US marines with questionable baggage, which was not screened and one has to wonder why, on the fourth floor of the Marriott – where the fire first started. Were their some weapons or incendiary devices which the Marines had brought in? The time has come for the government to come clean on this and stop such covert US activities for the future. As for US "advisers" or "trainers" coming in, our people and leaders should recall that that is how the US began its military invasion in South Vietnam – advisers followed by troops!


If we can officially create space between the US and ourselves, and there can be no covert assent to US access in Pakistan as was the case with the previous government – something that was consistently criticised in these columns – at least the nation will rally around the state and allow it to make an effective beginning to a long term strategy to deal with extremism and violence. Such a strategy has to first recognise that terrorism in Pakistan has a number of differing origins: there is the most violent one that is rooted in distorted religious extremism and is linked to Al Qaeda and seeks indiscriminate destruction for impact. This is not about winning hearts and minds so much as creating fear in hearts and minds. But there is also the political sub-national violence and terrorism, such as in Balochistan, which is also abetted by external forces but has indigenous political roots, and discriminates in its targeting. This attempts to win hearts and minds and so targets are selective – security forces and strategic installations – and is susceptible to a political solution. Clearly an overarching strategy would need to make these distinctions.


In the context of FATA, any strategy would have to include, alongside a delinkage with the US, a genuine and immediate political and economic outreach to the people of FATA and other violence affected areas of Pakhtunkhwa, under the umbrella of military protection. People who do not support extremist militancy must be given protection and positive incentives to remain steadfast while the fence sitters must be shown benefits of coming over to the state’s side and costs for not doing so. Protect the locals so that they can shun the extremists without fear of retribution.


Beyond FATA, there is a need to seriously implement the much-touted but not enforced policy of madressah reform. In this context, all foreign funding for any form of educational or charitable project needs to be transparent and public. Similarly, local donations to schools and charities should be made public.


And, while we are seeking to fight our own terrorists, let us not forget that we also confront an equally menacing threat from the US which has already infiltrated our country at multiple levels. That is why winning over our own people and exposing the many-headed enemy has to be the starting point. Otherwise Pakistan is in danger of being reduced to just so much collateral damage!


The writer is a defence analyst. Email: callstr@hotmail.com

Trade across Indo-Pakistan Cease Fire Line approved

پاکستاان لیجر | PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا |Sept. 21, 08 | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی |



In one of the most seminal events in the history of the Subcontinent, the Indian authorities under pressure from the Kashmiris has decided to open trade with Pakistan. This effort by the New Delhi should not be seen as a Confidence Building Measure (CBM) taken by the Indian government towards Pakistan for peace. Open trade across the Cease Fire Line in Kashmir is the demand of all Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

In fact the current agitation which has seen the largest number of demonstrators in the history of Kashmir is geared towards one major goal--the opening of the Cease Fire Line. The Kashmiris of Indian Occupied Kashmir can sell their goods in Rawalpindi which a couple of hundred kilometers away, instead of hauling it all the way to Dlehi which is a thousand miles away. In Pakistan the Kashmiris can can a better price for their goods, in Delhi the fruits and vegetable rank at the lowest end of the price ladder.

Pakistan and India agree on modalities for LoC trade

* Committee declines to give timetable for opening Srinagar-Muzaffarabad, Poonch-Rawalakot trade routes By Iftikhar Gilani


NEW DELHI: Trade across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir moved a step closer as Indian and Pakistani officials completed talks on a framework on Monday.
A brief statement issued after a daylong meeting of the Joint Working Group on Cross-LoC Confidence Building Measures in the Indian capital did not say when trade routes would be opened. But a top Indian official said last week that India would allow trade between the two parts of Kashmir to begin in October.


Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari would make a final decision on the framework and the schedule in a meeting in New York later this week, official said.


Indian Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary TCA Raghavan led the Indian delegation, and Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary for South Asia Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry led the Pakistan delegation. Commerce, customs and home ministry officials attended the meeting.


“We have finalised the modalities at the meeting. We decided to submit details of the modalities to our respective political leadership for the final decision and announcement,” said Chaudhry after the meeting.


The two sides also finalised the list of items to be traded on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot routes.


“We now have a common list carved out from the lists that we had exchanged. It is an improved list and contains many more products,” he said, but refused to elaborate.
Asked when the trade will begin, he said the ‘political masters will decide’ on that.
Chaudhry denied Pakistan was resisting trading fresh fruit. “I strongly deny this impression. Fruits form a bulk of tradable items from Kashmir. There is no meaning of trade without fruits,” he added.


Chaudhry said cross-LoC trade was different from the normal trade taking place between India and Pakistan through Wagah-Attari border in Punjab.


“This is not regular import and export trade. There is a zero-tariff regime and this trade is aimed at restoring contacts between divided parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a measure to raise comfort levels of Kashmiri people and restore their relations,” he said.


Sources privy to the development said the trade is likely to begin next month. During the meeting, the two sides fine-tuned logistical issues including the items to be traded, customs matters and security aspects, they said.


In July, foreign secretaries of the two countries had exchanged lists of commodities for trade and each side had agreed to indicate the items they were willing to receive.
A delegation of chambers of commerce from Muzaffarabad is expected to visit Srinagar and Jammu next month to discuss aspects of the trade, the sources said.


The meeting of traders from the two sides is essential, as they have to engage in trade, they said.


Chaudhry also said no other confidence-building measures were discussed at the meeting.
Currently, India and Pakistan allow only a passenger bus service twice a month across the LoC.

US media: Open hunting season on Pakistan

پاکستاان لیجر | PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا |Sept. 23rd, 08 | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی |

Pakistan faces many wars. She faces wars from India and her proxies in Afghanistan. She also faces a war of words from the US press under the influence of the Indian lobby

As Pakistan gets hammered by Taliban and Al Qaeda bombs in Islamabad (the Marriott to be precise), and by Hellfire missiles in FATA, the feeding frenzy in the US press builds to a crescendo. This week Newsweek published an article titled, "Pakistan's Double-Cross" by long-time Pakistan-sufferer, Sumit Ganguly. When Pakistanis read Ganguly's vicious hatchet job on Pakistan (and on history), they should take a deep breath and pause before they react. Despite his boring residual partition rage, Ganguly is not the one that has made Pakistan foreign policy target No 1 for US presidential candidates. It wasn't Ganguly who loathes ordinary Pakistanis so deeply that he thought it okay to reject their overwhelming will, and insist he knew what was good for Pakistan better. It wasn't Ganguly who signed the NRO, or fired the judges. Pakistanis need to learn very quickly that Pakistan's battles will be won and lost by its people, not by Cold War analysts trying to be relevant in Washington DC.


While English-speaking Pakistanis will either seethe with rage at Ganguly, or at the Pakistani "establishment", ordinary Pakistanis will have no reaction at all. It's not just that they can't read English, it's that they can't read period. That's why they don't know what the Magna Carta is. That's why they can't check the roznamcha for a record of their presence at the police station. That's why the FIR system favours the rural and industrial elite. That's why they have to depend on the feudal and industrial elite. That's why they vote for the PPP and the PML-Q. And that is why the rage of these English-speaking Pakistanis is heart-warming but without efficacy. The rage will not free ordinary Pakistanis from the clutches of their political and economic realities. The News: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 by Mosharraf Zaidi

However there was a silver lining from an unusual source-The New York Times

Help Pakistan government fight terrorism, NYT urges US

* Editorial says increasing civilian casualties driving more people into Taliban’s hands


NEW YORK: An influential United Stated newspaper on Monday cautioned the Bush administration against attacks inside Pakistani territory and called for devising a policy to bolster Pakistan’s civilian government while enlisting its full support in the fight against extremists.


“If an American raid captured or killed a top Al Qaeda or Taliban operative, the backlash might be worth it. But if there were any chance of permanently rooting out extremists from the Tribal Areas, that will have to be done by Pakistan’s military, backed up with sustained programmes for economic and political development,” the New York Times (NYT) said in an editorial that expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism.
The editorial also noted that US President George W Bush’s decision to send troops across the border was made in desperation.


Civilian casualties: “We fear that a rising number of civilian casualties, on both sides of the border, is driving more people into the hands of the repressive Taliban and other extremist groups. These attacks are also making Pakistan’s new President Asif Ali Zardari look weak and irrelevant,” said the editorial, titled ‘Running Out of Time’.


“He (Zardari) deserves a chance, and American support, to fulfil his promises to bolster democracy, clean up Pakistan’s intelligence services and work with the US to defeat terrorism.


“Zardari made a start, inviting President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to his inauguration,” the NYT said, noting that in his speech to parliament on Saturday he had said his government would not allow terrorists to launch attacks on any neighbour from Pakistani soil, nor would it tolerate further American military incursions.


The NYT editorial said that US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen had made a ‘fence-mending trip’ to Pakistan last week, and that Pentagon officials say they are reviewing the overall strategy.
“Any revised plan must do a lot more to avoid civilian casualties and support, rather than undermine, Pakistan’s civilian leaders. Congress can do its part by approving a $7.5 billion aid package, intended to strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions and its counterinsurgency capabilities,” the editorial said. app