Pakistan and SCO

During seventeenth meeting of Heads of States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Pakistan was made regular member of it. The president of Kazakhstan, Noor Sultan Nazarbayuf made an official declaration at the end of this meeting, following the signing of the documents of making Pakistan the official member of SCO. Congratulations were offered by the presidents of China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Afghanistan.

In view of current international circumstances, SCO meeting appears to be propitious. SCO was found on 15^th june, 2002 in Shanghai city of China. In fact, it is an agreement for regional peace, economics, politics and social values in accordance with the charter related with international peace. Astana conference is an emulatable model of cooperation in this current tumultuous world.  This organization is given observer status in united nations and has also been provided with the facility of funding for cooperation in services and various development projects. In view of this, the membership of Pakistan and India in SCO is a huge progressive step for the region. However, abhorrence for war and unfathomable love for peace should be the real cause for all the members of this organization.

Prime minister Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif stated while addressing the heads of state meeting that Pakistan will strive for regional peace, cooperation and economic prosperity and will also work to comply with the policy of building a peaceful neighborhood, as a regular member of the organization. Xi Jinping proposed the need of long term accord of five years for good neighbourhood between members of SCO. It was also stated that Pakistan strongly advocated the organization’s determination to confront the twin problem of extremism and terrorism and has also fought this arduous war. Prime Minister of Pakistan also congratulated India on becoming the regular member of the organization and thanked China, Russia and other founding members for showing full support. Indian Prime Minister, N. Modi was also present in the conference.

In an unceremonial conversation with the press, the Prime Minister stated that pleasantries were exchanged with Indian counterpart. He also had positive talk with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani about cross border terrorism and mutual mechanism to confront it. He also stated that accords on defence, trade and economy would be seen soon. He also conversation with all leadership about Kashmir and Line of Control situation. Statements of Umar Abdullah and Ex chief of RAW statements clearly indicate what is happening in Kashmir. He also had good conversation with V. Putin and Xi Jinping. He specified that the point of atrocities in Kashmir was raised in discussion with UN secretary. He stated that Pakistan wanted peaceful solution of all disputes with India and India should give positive response to Pakistan for its steps for peace in the region. Mullah Fazlullah and other people like him have safe heavens in Afghanistan and they are commiting heinous crimes and propagating terrorism inside Pakistan. Pakistan would play positive role in resolution of dispute between Qatar and other gulf states.

Rise of Palestinian Support

Palestinian narrative is being accepted at the international level. On Tuesday, French parliament made a historic decision to accept Palestine as an independent state. It is so because problem of Palestinian dispute is now not just confined to the Muslim nation rather it is given equal significance at the international stage. International community wants to resolve this dispute as early as possible but America and Israel are two biggest impediments in its way. 339 votes were casted in favour of this decision while only 151 votes were found to be against it. Although, it is not incumbent on the French Government to accept this resolution but there is a great hope that the French Government will rectify it. British and Spanish parliments had also passed similar resolution before while Swedish government officially recognized Palestine as an independent state. Indeed, it is a commendable step to accept to human rights and support independence of this oppressed nation but one cannot deny the fact that united nation has suffered from an outright failure to resolve this dispute. This is the reason why Israeli despotic tyrannical actions are becoming more and more severe with every passing day and there is no one to stop it. It is ironic to see that superpower like America is backing Israeli government in this regard and even vetos any anti-Israeli resolution in the Security Council. Spokesperson of Israeli embassy has warned that such types of resolutions will hamper the peace process and wrong message will be promulgated in the world. This is called the paradigm of stubbornness and obscenity of a true tyrant. Israeli atrocities on unarmed Palestinians who are homeless and stateless in their own country are no secret. Nevertheless, such decisions are highly laudable and will support Palestinian cause in future.

Pakistan's War on Terror......Ambivalence Must be Removed

Chief of Pakistan army, General Ashfaque Pervaiz Kayani gave his opinion that the war against terror would be waged at every cost. His opinion articulated that Pakistani army has no ambivalence in this matter. Pakistani army is doing whatever it can against terrorists and terrorism. He gave this opinion on 14th and 15th of September while paying tribute to the officers and soldiers of Pakistani army who were killed while fighting terrorists. He unambiguously declared that Pakistani army possessed the capacity and capability to tackle the challenge of terrorism. He also declared that his army would keep on fighting these despicable terrorists according to the wishes of Pakistani people, till this anathema is nipped from bud. He also opined that peace must be given a chance. He totally refuted all those conjectures that Pakistan was bowing to every demand of Tehrik i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and promulgated that perpetrators of terrorism would be brought to justice while endorsing the political approach of the government to eradicate the terrorism.

Deep analysis of this speech articulates the willingness for the political process but at the same time the reservations of Pak Army which does not want to compromise the sovereignty and writ of government at any cost. Although, Army chief endorsed political and reconciliation process for the amelioration of situation but also declared that he did not want to give this impression to the enemies that they have become strong while the state has become enervated.

Whether it is TTP or Tehrik e Nafaz e Shariyat e Muhammadi (TNSM), government was keen to start reconciliation process with them in Sawat. But after reconciliation process, the writ of government was severely challenged. Even Pakistani flag was banned in Swat and eventually government had to use the force to establish its writ. Thus consequences of reconciliation with Taliban in Sawat must be kept in mind before the commencement of reconciliation process. Government must make it short and swift to prevent any breathing space to the terrorists so that they may not reorganize again as Talibans have used this tactic before to renew their rivalry against the state.

Before the commencement of reconciliation process, there should be some confidence building measures. Talibans should have stopped attacking Pakistani army. However, instead of decreasing the attacks and making the situation clement for the reconciliation process, they has inflict a sever blow to Pakistani army. They have killed a Major General in a part of Country where there was no apparent war going on between Pak Army and Taliban. At the same time, they have further threatened to continue their nefarious actions against Pakistani state. They have warned that Government should take the first step towards amelioration of situation and declare cease fire. 

The wretched ambivalence and lack of courage of taking daring decision are the major reasons why this problem of terrorism has continued unabated. It appears as if there is dearth of information for the political leadership and it also lacks the ability to understand the nuances of ideological of divide in Pakistan. Political and religious leadership considers al Qaida and Taliban innocuous and blames the American presence in Afghanistan for the current predicament of Pakistan and terrorism affected areas. Either it has not studied the ideological of strategy of Taliban or it does not possess this capacity. This is the reason for continual violence and terrorism in Pakistan and absence of any palpable action against the perpetrators which could seriously inflict them and compel them to move towards reconciliation and surrender. 

It can be concluded that it is not the ambivalence in the mind of Pakistani army but the ambiguity in the minds of Political leadership which is really hampering peace process.

Our paradoxes

Today we are passing through extremely precarious situation mainly because of paradoxical psychology prevalent in our society. We long for something and our actions completely negate our requisitions. Males in our society virtually want to have promiscuous relationships with almost every women while they want wives possessing completely different characters, that is, wives should be very noble, august and such that they are never touched by anybody else in our society. We want see free of corruption, nepotism and graft but never try to apprehend our own characters which are stained with unremoveable stigmas of corruption, nepotism and bribery. We want the traffic to sustain order but never obey the orders ourselves. Vast oceans and seas are formed with drops of water, if these drops of water are removed one by one then even these large oceans and seas cannot maintain their huge volumes and eventually they will perish as if they were never present there. So little things do matter. If we remain paradoxical towards every field of life, we will remain where we are now, beset with anguish, grievances and sorrows.
What about Malala Yousufzai? In my eyes she is a lifeline for our patriarchal society. Once Holy Prophet said:
"Acquisition is knowledge is incumbent upon all Muslims."
This Hadith utilizes two words, first is Knowledge and the second one is Muslims. By knowledge he didn't mean religious education neither worldy education, rather he meant both. Human being was sent to this world to obey the Orders of Allah and this is narrated by Holy Quran, and nobody actually doubts the veracity of this Holy Book.
Muslims ruled the world and took the flag of leadership of the whole world because they excelled in the field of knowledge. They obtained both the materialistic as well as religious knowledge. Why did they acquired materialistic knowledge in addition to religious knowledge? It was so to obey the orders of Allah. Allah gave orders also about the worldly affairs and it is incumbent upon all Muslims to obey all of those orders.
What about the impoverished and innocent Muslims of Palestine and Afghanistan? Enemy forces sailed these nations with tanks, jet fighters and missiles while they fought with rocks and guns formed from worn out technologies. Battles are not won in this world with gallantry rather through better technology and harnessed minds. How can we defend this Holy religion unless we obtain this worldly knowledge?
By pursuing the retrogressive approaches, we are moving nowhere. We are producing a nation of illiterates and bigots who do not accept any kind of arguments hence the extremism is rampant in out society and this is the sole cause of violence.
Other part of the Hadith was about the word "Muslims". Muslims include both Men as well as Women which means women possess equal right to get educated as men but in our patriarchal society women are kept bereft of this right. It is so because man is powerful here and he wants to perpetuate its rule over women. Men and women are equal, in some fields of life women are best and their work cannot be imitated by men vice versa for the other fields.
Many of our so called honor guardians try to keep women bereft of education because they think that education will women independent and they will try to do something which is completely antagonistic of so called their versions of Islam. How can we progress and get prosperity when more than fifty percent of our poppulation remain at home in dormant condition. Is there any country of this world which progressed while keeping women of its population illiterate. If we do not remain Muslims according to their versions of Islam then how can they remain Muslims by disobeying the orders of Holy Prophet.
Malala Yousufzai is an intriguing phenomenon today. Our society is now divided between two hordes. One group says that Malala Yousufzai incident was nothing but a conspiration against our Pakistan hence we should not pay attention to this incident while the other horde possess the antagonistic view about this incidence. Regardless the truth behind this incidence. Is it not right that she was conducting a blood drenched struggle for the education of girls in Pakistan and especially in swat. It was incumbent upon us to obey the orders of our Holy Prophet and assist her in her noble goal. Isn't it in the favour of Pakistan that we obtain a well educated society which will usher in an era of prosperity and progress? I don't know whether this was an incident which was the result of connivance or it was a real incident but her goals were noble.
I think we must pursue her goal to confer quality and good education to every girl in Pakistan as our survival dependent upon this goal. We have been pursuing previous retrogressive attitude towards education and got nothing but this sorry state of economy, peace and development.
Similarly, we have always been proud of our glorious and illustrious past when we touched pinnacles of prosperity and progress while the whole world beholded us with envious sight. We reached such an envious position through hard work, moderation and enlightenment through knowledge of materialistic as well as religious aspects of life.
We can achieve the same by 100% educated and literate population. May the Allama Iqbal and Quaid e Azam's dream of a Happy and Progress country for the Muslims of Subcontinent gain reality! Ameen

PAKISTAN AND SYRIAN CRISIS

Syrian imbroglio has been crux of conflict in the Arabian Gulf. Syria has been governed by Bashar-ul-Assad, the successor of Hafiz-Al-Assad. Once Hafiz al Assad clamped down similar type of conflict in 1980s and now Bashar al Assad is trying to follow suit. Syria is one of the last Russian allies in the gulf which has been puchasing weapons from Russia. The fall of Bashar al Assad would mean a huge blow to Russian interests. At the same time, china also possesses interests which are slightly different from that of Russia however, due to slight convergence of their interests, they are standing at the same side. American interests as we can see are averse to that of Russia so we can expect that Americans would try to quash the tyrannical regime of Bashar al Assad under the guise of compassion for Syrian people.
Actually, there are chances that Bashar al Assad may be replaced by a more conservative Sunni Government which would align with other Sunni Arabian countries and make synchronized attempts to wipe out Israeli Government. But there are also chances that a broader civil war may arise after the fall of Bashar al Assad. It would debilitate this already impoverished people and would also break the only possible ground connection with Hezbollah. There are greater chances for the later because the Syrian insurgents are heterogeneous with totally different agendas and ideologies. Some are liberal Sunnis, some are moderate and still, some are conservatives. At this time, there is nothing other than the opposition of Bashar al Assad which is binding all these hordes together. Termination of Bashar al Assad would mean a struggle for power between these heterogeneous groups leading towads civil war. At this time, Israel is gambling and persuading Americans to support rebels of Syrial Government and all those countries who are overtly aiding rebels or Free Syrian Army (FSA).
Ambition of Tayyep Recip Erdogan of Turkey to lead the Muslims world has instigated him to harbor refugees of Syrian conflict and assist them to fight the government, keeping in view the Kurdish threats. According to some news, FSA members are offering to help in elimination of Kurdish insurgents in Syria in return for Turkey's assistance. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also spearheading in endeavors to isolate Syria diplomatically and there are also news of covert assistance of these countries for FSA.
On the other side of coin, Iran is buttressing incumbent government of Syria. Mainly because Bashar al Assad belongs to Shia sect and is close ally of Iran. Iran is achieving this with the assistance of China and Russia who have vetoed two UNSC resolution of action against Syria.
Bashar al Assad is also in a very awkward situation. Due to tremendous atrocities commited by "Shabiha" (Syrian Shia Militant Group) on Sunni Muslims it has become extremely unlikely that after the fall of Assad, there would be no reprisal from Sunnis. There are also chances of outright extermination of Shia sect from the Syria which only makes 10 percent of total population. So, he cannot relieve himself from power without any kind of guarantee. Secondly, he has a great lust of power which is still instigating him to keep on ruling despite widespread distress in the country.
Pakistan's position is very quaint in this situation. At one place, there are countries like China and Iran who are not only close ally of Pakistan but also neighbours, and Russia with which Pakistan wants to rebuilt severed ties. On the other hand, there are America, Saudia Arabia and Turkey which have been close allies of Pakistan and helped it in the hour of need at various occasions. Pakistan is sitting on the rail.
I think Pakistan has chosen a very wise diplomatic stance about Syria keeping in view the current precarious situation in Syria and its eccentric position. Pakistan has chosen to support Syrian people who are endeavoring for right of self determination and also buttressing the opinion that countries should be indemnified from any kind of foreign intervention in the Syria as it would lead to greater distress and permeated civil war.
Pakistan should underscore that Bashar al Assad's regime days are numbered and it would be better for him to sidestep from the presidency. He should enfranchise people to select their new president. As this is the only way of terminating ongoing ominous civil war which may even engulf even the neighbouring countries. OIC and Arab league, instead of isolating Syria, should try to brocker a deal between Syrian rebels and Government and extricate guarantees from both sides not to inflict any further blows to opposing hordes. As only this action would provide respite to the impoverished Syrian people who have become sandwiched between these two opposing groups of interests in their country.

When Pakistan and America Broke Up

Pakistan and America friendship epitomizes such a relationship in which both of the allies always remain at loggerheads. But due national interests they have always remain close to each other with hatred in their hearts, such is the kind of friendship between these two. America has interests in Asia especially in South Asia and Pakistan has a special part in accomplishing those interests. Pakistan occupies strategically important piece of land thus America has to support it though it remains insinuate.
Pakistan occupies a key coastal area which is close to strait of Hormuz which joins gulf of Oman with gulf of Persia. About twenty percent of oil export of the world from Arab countries moves through Pakistani waters. Pakistan has proximity to gulf of Aden which leads to Red Sea via strait of Bab el Mandeb.
Pakistan borders two of the rapidly expanding economies of the world 1. China 2. India, moreover, it is neighbour of war wrecked nation of Afghanistan and troublesome Iran whoes nuclear ambitions are ambiguous and are cause of great concern for the whole of Europe, America and especially Iran.
On the other hand, Pakistan cannot stay alive without the monetary support from America. Without American support, its crippling and deteriorating economy will suffer from acute and severe implosions leading to default and decimation. America is the superpower of the world, the feudal of the world in simple words. It has all of European nations and many other developing nations at its beck and call. International Monetary Fund and World Bank are tied to its apron strings. Pakistan cannot get much needed economic relief in the form of loans from IMF and World Bank without the support of America. Moreover, without America Pakistan cannot safeguard its interests and get world support in many matters which looming for resolution like Kashmir, Sir Creek and Siachen issues.
 India must be given credit for its acumen and diplomatic wit that it managed to keep close relationship with Russia, the sworn enemy of America, without causing any kind of resentment in America. While, Pakistan is caught between devil and the deep sea. It has neither close relationship with Anti-American countries nor pro-American countries. Even China who is considered evergreen friend of this land of pure, often baulks because its economy heavily depends upon the exports going to America and its allies. China cannot afford to bear the brunt of American Sanctions. Pakistan and Iran gap pipeline project is the obvious example. Chinese central bank reneged to fund this project mainly because American sanctions were feared, thus it backed out. Thus, Pakistan totally miscalculated the International politics and put all the eggs in one basket and gave the impression that Pakistan was the enemy state which had interests against American culminating in entering its bad books.
Although, there has always been anti-American sentiments in Pakistan but they were exacerbated after Raymond Davis, Slala Checkpost and Osama bin Laden incidences. These have really devastated the remaining pro-American sentiments in Pakistan.
American attitudes are dismissive, arrogant and oppressive all the times against Pakistan. Indeed, it has always safeguarded its own interests and never paid any kind of heed to Pakistani interests. Take the example of Osama bin Laden incident. Although, there were some doubts, but it should have made those Pakistani officials who were trustworthy known of their action. Secondly, American unilateral action has led to derision of Pakistan and Pakistani intelligence agencies.
Salala Checkpost incidence is mired with doubts as well. Lets consider that Americans somehow attacked Pakistani checkpost unintentionally but, it continued for two hours which indicates some kind of premediation to inflict Pakistani troops. Raymond Davis is another example, although he was not a diplomat but still not only American officials but also American foreign office remained obstinate that he was a diplomat. Similarly, American were involved in extrajudicial killings take the example of Osama bin Laden while it tries to portrays itself as a country which is endeavoring for the establishment of justice in the world.
Nato's Chicago summit was convened a few days ago. Although, some people are saying that Pakistani president was given invitation without any kind of pre-requisit but indeed there was. They demanded that Pakistani Government must give an acquiesce to resumption of NATO supply. Even though, Pakistani government gave a nod and was subsequently given invitation but still Pakistani president remained a petty species in the summit.

Pakistani demand of American apology for Slala checkpost and higher levy for NATO containers is justified. Pakistan must remain stubborn and stern in resolve. Any kind of flexibility will be envisaged as a sign of debilitation at international level. At the same time, Pakistan must also show its readiness for expediency for NATO retreat process. Pakistan should make this possible that no Taliban attack occurs from our side while expecting that Afghanistani Armed Forces and ISAF would reciprocate by preventing Tehrik-e-Taliban attacks from their safe sanctuaries from Afghanistan. Secondly, it is highly impossible that Taliban will regain governance in Afghanistan after NATO retreat.
Pakistan must develop a new strategy for post-2014 Afghanistan scenario. It is mainly because still a huge number of American soldiers about 30000, will still remain in Afghanistan to prevent any kind of cou p by Taliban. Pakistani must not put all of its eggs in one basket and also develop backup plan if required consequences are not met. Pakistan must develop a collaboration with Afghanistan's neighbours to keep stability in Afghanistan because there is dangerous portent that Afghanistan will indulge in civil war after 2014.
As far as America is concerned, it will develop such a strategy which will suit more to India which is developing in vigour against China. Pakistani Government must now, develop a neutral foreign policy which will only safeguard its own interests.

Muslims In Europe

Muslims have increasingly been subjected to censure and criticism. They have become a easy target for any person who wants to get cheap fame. Muslims have plunged into this situation owing to their own misendeavors to glorify Islam which have backfired. The reckless and myopic attitudes of some Muslims to conquer the whole world and eradicate the evil from the world was without any meticulous research about capabilities of their enemies. This has caused an extreme defamation to Islam and people start to consider every Muslim a terrorist and uncivilized.
Another reason of escalating loathsome behaviour against Muslims is the surging popularity of this great religion. Recent reports have depicted that Islam is the spreading at exponential rates. This has also alarmed some people who continuously indulge in anti-Islamic activities like desecrating Holy Quran which is extremely nefarious act and should be condemned with as much vigour as possible. These actions infuriate Muslims instigating them to do something against the perpetrators. This also allows dissenters humiliate Muslims further.
This is a fact that no Muslims is invovled in desecrating Bible or any other religiously holy book. They have never desecrated Prophets like Jesus and Moses because these prophets are not only those of other religions but also that of Islam. Islam extremely condemns the vandalizing of Holy places which are of prime important for other religions. Allah forbids Muslims from expressing any kind of vitriol against other religions.

It is being considered that Muslims in Europe are going to be in trouble in years to come mainly because of surge in popularity of "Right Wing" parties in Europe. This can easily be seen in increasing popularity of Marine La Pen the right wing candidate for Presidency of France. Although, she could not made it to the second round of the polls but still she surprised the whole world. She secured 18 percent votes in the first round of polls which is the highest number obtained by right wing candidate yet in France. It is being considered that she will woo more French and will pose a major threat to the candidates of presidency of France in the next elections.
Though, now there are two candidates only which are Hollande and Sarkozy. Hollande is winning according to recent polls and it is expected that he will become president by the end of the day. Nicolas Sarkozy who is centre right candidate also switched to Anti-Muslim and anti-immigration stance in order to woo Marine La Pen's supporters for the second round. This is also an evidence of growing conservative attitude of France which remained liberal till now.
Netherlands is another depiction of emerging anti-Muslim incentive. Geert Wilders is a right wing dutch politician who is reknown for his anti-Muslims rheotoric. He is emerging power in the Netherlands which will develop a new face of this nation.
Anders Behring Breivik is a Norwegian mass murderer who just massacred numerous people because his incentive and goals were not in conformity with those who were killed. He considered Muslims terrorists and bane of the whole world without considering what he was doing. He called them parasites. He wanted to kick out all those who had no origin in Norway.
The surging xenophobic concept of Europe is the culmination of two things, Christianity and Nationalism. People in Europe are in the center of religion and nationalism. Growing materialism is pushing them towards nationalism and they consider nation as their God. Nationalism is the biggest impediment in enrooting fraternity in the World. Second and First World Wars were the culmination of nationalism. Millions of people have lost their precious lives just to prove the superiority of their nation.

On the other hand, escalation in population of Islam in inflicting Christianity which is the major religion of Europe. Although, European Christians are materialistic and mostly do not practice any of their religious duties but every person who converts to Islam inflicts them and make them aggrieved.
Picture is not completely bleak in Europe for Muslims. Muslims have developed conformity with liberal citizens of Europe and have played equal hand in development and progress of the European nations. It is a fact that Muslims have played a major role in progress. European entrepreneurs are now in favour of increasing immigration from Muslim countries so that their rate of progress could be bolstered. This a slap on the face of all those persecutors who consider Muslims parasites. Muslims have developed into pressure group in Europe and they have now more powerful role in ripening European policies.
The growing anti-Islamic attitude can be countered if preempted and exigent actions are taken. Muslim countries should diametrically oppose any kind of terrorist activities and should not develop any kind of dubious policy. They should be more unequivocal in their approach and should be as good as their word. The should be more practical and transform their words into reality so that their vows could never be considered with the grain of the salt. Muslims should try to elucidate their moderate face and should denounce the extremism. They should propagate that those who have developed extremist views are only a few of them and majority have moderate and liberal views. They should make this propagate that they are suffering from similar kind of intolerable agony as other people when any kind of terrorist activities accrues.
Hardships which are being put in the course of peaceful Muslims nations should also be illuminated. This is the only way which will make civilized world acknowledge the dilemma faced by Muslims throughout the world and will help them gather some sympathies.