PAK ARMY NEW DOCTRINE.

                                            khurshidalam44@hotmail.com

After a long period of 65 years,  Pak. army revised its doctrine that is more near to ground realities. The salient features are:
- There is no external threat to the integrity of the country if there is any that lies inside the country.
- The military will accept the sovereignty of the parliament.
- The future foreign policy should be made by civil government and the army budget should be dictated by the prevailing circumstances with an expert input from the army.

It took a long time for the army institution to realise, though late but the realisation is welcoming.The mess in which we are today is due to the follies of civil, military rulers and sectarianism by clergy.

In the short history of Pakistan the biggest trauma was the creation of Bangladesh. The plot was written by civilians and executed by military. It was not only the humiliation on global level but whatever flimsy reason the two nation theory had, it lost its relevance. We lost the strategical advantage by loosing south eastern Asian wing.

Did we learn anything? If yes then what's are we doing in Baluchistan? The only difference is that the writer and executioner  of the drop scene is a military general.  Though the roots can be traced to the inception of Pakistan and subsequent mis management of national aspiration and non-acceptance of the fact that it is a multinational state.

The civil leadership was the offsprings of the blunder of the history and military was politicised by appointing F.M. Ayub. We have never been able to keep the army out because of civilian incompetency. After politicisation of the military it was further divided by sectarian generals headed by Zia. Musharaf brought the civilian and army face to face for direct confrontation resulting in the loss of respect for the army.

The sectarian clergy has strengthen their hold in the army and civilian. The country is politically directionless, having sectarian breaches. With every passing day the situation is getting worse.

The country has never been on sound basis either politically or economically since its inception. The institutions are non-existing, the civilian leadership is mentally not much different than military dictators. One can guess from two quotes," we will fight for onr thousand years or defeat on one front is not the end of the war". The element of accepting the truth is in none and bellicosity is in both. It is a great loot or clearance sale.

To contain the civil war in the country is hundred times more damaging and posing a serious threat to the state and the country. We are scoring points in this blood let. Military in spite of drafting new doctrine has yet to surrender its previous authority.

No one can defeat a dogma. Dogma has no soldiers  but have devotees. Devotee is different than a soldier. Soldier has to save his life but devotee has to avoid capture if stuck, they blast themselves to inflict maximum damage and kill as many to create phobia and insecurity.  The sectarian fundamentalism is the most fearsome. They have a blind faith that the heaven is guaranteed by the clergy. The most vulnerable are  the poor  and illiterate, they are an easy prey to the sectarian.

I am not sure whether the change of doctrine will be accompanied by shift of nucleus of power? If it is so that is a good omen. The time will prove the real intentions there is no other parameter to judge the intentions.

The corner stone of foreign policy should friendship with all, animosity with none. This should be inducted at school level. All the lessons that teach hate, aggression, use of power should be banned.

If we take Kashmir it is a matter for Kashmiri to decide. Our present political involvement  is defeating our international standing on this issue. It is self contradictory. Out of all political parties only ANP has no branch in Kashmir.

The Kashmiri governance is subservient to the whims and wishes of Islam Abad. It shows the intrinsic contradiction in our standing. And to be frank it is the real expression of our intentions to capture Kashmir, self determination is just an international diplomatic ploy.

Now since we have realised that the threat to the country's lies inside the country our focus should be shifted to the internal problems. The first and foremost is to deal with the radicalisation of whole society. This should be the top priority to tackle.

The most unfortunate is the spread of this virus to the armed forces that has badly effected it's  professionalism. The killing and chaos is mainly due to radicalism. Radicalisation breeds intolerance and hate. The fanaticism believes in bellicosity and loose the strength of reasoning. Logic evaporates and the dense barbarism takes over.

The best media for this virus to grow is illiteracy, poverty. Pakistan has both in abundance particularly in small provinces. The masses are fed up with prevailing circumstances and the sectarians thrive on disappointments. Their religious inclinations and poverty makes them the best candidates to be a devotee. The disease has penetrated every cell of the nation. The strength can be gauged by failure of world might loosing the battle. PAK. Army has never been bruised so badly as it has in this internal warfare. It is unfortunate that they were the makers and now they are at the receiving end.

I have an honest opinion that it is beyond the scope of any one group or nation to eradicate this cancer. To do so it should be a collective effort by all those who started the game. They include the sectarian and right wing parties, the army establishment, the intelligence agencies, Pakistan government, USA government with CIA and UK with its intelligence and last but not the least Saudi, Iran and gulf states. The non state citizens should be dealt by those who brought them to carry out this  beastly game. Even Taliban are not in a position to eject them. Every one has to clean its own mess to the satisfaction of Afghanistan. The atom bomb in such a situation is a liability, the real strength lies in unity. The international fraternity must realise that the opposition parties and ISI  are having much closer relations with the shadows of terror than the incumbent government.

As a deterrent from another country we must have a highly professional and well-equipped army, small in shape high in performance. But to fight this type of war,  the armed forces should have different sort of training like Sri Lanka or northern Ireland. The conventional army has never been successful. Yes dialogue is the best course but it is done with humans not beasts. I have no doubt that the end will be by dialogue but if it is not from the source of strength, at least equality should be there.I believe army is thinking of raising such force.

Those political parties who have covert or overt relation with terrorist should be disqualified to contest general election. It is equal to put the integrity of the country at stake. They should be told plainly and bluntly about their loyalty. If the holders of double citizenship is barred from election because of divided loyalty, this is a much serious crime. Army is stretched beyond limits. Neither the agencies nor the political friends of terrorists are extending a helping hand.

I don't understand how on earth a transparent and honest election is the solution to all problems. Bullet cannot be stopped by ballot it will hit its target

26/2/12

     M

                                            PAK ARMY NEW DOCTRINE.

                                            khurshidalam44@hotmail.com

After a long period of 65 years,  Pak. army revised its doctrine that is more near to ground realities. The salient features are:
- There is no external threat to the integrity of the country if there is any that lies inside the country.
- The military will accept the sovereignty of the parliament.
- The future foreign policy should be made by civil government and the army budget should be dictated by the prevailing circumstances with an expert input from the army.

It took a long time for the army institution to realise, though late but the realisation is welcoming.The mess in which we are today is due to the follies of civil, military rulers and sectarianism by clergy.

In the short history of Pakistan the biggest trauma was the creation of Bangladesh. The plot was written by civilians and executed by military. It was not only the humiliation on global level but whatever flimsy reason the two nation theory had, it lost its relevance. We lost the strategical advantage by loosing south eastern Asian wing.

Did we learn anything? If yes then what's are we doing in Baluchistan? The only difference is that the writer and executioner  of the drop scene is a military general.  Though the roots can be traced to the inception of Pakistan and subsequent mis management of national aspiration and non-acceptance of the fact that it is a multinational state.

The civil leadership was the offsprings of the blunder of the history and military was politicised by appointing F.M. Ayub. We have never been able to keep the army out because of civilian incompetency. After politicisation of the military it was further divided by sectarian generals headed by Zia. Musharaf brought the civilian and army face to face for direct confrontation resulting in the loss of respect for the army.

The sectarian clergy has strengthen their hold in the army and civilian. The country is politically directionless, having sectarian breaches. With every passing day the situation is getting worse.

The country has never been on sound basis either politically or economically since its inception. The institutions are non-existing, the civilian leadership is mentally not much different than military dictators. One can guess from two quotes," we will fight for onr thousand years or defeat on one front is not the end of the war". The element of accepting the truth is in none and bellicosity is in both. It is a great loot or clearance sale.

To contain the civil war in the country is hundred times more damaging and posing a serious threat to the state and the country. We are scoring points in this blood let. Military in spite of drafting new doctrine has yet to surrender its previous authority.

No one can defeat a dogma. Dogma has no soldiers  but have devotees. Devotee is different than a soldier. Soldier has to save his life but devotee has to avoid capture if stuck, they blast themselves to inflict maximum damage and kill as many to create phobia and insecurity.  The sectarian fundamentalism is the most fearsome. They have a blind faith that the heaven is guaranteed by the clergy. The most vulnerable are  the poor  and illiterate, they are an easy prey to the sectarian.

I am not sure whether the change of doctrine will be accompanied by shift of nucleus of power? If it is so that is a good omen. The time will prove the real intentions there is no other parameter to judge the intentions.

The corner stone of foreign policy should friendship with all, animosity with none. This should be inducted at school level. All the lessons that teach hate, aggression, use of power should be banned.

If we take Kashmir it is a matter for Kashmiri to decide. Our present political involvement  is defeating our international standing on this issue. It is self contradictory. Out of all political parties only ANP has no branch in Kashmir.

The Kashmiri governance is subservient to the whims and wishes of Islam Abad. It shows the intrinsic contradiction in our standing. And to be frank it is the real expression of our intentions to capture Kashmir, self determination is just an international diplomatic ploy.

Now since we have realised that the threat to the country's lies inside the country our focus should be shifted to the internal problems. The first and foremost is to deal with the radicalisation of whole society. This should be the top priority to tackle.

The most unfortunate is the spread of this virus to the armed forces that has badly effected it's  professionalism. The killing and chaos is mainly due to radicalism. Radicalisation breeds intolerance and hate. The fanaticism believes in bellicosity and loose the strength of reasoning. Logic evaporates and the dense barbarism takes over.

The best media for this virus to grow is illiteracy, poverty. Pakistan has both in abundance particularly in small provinces. The masses are fed up with prevailing circumstances and the sectarians thrive on disappointments. Their religious inclinations and poverty makes them the best candidates to be a devotee. The disease has penetrated every cell of the nation. The strength can be gauged by failure of world might loosing the battle. PAK. Army has never been bruised so badly as it has in this internal warfare. It is unfortunate that they were the makers and now they are at the receiving end.

I have an honest opinion that it is beyond the scope of any one group or nation to eradicate this cancer. To do so it should be a collective effort by all those who started the game. They include the sectarian and right wing parties, the army establishment, the intelligence agencies, Pakistan government, USA government with CIA and UK with its intelligence and last but not the least Saudi, Iran and gulf states. The non state citizens should be dealt by those who brought them to carry out this  beastly game. Even Taliban are not in a position to eject them. Every one has to clean its own mess to the satisfaction of Afghanistan. The atom bomb in such a situation is a liability, the real strength lies in unity. The international fraternity must realise that the opposition parties and ISI  are having much closer relations with the shadows of terror than the incumbent government.

As a deterrent from another country we must have a highly professional and well-equipped army, small in shape high in performance. But to fight this type of war,  the armed forces should have different sort of training like Sri Lanka or northern Ireland. The conventional army has never been successful. Yes dialogue is the best course but it is done with humans not beasts. I have no doubt that the end will be by dialogue but if it is not from the source of strength, at least equality should be there.I believe army is thinking of raising such force.

Those political parties who have covert or overt relation with terrorist should be disqualified to contest general election. It is equal to put the integrity of the country at stake. They should be told plainly and bluntly about their loyalty. If the holders of double citizenship is barred from election because of divided loyalty, this is a much serious crime. Army is stretched beyond limits. Neither the agencies nor the political friends of terrorists are extending a helping hand.

I don't understand how on earth a transparent and honest election is the solution to all problems. Bullet cannot be stopped by ballot it will hit its target

26/2/12

   

The boiling spots

               
The boiling pots threatening global peace.

There are boiling pots in our region threatening world peace. The vested interests are adamant not to let these flames die down, to maintain their nuisance value and say, internationally and regionally. Their total disregards for human miseries is abundantly clear from their words and deeds.


Since the inception of Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan  have never been good neighbourly. This uneasy truce has waves of cold and hot but never touch normality.  In the Initial days of Pakistan an attempt was made to normalise relations that resulted in Sardar Abur Rab Nishtar and Sardar Hashim accord. But it never saw the light of the day.  It is said that the agreement was sabotaged by Liaquat Ali and khaliquzzaman. The two imported sinister dictators.


Every wound inflicted on Abdal land, if traced back will have its roots in Durand line. This contentious issue was left behind by Britishers. To  keep afghanistan engaged or bring it to knees to accept it as an international border tricks of all kinds have been played.

Pakistan hardly miss a a chance to raise the issue of  Durand Line. They are so myopic politically and diplomatically to realise that Durand line was drawn when even the concept of Pakistan was not born. It was a bilateral issue between British and Afghans and they have to solve it. The line is so thorny in intra Afghan circles that the Afghans have kept this issue for themselves  to decide, not even their government has the right to solve on its own. It was arrogance of British and placidity of Indian congress. Burma, Srilanka, Maldeep, Bhutan, Nepal all were given independence except our region.

After that no serious attempt was made. The relations turned very sour during Bhutto time when he re-initiated the old English forward policy and went on an undiplomatic and abusive campaign against Sardar Daud. To destabilise Afghanistan Mr. Bhutto started an internal revolt to topple Daud. Gulbadin and Ahmad shah Masood were the first to be recruited.

Zia carried it forward and naked military was started in Afghanistan. It is ridiculous notion being forwarded by the Pakistani journalist and government that USSR invasion was the main reason for the on going war . Initially it was the direct intervention by Pakistan and USA just under the belly of USSR to prompt the Russian invasion. If USA could not tolerate Russian presence in its backyard, how could they expect Russian to sit fingers crossed and watch military intervention under its belly.

ISI was not only involved in Afghanistan but Kashmir, Assam, East Punjab, Bombay, USSR and even China. Zia had was obsessed  about Afghanistan  to provide strategic depth to Pakistan. To re establish his paternal country, Khalistan was his obsession. At one stage he decided to lead the insurgency in East Punjab himself. (ref. Gen Rahman Gul). When Rajiv was asked about Khalistan in Islam Abad, he said yes Khalistan was there but the capital was Lahore.

The same policy is being continued till today. Afghanistan has been totally ruined and Pakistan   viability as a state is in serious doubt. Zia had no luck to see his dreams come true. He was brought down by the load of his sins. Afghan war is the only one where small parties have dragged in big powers.

 Pakistan being a surrogate state was receiving a lot of overt and covert international perks and was accorded the non -NATO status. The relation with US were exceptionally good.  The two dictator were cronies of US and it was more easy for USA to deal with  individuals rather than institutions. No one knew what is happening behind the scene. Now the facts are leaking that Zia rented out the sovereignty of the land and Musharaf sold the air space. It makes me laugh that when some of us talk of sovereign air space on a rentier land.

Recently the relations between the countries turned worst. A spokesman of Pakistan declared the Durand line as international border. Afghans hit back in the same vain.  Allegations and counter allegations have reached new heights.

 The killings of ISAF soldiers by Afghan national army have increased in intensity and frequency. Individuals reaction to foreign forces could be one of the reason but ISI manipulation behind the scene cannot be excluded categorically.  It seems properly thought out policy and precisely executed venture.
Pakistan ISI has a reputation in such covert operations and subversive activities. The  difficult task for kabul and other major power is who should they talk to in Pakistan? Where is the nucleus of power and how strong is that nucleus? Has it control over the rabid ISI and sectarian private armies. The nucleus of power is made of heterogeneous elements derived from a broad band that includes professional soldiers and loosely  knitted terrorists sectarian organisation. A huge chunk of civilian politicians derives it's life from the game of death.

Civilian government, army establishment , ISI and it's associated institutions, sectarian parties and the parties on the right of the centre all have their stake . The stake of the stakeholder may vary but none is ready to surrender it. They have to be taken on board and dragged to the negotiating table otherwise peace will remain a dream. Peace move in Afghanistan and KPK cannot be successful unless the little thorny devils cash their stake.

 Afghanistan has always been a focus of attraction for alien aggressors because of its geo strategical location. It is a hub to reach  India, china, central asian states and Russian federation. Economically it is a corridor to the untapped resources of central Asia and gateway to India. Its own natural resources are still untapped.

At the moment it may not be a golden sparrow for industrial nations but if peace prevails it can be in the future if the resources are tapped on both sides of Durand.. The boiling pot of Afghanistan is essential for their  international relevance.

 Those who realise the importance of peace for the evolution of humanity are all holding their breath that peace is not derailed. Mr. Asfandiyar khan visit to Kabul along with a very strong entourage might be a step in this direction. But one should not forget that unless the voice and endeavours are the same in Quetta, Peshawar, Kabul and Qandahar the international fraternity will neither give it due importance, nor their struggle will bear the desired fruit. Our house must be in order and having one agenda peace to stimulate international interest and avoid future anarchy.

Baluchistan:
It is another hot spot. It is unfortunate that the Pakistani establishment and Baluch aspirations are completely out of frequency with each other. Baluch are demanding the acceptance of Baluch as a nation with national dignity and respect. They want to the master of their own destiny,land and history. Pakistan packages as political bribery. Pakistan is offering concessions in return for national heritage that is hurting Baluch more. They have been cheated and bitten several time by Islam Abad. They neither trust them nor believe that they have the strength of character to honour to put in practice what they say?

Mr. Akhar Mengal was right to show his disappointment about Pakhtun but the alternative he has chosen is unnatural. We are natural allies and cousins and victim of the same devilish mental make up.
In another dilemma for Baluch that those who are talking to them is not the real party to deliver, the reigns of power are held by some one else. They want to talk to GHQ and the allied agencies in international forum. In Pakistan there is long history of deception. Baluch may be a small nation but not smaller than Estonia that challenged red army.

Karachi.
That is another foul smelling boiling pot where a havoc is being played with Pakhtuns. The target killing, sectarian clashes, ethnic disharmony, criminal Ganges war if traced back goes to the days of Ayub. The things were cooking but there was strong lid to contain it. During Mr. Bhutto days the foul smell started leaking. I personally feel that no doubt there are many players but MQM hold on the masses cannot be ignored. They have the key to the peace and their head masterly control can deliver peace this unlucky city once, the citadel of peace. I am really perplexed and confused that why the writ of Pakistan government and death travel together as if they are twin brothers? FATA, Swat and norther areas are the glaring examples



Dr. Khurshid Alam
khurshidalam44@hotmail.com
Dated. 31/11/2012

The dream that gone yellow

                                   The dream that gone yellow?

If historical facts,documentary proofs and the unthinkable sacrifices of the people are momentarily forgotten and out of goodwill it is accepted that Pakistan is the result of  Dr. Iqbal dream that was turned in to reality by Mr. Jinnah and his steno. This is being drilled in our minds for the last 66 years, better accept it.

The claim was to avoid subjugation and exploitation of the biggest minority, the Muslims by the larger Hindu majority. The fear was discrimination but our leaders failed to take precautionary measures  that the new country is free of intra Muslims discrimination and prejudices. But unfortunately it became the state policy.

It was advocated that muslims should have a home where they can lead their lives according to their religious beliefs and protect their economical;7, political and social
interests  without fear of the Hindu majority. The salient characters of the state will be a secular, democraticK  and multinational state. The slogan was so attractive that bengali too were tempted to join,though they were not included in the original plan.

Who could imagine that the dream of Iqbal and its realisation by Mr. Jinnah will become the beginning of a long painful journey of the new nation of the purists ruled by the purist?, The dream will remain a dream with no realisation or end. It will be an agonising, traumatic journey with no end insight. There was no organisation behind with vision or well thought strategy and  plan.

The land of the purist  turned to be the most filthy. It was a struggle of an individual helped by his steno supported by a loose group of individuals who had neither knowledge nor vision. Politically dwarf, dropped out  by the school of history with myopic vision. None of them was visionary in his own right but were following a leader.

Those knowing Mr, Jinnah very closely agree on certain characters of his personality. He was honest and hard working but having no streak of democratic thinking. He was blunt and harsh, not ready to listen to suggestions. Personality make up of a person does leave strong impressions on thought process, it was abundantly visible in his conduct of state affairs. The rest were political orphans. The companions of the Quaid were intellectually dishonest.

Jinnah took over as governor general with prime ministerial responsibilities. It was the worst form of centralisation of authority. His followers followed his footsteps without a second thought. Probably they had no capability of thinking or dreaming, if I may say so. Conspiracies, undemocratic culture, despots in different uniforms with same mental make up kept the show running in the name of Islam, national solidarity and Hindu phobia. People were denied the right of vote till 1970, press was gaged and freedom to assembly and speech was crushed with iron fist. The judiciary was the first one to surrender.

The individuals and their uniform changed with time but the mental make up remained the same. Ruthlessly undemocratic and anti- institutional. All means were used to suppress the people by the band of band masters. From physically disabled to schizophrenic ruled the country.

Where we stand today, is not a historical accident but our deeds of the past have led us to this juncture. Having no international standing, bankrupt.. State and government both are failing and the nation is sick.  The masses have been forced by the system to be as corrupt as their masters. Those who claim to be totally honest unluckily did not get a chance. Those who claim to be moralist,  is in fact a middle class morality Incapability to steal or rob is given the name of morality. Clearance loot is going on that brought us to the present sorry state.

Every self proclaimed purist is corrupt and is intolerant according to the status he enjoys  in the society. The system is tailored for corruption. The population is mainly divided in two, vote sellers and vote buyers. The chosen purists instead  legislating, is receiving huge amount for developments but used to bribe the masses. The only employer is the state where the jobs are on sale,  through the touts, to the ever needy purists. Musharaf used to called it democracy from the roots. This rotten system was started by Ayub and reached its zenith during Zia and Musharaf rule.

Democracy has three salient characters. We practice government "by" the people but it is never "for" the people or "of" the people. There is no mechanism to make it work according to the spirit of democracy. The electoral system is tailored to serve the buyers and let the selling community remain the seller of their vote.

I have a gut feeling that  individual awareness is pretty high but the political workers have failed to give it a collective direction. The specie called political workers is disappearing  and being replaced by political qawals, chorus singer. The same applies to the political parties they are most undemocratic in nature. In the name of discipline every dissident voice is choked in the throat before it reaches lips.

Some of the political parties have very short life. What happened from 1947- 1971 sends a electric  wave in the spinal cord of any one with feelings. The rulers were the most barbaric and were enjoying divine status like caliph or messenger. They ruled in the name of Islam, solidarity and  threat from Hindu Bharat. It was strange paradox that numerically there were Muslim in India. It was the darkest period of Pakistan's history. People were killed randomly and tortured to death. But still some people continued the struggle of democracy.

In religious discrimination we have left India for behind. This is the sole aspect of life that we can tell Indians "catch if you can." It is unfortunate that intellectual corruption have compounded the problems. Pakistan is an infectious  syndrome and any part that accept its writ is a new market sectarian killings like. Gilgit and northern areas once the most peaceful area are now the valleys of death. FATA must think twice before taking any step.

The nation is sick. Every stratum of the society is corrupt, dishonest and criminal minded. Not only the institution but the individuals too are unaware of their jurisdiction. The word jurisdiction is a bitter pill,every one refuse to take.

The electoral system needs radical targeted changes. The nation building process should go hand in hand. The system has forced the lower class to accept criminality or they commit crimes on behalf of the higher class. The higher class is genetically corrupt and survives on corruption. Majority of them are those least aware of legislation and master of all possible treacherous dishonesty. If one is a security risk the other is danger to federation. Some chosen went to the house on bike and returned in cars worth millions. To them dishonesty is trick of the trade and the best trade is election with no fear of loss. Carry on cleo game is on.

Dr. Khurshid Alam
khurshidalam44@hotmail.com
1/9/2012



 

Arab spring spells over to Saudi Arabia

                       
                   ARAB SPRING SPILLS OVER TO SAUDI ARABIA.

In American politics, the republican may be classified as orthodox or fundamentalists or conservative. Probably they have some characteristics of each group. But as for as it comes to american national interest there is hardly any difference of state policy irrespective who is in oval office.

The protection of its national or international interests is the clause one in US constitution. It should be that way of every sovereign nation unless it has accepted surrogacy as its state policy. Unfortunately with very small exception most of the Muslim world are in this "honoured" group. The Arab world in particular has been of jugular importance to Americans since long, particularly after the implantation of israel.

As one Russian diplomate told me,  it is the American interest holding Israel back not to sweep Saudi and other gulf states. Because Jews will never sell their oil for 30 dollars a barrel as the Arab sheikhs are doing. This is the only ruling specie that believes "in easy come easy go". A historical comment once passed by the sister of Raza Shah Pehlavi in Montecarlo.

The American in general and the republicans in particular are extremely worried about the spill over of Arab spring to Saudi Arabia. There is a cruel, inhuman, brutal crushing going on in Saudi. Any one suspicious is quickly picked up and urgently disposed off. The friendly Saudi dynasty of Roosevelt is as important to US, as the state of Israel. Both are the corner stones of Americans foreign policy.

Mr. Kofi Annan peace mission expectedly bogged down. The four reasons he gave for the failure of his mission are right in its own place but one might disagree with priority or the order of importance. He is the most respected and learned diplomate but his patience was taxed to the limit.

He squarely blamed the international fraternity for their lack of interest. But in my view it was not the lack of interest of the major players, but was basically a shift of interest. The western powers interest in Syria could hardly match the pyramidal interest of US, lying in Saudi Arabia. Secondly the western powers are looking at Syria in the prism of Saudi ruling dynasty. The loyalty of time tested Saud  dynasty has no alternative for American. The same is true about the royalty of Kuwait and the sheikh of Dubai for UK.

If one of the two has to be sacrificed I feel US will sacrifice Syria without a second thought to save the house of Saud. The most experienced prince Naïf has passed away but every one of this  family has masterly command to deal with their citizens, if they try to be naughty. They have ""head masterly" command of authority.

The structure of the dynasty has been very cleverly and craftily woven, with the advice of the second governor general of Pakistan, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Mirza, that the chances dissension are reduced to minimum.  

The royal family is the offspring of 33 wives. It is a huge house of 3000 male members. The family has been divided in to four main groups according to the nobility of maternal blood. In ascending order they are sahib, Samu, Amir and Malik. Only the last two purist are heir to the crown or eligible for sensitive posts.

The regional and religious discrimination is the undeclared policy of the state. And every possible care is taken that the mischievous are kept away firm the citadel of power. The Najdi are considered more loyal to the Saud house than Hijazi and so are Wahhabi Sunni. Shia is never trusted, even their faith is doubted . The same is true about Iran where the "Momen" are only Shia.

These two fundamentalists states have great influence on the formulation of the foreign policy of US. Added to it, is the security of Israel. It is interesting that all the three parties have a common enemy, Al-Qaeda. The same organisation is enemy no 1 of the west. It smell fishy to see singularity in animosity with diversity in interest of each party.

This hidden common interest had devastating effect on the Syrian uprising. Before it was born it was divided on these lines. The Syrian regimen is the most vicious and brutal supported by vested interest of the local affluent class mostly coming  from the clan of Asad.

In this mirky water Russians are playing their own game to retain a foothold in middle east. The local arm supplier like Iran and Saudi are adding fuel to the fire at the cost inhuman miseries of the Syrians. They are the victims of local fundamentalist and international hegemonists. No one has a sleepless night for poor Syrian but every one is fighting for its own agenda and interest. It is the second Afghanistan where the local states and regional war lords with the backing of the international imperial designer are fighting till last Syrian.

There is no forum where issues of this sort or any other can be raised and discussed just on humanitarian grounds. UNO is an impotent organisation and the presence of veto power has made it irrelevant. It is an international cafeteria where the surrogates are asked to endorse the designs of the Bigs. Occasionally if the endorsement is not forthcoming then the ideology of pre-emptive strike is pursued shamelessly, for the sake of a nobler cause of international peace and democracy.

The Arab spring is being nipped in the bud. The stakes are high. The demographic distribution of petrol and gas has increased the fear of the west, as most of the reserves of the energy are in Shia enclaves. The west is worried of the autocratic clergy of Iran going nuclear or gaining upper hand in the affairs of this sensitive area.

More than democracy it is the geo-strategic location, the sources of energy and the security of Israel that matters to the self proclaimed master minds of world affairs.

Prof.(Dr. Khurshid Alam. Shangla
Email: khurshidalam44@hotmail.com
Dated:11/8/12

The jurists in politics

                                         THE JURISTS IN POLITICS.

In Pakistan nothing is asymmetrical or anomalous. The most unexpected are expected and the most hilarious is taken routinely without surprise. In seventies Air Martial Asghar Khan wrote "generals in politics", it might have been surprising for some outsiders at that time  but not for Pakistani citizens, as F.M Ayub was in politics since the days of shaheed millat and was one of his trusted man for his so called role in Pindi conspiracy.

Now when I decided to write few words about gowns and wigs it was neither surprising for me nor I had the feeling that it will surprise the Pakistani readers. We are immune to these anomalies. Just to justify my endeavour for historical reasons I will quote few out of countless.

The country has been ruled by despots of all shades. Some of them were either physically or mentally unfit. We have seen judiciary abandoning its freedom, taking oath from the abrogator of constitution and inventing the ideology of necessity. No judiciary has condemned any martial law unlawful. Even the present CJ took an oath from a military dictator.

 We have seen civilian martial law administrator and had the luck to see a four years old boy, Aimal behind the bars for anti state activity. Many times our public has distributed sweets to welcome martial law. We have masterly command to distort the history to snatch the honour of the first elected prime minister of the country from shaheed Benazir and gave it to her father Z.A.Bhutto who was in fact elected opposition leader.

So it is no wonder if our CJ is in active politics for last one year. His political leaning were obvious from the day one when he was reinstated as CJ but for the last one year he is on the countrywide truth delivering political speeches reminding the parliament and government about their jurisdiction . Jurisdiction is for others to observe or face the contempt of court.

Our Chief of judiciary has superseded our chief of armed forces in forcing the other jurists to fall in lane when it comes to discipline and administration. Our judicial core commanders have shown their exemplary obedience to their chief. His uttered words carry Devine sanctity. But they fail to comprehend that such unanimous thinking reflect their mental calibre. They are insulting their own intellectual wisdom.

The so Moto actions are taken for selected cases irrespective of national interest and so is the selection of cases to be adventurously pursued.  Our CJ has special interest in political issues and day to day cases of public interest are piling up. The justice in the lower courts yet to get the attention of our higher courts. The feathers alike have flocked together. The CJ onslaught is supported by electronic media, the political parties to the right of the centre while army chief has left the pitch to judiciary chief.

The judicial stance towards army establishment is one of extreme caution. They are quietly watching the developing scenario with eagle eye. It reminds me of my days in Saudi Arabia. Once I was visiting colleagues in Aramco, Dhahran, when I saw a board on motorway saying, " the Saudi law ends here." I think our supreme court jurisdiction ends at the gate of GHQ. Country within a country is quite common in third world countries particularly in Muslim countries so no surprise. For reason unknowingly known to us they are sailing in the same boat but the most powerful has turned blind eye to the events. I feel they think that their job is being done by others for them so why to get blame. Previously army used the shoulder of politicians but now they have lost the credibility. Gowns and wigs are better alternative. It is nothing new the previous tract record of judiciary is of the same nature but the despot were civilians.

The election is drawing nearer.  The forces are taking their position. Our partisan free judiciary has jumped in to the field first threatening the parliament and government. The change in the constitution contrary to the spirit to democratic values must be resisted by every one but this is the job of masses and political parties not the jurists to launch the campaign and threat to thwart such a move. There is hardly any institution of the state working in its jurisdiction but to clip the feathers of one and let the others fly high in sky is not understandable to sane mind but in Pakistan not unexpected.

The CJ speech in London was highly political though he came to collect the prize of being a great jurist. Political inclination destroys professionalism. Our fledgling free partisan judiciary lacks professionalism as they surrendered their freedom just after the freedom. The army professionalism deteriorated greatly after 1969. The sectarianism and politicisation destroyed this highly organised and professional institution of our country. Army was a strong institution and the deterioration took years but judiciary is still in infancy it just need a small jolt. I refuse to accept the terminology of judicial activism, it is in fact a judicial adventurism putting at stake the integrity of the country. It is brazenly partisan and highly politicised. There are no alternative words to describe our judiciary character.

The two chiefs with political dwarfs are playing with the destiny of the federation. We know that the devaluation of centralisation of powers has not been accepted mentally by the ruling constituency of Pakistan, The Punjab.

Is there any bigger threat to Pakistan than the insurgency in Baluchistan.? How many missing personnels have been recovered by our judiciary? If not when should we expect the so Moto action against the agencies or issuance of the orders of contempt of court? When the indiscriminate killings in Karachi of poor people will be given the honour to be heard by free judiciary? The blood is asking for attention!

Fear and opportunism are the worst enemies of human values. A nation without established character is no nation. Our collective values have been devalued by all pillars of our successive governments. We are living in a vacuum,  quite remote from realities.

In USA the flaw in the electoral system came to lime light during Mr. Bush and Mondale race. Mondale in spite of bagging majority of the popular vote could not become the president. Mr. Bush was the judicially nominated president in the history of USA who was not elected by masses. It was not their judiciary to debate but their parliament to take up the matter up and decided to retain the undemocratic clause. Their judiciary neither threatened nor took so Moto action. Just for historical reason they retained an undemocratic clause. India was quick to comment that now it should be the other way round we should send election observers to USA for monitoring.

The character demands that till Dr.Arsalan case is decided the CJ should go on leave to establish high moral ground.

Prof.(Dr.) Khurshid Alam
Shangla.  Dated: 9/8/12
Email: khurshidalam44@hotmail.com

Pakistani journalism

Pakistani journalism. The so called independent journalism in Pakistan has created a havoc in the country particularly the electronic anchors. The main reason is illiteracy. The printing media has a reach to educated section of the society, the masses tune their ears to TV. Unfortunately very few anchors deserve to be named as journalist. The rest are paid to create sensationalism by journalistic adventurism. Neither they are bound by a code of conduct and ethics nor they are under oath to speak the truth nothing but the truth. The rabid elephant has no limits or guide lines. Some of them are no more than paid jugglers. The sacred profession is being rapped in the name of free journalism. It is a human nature to abuse any thing that is acquired without struggle and sacrifices. F. M. Ayub took it, Zia gave it back as a gift. Pakistan is sunk in problems and is struggling for survival while all the pillars of the state are fighting for hegemony and diagonally opposite to each other. There is no place to give benefit of doubt to any one. The only change that is visible that the institution yielding power has changed the shoulders, instead of politicians the shoulders of the jurists are being used. With few exception, every one is working for some one. Some of the analysts are members of political parties with rigid ideas. To have political views or affiliation is not a forbidden fruit but to be a spokesman of an organisation is dishonesty in fair journalism. They lack tolerance and if questioned or opposed they blow off their skull and never hesitate to resort to personal attacks. It is self worshipping and forbidden in Islam. The anchors have adopted space saving technique in journalism. They have squeezed the size of Pakistan only to three cities, Islam Abad, Lahore and Karachi. The tip of their nose ends there. They are least aware of the rest of the country. It is inculcated in their mind that intellectualism and wisdom can only grow in these cities. The rest is a barren land good for strategical depth, otherwise of no use. The problem of Khyber pass are discussed by the intellectuals of these three cities. The same treatment is extended to interior Sind, Baluchistan, KPK, and FATA. I presume that since we are dependent on the industrial and agricultural produce of these areas, so in their view for the solution of our own problems we also need the intellect of these areas. Generally called Ashrafia. Their political forums are anti federal, anti democratic and show their contempt for the rest of the country. They are so empty about history that while other nations were toddlers we Pakhtoon had an empire. Our fore fathers did not build glass palaces or tombs in the memory of their beloved but roads and postal system was their contribution. Probably they are following the foot prints of their overseas masters and tagging the human blood with different prices according to race and religion. A drop o human blood is more sacred than the sanctity of holy Kaaba. As human being and Muslim this is our faith. But the coverage given to the rescue of a buffalo from a trench in Punjab receive more coverage than the deaths of human beings in KPK and FATA. About Baluchistan massacre they are mum. The disappearance of the political worker and their tortured dead bodies neither needs TV coverage nor so Moto action. It is highly painful and show the calibre of our self proclaimed intellectuals. Where ever a human blood drops that should be the centre of the universe, irrespective of race, religion, class, creed and colour. The loss of our national status in international community is the result of our inhuman attitude. God deprives those who have no moral value. Before asking others to respect we should learn how to earn respect. Ghamdi is right to say that our sorry state of affair is not due to American or Russians. The cause lie in us we have departed from our religious moral values so the mantle of leadership has been transferred to those fitter than us. God does not give the leadership of humanity to inhuman flock. He is the lord of universe and humanity not only Muslims. We need nation building. The root cause of our political, economical and social ills, lies in the national sickness. We have an identity crisis unless we have a respectable identity we cannot get out of this miss. We are deep down up to our brows in our own created filth. It is the time we have a sensible political forums run by respectable, learned and prejudice free anchors. To me a fail government or state is less important than a sick nation. I was asked by a British diplomat who is journalist also if I can help her in providing informations and suggestions about reorganisation of police in KPK and FATA to make them citizens friendly, provide protection and restore trust of the public. I gladly agreed but told her that she has embarked on a very difficult mission. It is equal to nation building. I am a follower of a Mahatma ( Bacha Khan) but not Mahatma myself. You should start your mission with a clear idea that you are just one of the contributor and not to expect change. KPK police is considered the best out of all but not ideal. I told her she will be shocked if happens to see other provinces. It is also the duty of our locals rich class, who have the resources to think over it that to counter the venom of the adversaries we must have an electronic factory of "Taryaq" . Our rich class must come forward to invest in electronic media..We must uphold our principles, that we will never devalue human values. Self defence is every one's right but not filth slinging. The deeper and long running historical roots of a nation, the richer and calmer is he, like an ocean. The noise of a river shows its shallowness. The taller the mountain the difficult to capture its peak. Mother nature has a lot to teach us but if we have wisdom to think over it. Dr. Khurshid Alam Lelowni, Shangla. Dated 24/7/2012