Kalat Operation: Countering Anti-State Baloch Elements

Posted by Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi

Every patrotic Baloch knows that the Kalat search operation in the Balochistan province of Pakistan is against the foreign funded and foreign sponsored anti-state outfits like Baloch Liberation Army, United Baloch Army and Baloch Republican Army. These groups are involved in killing of innocent and poor Pakistanis in train bomb blasts, destruction of national assets like gas pipelines, railway lines etc. The aims of these suverisve acts are to weaken the state, public infrastructure, while coercing the economy to fulfill external agenda of the US, India and some western powers.

Farrari camps (Hideouts), located in far off mountains of Balochistan are sanctuaries for these terrorists where they have a lavish living. Sophisticated equipments and gadgets have been recovered from these areas including non detectable satellite phones, solar panels and state of the art weapons. Their defenses are well-planned and weapon system—sited in a deliberate well-organized manner. There is clear proof of external hands, because no indigenous movement or group can afford to have such high-technological weapons and sophisticated gadgets.

In the recent past, bomb blast in Jaffar Express resulted into killing of the innocent Pakistanis, especially the Baloch and Pakhtuns, while the poor were travelling in the cheapest mode of conveyance. The perpetrators were the Baloch sub-nationalists who have lost sense of morality and human compassion. Foreign secret agencies can easily buy their loyalties, as they sell themselves for petty gains and readily fulfill the objectives of their foreign masters.

It is notable that India, US and Israel have been internationalizing the Balochistan issue in accordance with their secret goals. In this respect, in connivance with the Baloch separatist leaders who have taken refuge in Switzerland, Sweden, US and London, these external entities use media, various NGOs and human rights organizations for false propaganda against Pakistan’s armed forces including other security  agencies in relation to extrajudicial killings, mutilated bodies and the missing persons.

While, regarding aggravated situation of Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army and Baloch sub-nationalist including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from American CIA and Indian RAW—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. A majority of the disappeared individuals are also in the detention centers which are being run by Baloch feudal lords (Sardars) who want to continue old system of feudalism in the province.

It is because of these reasons that during the missing persons’ case, nothing was proved in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the armed forces and other security agencies. There are only a few anti-state Baloch separatists and Sardars, who are exploiting the situation in their own favour. In fact, these anti-Pakistan elements are creating hype on the issue of missing persons in order to distort the image of the country, all the Baloch and Pak Army at national and international level so as to obtain their own vested interest. Giving undue importance to the missing persons’ case by these few hostile entities is a diversionary tactics to downplay the actual issues of Balochistan, affecting the common Baloch populace. Thus, they have  not only been misguing the loyal Baloch, but are also diverting the attention of the majority of the people from the construtive and progressive works, conducted by the government and the Army in Balochistan.

In this context, Government of Pakistan and the Army have sincere desire to address all the issues of the angry Baloch, who are being misguided by the anti-state outfits.

As a result of the general elections 2013, the government led by the nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch was established in Balochistan, while on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in the province. However, these elections proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation, and do not favour separation of the Balachistan, as they have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by anti-Pakistan powers.  

It is mentionable that a Gallup survey of the UK official body, DFID, conducted on July 20, 212, had disclosed that the vast majority of the Baloch people oppose the idea of an independent Balochistan. This survey has also proved that some external elements have been conducting acts of sabotage in the province by backing the minority groups.

Nevertheless, projects relating to the socio-economic uplift has been top priority of Government of Pakistan. In 2013, Rs. 43.19 billions on account of Development Fund were given to the elected Baloch leadership of the provincial assembly. But, benefits of the second development programme funds, issued to MNAs and MPAs of Balochistan are not trickling down to common Baloch. No doubt, a huge amount has been provided to the Baloch political leadership, but no significant development project has been initiated in Balochistan. It is entirely up to the concerned Baloch Sardars or Nawabs to ensure that a common Baloch reaps the benefits of development. They should implement the development project as per plan.

As regards the positive role of Army, in 2011, I had visited Balochistan along with other journalists. I saw a number of institutes, set up by army, and these were providing education, especially technical training to thousands of Balochis. Besides other developments works, Pak Army was also imparting army training to the Baloch youth. So, the purpose of army is to uplift the Baloch people with creation of jobs and to bring them in the mainstream of the country. However, I had also a trip to far-flung areas of the province and witnessed various mega projects and mineral sites, protected by the armed forces. People also told me that subversive events are being arranged by the minority separatist elements so as to create chaotic situation in the province.

Pakistan’s armed forces and law-enforcing agencies are ready to sacrifice their lives to save their Balochi brethren from foreign sponsored anti-state Baloch sub-nationalists. In this respect, Pakistan Army’s relief efforts in Awaraan Earthquake is testimony of their resolve to sacrifice everything for helping Baloch brothers in distress, agony and grief.  

Now, it is the duty of our Baloch brothers to identify these anti-state elements which are sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan and get secluded from them. The armed sub-nationalist elements are defaming patriotic Baloch by committing heinous crimes. Honorable Baloch brethren should get united and put up a collective response to counter these elements by undermining their nefarious designs, aimed at destabilizing the state of Pakistan and tarnishing its image including that of the armed foces. The loyalist Balochis must know that separatist entities of the province are bringing bad name to the noble people of Balochistan, and therefore must be condemned assertively.  

Undoubtedly, the Baloch are patriotic Pakistanis, but they must not be indoctrinated by the anti-state elements’ propaganda by becoming reluctant, having reservations over priorities set by the federal and provincial governments for their benefits.

Nonetheless, it is the duty of every Pakistani, and particulary every Balochi including members of the civil society and the media persons to give a matching respons to the hostile entities of Balachistan. In this connection, by countering anti-state Baloch elements, they must draw a clear picture of the province regarding Kalat operation and other efforts, made by the civil and military authorities for the benefits of Balochistan.

(By Sajjad Shaukat)

Carlotta Gall & US Twofold Diplomacy towards Pakistan

Posted by Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi

Despite the fact that a number of strategic institutes and thinktanks play a key role in formulation of American external policies, but contradictory statements of the US president, high officials and media have always reflected that the United States has been acting upon a twofold diplomacy twards Pakistan.  

In the last few years, while ignoring the responsibilities of the US, ISAF and Karzai-led troops in Afghanistan, especially US civil and military high officials have unilaterally been blaming Pakistan to ‘do more’ against the militancy in the tribal regions in order to stop cross-border terrorism in Afghanistan. 

In this regard, the then US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, while repeating the false allegations had accused Pak Army and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI of close contact with the Haqqani network and militant’s infilteration in Afghanistan. US Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen had also alleged that ISI has been supporting, funding, training fighters that are killing Americans and killing coalition partners in Afghanistan. 

During her visit to India, the then US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, while showing US paradoxical approach had remarked, “New Delhi would bring prosperity and peace to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan…Pakistan must do more to tackle terror groups operating from its territory being used for attacks that destabilise Afghanistan or India.” And when she visited Pakisan, she said that Pakistan should take “strong steps to dismantle safe havens of Afghan insurgents and encourage Taliban to enter negotiations in good faith.” But she clarified that the US was not asking Pakistan to sacrifice its own security, saying, “Pakistan has a critical role to play in supporting Afghan reconciliation and ending the conflict.” Replying to a question that ISI was involved in attack on the US embassy in Kabul through Haqqani network, she categorically pointed out, “We have no evidence of that.”

The US Secretary of State explained, “Her country is also committed to the economic development of Pakistan”, and “supports regional economic integration between Pakistan and all its neighbours.”

However, if we take note of the US strategy about Pakistan, we observe that American policy goals are quite unclear. Sometimes, US top officials admire Pak Army’s action against the Taliban militants including arrests of the top Al Qaeda commanders by the ISI, sometimes, they revive their blame game against ISI including its links with the Haqqani network, sometimes they accuse that Al Qaeda Shura has been operating from Pakistan, sometimes, they misconceive that Pak nukes are not safe, sometimes, they show their determination to maintain ties with Pakistan and sometimes they threaten to stop aid of Islamabad, while sometimes to carry on the same.  

The fact of the matter is that US has been acting upon a twofold diplomacy towards Pakistan. In this context, American CIA with the help of Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad has continuously been weakening Pakistan through subversive acts which keep on going in the country because it is the only nuclear state in the Islamic World. Washington which signed an agreement of civil nuclear technology with New Delhi in 2008 wants to counterbalance China by India. US-led some western countries also have tilt towards India as they consider it their larger market at the cost of Pakistan. 

Nevertheless, Pakistan which had been granted the status of Non-NATO ally by America has now become a target of maliscious propaganda. Besides the collective connivance of their secret agences, the media of the US, India and some western countries leave no stone unturned in distorting the image of Pakistan, its army and ISI by continuing old allegations in wake of new developments. 

In this connection, a female journalist, Carlotta Gall has always showed venomous drive against Pakistan. She has allegedly stated, “The Red Mosque stood at the centre of Pakistan’s support for Jihad in Afghanistan and throughout Muslim world. That Pakistan’s strategy is to show cooperation with the America’s fight against terrorism while covertly abetting and even coordinating Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants. 95% of Taliban fighting in Afghanistan are educated and trained in Haqqania Madrassa in Akora Khattak”.  But, it is the past story when Soviets were the occupiers in Afghanistan, and Jihadi factions were used as a fodder to implement US amd Western plan.

In her book, titled “The Wrong Enemy: America in Afghanistan 2001-2004”, Carlotta Gall wrote: “The terror attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul in 2008 that left 58 people dead, was sanctioned and monitored by senior officials of Pakistan’s ISI”. This is a deliberate lie, because there is no evidence to substantiate this allegation. In late 1970s and early 1980s, when Soviet forces were forced to withdraw from Afghanistan with active cooperation of Pakistan, the then government believed that Pakistan would have strategic depth in Afghanistan. In 1950s and 1960s, the then Pakistan governments had found strategic depth in Iran, as Tehran was member of CENTO. But that was a flawed policy. Now, Pakistan as a nation has confidence in itself and its armed forces, and does not look for strategic depth in other countries. 

Partucularly, there is a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s policy, and Islamabad has a hands off policy regarding Afghanistan, despite negative propaganda by western intelligentsia including Carlotta Gall who stated, “Organizers of insurgencies in Afghanistan are in Pakistan and that these are well protected by ISI”. Anyhow, Pakistan neither harbor ambitions, nor has the intention to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. Pakistan government has taken confidence building measures and has given gestures to show its sincerity that it desires to see Afghanistan as a stable and peaceful country.

It was owing to this realization that none of the Afghan President candidates resorted to Pakistan-bashing during their recent election campaign.

 Pakistan’s cooperation in Global War on Terror has been an outstanding feature of NATO’s Afghan campaign. But Carlotta Gall is trying to defame Pakistan on the lines of India by accusing that Islamabad is playing a double game. Such allegations are baseless and wicked in nature. Carlotta Gall’s accusations about Red Mosque and assassination of Benazir Bhutto are reflections of a sick mind. She is a senior journalist who at the present, covers Pakistan and Afghanistan for New York Times. Unfortunately, Carlotta Gall showed utter disregard to the journalistic norms, and also did not bother about her self-respect and dignity. Her allegations about Gen. Musharraf, Shuja Pasha and Ziauddin Butt are totally unfounded; and so is the case of her false reporting about Hafiz Saeed and Mulla Omer. Her malicious propaganda against Pakistan, Pak Army and ISI is an effort to denigrate these institutions and create a market for selling her book. As a journalist, she should not stoop so low as to defame a state and its national institutions to make money or to achieve personal prominence. 

Undoubtedly, she works with anti-Pakistan elements like Fareed Zakria, an Indian national who always showed a deep-seated animosity against Pakistan and leaves no stone unturned in showing Pakistan in bad light. New York Times often published stories denigrating Pakistan and its key institutions, and the excerpts of Carlotta Gall’s book were also published in the form of an article by this daily. In the past, apart from America’s duplicity, American media is also responsible for deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the United States. The downward slide in relations had begun when a CIA contractor Raymond Davis shot and killed two Pakistanis in Lahore. This was followed by the cladestne American raid which killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad—an operation that was seen as a open violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Ties hit their lowest level after the US attack on two Afghan border posts on 26, 2011 which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. While, the US realized its mistakes by expressing regret over the incident, and tendered apology in that respect. When efforts are being made to remove the misunderstandings, American media and writers should not throw spanner in the works.

As regards the issue of cross-border terrorism, it is notable that since April, 2011, about  200 to 500 heavily-armed insurgents from Afghanistan’s side entered Pakistan’s region from time to time. They targeted the security check posts and other infrastructure of the tribal areas, and killed several innocent persons and personnel of the security forces. In his meeting with the NATO/ISAF Commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Joseph F Dunford on April 1, 2013, Gen. Kayani asked him to stop cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan.Nonetheless, the book of Carlotta Gall is a part of nefarious and venomous anti-Pakistan propaganda which reflects the US twofold diplomacy towards Pakistan. (By Sajjad Shaukat)

Make Pakistan Polio Free Country

Posted by Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi   

Polio is a deadly virus with its crippling affects which paralyze the children, and thus gives a greater blow to a nation. Discovery of anti-polio vaccine has made it possible to eliminate the virus and make the environment free of polio infection.

In the recent past, Indian government through its High Commissioner has advised the Pakistani travelers visiting to Indian cities to produce a Polio Vaccination Certificate prior to resumption of their tours to India. Moreover, these certificates must be carried by the Pakistani travelers’ stay in India. They have also asked for a list of hospitals, doctors and vaccines in Pakistan. There are reports that Indian intelligence agency RAW is involved in sponsoring and engaging attacks on the polio worker-teams in Pakistan. The aim of Indian scheme is to defame Pakistan at international level—on health issues, particularly on perils of polio.

While, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified India and nine other Asian countries, namely, Bangladesh, Bhutan, South Korea, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and East Timor as polio free. India where 150, 000 cases of paralytic polio were reported in 1985 and 741 cases in 2009, but with all inclusive efforts and cooperation offered by Indian people, the country has joined the list of those countries which have been declared by WHO as polio free.

Regrettably, for every Pakistani, it is a momentous victory of India over a crippling plague by the WHO. Unfortunately, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria have been enlisted as countries stained and infected with the deadly virus.On the other hand, the WHO has ignored the fact that India is the largest “HIV/AIDS” virus infected country, and many innocent people from different countries have already contracted HIV/AIDS after interacting with Indian nationals. Therefore, Pakistan Government needs to filter Indian nationals, visiting Pakistan after placing stringent testing mechanism to reveal that those visiting Pakistan are HIV/AIDS free. This will enable Islamabad to control a real health hazard which will pierce into Pakistan through Indian visitors.

However, Taliban, particularly those of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), under the garb of religion have started a stupid and foolish campaign to oppose polio vaccination scheme in the country. It is crippling mentality of religious zealots in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, the tribal areas and Karachi, who are not allowing polio workers to administer anti-polio vaccine and make our own people safe against the crippling virus. It is shame on such fanatic people who are simply resorting to self-immolation and self-destruction. Islam permits administering of anti-polio vaccine, as it makes future life safer against the deadly virus.

It is notable that the Taliban militants had attacked the anti-polio workers in Karachi in wake of the peace talks with the government, and accepted responsibility in this respect. Besides, a number of assaults by the TTP insurgents have continued on the polio workers in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and the FATA. They even did not spare the ladies who were going house to house in order to eliminate the polio virus by giving drops to the children. Police and the personnel of the law-enforcing agencies were also targeted by these culprits, as they were providing security to the polio-teams.

Taking cognizance of the terrorists’ attack, the UNO stopped its anti-polio campaign in Pakistan. This is what the Taliban wanted. In fact, playing in the hands of some foreign powers, these militants have been tarnishing the image of Pakistan abroad.No doubt, majority of the women of these regions were cooperating with the polio-teams, but these merciless Taliban created a phenomenon of fear and terror for them through threats. These terrorists also misguided the innocent people through propaganda that polio vaccination scheme is un-Islamic.

It is heartening to note that polio as an ancient scourge is very much treatable as scientific quests to find anti-polio vaccine enable man to fight and eliminate the deadly disease. It simply requires positive mind-set and concern for future generations. We cannot afford to cripple our future generation by opposing anti-polio campaign which is available free of cost.

Pakistan government, media, politicians, members of the civil society and especially religious scholars must take the WHO findings seriously and actions must be taken to eliminate the curse of polio from Pakistan.

In this regard, the government of Pakistan must undertake measures to provide protection to polio administering volunteers, and the law-enforcing agencies, enabling them to manage successful completion of anti-polio campaign. The government must pass legislation that without polio certification, no admissions in school, registration with NADRA, obtaining of educational certificates and passports will be allowed.

Undoubtedly, anti-polio vaccine plan is very much permissible in Islam. Propaganda that it is un-Islamic is not only ridiculous but a wicked conspiracy against our future generation, designed to create serious health hazards for Pakistan. So, particularly, our country’s religious scholars must issue Fatwas (Verdicts) that administration of polio drops which is a religious compulsion on every Muslim is  Halal (legitimate), and is very much in line with the Islamic teachings, while Taliban propaganda is totally un-Islamic and baseless.

It should be propagated through media that polio is to be fought to make the coming life safe in Pakistan. Pakistan belongs to our future generation and we cannot cripple them for nothing.In this connection, all Pakistanis have a responsibility to support anti-polio campaign and facilitate administration of polio vaccine to the children. This will enable us to eliminate the dangerous health hazards.Criminals involved in targeted killing of polio workers must be condemned and all communities must cooperate with the law-enforcing agencies to punish them.

Instead of waiting for other countries to impose restrictions on Pakistani nationals’ visiting abroad to produce polio certification, Pakistan must make rules that polio vaccination is a pre-requisite to proceed abroad without which no body can go abroad.Nevertheless, Let us put up a collective and brave stance to counter anti-polio plots by cooperating with polio workers and law-enforcing agencies in order to make Pakistan, a polio free country.

(By Sajjad Shaukat)

The truth about Balochistan

By Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi

Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan with a history of supporting Resolution of Pakistan-1940, which envisaged creation of a separate homeland for Muslim majority areas of sub-continent India. No doubt Baloch leaders and people of Balochistan played a very vital role in creation of Pakistan and ultimately succeeded under the able leadership / guidance of  Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and achieved Pakistan as an independent state.

Unfortunately there have been certain dissident elements that not only opposed the idea of two nation theory – the fundamental ideological base for creation of Pakistan – but also left no stone unturned in polluting the minds of innocent Baloch youth by distorting the history of Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan. In reality before the independence of Pakistan the territories now consolidated into the province of Balochistan did    not constitute a settled province?

As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Salvation Front (BSF) and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from American CIA and Indian RAW—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. A majority of the disappeared individuals are also in the detention centers (Farrari Camps) which are being run by foreign-assisted Baloch feudal lords (Sardars) who want to continue old system of feudalism in the province so as to maintain their status, prestige and influence at the cost of people of the province.

No doubt, Baloch leaders and people of Balochistan played a vital role in creation of Pakistan, and ultimately succeeded under the able leadership and guidance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in achieving Pakistan as an independent state. As a matter of fact, Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan with a history of supporting Resolution of Pakistan-1940, which envisaged creation of a separate homeland for Muslim majority areas of the Sub-continent, as the Baloch had strongly opposed plan of the united India.

Our own intellectuals must indicate that insurgency of 1948 which started by Shehzada Abdul Karim of Kakat never took off, because it was not supported by other realist Baloch leaders, and it was based on misguided thoughts suggested by few Indian Congress leaders. The aim was to destabilize Pakistan by creating militancy in Balochistan.

The Miscreants playing in the hands of the foreign forces are using all brutal and inhuman techniques to suppress and frighten the people of Balochistan; to create misunderstandings between the people of Balochistan and the law enforcement agencies of Pakistan. They mercilessly slaughter the innocent people of Balochistan and throw away their deformed dead bodies in deserted areas where wild animals tear these bodies apart. All this is done to add more agony to the already distressed families. And more painful is the fact that the blame of this atrocity is shifted to the Law Enforcement Agencies. The brave people of Balochistan are very well aware of this heinous conspiracy. They are as much devoted, sincere and patriotic as other Pakistanis are and they are not ready to surrender before the brutal designs of the miscreants.

Baloch Sub Nationalists (BSN) distort history of accession of Kalat with Pakistan and give reference of insurgency (1948) by brother of KoK whereas the document of accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan was signed by KoK himself as legitimate ruler of State of Kalat. Baloch Salvation Front has called for a shutter down strike in Balochistan on 27th March to observe it as Black Day. Since it is the date of legal accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan, therefore, the strike call is based on negative contemplation and wicked designs to pollute the minds of Baloch youth. The same needs to be countered giving true perspective of history and denouncing the dissidents for distorting the facts in order to advance their vested interests. However, the government of Pakistan must realize the painful situation which the people of Balochistan have been facing since long. They really need more care, more attention and more kindness from their government and their fellow countrymen.

Balochistan Great Game Alarms Sirens

Posted By Dr Muhammad Faheem Belharvi

When during the Musharraf regime, Pakistan government initiated the construction of Gwadar deep-seaport in Balochistan province in March 2002 with Chinese assistance, sirens went off in the capitals of foreign countries, especially the United States, India and Israel. The US took it as a threat to its global plans, and India felt that it threatened its integrity. Israel took it as a greater threat from an Islamic country.

Located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar seaport is close to the Strait of Hormuz from where more than 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. Its ideal location among three key regions, South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia has further increased its strategic significance. Its development has shifted the Great Game of Central Asia to Pakistan. Hence, sirens still continue alarming in the foreign countries.

However, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources like gas, coal and gold, entailing Pakistan’s close ties with China pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries which intend to destabilize Pakistan for their collective aims. Besides, Gwadar’s development has created strategic irritations among certain powers including USA, India, Iran and Afghanistan. Chinese signatures in Gwadar are perceived as a threat to the US influence in the region by monitoring US in the Persian Gulf and Central Asian Republics. India watches Gwadar with an oblique angle, as it hinders India's influence in Iran and Afghanistan.

These hostile powers are trying to create fissures between Islamabad and Beijing so as to sabotage their strategic alliance. They are also creating differences between Pakistan and Iran. In this regard, Balochistan’s business and trade opportunities have also made it important for US, EU, Russia, China, India, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics to play the great game, while anti-Pakistan powers are secretly working to create conditions to control and influence the resource-rich zones, disregarding the compulsions of mainland integration.

If once becomes fully operational, Gwadar seaport could connect the landlocked Central Asian states with rest of the world. Being the commercial hub, the port is likely to increase volume of trade, bringing multiple economic and financial benefits to Pakistan like the Suez Canal which changed the destiny of Egypt when Israel returned it to the former. It will enable high-volume cargo vessels to move in the major oceans. Gwadar project will not only uplift the impoverished people of Balochistan by providing thousands of employment opportunities and is likely to develop whole the province by redressing their grievances. The resulting prosperity would trickle down to the Baloch people and damp the separatist sentiments.

Nevertheless, Balochistan’s Gwader project irks the eyes of India, US and Israel who have been internationalizing the Balochistan issue in accordance with their secret goals. In this respect, in connivance with the Baloch separatist leaders who have taken refuge in Switzerland, Sweden, US and London, these external elements use media, various NGOs and human rights organizations for false propaganda against Pakistan’s security  agencies in relation to extrajudicial killings, mutilated bodies and the missing persons. 

As regards the deteriorating situation of Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliated outfits including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from American CIA and Indian RAW—these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. The main aim behind is to discourage Beijing for the development of Gwadar port.

Unfortunately, Balochistan lacks technological prowess and economic resources to exploit its minerals and untapped resources. In this context, government of Pakistan has made considerable progress to develop Gwadar into an international port with a future plan to link it with Kashgar (China).

Observing the intentions of the hostile powers which have eyes on mineral resources of Balochistan and its significance due to geo-strategic location, during his trip to Beijing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signed eight agreements on July 5, 2013 in various fields. The most important one envisages the establishment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China—connecting to Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass.

India is facilitating Iran to build Chah Bahar deep seaport which will neutralize due to Gwadar. Afghanistan feels to be isolated, if Gwadar-Kashgar linkage gets completed. Afghanistan also opposes development of Gwadar owing to pro-Indian policies.

Regrettably, as part of the Great Game, certain foreign entities are using Baloch dissidents and anti-Pakistan NGOs like “American Friends of Balochistan”, and individuals with hideous personal reputation like Ahmer Masti Khan-a known passive gay, to promote their agenda in Gwadar. In this context, Ahmer Masti Khan writes letters to Oman embassy in Washington seeking help of Sultan Qaboos to defeat the alleged “Pak-China Plan” to takeover Gwadar. He also distorts history that Gwadar was part of Oman, disregarding the fact that Gwadar was purchased from Oman by Pakistan in 1958 during the era of Ayub Khan.

In fact, “American Friends of Balochistan” is a Washington based NGO which works for the Indian lobby to promote dissent and provoke insurgency in Balochistan. The aim is to destabilize Balochistan and disseminate false information to the audience using social media. While, Baloch members of this NGO are those who have hideous reputation and shady character traits like Ahmer Masti Khan who is actually a passive gay, and has least self- respect. He has no association with Baloch people, as he was born in Burma and his family lived in there for a very long time. He is still living in USA and does not come to Balochistan very frequently. His real face should be shown to the loyal and noble people of Balochistan who accord high value to self-respect and dignity.

People like Ahmer Masti Khan cannot be the spokespersons for Baloch people. They are simply available for few pennies and are always   on   sale.  Such   disgraceful   people   must be condemned through own media.

The people of Balochistan must be educated on conflicting strategies and dynamics of the Great Game, being played in Balochistan and Gwadar by anti-Pakistan regional and international powers. They must remain calm and resist external pressures including any foreign mischief.

Media should present true historical perspective of Gwadar and Balochistan, taking reference from history in order to refute the false propaganda not only of the external elements, but also of the Baloch Sub Nationalists.

Undoubtedly, the Baloch are loyal, patriotic and respectable people with political will and inner strength to stand against any propaganda, conducted to tarnish their dignity and damage their unity. They would not allow the passive gays to exploit them and damage their reputation.

Nonetheless, Balochistan Great Game alarms sirens in foreign countries. Therefore, it is the right hour that Pakistan government must implement a well-considered plan so as to respond to the hostile powers and those lobbies which have been weakening the country and are trying to create differences between Pakistan and China with a view to negatively impact their time-tested friendship, while working against Pak-Iranian ties.(By Sajjad Shaukat)

Moles in Sikh Organizations

By Zaheerul Hassan

Sikhs although started struggle of their rights just after the partition of Hindustan but it took new dimension in 1984 when Indian armed forces with their boots on, entered into Golden Temple and killed thousands of people.


According to the independent sources, in that tragic incident more than 20,000 Sikhs had been murdered by the order of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated on October31, 1984. Later on, Sikh nation probably decided to speed up “khalistan Movement”, so that they are able to live according to their own customs and free to perform their religious obligations.


Ruling Congress Party of India though elected Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister just to suppress the demand of punishing culprits of Golden Temple attack. He failed to provide to justice his community. Thus, Indian secularism is just not more than deception. Notably, Sikhs population in the world is around 27 million that’s makes them 0.39% of the world population. However, out of these 27 million approximately 83% live in India with 76% of all Sikhs living in Punjab. Other Indian states where Sikhs have sizeable population i.e. greater than 200,000 are Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir.


It is again a misery that Sikhs who ruled over Punjab for many years but remained failed to even enjoy the status of autonomous nation after partition of India. Moreover, like Muslims and Christians communities, Sikhs can’t perform their religious obligations openly and freely. The extremists Hindus even do not feel hesitation in playing with the lives of minorities whenever they find a chance. In this connection the incident of Babri Mosque is true story of brutality and Hindutva mind. A per Times of India report of April 8 ,2013 “polit bureau member Brinda Karat stated that the BJP manifesto is a blueprint to take forward the Hindutva agenda. "Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership there was a commitment to nation that issues of Ram Mandir, Article 370 and uniform civil code will be put on the back burner. The brutality against Christians in Urisa, bleeding Tamils in Maoists and Tamils, Crush Sikhs in Amritsar and firing Kashmiris in Indian occupied Kashmir, blowing up Samjota Express and violence against Muslims by BJP nominated Narendra Modi are enough examples of unveiling of Indian secularism.


Recently, to show of solidarity the global Sikhs community stood up to save Professor Bhullar and after continues protests able to commute the death sentence of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar (Prof. Bhullar) to life imprisonment on March 31, 2014. After 19 years of trial finally, the Supreme Court of India based their decision on the grounds of the inordinate delay in deciding his mercy plea and his present mental condition. It is notable that between 1984 and 1994 around 250000 Sikhs disappeared in Punjab. As per credible sources of Sikh organizations the disappearances have never been accounted for. Would that mean that there are 250000 souls waiting for the Panth to give them closure by bringing justice to them.


His arrest and conviction raised several human rights issues; since he was arrested and tried under the notorious law, “Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA)” The law contains provisions incompatible with international fair trial standards; a lack of evidence proving his involvement; and an involuntary and forced ‘confession’, which he later retracted. Prof. Bhullar was sentenced to death in 2001 by a Delhi trial court for triggering a blast in New Delhi in 1993.


Nevertheless, the minorities in India are feeling deprive of their rights. To crush the minorities’ voice, Indian intelligence agencies keep on devising plans like killing, arresting, raping women and disappearing leaders of minorities. In this regard RAW have penetrated many moles in the organizations fighting for the minorities’ rights. They are being tasked to create rifts among the lines of the organizations and provide day to day information to controlling desks of RAW. They even are being making part of the Sikh contingents visiting Nankana Sahib, Pakistan.


According to one renowned Sikh scholar Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh disclosed that the Indian government has used many tactics to undermine the Sikh struggle for freedom. It has infiltrated organizations such as the World Sikh Organization. It even infiltrated and continues to control Babbar Khalsa, the organization that India accused of carrying out the Air India bombing. By accusing Babbar Khalsa, it is essentially taking the blame itself. The organization’s primary backer received a $2 million loan from the State Bank of India just before the Air India attack, according to Kashmeri and McAndrew.


Many other Sikh organizations have been heavily infiltrated by Indian. He further stressed that the Indian tactic is to set up parallel organizations. One such organization is the so-called Khalistan Affairs Center, set up by the mysterious RAW agent Amarjit Singh. Amarjit Singh, who claims to be a doctor but is neither a Ph.D. nor an MD, will not reveal where his family is from in Punjab or when he came to America. He will not let anyone know anything about his background. Nor can he say where his money comes from. Yet he is able to afford an office in the expensive National Press Building in Washington, DC, an office which is usually unoccupied, and he is able to afford expensive newspaper advertisements. Amarjit Singh was recently banned from Canada. Perhaps he would like to explain to the Sikh Nation why he was banned. When will the United States ban him and send him back to his Indian paymasters?


Anyhow, Hindus mindset would never be changed due to extremist approach of Indian rulers. Therefore, Sikhs struggle for independents state “Khalistan” would only be the answer of getting their rights.