Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
August 2010
Volume: 1 Edition: 3
Contents
Patron-in-Chief
Zaid Hamid Editor’s Note 01
On the Question of National Media Policy 04
Provincial Autonomy and Pakistan 09
BrassTacks Security & Political Analysis 19
Giving India Trade Route or Crossing Red Lines? 29
Editorial Board
From Indus to Oxus 33
Shehla Zafar Pakistan’s Spiritual Dimensions 42
Noureen Akhtar
Graphic Designer
Contact
Cell: 0321-5001370
Web: www.brasstacks.pk
E-mail: btmagazine@yehghazi.com
Note: Only for limited circulation within BrassTacks own contacts and mailing list.
The Ideological Battlefield
Dear readers,
Assalam oAlaikum
14 August and Ramadan Mubarak!
This day reminds us that Pakistan is an ideological Islamic state and we are proud
of it. But under the threat of 4th Generation War, not just the geography, but also the
ideology and identity of the country is under attack.
BRASSTACKS 01
Indian Hydro War
values through legislation, social pressures and media. The raping of thousands of
Bosnian Turk Muslim women to produce Serb offsprings, banning of Masjid
Against Paksitan
Minarets in Switzerland, banning of head scarves and veils in France, racial
profiling of Muslims and demonizing Islam and Islamic values in media, are just a
few of the means towards that goal.
We witness all these strategies being implemented very aggressively in the Muslim
world, particularly in Pakistan.
Plans,Huntington
Impact & Consequences
further, in general terms, defines the present state of the Western
world, which after decades of moral degeneration, stands on the verge of total
collapse in terms of human and social values:
It is because of this moral and social decadence that even the best sociologists in the
Western world feel that the future would belong to nations which stand on higher
ideological, moral, ethical and spiritual plane than the West and who could offer an
alternate code of life to the world other than the degenerated life style, produced by
the materialistic and blind amoral values of the secular, liberal Western civilization.
Islam is the fastest spreading religion in the West. Islam, and particularly Pakistan,
remains the biggest threat for the modern Zionists, which must be diluted at all
costs – in both military and ideological terms!
In the previous issues, we have discussed the 4GW against Pakistan and its
derivatives. In this issue, we shall discuss the ideological axis of the same ruthless
BRASSTACKS 02
war. The double pincer is being delivered by combined Western and Hindu
civilizations on our ideology in the following manner:
However, this axis of 4GW against Pakistan can be reversed; it already has
been to a great extent. Protecting Pakistan's ideology, identity and language is
as vital as defending the geographical frontiers of the state. It is a war we
cannot afford to lose. InshaAllah, never.
Farzana Shah
BRASSTACKS 03
Cover Story
Making a media policy is far more complex than dos “unbiased media” or “free media”. Let's not get too
and don'ts of administrative nature or forming legal carried away blindly with this notion. Not even in US,
contracts for private channels. There are two major UK or the so-called best democracies, have anything
aspects of a national media policy. like that. Either strong State control for national
security is exercised on media, or there is strong self-
1. The Philosophical Vision, Mission regulation by the national media, which collaborates
statement, goals and objectives to be with the national security and development strategy.
achieved. FOX, CNN, BBC, ZEE TV, Door Darshan, Star Plus
etc, all follow the macro agenda of their governments
2 .The BrassTacks – the actual details and are either directly controlled by the mega cartels,
involving technical, human, administrative, having vested interests and influence in their
legal and financial aspects of the policy to country's policy formulations or are ideologically
achieve the defined vision and goals. motivated to promote their strategic vision.
This paper only deals with the first aspect – the Bollywood, in India, is acting as an extension of
Philosophical part – of the Media policy. Once this Indian foreign policy, with the strong political and
aspect is accurately defined, all energies can then be sexually explicit movies they are churning out, while
channelized to achieve this objective through the keeping Pakistani audiences, particularly youth, in
deployment of the second aspect of the media policy. focus. The compromised and incompetent
government's media policy ensured that these movies
The vision and goals decided must be protected by a end up in Pakistani theatres. Pakistani media
comprehensive media strategy, which defines the managers and information ministry remains
parameters of journalism, rules for electronic media, ridiculously complacent in this regard as well. While
methods of monitoring and surveillance of fifth making an apologetic attempt to project to the world
columnists under the garb of journalism, as well as that media is free in Pakistan, the government
media force projection capabilities, ensuring much unabatedly allowed vulgarity and ideologically
more than just issuing licences for tens of poisonous views to be strongly promoted in the
uncontrolled channels which act as enemy artillery on country, which are actually worse than the Indian
our social, moral, religious and national defenses. artillery and nukes pointed at us. Can we allow these
This is war and we must respond on war footings. amoral values to be promoted in the country in the
name of freedom of expression? Let's draw the line
There is no such thing as “freedom of expression”, and do not be fooled by the twisted notion, which we
BRASSTACKS 04
have accepted hook, line and sinker without Indian sub-continent and their application of
questioning. psychological warfare, information war, education
strategies and literature in creating a colonised
Also, the media cannot be above the law nor have the society. The process remains equally relevant even
authority to operate outside the ambit of national legal, today and must be understudied when we formulate
social and moral limits. Freedom of expression has its our own media policy.
limits and they must be understood, written, applied
and enforced in any media policy, which the country
wishes to deploy. As has been noted by numerous scholars of British
rule in India, the physical presence of the British in
It has to be forcefully asserted that without Islamic India was not significant. Yet, for almost two
ideology and identity, there is and will be no Pakistan. centuries, the British were able to rule two-third of the
Our ideological frontiers must be guarded as jealously subcontinent directly, and exercise considerable
and responsibly as our geographical frontiers and leverage over the Princely States that accounted for
nuclear assets. Anyone not guarding these frontiers the remaining one-third.
would not be sincere to this nation and the country.
While the strategy of divide and conquer was used
most effectively, an important aspect of British rule in
India was the psychological indoctrination of an elite
layer within the Indian society, who were artfully
tutored into becoming model British subjects.
BRASSTACKS 08
The National Media Policy, Philosophical viewpoint from the perspective of Pakistan
Outlines: and Muslim world today.
BRASSTACKS 09
Provincial Autonomy
and Pakistan
By: Shahzad Masood Roomi
The Constitution of Pakistan has been broadly corruption, mismanagement and incompetency.
reshaped under the 18th amendment by the present
political elite of the country. Allowing provincial Usually it is believed that the center has seized all the
autonomy to the provinces is one of the major powers, however, the truth is that every political party
amendments made in the constitution. Provincial makes this allegation against its opponents when they
autonomy has been a buzz word in Pakistan since the are in the government but as soon as these politicians
time of its independence. It means a system of themselves come into power, they make new
provincial government, independent and free from amendments in order to grab more powers while
any external influence or reliance in governance, sitting in Islamabad. Recent amendments in
administration, legislation and management of constitution have opened up a Pandora's box of this
provincial affairs. Complete provincial autonomy kind of autonomy and its implications on Pakistan's
means absolute independence of provincial stability once again.
government, with an absolute right to secede from the
state at will. Does Pakistan really need provincial autonomy? Did
the Pakistan resolution promise something like
Politically and administratively, Pakistan is a provincial autonomy? What the founding fathers have
federated state with a center holding major policy and said in this regard? What is the difference between
decision making institutions in the realm of national provincial rights and autonomy? What is the real
security, finance and foreign policy. Provinces have source of sense of deprivation in masses? What is
some other subjects under their jurisdictions. Just like required to be done to ensure socio-economic uplift of
any classical federation, the state also has some masses? This paper examines all these aspects of
subjects managed both by center and provinces at provincial autonomy and attempts to find some
different levels. answers.
The debate on provincial autonomy in Pakistan stems At this point it would be prudent to take a look at the
from the fact that socio-economic progress and origin of this particular political dogma of provincial
development is not uniform among all provinces due autonomy.
to various natural factors and management issues.
According to provincial autonomy campaigners, this ProvincialAutonomy in Pakistan Resolution:
assorted social development among provinces is a
culmination of disallowing complete autonomy to the The promise of provincial autonomy in Pakistan
rd
provinces. What these provincial autonomy resolution of 23 March, 1940, is used as the strongest
aficionados do not tell the nation is how socio- argument in favor of provincial autonomy. This view
economic uplift in the provinces would be ensured point stems from an objective analysis of the 1940
while every state institution is indulging in unparallel resolution, according to which, since Muslim struggle
for independence was to gain states with autonomous
BRASSTACKS 10
units in united British India, hence autonomy must be
given to provinces in Pakistan as well. One must keep
Pre and Post World War II political landscape of
British India in sight, before making any judgment
about the 1940 resolution and its demands, in context
of provincial autonomy in an independent Pakistan.
Below is an excerpt of Pakistan resolution:
"No constitutional plan would be workable or
acceptable to the Muslims unless geographical
contiguous units are demarcated into regions which
should be so constituted with such territorial
readjustments as may be necessary. That the areas
in which the Muslims are numerically in majority as
in the North-Western and Eastern zones of India
should be grouped to constitute independent states
in which the constituent units shall be autonomous
and sovereign".
In these circumstances Indian Muslims were Post 1940 political developments are instrumental in
desperate for retaining their participation and understanding the shift of demand from autonomy to a
representation in state affairs at that time. So another sovereign separate homeland for Muslims; the fact is
major reason behind calling for autonomy was to get that by 1943 Quaid-e-Azam had demanded “Divide
justice in representation of Muslims in legislative and Quit”, this makes it clear that demands of
bodies in Muslim majority provinces. The British had autonomy under 1940 resolution had very much
curbed the real representation of Muslims in legislator reallocated towards “complete independence and
elections in two majority provinces: Punjab and sovereignty” by then and this fact becomes more
Bengal. In Punjab Muslims were 56% of the total evident after 1945 elections, when Quaid-e-Azam
population with a representation of just 42% and in called for “Direct Action” if Indian Muslims were not
Bengal Muslims were 45% of legislator bodies despite allowed to have their own independent state, Pakistan.
having a majority population share of 57%. So in these
circumstances the demand of autonomy makes To make the shift in demand more clear, All India
complete sense in United India where Muslims were Muslim League held its historic legislator convention,
BRASSTACKS 11
But still supporters of complete provincial autonomy
insist that Pakistan was intended to be a loose
federation, comprising of completely autonomous
provinces/states or in other words it was deemed as a
confederation rather than a federation. The most
absurd part of this whole drama is the way completely
autonomous provinces are presented, as if it were
promised to the nation by the founding father himself.
Soon after the death of Quaid-e-Azam, political 1. Power grabbing by political elite
parties started to deviate from Pakistani nationalism
that was eagerly desired by him. Rhetoric of 2. Corruption
provincial autonomy started once again and results
were devastating for national security.Awami League, Every political party after coming into power tries its
in East Pakistan, started to demand complete level best to grab maximum powers to have absolute
autonomy under 1940 resolution. Politicians, in both control. This flawed political practice only generated
East and West Pakistan, treacherously played ethno- absolute corruption, with no accountability to the
linguistic cards to push their own political agendas. nation. Like it is said, “Power corrupts and absolute
Though heinous political blunders were committed by power corrupts absolutely.”
Islamabad at times as well but chiefly it was the
demands of Awami League which resulted in the Instead of solving problems, the corrupt politicians
severance of East Pakistan. and sub nationalists are using social and public issues
to further their agenda to have more powers by
The 6 points presented by Mujib-ur-Rehman, including presenting provincial autonomy as a divine remedy
demands like two currencies, two paramilitary forces, for these crucial problems like water management,
two separate accounts for foreign exchange were a clear food shortages, energy and terrorism.
declaration of secession of East Pakistan and all of
these were based on pure ethno-linguistic politics to Granting legitimate rights of legislation and
gain power. Never, during his whole political career, governance, to the provinces can reduce the sense of
did Mujib come up with a practical approach for deprivation among masses in smaller provinces but
uplifting the socioeconomics of East Pakistan. He that would only work if Pakistani political culture
rather used problems like poverty, linguistic undergoes a radical change.
polarization and ethnic disparities to work in his favor
to pursue his agenda of separation. Unfortunately ProvincialAutonomy versus Provincial Rights:
political parties demanding provincial autonomy now
in Pakistan also have same desires and designs. Sub nationalists and small ethnic political parties are
more vocal for complete provincial autonomy without
No political party ever demanded something like realizing the fact that it is not possible in a federated
provincial autonomy after the debacle of 1971, until state like Pakistan. In a federation there are some
very recently when sudden uproar was seen in enabling mechanisms between the two layers of
Pakistan for this cause in pretext of deprivation of governance and administration: One at federal level
provincial rights and local control over various natural and the other at provincial level. A federation, in its
resources. true sense is very different from what sub nationalists
and parities are demanding i.e. a confederation.
Leaving military dictators aside, even elected civilian
governments always try to clutch maximum powers in Contrary to all the propaganda, a federation has no
the center to plunder unabated. The 18th amendment concept of imposing the will of the center on any
is a clear example of this tragedy in Pakistan. province, while at the same time it is directly in
contradiction of complete provincial autonomy. There
People of Pakistan demand the resolution of their must be a balance of power between center and
problems with feelings of participation in governance. provinces among all pertaining issues of governance
The sense of being deprived by the center or a majority and management and this is something we don't see in
province must be nullified. Realization of social Pakistani federation. This imbalance of power
problems and provincial right is the first step in that between center and provinces gave birth to problems
direction. like corruption, inadequacy of resources, lagged
progress and social chaos.
Provincial autonomy and Social issues:
In a multi ethnic country like Pakistan, with its diverse
All the major problems and crises in Pakistan are a demography, it is imperative to maintain a sense of
BRASSTACKS 13
uniform development and progress among all the incarnation this is what must be done as well, but
ethnic communities and groups within and among the along with these proposals there are some important
provinces. questions, which must be answered:
The smaller the ethnic group or community, the more 1. How smaller provinces, consisting of
sensitive it would be towards its growth, progress and Punjabi population, will solve the problem of
development. Baluchistan is mere 4% of Pakistan's provincial disharmony and how will they
total population and the province is further divided promote ethnic cohesion in the state of
into multiple ethnicities. In such a diverse and Pakistan?
complex, cultural and social landscape every small
ethnic community would feel insecure socially, 2. How provincial rights would be granted
economically and politically if the government fails to with this divide of larger provinces into
ensure uniform socio-economic progress among all smaller ones? Dividing larger provinces into
ethnic communities. This is something that is smaller ones is not something equal to
agitating the Baluchis and other communities in provincial autonomy. So provincial autonomy
Baluchistan. is a subject directly between the center and
provinces, regardless of how big or small they
Does size matter? are.
Some analysts supporting provincial autonomy are of 3. How diverse ethnic demography in Pakistan
the view that disparity between size of Punjab and will be managed in this new setup? How equal
other provinces is a major bone of contention for representation of all ethnic blocks will be
gaining provincial harmony; so Punjab must be split ensured in Senate with split of larger
into two to three smaller provinces to dissipate the provinces? This arrangement can lead to a
other provinces' sense of insecurity. It would help in calamitous situation; as with this division,
improving management and governance in newly Punjabis and Baluchis will have more than one
formed smaller provinces. Another group has similar province of theirs while Pukhtuns and Sindhis
views about Baluchistan, which, according to this will have just one. This will destroy the
group, must be divided into two to three smaller existing political and ethnic harmony and
provinces so that social uplift in Baluchistan can be balance in national institutions like Senate.
ensured.
4. How just and fair resource division and
Apparently, these proposals seem to be very realistic allocation would be ensured? This is already a
and practical. In its pure management and governance serious and critical issue among center and
BRASSTACKS 14
provinces. Dividing provinces would further while denying sense of complete provincial
complicate this issue. autonomy. To ensure this, a careful evaluation of each
subject enlisted in concurrent list was compulsory
So it is clear that dividing larger provinces is not a before passing these subjects over to provincial level.
solution to any challenge, neither governance nor
provincial autonomy rather political situation in Lack of capable and experienced bureaucratic work
context of ethnic harmony will become more fragile. force in smaller provinces is a big issue to deal with
th
after the eradication of concurrent list. As now these
18 Amendment & Provincial Autonomy: departments would function under provincial control
so every province would employ its own people in
1973 constitution of Pakistan described the role of these departments. Baluchistan and KPK have real
both central and provincial governments along with difficulties in bridging the demand of experienced,
their roles and mandates. There were 47 items in the local managers and bureaucratic staff for newly
constitution (Concurrent List) enlisted in schedule IV shifted departments.
of constitution which were shared among center and
provinces. It's surprising that no advocate of provincial
autonomy ponders upon these issues as how
This list was to be abolished within the ten years of provincial rights must be exercised while enhancing
formulation of constitution but it remained there till the capacity of provinces in management and
governance areas to give local people in provinces
some sense of ownership and participation in
resolution of their local issues.
erupted in the country, particularly in Western and taking corrective measures in governance and
North Western provinces, so the environment is national security policy formulation. Resultantly, sub
conducive for sub nationalists to push demands of nationalist and separatist elements have become
complete provincial autonomy. Taking advantage of stronger political players on the national canvas.
the situation, Indian backed BLA and BRA activists
are killing non Baluchis. Sub nationalist political The government was hoping for a decline in separatist
th
parties have got unprecedented power and the streets tendency in restive provinces after passing the 18
of Quetta are presenting similar scenes that were once amendment but it got messier. The situation in
witnessed on the streets of Dhaka. Baluchistan is already very fragile as people
responsible for socio-economic plight of the masses
The current government in Pakistan is almost fatal for are sitting in the government of Baluchistan.
the nation. This government has failed miserably in
reading the security dynamics of the region and NWFP was renamed as Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KPK).
allowed an unprecedented level of foreign meddling As renaming was carried out on ethnic basis, this
into state affairs through continuation of failed triggered a chain reaction in the country by various
policies of previous government. A weak center is communities demanding separate provinces for
unacceptable in a federation from the security point of themselves. This trend will divide the whole country on
view and unfortunately the nation is living with a ethnic and linguistic basis. Violence and clashes
politically feeble center, without any real power of erupted among different communities within NWFP in
which many lives were lost. Aggressive campaigns for
establishing Hazara province were carried out and the
situation is deteriorating with each passing day.
History has taught a very tough lesson to the Pakistani Here the Quaid called for pure Islamic concept of self
nation that provincial autonomy is a tool of accountability so that no individual can be allured by
propaganda warfare used by India, successfully any kind of corruption. It is corruption at different
throughout the 1960s and Pakistan had to pay the price levels that has put Pakistan in the current state of
in 1971. The situation is once again similar. Pakistani affairs. As said by the Quaid at the end of Muslim
nation is under attack by Indian and Western media, League legislator convention in 1946;
who are using provincial autonomy, objective analysis “We have lost the fullness of our noble
of history and exaggerated facts as their weapons in character. And what is character?- Highest
this media war. Pakistan needs to take some serious sense of honour and highest sense of integrity,
steps to combat evil of provincialism. conviction, incorruptibility , readiness at any
time to efface oneself for the collective good of
Proposals: the nation”.
There are few proposals to combat this evil of Pakistan is facing the same dilemma once again, and
provincialism: the only solution to get out of this is to curb corruption
at every level, at any cost. Had Pakistan a strong
1.Elimination of Corruption: accountability system, the situation would have been
very different in every field of life, including uniform
Pakistan has only one way forward on the subject of progress for all ethnicities and communities. Absence
provincial autonomy and that is to follow what Quaid- of accountability and speedy justice have shrouded the
BRASSTACKS 17
masses with a sense of deprivation and hence it must There are federating states, like Pakistan, with more
be eliminated. than two legislative lists sharing some areas and
subjects. In India, some of the subjects from provinces
2.Islamic ideology and Pakistani Nationalism have been put into federal list. Eliminating concurrent
list or moving everything to provincial legislative list
As it was said by the Quaid some 63 year ago, it is is not the word of Gospel. Pakistan needs some kind
Islamic ideology blended with Pakistani nationalism of enabling bodies that can work with center and
that can keep Pakistan united under all circumstances. province at the same time on issues which are inter
Pakistan must protect its ideology jealously. linked, like security, higher education, revenue etc.
Education and Language are two sensitive areas in this 4.Capacity Building
regard in any country and Pakistan is no exception.
These areas will overlap between center and Many problems that smaller provinces are facing are
provinces. Neither provinces nor center can cope with direct result of lack of adequate experience and skill
these subjects alone. Center must provide the man power in public offices and not having capacity to
provinces with a broad framework of education, built cope with challenges of modern age management
around the theme of defending and safeguarding the issues.
ideology of Pakistan.
Capacity building is important and provinces must
Also, center must do everything possible to save Urdu form specialized academies so that new managers and
in the education system by adopting it as a medium of administrators can be trained to take responsibilities in
instruction in institutions and universities at higher new departments, which would be handed over to
education level, while provinces must do the same at provinces separately.
secondary and primary levels.
Conclusion:
Language and Education are two most important
pillars against the curse of provincialism and must be Corruption and mismanagement over the decades
cultivated into the nation's interests. have distorted the social fabric of the Pakistani nation.
Nation and state have also suffered from lack of
Another major area in which government must work leadership due to corruption. This has caused a deep
on war footing is media management in context of sense of deprivation in the masses, particularly in
ideology of Pakistan, so that propaganda of provincial smaller provinces.
autonomy can be thwarted. India and US are investing
in Pakistani media to initiate complex psychometric Pakistan has to overcome this corruption in its
media wars on ideological axis. political system and must also get rid of elements that
always seek more and more power while sitting in the
3.Provision of Provincial Rights: center. On the other hand Pakistani nation must reject
any ethnic or linguistic appeal by any political party or
While drafting the 1973 constitution, an interim group in order to show Pakistani nationalism rather
period of ten years was given before elimination of than provincialism.
concurrent list. The wisdom behind this delay was the
realization that provinces would not be able to run so Quaid-e-Azam gave principles of leadership and
many departments without proper capacity building. nation building and it is time for Pakistani state to put
these principles into practice, while also devising
The present government has eliminated concurrent policies for the future.
list but has failed to solve the problems. Giving
provincial rights is imperative but how this will be ..............................
done is a subject where most of the brains in
intellectual community of Pakistan must start
pondering. Provinces in Pakistan are highly
interdependent and also rely on the center for various
resources.
BRASSTACKS 18
Synopsis of the Month
By: Zaid Hamid
Eastern Front:
BRASSTACKS 21
end to the talks, it was Hillary's job to get India the
concession of transit trade through Pakistan to
Afghanistan and she almost did. The compromised
PPP government was all set to sign the controversial
and unprecedented Afghan Transit Trade deal to
benefit India unilaterally but the mistake by Indian
Foreign service officer of accusing ISI of terrorism
flared the tempers in media and brought the issue in
the limelight, creating a crisis for the PPP government
as well as Indian Foreign Minister, making it
impossible for them to go ahead with the agreement.
Indian Foreign Minister is rightly angry over his
officer. A historic opportunity for India was lost
though they have not given up hope. In the presence of
this corrupt and compromised PPP government,
Indians feel their best chance to subdue Pakistan
3rd generation of Kashmiris has joined the
diplomatically. It was the Indian government officials
struggle of freedom from Indian clutches.
who harmed Indian interests, not Pakistani Foreign
Restive valley witnessed unprecedented
office which had bent backwards to appease Indians.
freedom processions and uproar by civilian
population during the last two months.
There is now a genuine panic in Pakistan over looming
water crisis and Indian blockade of Pakistani rivers.
With the failure of political government to take up the Indians would not allow them to interfere in Kashmir
issue at any international forum, military has now affairs. If Pakistan was counting upon US help to tame
taken it upon itself to press the issue in strategic India, that's not happening either. US has flatly refused
dialogue with US. The issue is sensitive enough to to mediate between Pakistan and India and are only
trigger a war between Pakistan and India. US should working on the strategy of “bribing” Pakistani
be genuinely concerned as such a scenario would leadership into compliance. Pakistan is now
throw the entire US designs in the region for the 21
st affectively on its own to deal with Indians, who are
century into a tailspin. The government has now also fully backed by US, Israel, EU and even Russia.
been forced to act under duress. The much delayed Hillary and Mullen spoke what the Indians wanted to
dams are now being approved but still no one is hear.
willing to talk about Kalabagh Dam, the real need of
the country. Indians have been pulling all global Also, blaming LeT as the master terrorist organization
strings to make sure that Pakistan does not get the in place of Al-Qaeda is also a strategic shift in US
dams. The complacency of the government and the stance which is more geared to please Indians and has
water wars by India has indeed created a dangerous nothing to do with the reality on ground. This is a
situation for Pakistan. serious development against Pakistan and shows the
strategic relationship between India and US.
The mood and sentiments in Pakistan are running high
at all levels. Freedom and Water are two issues which The frictions between Pakistan and India are so high
can trigger another war and it would in the midterm. In even today that both countries can go to war on a short
the Indian controlled Kashmir, resistance, civil notice as they almost did after the Mumbai incident.
disobedience and unrest continues for the last 22 years Under these circumstances, peace talks were a façade
and does not show any sign of slowing down. The anyways. Now even the US is realizing the gravity of
intensity of the resistance varies but it continues to the situation. Pakistanis and Indians are being told to
flare up despite almost half a million Indian troops in calm down. US was particularly upset when Indians
the valley. leaked secret US-India understandings and accused
ISI of being involved in the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan
In the coming days, US may just be able to contain the could afford to delay Kashmir for 63 years. But it
rising frictions between the two countries but there cannot afford to delay water dispute for even next five.
would not be any peace process, talks or dialogue A major war with India is inevitable now as there is no
between the two hostile neighbors. Despite US desire, external pressure on Indians to give concessions or
BRASSTACKS 22
back off from their present stance of blocking While Americans insist that Pakistan should squeeze
Pakistani waters. “Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular” were the Haqqani group in North Waziristan, behind the
the words of founding father of the country – Quaid e scenes, US and Karzai government are now talking to
Azam. Back then in 1947, not many could understand Afghan Taliban and Haqqani group, even if they deny
this. Today, it's clear as daylight. Both countries know it on the surface. This is utter humiliation for the
this and continue to prepare for a final showdown!! Americans but now as they continue to take losses in a
protracted bloody war, all the options are open.
Indians have an upper hand at the moment as they
support multiple insurgencies in Pakistan, political In reality, the Afghan situation is fast turning a war
government in Islamabad is slavish, Pakistani water is between CIA and ISI, with Indian RAW acting as
being blocked and Indians ride the tide of strategic scavengers. In fact, pressure is again being mounted
partnership with US. Pakistan is desperate to re-gain upon ISI and Pakistan that militant outfits are being
the foothold but in the presence of this government, sent from Pakistan to fight the US/NATO forces. LeT
the task is much more uphill and difficult for the or JuD as they are called are not present in Afghanistan
patriots and the armed forces. Rest of the “peace and this latest US information war is only meant to
process” is all media stunts and facades.
Western Theatre:
There is a reason why US cannot push Pakistan 6. With a withdrawal timetable given early,
beyond a certain degree. Their lifeline passes through Taliban have hardened their stance towards
Pakistan. Right now it is the militants who attack at the any talks. Now a back peddling is required by
targets of opportunity. If the Pakistani state decides to US and NATO to give a perception that they
choke the vital route, that would be the end of are not quittingAfghanistan.
US/NATO Afghan war days. In reality, the cost of war
already is rising exponentially for the occupation 7. Pakistan is not willing to do the fighting for
forces. The stress is increasing and so are the suicides. theAmericans against Pashtun resistance.
War is truly ruthless in the country as both sides try to
gain upper hand in the summer offensives. Now the 8. Indian presence in Afghanistan has made it
Taliban resistance is even spreading in North of the very difficult for US to balance their relations
country which had remained safe till now. with Pakistan. Pakistan is clearly angry over
US patronage and protection of Indians.
This year is going to be very rough in Afghanistan.
Taliban are sensing victory and are not going to lose 9.Pakistan continue to hold influence over
the initiative this time. Despite the bravado, US do not Pashtun resistance making it clear that in the
have the capability or the will to carry the war for more absence of US and NATO forces, Pakistan
years. It is either an exit for them or a total defeat and would once again control theAfghan future.
decimation. But even if it is an exit, US would want to
prevent a Taliban return and would be doing a fair bit 10. There is no defined objective of war now
of killings to achieve that objective. Pakistan remains for the US. There is total confusion. Al-Qaeda
the key player in this scenario. Apowerful government is now being replaced with LeT as the next
in Islamabad can turn the tide in its favor. For now, the bogey. Osama and Mullah Omar have not been
ship in Islamabad remains rudderless though the GHQ caught. In short, US do not know how to get
BRASSTACKS 25
out or what to do next. It is confusion galore. billions of dollars of corruption and is now fighting
tooth and nail to salvage their sinking ship.
11. NATO came into Afghanistan to maintain PPP government is most disturbed by the fierce
their strategic presence to counter Islamic, attacks on it by the media. Now, in the name of
Russian and Chinese threats. There is no way national security, they are going to draw dictatorial
they can forego these grand strategic laws to check the media blitz. Government would try
objectives even if some kind of peace deal is to bring the army on board as well to get the muscle
reached in Afghanistan. NATO is making this behind it. While there is no doubt that Pakistan needs a
clear now, finally. solid media policy as the present media is almost an
untouchable holy cow, causing massive anarchy in the
So after earlier giving an exit date, by 2011, now we state, the way PPP wants to do it would cause more
see another confused policy announcement by US and mayhem than good. It seems that the realization is
NATO. But all these US plans and announcements there in the PPP ranks as well despite the desire to go
donot affect Taliban who remain ruthless, cunning and ahead with the idea.
resolute. Major embarrassments continue to come US
way. In the coming days, frictions will increase Meanwhile the corrupt politicians continue to divide
between Pakistan and US/NATO as well as the the provinces over water and resource allocations,
occupation forces' casualties would mount in the increasing the provincial disharmony and weakening
coming war season. Pakistan is rightly not willing to the federation. Power crisis also continues to get
fight the dirty war for the US/NATO. There is not serious all over the country with no end in sight. This
much US/NATO can do about it except fume, bluff sorry state of affairs is deliberately orchestrated to
and threaten. justify rental power plants by the government.
Railways are collapsing and all major trains which
Political / EconomicAxis: have been running for many decades are now being
ceased to operate. This is a horrible state of affairs or
It can only happen in Pakistan! A huge percentage of national governance and is almost touching the limits
legislators and MP's are now known to have fake of a failed State.
educational degrees and have defrauded the nation
and the judiciary to win their seats. But they remain The PPP government is already on a suicide path. Now
shameless! Instead of supporting the law, even Mr. PML (N) has also joined their ranks and has picked up
Zaradri is upset and sees this as a conspiracy. This has fights with almost all power players – PPP, Media and
now become the biggest scandal in the country which the army. This is bad news for Nawaz Shareef and his
can actually disqualify a majority of the MP's making political future. But PML (N) was quick to back track
the parliament non-functional. The entire political and do damage control over their stance towards
system is so corrupt and decadent that it is futile to media and terrorism. The inaction and failure of
expect them to deliver. Punjab government to nab and nail the terrorist outfits
has brought them under immense pressure and have
The government and its cronies continue to make led to panicked response against media and the
laws, rules and policies to grab billions in windfall government and defying the military's national
profits, commissions and kickbacks. This is security strategy. Now PML (N) is desperate and
staggering and unprecedented levels of corruption and trying to limit the damage. The political fiasco is so
financial embezzlement without any shame or fear. total and complete that it is breathtaking. It is not just
While the SC is trying to resist the autocratic corrupt the government but also the so called opposition
rule of the government, the PPP government continues which is equally comical, confused and disorientated.
to declare their war against the judiciary as well. Chief
Justice SC continues to give a tough time to PPP The PPP government is also under immense pressure from
government. religious scholars and organizations as well. The failure to
control terrorism is now haunting the PPP government
Every trick known to crooks and thieves is now being more than the corruption they have been doing.
deployed by the government to wriggle out of the legal
grip of the Supreme Court. The clash is breathtaking As Pakistan continues to face water crisis, the
as well as shameless. The entire leadership is mired in government work on multiple axis to aggravate the
shortage. The government is creating a major crisis
BRASSTACKS 26
through following means. On inter provincial axis, the disputes and frictions
1. New dams are not being built. In fact, the continue to increase between provinces creating a
government is blocking all projects. dangerous fault line for the Federation. This
government is making sure that Pakistani federation is
2. New storage reservoirs and canals are not weakened beyond repair in the coming months and
being created. weeks. The passing of the 18th amendment is the
biggest crime of this government. War on ethnic lines
3. Water disputes increasing due to corrupt and in Karachi by two separatists' parties – MQM and ANP
incompetent decision makers. This is – is alarmingly out of control. Both parties have great
increasing friction between provinces. sympathies with Indians and reject creation of
Pakistan as a State and tacitly work to create
4. Issues not being taken up with India over environment to cripple Pakistan. Both are in
Indian blockade of Pakistani water. government in Sindh and NWFP and are aggressively
th
In a country that has been affected by low and high two years. Earlier during the last year, on May 6 ,
intensity insurgencies, entrapped in a vicious debt trap 2009 Pakistani and Afghan ministers signed an MoU
of IMF and World Bank, indulged into economic in US to renew transit trade agreement, of 1965, to
mismanagement and political corruption at all levels; give India a transit facility for trade with Afghanistan
constituting a foreign policy which can protect its through Pakistani land routes from Wagah to Khyber
security interests is really a cumbersome job but even surrendering its 43-years-old stance on not allowing
then some red lines are drawn by nations on all fronts India to use its soil for trade with Afghanistan till the
of national defense and economic security which are resolution of all outstanding issues including
not meant to be crossed at any cost under any Kashmir.
circumstances.
The decision by government to sign a bilateral
Right after 9/11, US helped India to establish her agreement with Afghanistan on a foreign soil and
political and economical foothold in Afghanistan by giving India unilateral concessions on transit trade
overlooking Pakistan's geo-political and geo- met with severe criticism and skepticism by Pakistani
economic interests. US policy towards establishing intelligentsia and military establishment as
Indian hegemony in SouthAsia is in full swing and it is government was to concede Pakistan's economic and
getting its objectives met, one after another, thanks to security interests to India through this agreement.
another US supported and sponsored government in
Islamabad just like the one they have in Kabul. Present Some of the terms agreed upon by both countries in
government is willingly crossing red lines just to MoU in 2009 were openly against Pakistan’s
protect artificial democracy in Pakistan by appeasing economic hand strategic interests.
Americans and Indians.
Under the second clause of the MoU not only could
The only way for US and Indian plans to succeed in the Afghanistan get access to the sea route; it could also
region is to get sway over all the trade routes and find new avenues to India and China for similar
corridors to Afghanistan through Pakistan. This is purposes.
something Pakistan cannot afford politically,
economically as any such concession to India would The clause titled "Objectives of Pak Afghan Transit
undermine vital national geo-strategic interests. Agreement", in the MoU, elaborated that the future
agreement would emphasize the easiest routes for
th
On July 18 2010, both countries signed a framework international traffic (also including access to a third
for final transit trade agreement between Pakistan and country).
Afghanistan. Actual agreement for Afghan Transit
Trade would be based on this framework. Efforts and The need for establishing a transit corridor connecting
work for this framework were underway for the last Pakistan's border areas with Afghanistan, and to give
BRASSTACKS 29
3. In future, India would be allowed through a
“side-letter” by Islamabad to use Pakistani
land routes for moving its goods directly to
Afghanistan via Wagah – Khyber route.
Though the transit trade agreement is completely a II) Why Pakistani government has allowed
bilateral matter between Pakistan and Afghanistan but Washington to hijack the whole transit trade
there is an unprecedented level of US interest and agreement? Why US diplomats are so much
interference, since 2008, in this agreement and that is involved in a regional matter that has nothing
something raising eyebrows in some circles in to do with any foreign country?
Pakistan.
III) Why Americans are so worried for Indian
According to media reports, Pakistan has conceded
access to Afghanistan through Pakistan?
following to Afghanistan;
Which US interests would be served or
protected by facilitating India inAfghanistan?
1. To provide, for the first time, Afghanistan
with facility to use Pakistani land routes of The only answer to these questions is that actual deal is
Wagah-Khyber for exports to India. to protect US interests in the region and not the trade.
Americans want Indians in Afghanistan, US wants to
2. To continue providing sea-port access to leave Afghanistan but wants a reliable partner in
India for her exports to Afghanistan. Not only Kabul and some regional player as a babysitter for that
Karachi port would be used but Gawadar and partner. On the other hand Indians want access to
Bin Qasim ports would also be available for Central Asia and Middle East, something that is only
Indian exports to Afghanistan. possible via Pakistan. Indians also want to corner
Pakistan from its Western border (which they are
This may not sound turbulent as Pakistan is bound to already doing by supporting multiple insurgencies in
provide transit trade to land locked Afghanistan but Pakistan but after getting land access via Pakistan the
there are more concessions from Pakistan in this noose around Pakistan will be further tightened).
framework for future Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade
Agreement (APTTA) and these concessions are Indo-US regional plan can move forward only in the
primarily for India. presence of a completely compromised, complacent
BRASSTACKS 30
and sellout government in Islamabad, which the and FATA is going to be proved disastrous for
current regime has proved itself on multiple accounts. Pakistan.
BRASSTACKS 32
Zaid Hamid
BRASSTACKS 33
1. Anti aircraft 14.5 mm single barreled guns are good”, he replied with an amusing smile under
called Ziguyags. which I detected a subtle taunt. “When we started, we
only had homemade guns, First World War bolt
2. Anti aircraft 12.7 mm heavy gun called actions and even shot guns”, he seemed happy at the
progress made in six years of resistance. I was still not
Dashekas. so sure. “Which weapon would you like to fire?” he
asked. The offer was tempting but I only settled for the
3. Heavy Machine Gun 7.62 caliber called Kalashnikov; all other weapons seemed fairly simple,
Grunov. and with a surge of over confidence, I felt I did not
need to use them here and preferred an on-the-job
4. Light machine gun 7.62 mm with belt or training in the battlefield.
drum magazine.
Later, when faced with the enemy, my apprehensions
5. Rocket propelled grenades RPG – 7. proved true, and even though the resistance was giving
some serious, tough time to the Soviets with these
light, transportable and shoulder carried weapons; the
6. Light Cannon shoulder or tripod fired
war had actually begun to swing in the favor of the
recoilless 82 mm. Soviets due to their much modified tactics, superior air
power as well as their use of high technology weapon
7. Light Cannon shoulder or tripod fired systems, especially the feared MI-24 gunship
recoilless 75 mm. helicopters and the modified armoured plated Sukhoi
bomber. These weapons, which had somehow
8. Mortars of various calibers like 82mm to managed to carry the war thus far for the resistance,
120 mm. were not going to be enough if the Soviets were to be
driven out of Afghanistan. Within the next few days,
9. Single barrel rocket launcher 107mm. fate was to present me with the opportunity of
experiencing this phenomenon first hand.
10. AK-47 Kalashnikov. On a wooden target, placed at a distance of 200 yards, I
prepared to fire my first shots of the AK-47. One of the
instructors tried to brief me on magazine loading but I
declined the offer. It was my time to make an
impression. First, while standing and then sitting and
taking aim, I fired 5 rounds each, hitting the bull's-eye.
Then lying down on my stomach, turning the selector
switch to full auto, I fired short bursts into the target,
generating some serious excitement in the small group
of onlookers who had gathered to see the “guest” try
his luck. Finally, it was time to really fascinate them. I
flamboyantly fired a full magazine, in small bursts
from the hip, without aiming into the target. Though
not all shots struck home, it was impressive enough an
attempt to draw a round of applause. “Where did you
RPG-7 Training In Warsak learn to fire like this?” The camp commander could
hardly conceal his amazement, “At my university, in
“That's it?” I thought, with some dismay, after Karachi,” I replied with a smile, handing over the gun
completing my quick tour of the training posts. My to another instructor. I could sense the commander's
disbelief, as I walked away triumphantly.
confidence in the Mujahideen's fighting ability, as
well as my own chances of survival in the battlefield
began to frizzle away. “Are these weapons enough? **********************
Are we supposed to fight the Soviets with just these?”
I could not resist asking the camp commander. “These Finally on March 27, 1986, the moment of truth
arrived. I was asked to carry my rucksack and join a
BRASSTACKS 34
Enfield 303 bolt action rifle with about 30 rounds. I
was quite disappointed at not being given an AK-47,
but then I convinced myself that in any real
engagement, I would be able to take down quite a few
enemies, even with this weapon.
I stared, horrified as three fighter jets formed a line and Enchanting, snowy, mountainous landscape and the
entered into a dive straight at me, strafing with bullets stillness of the serene environment, did not betray the
whizzing past me and hitting the ravine floor kicking immense bloodshed and butchery those valleys had
clouds of dust. I was frozen in fear, almost into a trance witnessed. The Soviets had used brute and ruthless
of disbelief as the jets released their loads. The planes force to decimate almost every village they even
dived so low that I could see the helmets of the pilots suspected of hosting the resistance. Miles after miles,
when they flew past me. Luckily, bombs and rockets abandoned villages dotted the hills and valleys, their
exploded on the hill slopes, missing the terrified occupants having migrated to Pakistan with only
young fighters in the ravine below, who lay there, fighters returning to continue the struggle. We were
hugging the ground as bullets whizzed past, also lodged in one such vacated, mud and stone,
miraculously missing the targets. This was my first double storied house.
ever experience of coming under a hostile fighter jet
attack and made me freeze in sheer terror. It was here, for the first time, that I was properly
introduced to the Arab fighters as well. I was the only
BRASSTACKS 36
Rag-tag Afghan resistance militia
Pakistani in the group and could speak English, a disappearing into the darkening shadows. I never saw
fascination for the Afghans and Arabs alike. My or heard about him again. People just seemed to vanish
Arabic, Pushto or Dari was almost non-existent at the in those killing fields.
time and only Abu Hajir, from Iraq could speak
English. We became good friends immediately. He Date: 30-3-86:
had not met any Pakistani on the battle front before “Not much happened yesterday after midday. We
and was keen to know about Islamic movements in came back from OP after dusk. Today we pushed off
Pakistan. This small band of Muslim fighters very fast from our base and reached OP. Jets
comprised of young men from at least 10 different bombarding surrounding hills, probably our HQ as
nationalities from various social and educational well. Came back late in the evening, saw enemy
backgrounds, almost all meeting each other for the movements and Mujahideen firing rockets on enemy
first time but united by the bond of a common sacred positions with enemy retaliating and us in the
cause. Afghan Jihad was truly a Pan Islamic middle with shells flying over our heads. Sent a
movement. letter to Mom”
I last met Abu Hajir briefly after 4 years on my way to Date: 31.3.86:
Takhar, towards regions of Ahmed Shah Masood in “Not much action for us all day except usual sights
Northern Afghanistan in 1990. Abu Hajir was of jets bombing and rocketing. At night enemy
trekking back towards Pakistan from Takhar on that attacked us with rockets. It was a surprise attack.
grueling journey. Just before sundown, on a dusty, Thank God no one was hurt.”
narrow dirt track in the Farkhar valley, he recognized
me riding a horse, nursing my lacerated feet after days Date: 1.4.86:
of walking. We embraced each other with excitement, “Early morning left for Parachinar. Not much
shook hands, introduced each other to the comrades. action here for a Kalashnikov. Decided to leave for
He even offered me his own boots when he saw that other fronts. Arabs also coming back.
mine were hurting me. I then rode into the wilderness, Date: 2.4.86:
as Abu Hajir hastened on the opposite dusty track, “Back in Peshawar”.
BRASSTACKS 37
These first four days on the front line were to change immediately started to take my language lessons.
my entire perspective and outlook on life. Despite its Within a few days, we were communicating
harshness and ruthlessness, it was a surreal experience, reasonably well in Dari, which was to become my
almost mystical in intensity. The experiences of trials, second language during all my adventures.
human brutality as well as sacrifice, undergone during
this span of time, taught me phenomenal lessons about Somehow, I could never pick up Pashtu fluently
life and death. Those of us who were alive did not know despite my years of association with Afghan
why they were spared and those who died, we did not resistance and having Peshawar as my second home
understand why they were chosen. This dangerous, but for this period, perhaps because of my focus on Dari,
extremely mystifying life was to be my destiny for the which was closer to Urdu and easier to learn and
next few years. speak. Every educated Afghan is at least bilingual and
hence Dari became and remained my first choice of
During this first trip into the killing fields of language inAfghanistan.
Afghanistan, I was destined to undergo similar
experiences in Jalalabad and Paktia. I had maintained Kochi handed me anAK-47 and I was ecstatic. That was
a brief diary of these events as well, and this gives to be my personal weapon from now on. I had a small
more insight into the ways and tactics of war being camera with me as well and had been taking pictures all
fought in those days: Earlier it was ambushing along. In those days, there were no digital cameras and
convoys, whereas now in Jalalabad, it was joining old fashioned films had to be loaded, so one would only
Mujahideen for attacking a fixed enemy post. know after weeks or often months the results of their
photography; but I kept on clicking. In the coming years
Very close to the Pakistan border was the Mujahideen I was also to become part of Mujahideen propagation
base at Shalman Dakka. It was overseeing the road to department and produce hundreds of thousands of
Jalalabad from Torkham, Pakistan-Afghan border. It pictures, audio tapes and video films for the resistance.
was a very strategic road for the Soviets, heavily But at that moment, in Shalman, I was on my own, a
guarded and bitterly fought for by the Mujahideen. young Karachi student who had enigmatically decided
Ambushing this road was a regular battle strategy. But to abandon an engineering career and join the resistance
to get to the road, one had to pass through many as a foot soldier.
security posts or hilltop fortresses dotting the area.
Therefore, this area was very suitable for post warfare One day, it was decided within the groups, to launch an
as well. attack on a post inside the enemy territory. The plan
demanded that we cross the heavily guarded Jalalabad
I landed at Hizb-e-Islami camp in Shalman. The wide highway at night, penetrate deep near the target post,
valley had a river running through it, with one exit hide in the gorges and natural trenches in the day,
towards Pakistan, hence making it easy for the dodge the hilltop posts on the way, make an attack in
resistance to cross the border and bring in men and the afternoon and finally come out alive somehow. It
supplies. The smaller side of the valley, where the was insane to start with but everyone was hyper
Mujahideen had their bases was dotted with tents, charged, so I decided to go along silently. Every group
caves and make shift shanties for all Mujahideen contributed men and a total of 50 fighters were
groups, having their camps side by side. Hilltops assembled for the operation. Kochi Khan was the
were manned with anti-air craft guns to keep fighter commander of the combined force. The weapons
jets and helicopters away. included AK-47's and RPG's with the troopers and
only one 82mm recoilless rifle as softening up
I was received by a short, stout, well built, very artillery, which was to be used by Kochi himself. As
confident middle aged, Mujahideen commander, per battle plan, an assault team was to attack the post
Kochi Khan. He was a Pashtun from a nomadic tribe frontally, once it was softened by the 82mm rockets.
and interestingly his name Kochi literally means Kochi wanted me to stay close to him, obviously for
'nomad'. I was to spend the next 10 days with Kochi my protection. I wanted to go with the assault teams, a
and he was to become my mentor in Dari/Persian, war high risk proposition. Kochi was visibly
strategy, guerilla war tactics and observations, lessons uncomfortable about sending me along with the
in ambushing convoys and in attacking posts. Though assault group. He was jealously protecting me like a
he was a Pashtun, he spoke Dari very well, and I guardian angel. I decided to go with the fighting group
BRASSTACKS 38
anyway and let the battle decide my fate. night. It was my first experience to march with battle
hardened Mujahideen on those treacherous mountain
My diary entry reads: slopes and I was struggling to keep pace. Within the
first hour, I was exhausted, carrying my load of
Jalalabad 14-4-86: weapon, about 250 rounds of ammunition, medical
“At night going for an attack, inshaAllah. Hope to pack and some extra clothes. We crossed hills, dirt
be back after two days. Saw target post in the day tracks, ponds, canals, mountain passes, drinking dirty
from an OP post. Enemy tanks and vehicles are close sand infested water on the move, without stopping and
to it. About 50 Mujahideen are going. We will stay then finally reaching the Jalalabad road around 10 pm
out at night and reach target area and hide. Next at night after 3 hours of forced march. We had been
morning we will keep hiding till after noon and then observing this stretch of the road for days now and
attack and make our way back in the darkness. We knew it was guarded with tanks and posts. Now came
are using Kalashnikovs, RPG's, 82 mm shoulder fired the tricky part: How to cross the road in a bright,
recoilless gun. Attack will last one hour. If we fail, moonlit night? The agitation and fear factor began to
retreat. If we succeed, a full assault will be made. take over. Mujahideen and Kochi were unnerved.
The one hour would be decisive”.
It was decided to send small groups of men across the
The awe-inspiring, mysticism of that particular night road one after another. Kochi went first, then another
bewilders me even today. After dusk, men assembled and then another. It was my turn now. Rising from the
at the rendezvous, verses from the Quran were recited, roadside ditch, I stepped on the blacktop road,
followed by a collective prayer for victory. Men were precariously visible under the full moon. Crouching
aware of the risks and were willing to take the chances low, head down, anticipating hostile fire, I rushed
with courage. It was an audacious plan and if the across the road and dived into the ditch on the other
attack had taken place, many or perhaps all could have side. Now we were officially in the enemy territory.
perished. There was a full moon, and the column My pulse began to rise.
started their march in single file almost in silence, only
the rattling of the weapons and sounds of the marching On the face of it, it was insanity what Mujahideen had
footsteps on mountain stones broke the stillness of the planned to do. Coming this far into enemy territory
capture a major city and make it their capital of the free part time job of a security guard. He did not have an
government. The attack turned out to be a disaster of artificial leg and used crutches. Now I could see tears of
mega proportions on which I shall write later. On way to desperation and helplessness in his eyes. I was
the battle front on the outskirts of the city, I drove from shattered.
Torkham to the exact spot on the Jalalabad road where
we had crossed 3 years earlier with our small battle The Commander Kochi Khan I knew was a tiger of the
group in the moonlit night and were almost killed in the mountains, taking on the Soviets and charging on their
subsequent confusion. Driving past that exact very point posts. The Kochi whom I was meeting now was from
of crossing, memories of that night and its nostalgia took another world. The Soviets had planted millions of land
me by storm. My mind thought of Kochi. mines in Afghanistan and they continue to kill and maim
Afghans even today. It is estimated that it would take
In 1988, almost two years after my return from Shalman 400 years to clear Afghanistan of all the land mines
front, I was driving through University town, Peshawar planted and dropped by the Soviets. It is a brutal and
and stopped by a house. The poor security guard, sitting indiscriminate way of killing and maiming a nation.
on a chair, looked into my eyes and instantly called my Thousands of Afghans have lost lives and limbs till
name. I was a little surprised, trying to recognize the today, and the toll continues to climb higher every week.
broken face of a very sad man. “mun Kochi astam”, I am Kochi was just one more statistic in this brutal war. I
Kochi, he said in Dari and then I recognized him, a little wanted to give him some cash as gift. He gratefully
surprised at why he did not get up to greet me. I was accepted. I still remember tears in his eyes when I left
excited, happy and wanted to embrace him but he kept him there and went ahead to my duty. I am not sure
sitting and then it dawned on me: One of his legs was whether he saw my tears or not. I could not even take his
missing! address and later I was told that he had moved with his
nomadic tribe to where he belonged. He was a nomad, a
Commander Kochi Khan had stepped on a landmine free soul and could not do a job sitting in a chair. That
after I had left the base and had nearly been killed and was my last meeting with Kochi Khan. May Allah bless
ever since had been under treatment and now doing a you Kochi, always and forever. (to be continued)
BRASSTACKS 41
14 August Special
Pakistan’s
Spiritual Dimensions
Translated by: Zaki Khalid
(Left) Qudratullah Shahab, (Right) Mumtaz Mufti. Eight years passed by. During this time, I got
acquainted with a literary figure who was full of
NOTE: Translated excerpts from Mumtaz Mufti’ s Islamic zeal and fervor. Someone in whose life the
book 'Pyaz ke Chilkey' Islamic codes were practically visible. One day, I went
to meet him and saw Khawaja sahib seated there. We
It was the 14th of August, 1947. were introduced to each other. After this, I had the
opportunity to come across Khawaja sahib quite many
For the first time that day, I had a positive feeling for a times, now and then. Khawaja sahib spoke less. He
Pakistan. It was nearing midnight. The signature tune was used to hearing what others had to say instead of
was being played on the radio. The echo of the duffs talking himself. He was intelligent and had a keen eye
was creating an eerie atmosphere, as if war drums on various affairs. He always felt delight in helping
were being beaten. Trumpets were blowing loudly. others and the best thing in him was his correctness.
However, this signature tune held no special
importance for me, I was busy, engaged in reading One day, I left for the graveyard. There, inside an
some book. And then it was announced, "Radio ordinary square-walled building, I saw Khawaja sahib
Pakistan"... the book fell out of my hands... I felt as if reciting Fatiha over a grave. I stopped. After he got
tiny insects were walking all over my body. A gush of free, he greeted me with great joy as usual.
air passed over my heart. Colorful stars started to
dance inside me. This was my first positive feeling for "So tell me, how are you?" he asked.
Pakistan, which unexpectedly penetrated inside each
and every vein of my body as if the full moon raises up I replied "Not well really.."
the tides in the calm sea.
"And why is that?" he asked.
After the creation of Pakistan, all hopes for a secure "Just going through anxiety", I replied.
and prosperous life at Bombay seemed vague. The
items and collectibles, for which we had gone to He asked again "Why?Anxiety for what?"
Bombay, lost their signifance. And so, Ahmed Bashir
and I arrived in Pakistan as we were (without bringing I said "Khawaja sahib, what will become of Pakistan?
any other thing along).. The only thing that got us This boat is shaking wildly"
anxious after we reached here was to shift our relatives
from Gurdaspur to Pakistan. Pakistan had become an I had said this in a bit of amusement. It is true that I
abode of peace for us. Pakistan had security for us, could feel Pakistan's boat shaking, but I had no real
Muslims. Now I could really feel with high intensity concern for it in my heart.
that I am a Muslim. Though the light of faith was there
in my heart or not, whether my lifestyle was in Khawaja sahib actually turned serious after listening
accordance with Islam or not. Whether there were pro- to what I said:
Islamic sentiments in my heart or not. In any case, I
was a Muslim. "Mufti sahib" he said "Why do you worry for Pakistan
BRASSTACKS 42
when there are so many huge entities and personalities separately.”
worrying for it? Why do you or I have to worry for it?"
"Yes Sir," I replied.
He paused for a while, then continued "Do you see that
old man over there?" I looked towards the place "The peon will bring the box," he said. "Alright Sir", I
Khawaja sahib was pointing at, where he was offering said, as I left the room.
Fatiha just a while ago. Khawaja sahib spoke up.
I opened the first letter, it was written: "Oh Shah! How
"That old man had spent his whole life for the creation fortunate you are that you got the honour of ruling
of Pakistan. This tree was planted by him." Pakistan!"
"Mufti sahib", he said smiling "Great personalities are 'What a weird letter!' I thought after I read the whole
working for Pakistan. Why do you worry?"
However, a few letters were written by educated "And listen," he said Do not talk inside the security
people. It was surprising that none of the letters talked room. Take him outside. In separation, understood?"
of any individual or personality. No one was
appraised/criticised in these letters. They were devoid "Yes Sir"... It was not the time to talk with sahib about
of any appraisals. No "His Majesty" was addressed to my issue. I thought of talking on it during my return.
in these letters. Their subject was Pakistan. Pakistan's
exclusive status. Pakistan's association with A miserable-looking man was standing inside the
RasulAllah sallallaho alaihi wasallam, Allah's Mercy security room. I took him outside in the lawn.
and Blessings on Pakistan... these letters drove me
crazy. A weird eeriness engulfed me. What is all this? "Sahib is busy in work, he has sent me. If you can tell
Who are these people? Which world is this? What is me in what regard you would like to meet him, then..."
Pakistan? What exclusive status does it have? And
why? I had barely finished my sentence that he spoke up:
I am known to be emotional by nature. No event leaves "Mister, what do I have to do by meeting sahib? I have
any effect on me under normal circumstances, but nothing to do with him neither do I know him. I was
when it does, then I am left stunned. Lava starts to boil coming from my village. I came across an ox-cart rider
within me and then, as if the volcano erupts. At first, near this street. He pointed at me. I went to him and he
after reading these letters, I was lost in amazement, I said 'Mian, go inside this house. Meet the sahib and
do not know what happened next. It was as if both ends give him a message of our's' The ox-cart rider was an
of sanity and rationality broke off; a wave of emotions old man. I did as he told and came here. But these
overtook me and I was drowned in it. policemen do not even listen to what the other is
saying, they keep on blabbering themselves."
For two days, I kept walking around my house like a
BRASSTACKS 44
I told him to share the message with me, I will convey Generally, their subject was the same: Pakistan,
it to sahib. Pakistan's status, Pakistan's upcoming Might, bright
future...I started to sense this fourth-dimension is a
(The man said) "The ox-cart rider told me to go and tell reality after all. Maybe Allah does indeed hold special
him (sahib) that what he is writing is wrong, and what liking and affection for a country or person. After all,
he already wrote and tore, is correct.” He is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, if He
wants to say something, who can stop Him?
'What a weird vague message' I thought. What did an
ox-cart rider have to do with sahib's note? And how One day, sahib called me to hand over some work and
come an ox-cart rider was travelling here? I had never told me to sit there so I may complete it right there. I
seen an ox-cart rider in this area. This person must be a was working seated at a corner, that the peon entered,
fool for sure, I thought.
"Sir, an uncle of mine went for Hajj this time. He has
I was sure that sahib would listen to what I would tell brought a message for you from Madinah, may I call
him, smile and then get back to work. However, he him with your permission?"
went into a moment of silence after he heard it all.
Then he spoke in a serious tone: Sahib listened with seriousness to what the peon said,
then he spoke up, "Call him.”
"Please pickup this waste-paper basket."
He placed his work at one side. He got up and kissed
I picked up the waste-paper basket up and placed it on the old man on his hand and started to listen to the old
the table. man's message with attention and care.
He very delicately picked up torn strips of paper from After praising Allah, the old man spoke, "You see, he
the basket. I was amazed at this sight Had sahib taken (the one who has sent the message) is a resident of
the ox-cart rider's message to be true? Jhelum. He was a sepoy in the Army. Had gone to an
expedition during the big war. From there he went to
Sahib handed over the strips of paper to me, "Please Madinah Shareef for Salaam and attendance. And then
join these when you find the time." he stayed there. He is there since then. He is the key-
holder now (who takes care of the key to Rauda e
"Yes Sir", I said. He picked up the new note he was Rasul sallallaho alaihi wasallam). It is a very high
writing, tore it up and threw it in the waste-paper station."
basket. My mouth was wide-open in surprise. This
man right here, who is so intelligent and acute, who Sahib nodded his head in agreement.
stands by what he believes in even after so many
things others advise him. Who has individualistic The old man shared the message (on behalf of the
thoughts. Who stays away from fake traiditonal army officer at Madinah):
rituals. Who has not an inch of relation with any sort of
fanaticism... "In 1946, we saw a dream in which a tree-vine sprout
up from the Masjid e Nabwi sallallaho alaihi wasallam
Why is this person accepting an unknown ox-cart and kept going far and wide as it grew. Green leaves
rider's advice, as if he has always been in appeared on its other end,"
communication with such ox-cart riders? As if he has
always been familiar with such messages, what is this Sahib nodded his head in agreement.
mystery?
"After about four years, we saw the same tree-vine in a
I joined the strips of paper together. It was a clause in dream. The branch was present as it was, but the leaves
the proposed Constitution of Pakistan which had a had withered... Now again, we have seen that tree-
relation to Islam. At this point, talking to sahib about vine. It is getting evergreen again, bulbs are sprouting
those mysterious letters seemed meaningless and I up on it again." He (the officer) told me to go and
was shuffled here and there amidst the brewing storm convey glad tidings; also to give this message that
of the letters. Such letters were received everyday. shepherds do not sit under the shade themselves.”
BRASSTACKS 45
All the time the old man talked, I could not focus on Two years later, another event of such magnitude took
my work despite repeated efforts. When he said 'Give place. Sahib and I had gone to Karachi for an official
glad tidings on our behalf', I felt as if the glad tidings trip. One evening, we went to Central Jail. Sahib had
were being given to me. That day, I sensed Pakistan's some work there. He had just gotten free from work
tree to be more greener than before and fresh new there that a guard came up to him and gave a salute,
leaves coming up from thin branches. I kept reciting "Sir, a prisoner is repeatedly calling you by name, he is
'La hawla wala quwwata'. I tried to control myself but asking for you."
all in vain. There was a mysterious feeling in this
magical world. A strange intoxication.. My senses We followed the guard to where the prisoner was. A
tried to control my mind but I was lost in the magic.. eunuch was locked inside a small hollowed cell. Sahib
took a glance towards him.
An event occurred after this incident by which every
nook and cranny of my body started to jitter and I was "Open the lock" said sahib.
shocked with fear. A friend of sahib called up, "A
mystic has come, in the beginning he was the IG of The lock was opened, he went inside and told the
Police in Hyderabad, then he was called (to Madinah) guard, "You may go'. I stood nearby, outside.
after which he put everything aside and went there. He
is a very interesting man. Do come to my place if you The eunuch shouted at sahib as soon as he saw him,
would like to meet him" "We had to get locked up to warn you!"
Sahib took me along when he went to meet that I got in fear as soon as I heard this and ran outide. An
mystic. The mystic's face was too frighterning. Black hour later when sahib came out, he was in the same
colored, a skeloton of bones, terrifying eyes, crude state as he was when he met the mystic. Oh Allah, what
voice; after his friend introduced sahib to the mystic, is this mystery? A pool of wonders floated in my mind
he had to leave for a while. The sahib and mystic were again. The next day, I went to the jail alone but he (the
left alone in the room after this, and the mystic to me prisoner) was not there. I inquired about his
looked like a rotten chilli. I was seated in the room whereabouts from here and there and came to know
next to their's, reading a newspaper and waiting for that he was not a formal prisoner. He was ranting in the
sahib. bazaar next to the jail, because of which the guard at
the jail was forced to lock him up. No guard had any
Suddenly the newspaper fell out of my hands as I knowledge of who had brought him here. These
heard that mystic from the next room talking in incidents drove me crazy. The mystery of Pakistan's
English "Flay you alive, put bran on you and place you status got even more amazing. In all this, I got
in the Sun!" . Huh? What was this old man telling convinced of Pakistan's special importance. The
sahib? Is he a mystic or a butcher? fourth-dimension was no more a wonder to me.
"I have come only for this purpose," his crude voice War broke loose. India attacked Pakistan. News
boomed, "to warn you, you do know that warnings are reports of the time were something like this:
not given in such cases, those who err are suspended,
removed, but Pakistan has a special exception. That is "RasulAllah sallallaho alaihi wasallam was coming
why you are being warned. If carelessness still on a horse to participate in Pakistan's jihad, The
persists, then you will be skinned, salted and placed in martyrs of Badr had reached the battle-fields. Hazrat
the sun!" Ali, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain were seen going
towards the battle-field near and around Sialkot sector
The blood in my body froze with shock. I came outside wearing white clothes. An Indian POW (Prisoner Of
in amazement. The mystic and sahib remained in the War) stated that Pakistani troops dressed in long white
room for three hours. clothes were destroying Indian forces one by one.
When sahib came out, his face was yellow, as if all the Flames were coming out of their swords. Another
blood had been sucked. He was walking with Indian POW said that Pakistani troops wearing red
difficulty. It seemed as if his bones were crushed. caps and short in stature had sealed off intra-Indian
BRASSTACKS 46
communication. A captured Indian bomber said that Pakistan has the blessings of elders on it. So many of
bombardment was useless. A white-clothed elder the top-elders have their hands on Pakistan... they are
would catch my bomb and thow it aside. Indian pilots the caretakers of Pakistan. They look after it, don't you
stated that when they threw bombs, then white- worry about Pakistan.”
clothed elders caught them in the air and placed them
down on the ground in such a way that the bombs did Qazi sahib's statement rattled the hive of hibernating
not explode. bees once again. Oh Allah, who are these great elders?
Are they those who were seen wearing long white
All of Pakistan was resounding with such miracles. clothes in the Sialkot sector? Were they the ones who
were catching cannon-balls fired by Indians? Who
During the war, a colleague of mine came to visit me. I picked up aerial bombs and placed them far away
asked him whether he was going home. "No," he said. without them exploding? Was it one of these elders
"I will meet Qazi sahib and then go home" who tricked one of the Indian pilots and he saw six
bridges of the river Ravi instead of one? Were they the
I asked who he is, he replied, "He is a worshipful ones who ordered the Indian pilot 'Bail Out, Bail Out!'
person, a very nice man." and they returned back without fighting Pakistani
troops?
I requested him to take me along too.
A naked madman and mystic was talking to himself
Pictures of Madinah adorned Qazi sahib's room here near a graveyard, "Nothing has happened yet. Rivers
and there. Prayer-beads were spread all over his of blood will flow. Many will die, many! Corpses and
prayer-mat. He met us with great zeal and talked about corpses, then a great victory will be achieved and
random affairs. He looked at me and said, "Please do SubhanAllah, SubhanAllah!" He was clapping
say something.” excitedly as if someone was bothering him.
I said, "Uh, please do dua for Pakistan" I watched Khawaja sahib offering Fatiha at the tomb in
the graveyard and stopped.
He turned serious. "I'm a very small man. A very small
man, what worth do I have that I do dua for Pakistan? "How are you Mufti sahib?" he asked.
No Mufti sahib, I am not of such a worth"
"Stuck in anxiety Khawaja sahib.." I replied.
But Qazi sahib, anyone can do dua!" I spoke up.
"In whose anxiety are you getting stuck in?" he
"That is right", he said "But Pakistan is a different inquired.
matter. You do not know. I also have very little
knowledge, very little. I am a small man, very small. “I am worried for Pakistan" I said.
...........................
BRASSTACKS 47
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