As the Afghan imbroglio continues where Taliban is causing reverses among the rank and file of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and its claims to have annexed considerable chunks of territory especially on the borders of Pakistan and Iran grows, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a TV interview to the US channel PBS has said that US has messed up in Afghanistan. The interview, carried on the prime-time slot on the night of July 27 was seen by many and Khan went on to vehemently criticise the US by charging the US for trying to look for a military solution while what was needed was a political solution. Elaborating his argument, the Pakistani PM said that on earlier occasions when he ruled out a military solution, he was dubbed as Taliban Khan and anti-American.&nbsp;

Responding to a pointed query whether the Pakistani PM thought of Taliban resurgence was a positive development for Afghanistan, the PM reiterated that the only good outcome would be a political settlement, which was inclusive. He further stated that the ‘worst case scenario’ if aptly described, as being one where Afghanistan descends into a civil war; this was however, from Pakistan's point of view. Protracted civil war, if it happens, Khan went on to say, would bring in more refugees inside Pakistan and as it is there were three million Afghan refugees already sheltered in Pakistan. Expressing his apprehensions rather candidly, the Pakistani PM said Pashtuns in Pakistan would be drawn into the civil war and that will have devastating consequences. During his interview, Khan forthrightly denied any financial support based on Pakistan military intelligence to Afghanistan and he found that extremely unfair. Of late, US-Pakistan ties have been plummeting rather rapidly.&nbsp;

According to security analysts, due to the Quad threat looming large perceived to be targeting China where India, Japan and Australia have joined hands with the US, Pakistan is under severe pressure from China to distance itself from the US influence and by default, it would then keep India also at an arm's length, strategically. The ties also soured because of Pakistan’s blatant refusal to the US to allow use of Pakistan air bases to target Afghan Taliban targets for attack and counter offensives. Pakistan also continues to be wary about India’s growing proximity with regard to a strategic partnership with the US in Joe Biden’s seven-month-long presidentship. Several retired senior military officials of the Pakistan establishment and diplomats with good knowledge on US-Pakistan dynamics are blaming the Biden administration for letting Pakistan down, while Pakistan, as argued by a segment, had stood by the US in all its military endeavours. Be it training the Mujahideen with arms and stinger missiles during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, creation of Taliban or a solid collaboration when under President Musharraf, Pakistan cooperated in partnering with the US in taking on the Taliban in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;

Amid this scene of downsliding of the bilateral relations, Pakistan has recently rejected the comments recorded by a latest US report which cast serious aspersions on the Pakistani judicial system. Reacting to the contents of such a report, a spokesperson from the Pakistan Foreign Office asserted that the judiciary in Pakistan was independent and the courts were functioning in accordance with the constitution and laws of the country. Such claims, however, are far from reality.&nbsp;

As there are no signs of any let up in the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, the latter is likely to feel the heat following a very successful just concluded India visit by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on July 27 and 28. Indo-US watchers feel that US assurances to India for all support and strategic partnership is a matter of concern for China as the Quad dispensation stands strengthened and US commitment to cooperate with India in counter-terror measures will be more comforting to the two countries though it could be a matter of unease for Pakistan. Plus, Blinken’s meetings with Prime Minister Modi, EAM S Jaishankar, NSA A K Doval and other key functionaries will give a lot of food for thought to Pakistan, which already seems to have burnt its bridges with the US. Blinken’s complimentary remarks that the US would never forget the timely Indian help to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic augur very well in the context of Indo-US ties.&nbsp;

It does not end here, Blinken on July 28, also said that the US and India are bound by democratic values and free citizenry. While in India, the US Secretary of State also met representatives of various civil societies including one from the Dalai Lama. The representatives from the other religio-cultural organisations also met him and a free interaction was the hallmark of the meeting. Pak watchers are intently watching this growing bonhomie between India and US. Whether it is worrisome for Pakistan is a million-dollar question. Meanwhile China, has very angrily reacted to Blinken’s statement of India and US sharing the same democratic values. It has surely hurt China which, like Pakistan, is obviously disturbed by the warming up of US-India strategic cooperation.&nbsp;

Latest inputs indicate that the Chinese government lashed out on July 29 at Antony Blinken while he was in India, especially protesting on the visiting US Secretary of State’s meeting the Dalai Lama representatives describing it as a violation of the US commitment to acknowledge Tibet being a part of China. Elaborating the tenor of the protest, the Chinese Foreign Ministry clarified in a statement that the Dalai Lama is not a mere religious figure but a political exile, who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities. In another China-related development, President Xi Jinping visited the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) recently which commenced from a village very close to Arunachal Pradesh. This is possibly an act of flexing of muscles or display of show of strength to India as intimidatory tactics. This is a known Chinese way of exhibiting ire or displeasure. It, however, remains interesting to watch more Chinese reactions, fraught with belligerence, as strategic bonhomie between India and the US further consolidates. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

As the Afghan imbroglio continues where Taliban is causing reverses among the rank and file of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and its claims to have annexed considerable chunks of territory especially on the borders of Pakistan and Iran grows, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a TV interview to the US channel PBS has said that US has messed up in Afghanistan.

As the Afghan imbroglio continues where Taliban is causing reverses among the rank and file of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and its claims to have annexed considerable chunks of territory especially on the borders of Pakistan and Iran grows, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a TV interview to the US channel PBS has said that US has messed up in Afghanistan. The interview, carried on the prime-time slot on the night of July 27 was seen by many and Khan went on to vehemently criticise the US by charging the US for trying to look for a military solution while what was needed was a political solution. Elaborating his argument, the Pakistani PM said that on earlier occasions when he ruled out a military solution, he was dubbed as Taliban Khan and anti-American. Responding to a pointed query whether the Pakistani PM thought of Taliban resurgence was a positive development for Afghanistan, the PM reiterated that the only good outcome would be a political settlement, which was inclusive. He further stated that the ‘worst case scenario’ if aptly described, as being one where Afghanistan descends into a civil war; this was however, from Pakistan's point of view. Protracted civil war, if it happens, Khan went on to say, would bring in more refugees inside Pakistan and as it is there were three million Afghan refugees already sheltered in Pakistan. Expressing his apprehensions rather candidly, the Pakistani PM said Pashtuns in Pakistan would be drawn into the civil war and that will have devastating consequences. During his interview, Khan forthrightly denied any financial support based on Pakistan military intelligence to Afghanistan and he found that extremely unfair. Of late, US-Pakistan ties have been plummeting rather rapidly. According to security analysts, due to the Quad threat looming large perceived to be targeting China where India, Japan and Australia have joined hands with the US, Pakistan is under severe pressure from China to distance itself from the US influence and by default, it would then keep India also at an arm's length, strategically. The ties also soured because of Pakistan’s blatant refusal to the US to allow use of Pakistan air bases to target Afghan Taliban targets for attack and counter offensives. Pakistan also continues to be wary about India’s growing proximity with regard to a strategic partnership with the US in Joe Biden’s seven-month-long presidentship. Several retired senior military officials of the Pakistan establishment and diplomats with good knowledge on US-Pakistan dynamics are blaming the Biden administration for letting Pakistan down, while Pakistan, as argued by a segment, had stood by the US in all its military endeavours. Be it training the Mujahideen with arms and stinger missiles during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, creation of Taliban or a solid collaboration when under President Musharraf, Pakistan cooperated in partnering with the US in taking on the Taliban in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks. Amid this scene of downsliding of the bilateral relations, Pakistan has recently rejected the comments recorded by a latest US report which cast serious aspersions on the Pakistani judicial system. Reacting to the contents of such a report, a spokesperson from the Pakistan Foreign Office asserted that the judiciary in Pakistan was independent and the courts were functioning in accordance with the constitution and laws of the country. Such claims, however, are far from reality. As there are no signs of any let up in the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, the latter is likely to feel the heat following a very successful just concluded India visit by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on July 27 and 28. Indo-US watchers feel that US assurances to India for all support and strategic partnership is a matter of concern for China as the Quad dispensation stands strengthened and US commitment to cooperate with India in counter-terror measures will be more comforting to the two countries though it could be a matter of unease for Pakistan. Plus, Blinken’s meetings with Prime Minister Modi, EAM S Jaishankar, NSA A K Doval and other key functionaries will give a lot of food for thought to Pakistan, which already seems to have burnt its bridges with the US. Blinken’s complimentary remarks that the US would never forget the timely Indian help to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic augur very well in the context of Indo-US ties. It does not end here, Blinken on July 28, also said that the US and India are bound by democratic values and free citizenry. While in India, the US Secretary of State also met representatives of various civil societies including one from the Dalai Lama. The representatives from the other religio-cultural organisations also met him and a free interaction was the hallmark of the meeting. Pak watchers are intently watching this growing bonhomie between India and US. Whether it is worrisome for Pakistan is a million-dollar question. Meanwhile China, has very angrily reacted to Blinken’s statement of India and US sharing the same democratic values. It has surely hurt China which, like Pakistan, is obviously disturbed by the warming up of US-India strategic cooperation. Latest inputs indicate that the Chinese government lashed out on July 29 at Antony Blinken while he was in India, especially protesting on the visiting US Secretary of State’s meeting the Dalai Lama representatives describing it as a violation of the US commitment to acknowledge Tibet being a part of China. Elaborating the tenor of the protest, the Chinese Foreign Ministry clarified in a statement that the Dalai Lama is not a mere religious figure but a political exile, who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities. In another China-related development, President Xi Jinping visited the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) recently which commenced from a village very close to Arunachal Pradesh. This is possibly an act of flexing of muscles or display of show of strength to India as intimidatory tactics. This is a known Chinese way of exhibiting ire or displeasure. It, however, remains interesting to watch more Chinese reactions, fraught with belligerence, as strategic bonhomie between India and the US further consolidates. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: China, Pakistan ire on growing Indo-US relations  

As the World in general and India, in particular, are&nbsp;grappling to overcome the COVID-19 crisis of monstrous proportions, the National Security Advisor (NSA) of the United States of America, Jake Sullivan called up (April 25) his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval expressing deep sympathy for the people of India amid an unprecedented surge in the cases. This telephonic conversation, high in quality and substance, saw Jake Sullivan assuring that India and the US will work jointly for the already existing, seven-decade-old health partnership between the two big democracies.

This talk between the two NSAs, followed up by a call by President Joe Biden clearly demonstrated that the US was inclined to help India at this critical juncture.&nbsp;

The US President, the NSA and other US officials holding key positions assured India rather convincingly that the US was sending specific raw material urgently required in India for the manufacture of Covishield vaccine.&nbsp;

For this, the US administration further said that it had already identified supplies of therapeutic and diagnostic test kits, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Oxygen generation equipment and allied supplies like ventilators and linked items of life-saving nature.&nbsp;

The US DFC (United States International Development Finance Corporation), in the meantime, has also disclosed funding to India, a substantial expansion of the scheme for manufacture at Bio E, the vaccine manufacturer in India to produce at least one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the year 2022.&nbsp;

In addition to this, the US is also deploying an expert team of public health advisors from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and USAID to extend support.

This support notwithstanding, NSAs of both India and the US will remain in close touch.&nbsp;

Jake&nbsp;Sullivan even tweeted about the US’s determined support to India. President Biden also used social media pledging support to India to tide over the ongoing health crisis.&nbsp;

Such a development marks a visible move by the US to help India in an all-out manner. Apart from this, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has directed his defence department to extend maximum support to India to overcome the prevailing monumental health challenges. Meanwhile, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Representative Pramila Jayapal have also urged for extended all-out support to India, both moral and material, to meet the Corona menace.

In a related development, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), several European countries including Denmark have assured all possible help.&nbsp;

However, most significantly, a loud call for help to India from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has caught the attention of many who have also expressed his country’s solidarity in helping India at this moment of serious challenge.&nbsp;

Similar offers of help are also seen in the social media from Pakistan to extend a helping hand. Some knowledgeable quarters reckon that this is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to warm up to India as in the past, India too had offered help to Pakistan in a slew of natural calamities and catastrophe in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan and India are already believed to be engaged in a thaw through backchannel diplomacy restoring the status of ceasefire. There has been some restraint seen in criticising each other in recent times or any belligerent stance with any aggressive tenor. These think tanks believe that both India and Pakistan can jointly combat this health crisis as the iron is hot and opportunity doesn’t merit to be missed.&nbsp;

In sum, Pakistani gestures noticed recently, could be capitalised for the larger interest of peace bringing down temperatures. On its part, Pakistan can give up its stand on Kashmir for restoration of pre-August 5, 2019 status as it looks to be bereft of reality. An understanding on both sides, displaying maturity could usher in peace, good health and prosperity on both sides of the border.

The US help to India, triggered initially by the talks between the two NSAs, and now the offer by Pakistan offering solidarity, raises a ray of hope in these depressing times.

Amid these developments, China has visibly stepped up its presence in the South Asian region as seen from the recent visit of its Defence and People's Liberation Army Minister Wei Fenghe.

Arriving in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on April 27, the visiting Chinese minister met Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and held wide-ranging talks signalling that China and Sri Lanka are further warming up to each other.&nbsp;

Barely six months ago a high level Chinese foreign policy official Yang Jiechi had paid a visit to Colombo. The Chinese Defence Minister, during his most recent visit to this region, had called for resisting powers from outside the region setting up military alliances in South Asia.&nbsp;

He was obviously referring to the Quad formation comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan. The Chinese defence minister also met Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid in Dhaka and called for renewed cooperation at a high level between China and Bangladesh in the areas of vaccine, defence, technology etc.&nbsp;

Also, General Secretary of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League, Obaidul Quader disclosed that Bangladesh is open to receiving vaccines from any country.&nbsp;

In the meantime, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen indicated that China will gift five lakh doses of corona vaccine to Bangladesh. He further averred that Bangladeshis engaged in business with China prefer getting vaccines from China.&nbsp;

It would appear from these happenings unfolding in the region that China is trying to play a more proactive role in further befriending countries in South Asia focusing on Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan in an apparent bid to prove that it is alive and kicking in the region and can’t be ignored despite the Quad and emerging bonhomie between the US and India in the light of the coronavirus pandemic bringing them closer.&nbsp;

How far will China succeed in such geopolitical endeavours?&nbsp;

Only time will testify.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

As the World in general and India, in particular, are grappling to overcome the COVID-19 crisis of monstrous proportions, the National Security Advisor (NSA) of the United States of America, Jake Sullivan called up (April 25) his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval expressing deep sympathy for the people of India amid an unprecedented surge in the cases.

As the World in general and India, in particular, are grappling to overcome the COVID-19 crisis of monstrous proportions, the National Security Advisor (NSA) of the United States of America, Jake Sullivan called up (April 25) his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval expressing deep sympathy for the people of India amid an unprecedented surge in the cases. This telephonic conversation, high in quality and substance, saw Jake Sullivan assuring that India and the US will work jointly for the already existing, seven-decade-old health partnership between the two big democracies. This talk between the two NSAs, followed up by a call by President Joe Biden clearly demonstrated that the US was inclined to help India at this critical juncture. The US President, the NSA and other US officials holding key positions assured India rather convincingly that the US was sending specific raw material urgently required in India for the manufacture of Covishield vaccine. For this, the US administration further said that it had already identified supplies of therapeutic and diagnostic test kits, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Oxygen generation equipment and allied supplies like ventilators and linked items of life-saving nature. The US DFC (United States International Development Finance Corporation), in the meantime, has also disclosed funding to India, a substantial expansion of the scheme for manufacture at Bio E, the vaccine manufacturer in India to produce at least one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the year 2022. In addition to this, the US is also deploying an expert team of public health advisors from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and USAID to extend support. This support notwithstanding, NSAs of both India and the US will remain in close touch. Jake Sullivan even tweeted about the US’s determined support to India. President Biden also used social media pledging support to India to tide over the ongoing health crisis. Such a development marks a visible move by the US to help India in an all-out manner. Apart from this, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has directed his defence department to extend maximum support to India to overcome the prevailing monumental health challenges. Meanwhile, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Representative Pramila Jayapal have also urged for extended all-out support to India, both moral and material, to meet the Corona menace. In a related development, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), several European countries including Denmark have assured all possible help. However, most significantly, a loud call for help to India from Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has caught the attention of many who have also expressed his country’s solidarity in helping India at this moment of serious challenge. Similar offers of help are also seen in the social media from Pakistan to extend a helping hand. Some knowledgeable quarters reckon that this is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to warm up to India as in the past, India too had offered help to Pakistan in a slew of natural calamities and catastrophe in Pakistan. Pakistan and India are already believed to be engaged in a thaw through backchannel diplomacy restoring the status of ceasefire. There has been some restraint seen in criticising each other in recent times or any belligerent stance with any aggressive tenor. These think tanks believe that both India and Pakistan can jointly combat this health crisis as the iron is hot and opportunity doesn’t merit to be missed. In sum, Pakistani gestures noticed recently, could be capitalised for the larger interest of peace bringing down temperatures. On its part, Pakistan can give up its stand on Kashmir for restoration of pre-August 5, 2019 status as it looks to be bereft of reality. An understanding on both sides, displaying maturity could usher in peace, good health and prosperity on both sides of the border. The US help to India, triggered initially by the talks between the two NSAs, and now the offer by Pakistan offering solidarity, raises a ray of hope in these depressing times. Amid these developments, China has visibly stepped up its presence in the South Asian region as seen from the recent visit of its Defence and People's Liberation Army Minister Wei Fenghe. Arriving in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on April 27, the visiting Chinese minister met Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and held wide-ranging talks signalling that China and Sri Lanka are further warming up to each other. Barely six months ago a high level Chinese foreign policy official Yang Jiechi had paid a visit to Colombo. The Chinese Defence Minister, during his most recent visit to this region, had called for resisting powers from outside the region setting up military alliances in South Asia. He was obviously referring to the Quad formation comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan. The Chinese defence minister also met Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid in Dhaka and called for renewed cooperation at a high level between China and Bangladesh in the areas of vaccine, defence, technology etc. Also, General Secretary of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League, Obaidul Quader disclosed that Bangladesh is open to receiving vaccines from any country. In the meantime, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen indicated that China will gift five lakh doses of corona vaccine to Bangladesh. He further averred that Bangladeshis engaged in business with China prefer getting vaccines from China. It would appear from these happenings unfolding in the region that China is trying to play a more proactive role in further befriending countries in South Asia focusing on Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan in an apparent bid to prove that it is alive and kicking in the region and can’t be ignored despite the Quad and emerging bonhomie between the US and India in the light of the coronavirus pandemic bringing them closer. How far will China succeed in such geopolitical endeavours? Only time will testify. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Depressing Covid times and rays of hope

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace. The guns on the borders were thought to have fallen silent reducing the sense of attrition and warmongering clouds. The aggressive tenor also showed signs of disappearance. Global pacifists and the diplomatic community saw that peace was perhaps on the anvil.

This was further carried forward when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan National Day (March 23) hoping for cordial bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Imran Khan reciprocated articulating a similar tenor but wanted resolution of all mutual issues including Kashmir. This development again made the people on both sides hope that peace might dawn sooner than later and tranquil will prevail. This feeling got further boost when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), functional under Pakistan’s commerce ministry, decided last week to resume trade ties with India, suspended since 2019 and allowing to import sugar and cotton from India. Again, this was seen as a forward movement towards the amelioration of further normalcy between India and Pakistan.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-pakistan-seeking-peace-with-india-is-it-for-real-375007">Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real?</a>

Sadly, however, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet, in a hurriedly convened meeting, didn’t endorse the ECC decision and there was an outright reversal of decision on an import of sugar and cotton from Pakistan. This was a major setback to a hopeful peace process set in motion barely a month ago ostensibly to give peace a chance. There were other indicators too which made one reckon that at least peace efforts were put to test in all earnest. These include a visible tone-down on parts of the Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other hawks in their rhetorics which were hitherto signalled acrimony. At the recently concluded Dushanbe meet also the Pakistan FM Qureshi chose to exercise restraint by not coming out with any anti-India remarks.

Under these circumstances, what could possibly be the compelling reason on part of Pakistan to take a sharp U-turn from its immediately earlier decision leading to the federal cabinet reversing the thought considered to have been executed after due diligence?&nbsp;This surely calls for a visceral examination.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan defending the cabinet decision on the imports said on April 2 that resuming trade with India would signal a wrong impression on Kashmir and further expressed that until India reverses the august 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370, the status quo will remain. It’s difficult to fathom how the matter of Kashmir is linked to resumption of trade ties? ECC had already decided.&nbsp;

On this, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf stated on April 2 that the ECC had only explored the commercial angle and merely recommended import of items like sugar and cotton. Final decision rested with the Federal Cabinet. ECC, he further clarified with faint arguments, was an apolitical body.&nbsp;

Judging by his afterthought statements, it would seem that there was a complete lack of coordination between the various ministries causing this volte-face. His defence was also weak when he said in defence that resumption of trade ties was strategically and politically untenable. This again seems far from being logical.

Judging by the rapid unfolding of these developments, it would appear that while PM Imran Khan had given a ‘go ahead’ for initiating the peace attempts, the hardliners within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) must have prevailed over the decision and derailed the entire thing. Similarly, the religious extremists and the homegrown radicalised terror groups got the better of the political leadership in forcing the cabinet to reverse and reject the decision. Sadly again, it shows that the government in Pakistan is at the mercy of non-governmental ultra and extra-constitutional elements who are calling the shots. More crucially, they want to keep the Kashmir issue somehow alive by bringing it as a spanner in any move to restoring normalisation of relations.

Another factor dampening the prospects of peace efforts is a bunch of ministers within the cabinet. They include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (surprising though, as he chose to be unprovocative at the recent Dushanbe meet towards his Indian counterpart), Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, another minister Shireen Mazari etc. These ministers, by deduction, must have reeled under their mentors from the ISI or religious extremist groups to rake up Kashmir mainly to divert attention from the core domestic ills that have afflicted Pakistan including the continued stay in the grey list in terror funding as ruled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The poor economic condition and abysmal standing in the global community is also a major concern for Pakistan for which they continue to whip the Kashmir issue to be seen to remain alive in the domain of international politics though it’s highly illusory.

In a separate Pakistan related development, Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 2 expressed in a very despairing note that he was puzzled at what he described as cacophony over Pakistan not being invited to a conference on Climate Change. To prove his point, smattered with frustration, Imran Khan claimed that his government’s policies were driven solely by Pakistan’s commitment to its future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. To cover up the frustration arising out of a conspicuous exclusion, the Pakistan PM cited examples of a green Pakistan campaign and the 10 billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Imran’s statement came in the wake of US Climate Envoy John Kerry's trips to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi and Dhaka from April 1 to April 9 in an attempt to slow the impact of global warming. Pakistan’s exclusion is seen as good as Pakistan being ignored on the critical issue of Climate Change. That’s obviously difficult to swallow. With such marginalisation, Pakistan could have done well by taking a step further in resuming trade ties with India instead of a forthright reversal of the imports if needed commodities. It would surely have marked a good beginning.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace.

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace. The guns on the borders were thought to have fallen silent reducing the sense of attrition and warmongering clouds. The aggressive tenor also showed signs of disappearance. Global pacifists and the diplomatic community saw that peace was perhaps on the anvil. This was further carried forward when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan National Day (March 23) hoping for cordial bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Imran Khan reciprocated articulating a similar tenor but wanted resolution of all mutual issues including Kashmir. This development again made the people on both sides hope that peace might dawn sooner than later and tranquil will prevail. This feeling got further boost when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), functional under Pakistan’s commerce ministry, decided last week to resume trade ties with India, suspended since 2019 and allowing to import sugar and cotton from India. Again, this was seen as a forward movement towards the amelioration of further normalcy between India and Pakistan. Also Read: Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real? Sadly, however, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet, in a hurriedly convened meeting, didn’t endorse the ECC decision and there was an outright reversal of decision on an import of sugar and cotton from Pakistan. This was a major setback to a hopeful peace process set in motion barely a month ago ostensibly to give peace a chance. There were other indicators too which made one reckon that at least peace efforts were put to test in all earnest. These include a visible tone-down on parts of the Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other hawks in their rhetorics which were hitherto signalled acrimony. At the recently concluded Dushanbe meet also the Pakistan FM Qureshi chose to exercise restraint by not coming out with any anti-India remarks. Under these circumstances, what could possibly be the compelling reason on part of Pakistan to take a sharp U-turn from its immediately earlier decision leading to the federal cabinet reversing the thought considered to have been executed after due diligence? This surely calls for a visceral examination. Prime Minister Imran Khan defending the cabinet decision on the imports said on April 2 that resuming trade with India would signal a wrong impression on Kashmir and further expressed that until India reverses the august 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370, the status quo will remain. It’s difficult to fathom how the matter of Kashmir is linked to resumption of trade ties? ECC had already decided. On this, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf stated on April 2 that the ECC had only explored the commercial angle and merely recommended import of items like sugar and cotton. Final decision rested with the Federal Cabinet. ECC, he further clarified with faint arguments, was an apolitical body. Judging by his afterthought statements, it would seem that there was a complete lack of coordination between the various ministries causing this volte-face. His defence was also weak when he said in defence that resumption of trade ties was strategically and politically untenable. This again seems far from being logical. Judging by the rapid unfolding of these developments, it would appear that while PM Imran Khan had given a ‘go ahead’ for initiating the peace attempts, the hardliners within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) must have prevailed over the decision and derailed the entire thing. Similarly, the religious extremists and the homegrown radicalised terror groups got the better of the political leadership in forcing the cabinet to reverse and reject the decision. Sadly again, it shows that the government in Pakistan is at the mercy of non-governmental ultra and extra-constitutional elements who are calling the shots. More crucially, they want to keep the Kashmir issue somehow alive by bringing it as a spanner in any move to restoring normalisation of relations. Another factor dampening the prospects of peace efforts is a bunch of ministers within the cabinet. They include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (surprising though, as he chose to be unprovocative at the recent Dushanbe meet towards his Indian counterpart), Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, another minister Shireen Mazari etc. These ministers, by deduction, must have reeled under their mentors from the ISI or religious extremist groups to rake up Kashmir mainly to divert attention from the core domestic ills that have afflicted Pakistan including the continued stay in the grey list in terror funding as ruled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The poor economic condition and abysmal standing in the global community is also a major concern for Pakistan for which they continue to whip the Kashmir issue to be seen to remain alive in the domain of international politics though it’s highly illusory. In a separate Pakistan related development, Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 2 expressed in a very despairing note that he was puzzled at what he described as cacophony over Pakistan not being invited to a conference on Climate Change. To prove his point, smattered with frustration, Imran Khan claimed that his government’s policies were driven solely by Pakistan’s commitment to its future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. To cover up the frustration arising out of a conspicuous exclusion, the Pakistan PM cited examples of a green Pakistan campaign and the 10 billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Imran’s statement came in the wake of US Climate Envoy John Kerry's trips to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi and Dhaka from April 1 to April 9 in an attempt to slow the impact of global warming. Pakistan’s exclusion is seen as good as Pakistan being ignored on the critical issue of Climate Change. That’s obviously difficult to swallow. With such marginalisation, Pakistan could have done well by taking a step further in resuming trade ties with India instead of a forthright reversal of the imports if needed commodities. It would surely have marked a good beginning. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | On Pakistan’s sudden reversal on improving ties with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much&nbsp;lustre&nbsp;to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27). His bilateral talks on a wide range of issues with the top Bangladesh leadership, visit to a couple of Hindu temples, meeting with a cross section of politicians and minority leaders, and homage to father of the nation, Mujibur Rahman at&nbsp;Tungipara&nbsp;were well received. Similarly, awarding the Gandhi Peace prize posthumously to Bangabandhu was an outstanding gesture. Modi’s powerful and emotional rhetoric in praise of Sheikh Mujib and India’s relations with Bangladesh augured very well as Indo-BD ties were placed on a new pedestal by the historic recent trip by the Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh exuded immense warmth and enthusiasm on the&nbsp;visit.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;madarsa&nbsp;inspired fundamentalist religious outfit,&nbsp;Hefazat-e-Islam displayed while flexing its muscles by&nbsp;organising&nbsp;anti-Modi protest demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh airing its ire on the Bangladesh government for having invited the Indian PM,&nbsp;who was alleged to have carried out discriminatory policies against the Muslims of India. Law enforcing agencies in Bangladesh used force to keep the protesting&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;cadres at bay. Closer to PM Modi’s departure to India, the elite Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) [equivalent to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India] was also deployed in Dhaka to maintain tranquil arising out of the&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;acts of vandalism and destruction of public property. That shows the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing emerging situation, then. It was indeed threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coincidentally, or otherwise,&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;led well planned and orchestrated violence engulfed parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj,&nbsp;Sunamgunj,&nbsp;Habigunj, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet and&nbsp;Munshigunj. Police stations were set alight, police officers in uniform targeted and worse,&nbsp;in many cases,&nbsp;Hindu temples were desecrated and in some places of worship, ornaments of the deity were allegedly looted. This instilled a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu minority feeling terribly unsafe by the onslaught of the communal forces. In Brahmanbaria, the renowned Ustad Allauddin Khan music academy came under violent attack. Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary maestro, and father of Annapurna Devi and sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan belonged to this&nbsp;city who later established the&nbsp;Maihar&nbsp;gharana in India. The assault on the academy named after the famous musician, shows to what extent the religious extremists can go to harm the hapless.&nbsp;

Amid these unfortunate unfolding of violent happenings, it becomes imperative to quickly examine how&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;e Islam got emboldened to go on such a violent spree when the government was at its feet to foil any protests? How could&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;be able to&nbsp;organise&nbsp;such&nbsp;large&nbsp;scale&nbsp;demonstrations in places other than the port city Chittagong which is its principal bastion? What are the internal and external forces which lent moral and material support to the protestors? These questions need to be answered sooner than later.&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;led violence cost more than scores of lives and wanton vandalism of property. Worryingly, violent attacks on the Hindu temples and defiling of the idols need to shake up the establishment more so as the country celebrates the twin occasions of Mujib centenary and 50 years of independence.&nbsp;

Minority communities have legitimate expectations from the Hasina-led government in place in Dhaka. She is seen as&nbsp;the&nbsp;saviour&nbsp;and protector of the minority. That trust merits to be maintained with no cushion for any deficit. Also, there has been a public perception that&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;was close to the ruling dispensation and enjoyed its patronage. In the year 2013, many liberals and bloggers were hacked to death.&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;was reportedly complicit in the killings. Subsequently, this outfit was extra vocal in removal of statues from the Supreme Court describing their presence as un-Islamic. Their demand was met giving rise to speculations that the government was accommodative to&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;diktats.&nbsp;During and after the Modi visit, they have raised their ugly head, again.&nbsp;

In the light of these developments, it’s equally important for the intelligence and security agencies to ascertain the source(s) of funding to such&nbsp;destabilising&nbsp;communalists’ inspired agitation. If any extraneous and hostile forces are involved, they ought to be exposed to prevent recurrences of such&nbsp;unsavoury&nbsp;incidents bringing embarrassment to a regime thought to be progressive. Further, we know Jamaat e Islami (JeI)&nbsp;stands de franchised but the elements remain and possibly alive and kicking.&nbsp;They, by deduction, may have infiltrated into&nbsp;Hefazat.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;Jamaatis&nbsp;who had collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, had been hanged to death after trials by a tribunal. The communal forces fifty years ago had connived with the then West Pakistan army. It’s a sad commentary that when the country is&nbsp;celebrating today its half a century of&nbsp;independence,&nbsp;the same very forces are now attempting to undermine the spirit of liberation and supreme sacrifice of the millions of proud&nbsp;Bangalis. It’s time for harsher measures to contain the menace. The space being vulnerable, political opposition like the BNP may also like to fish in the troubled waters trying to&nbsp;capitalise&nbsp;on the developments. Prime Minister Hasina and her government would do well to act astutely and&nbsp;disallow any breathing space to their political adversary to surface over ground for any revival in active association with&nbsp;zealots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much lustre to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much lustre to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27). His bilateral talks on a wide range of issues with the top Bangladesh leadership, visit to a couple of Hindu temples, meeting with a cross section of politicians and minority leaders, and homage to father of the nation, Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara were well received. Similarly, awarding the Gandhi Peace prize posthumously to Bangabandhu was an outstanding gesture. Modi’s powerful and emotional rhetoric in praise of Sheikh Mujib and India’s relations with Bangladesh augured very well as Indo-BD ties were placed on a new pedestal by the historic recent trip by the Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh exuded immense warmth and enthusiasm on the visit. However, madarsa inspired fundamentalist religious outfit, Hefazat-e-Islam displayed while flexing its muscles by organising anti-Modi protest demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh airing its ire on the Bangladesh government for having invited the Indian PM, who was alleged to have carried out discriminatory policies against the Muslims of India. Law enforcing agencies in Bangladesh used force to keep the protesting Hefazat cadres at bay. Closer to PM Modi’s departure to India, the elite Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) [equivalent to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India] was also deployed in Dhaka to maintain tranquil arising out of the Hefazat acts of vandalism and destruction of public property. That shows the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing emerging situation, then. It was indeed threatening. Coincidentally, or otherwise, Hefazat led well planned and orchestrated violence engulfed parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Sunamgunj, Habigunj, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet and Munshigunj. Police stations were set alight, police officers in uniform targeted and worse, in many cases, Hindu temples were desecrated and in some places of worship, ornaments of the deity were allegedly looted. This instilled a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu minority feeling terribly unsafe by the onslaught of the communal forces. In Brahmanbaria, the renowned Ustad Allauddin Khan music academy came under violent attack. Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary maestro, and father of Annapurna Devi and sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan belonged to this city who later established the Maihar gharana in India. The assault on the academy named after the famous musician, shows to what extent the religious extremists can go to harm the hapless. Amid these unfortunate unfolding of violent happenings, it becomes imperative to quickly examine how Hefazat e Islam got emboldened to go on such a violent spree when the government was at its feet to foil any protests? How could Hefazat be able to organise such large scale demonstrations in places other than the port city Chittagong which is its principal bastion? What are the internal and external forces which lent moral and material support to the protestors? These questions need to be answered sooner than later. Hefazat led violence cost more than scores of lives and wanton vandalism of property. Worryingly, violent attacks on the Hindu temples and defiling of the idols need to shake up the establishment more so as the country celebrates the twin occasions of Mujib centenary and 50 years of independence. Minority communities have legitimate expectations from the Hasina-led government in place in Dhaka. She is seen as the saviour and protector of the minority. That trust merits to be maintained with no cushion for any deficit. Also, there has been a public perception that Hefazat was close to the ruling dispensation and enjoyed its patronage. In the year 2013, many liberals and bloggers were hacked to death. Hefazat was reportedly complicit in the killings. Subsequently, this outfit was extra vocal in removal of statues from the Supreme Court describing their presence as un-Islamic. Their demand was met giving rise to speculations that the government was accommodative to Hefazat diktats. During and after the Modi visit, they have raised their ugly head, again. In the light of these developments, it’s equally important for the intelligence and security agencies to ascertain the source(s) of funding to such destabilising communalists’ inspired agitation. If any extraneous and hostile forces are involved, they ought to be exposed to prevent recurrences of such unsavoury incidents bringing embarrassment to a regime thought to be progressive. Further, we know Jamaat e Islami (JeI) stands de franchised but the elements remain and possibly alive and kicking. They, by deduction, may have infiltrated into Hefazat. Many Jamaatis who had collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, had been hanged to death after trials by a tribunal. The communal forces fifty years ago had connived with the then West Pakistan army. It’s a sad commentary that when the country is celebrating today its half a century of independence, the same very forces are now attempting to undermine the spirit of liberation and supreme sacrifice of the millions of proud Bangalis. It’s time for harsher measures to contain the menace. The space being vulnerable, political opposition like the BNP may also like to fish in the troubled waters trying to capitalise on the developments. Prime Minister Hasina and her government would do well to act astutely and disallow any breathing space to their political adversary to surface over ground for any revival in active association with zealots. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

﻿Shameful violence in aftermath of PM Modi’s Dhaka visit 

Bangladesh capital Dhaka is all spruced up with the ongoing celebrations of the country’s golden jubilee of attaining independence and centenary year of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose exemplary leadership was largely responsible for the liberation of Bangladesh from the brutal Pakistani occupational forces. The grand celebrations, already underway, with the participation of many world leaders, appear more significant with the upcoming presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is reaching Dhaka on a two-day visit (March 26-27). Indian PM's visit is also crucial because Bangladesh is the first overseas country that PM Modi is paying a visit to after almost a year of remaining within the country due to coronavirus pandemic. The COVID threat notwithstanding, PM Modi and his counterpart, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina had video talks discussing crucial bilateral issues. In sum, both the neighbouring countries remained in close touch further reinforcing ties.

PM Modi, visiting Dhaka at this juncture is bound to strengthen relationship. Incidentally, Bangladesh was the first recipient of COVID vaccines from India when the consignment was flown by a special aircraft. This humanitarian gesture has augured very well with the Bangladesh government as well the people of Bangladesh. It was purely a humanitarian gesture. Bangladesh accepted this extraordinary gesture with gratitude. The Indian Foreign Secretary, Harshvardhan Shringla, who was immediately earlier Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, &nbsp;reached out to PM Hasina at the peak of coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic and later Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar paid a visit and met PM Hasina and his counterpart, Bangladesh Foreign Minister paving the way for a smooth and creaseless interaction between PMs Modi and Hasina scheduled in less than a week’s time.&nbsp;

Earlier, PM Modi had inaugurated a new bridge appropriately called the Maitri (friendship) bridge connecting India and Bangladesh over river Feni. This is yet another milestone reaffirming ties between the two friendly countries.

While in Dhaka, PM Modi, other than participating in the Golden Jubilee independence and Mujib centenary celebrations, will visit Tungipara, the birthplace of Mujib and pay tributes to Bangabandhu, visit two Hindu temples in Gopalganj and Satkhira districts, meet a delegation of prominent Hindus in Bangladesh other than holding bilateral talks with Hasina on matters of mutual concern. It is also said that two postage stamps will be issued in PM Modi’s presence.

Meanwhile, heads of governments of Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are already in Dhaka and some other global leaders are also expected to join in by next week. A number of world leaders including from Russia, Canada and Sweden have sent video recordings greeting the Bangladesh PM in the twin celebrations. All seem to be genuinely reaching out to Bangladesh for multiple reasons.

Bangladesh, under Sheikh Hasina’s uninterrupted more than a decade long governance, has paid a lot of dividends. Its economy is shining, there is a stable government in place, terror scene looks largely under control and on the social front , women emancipation, literacy etc are showing a steady trend. Trade and exports of Ready Made Garments ( RMGs) is picking up. And most recently, Bangladesh has been declared the 68th happiest nation in the world. The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate for Bangladesh .

Prime Minister Hasina’s political stature is now on the upswing. Her handling of the humongous Rohingya problem since 2017 had been praiseworthy. She seems to be transiting from a politician to a statesman or at least that’s a perception in the making. Her iron-handed dealing with the terror menace has also been recognised. Since the July 1, 2016 Artesan Bakery deadly terror incident in Dhaka, there had not been any major terror incident. The patience she displayed on repeated provocations by certain quarters that China was cosying towards Bangladesh and that was at the cost of Indian security interests displayed her maturity. And, similarly, Bangladesh purchasing submarines from China seemed to unsettle some in India but she handled it adroitly.&nbsp;

Bangladesh is a sovereign independent nation and it has every right to maintain ties with other countries. Recently, Pakistan and Turkey have set up new diplomatic missions in Dhaka. Geo-political equations are rapidly changing. It would appear prudent to be alert and watch the activities rather than reacting. There had been acerbic attacks on Bangladesh when some unsavourily called Bangladeshis as termites or pests. Bangladesh and Hasina showed restraint aplenty not to be dragged in any controversy impairing bilateral ties. Fortunately, things appear to be settling down and there are hardly any talk of CAA or NRC. This status merits to be maintained to keep the bonhomie intact. Bangladesh has so far proved to be the most trusted ally and friend in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Hence, it’s imperative to develop more deeper ties and this can be further firmed up during PM Modi’s upcoming visit. On her part, Hasina has time and again acknowledged India’s role in the liberation of Bangladesh and Indian war heroes are decorated by Hasina for their valiant role in the freedom struggle of 1971.

Now that it’s becoming increasingly clear that India and Bangladesh are coming closer than before, utilising the Mujib centenary and golden jubilee of independence rejoicings, the opportunity must be seized for good. Yet, the security outfits of both countries must not lower their guard or be complacent. The elements vehemently opposed to Indo- Bangladesh friendship, with the help of religious extremists and in collaboration with extraneous powers, can go to any extent to harm the mutual interests. We have Sheikh Mujib's brutal end still fresh in our memory. If history is any indication or a lesson or two to be learnt, utmost security preparedness is called for. A more dynamic intelligence and security cooperation seems need of the hour amid a new chapter being opened between India and Bangladesh. In the coming week, more events are likely to unfold in relation to Indian PM’s visit, which could be worth watching with interest.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Bangladesh capital Dhaka is all spruced up with the ongoing celebrations of the country’s golden jubilee of attaining independence and centenary year of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose exemplary leadership was largely responsible for the liberation of Bangladesh from the brutal Pakistani occupational forces.

Bangladesh capital Dhaka is all spruced up with the ongoing celebrations of the country’s golden jubilee of attaining independence and centenary year of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose exemplary leadership was largely responsible for the liberation of Bangladesh from the brutal Pakistani occupational forces. The grand celebrations, already underway, with the participation of many world leaders, appear more significant with the upcoming presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is reaching Dhaka on a two-day visit (March 26-27). Indian PM's visit is also crucial because Bangladesh is the first overseas country that PM Modi is paying a visit to after almost a year of remaining within the country due to coronavirus pandemic. The COVID threat notwithstanding, PM Modi and his counterpart, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina had video talks discussing crucial bilateral issues. In sum, both the neighbouring countries remained in close touch further reinforcing ties. PM Modi, visiting Dhaka at this juncture is bound to strengthen relationship. Incidentally, Bangladesh was the first recipient of COVID vaccines from India when the consignment was flown by a special aircraft. This humanitarian gesture has augured very well with the Bangladesh government as well the people of Bangladesh. It was purely a humanitarian gesture. Bangladesh accepted this extraordinary gesture with gratitude. The Indian Foreign Secretary, Harshvardhan Shringla, who was immediately earlier Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, reached out to PM Hasina at the peak of coronavirus pandemic and later Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar paid a visit and met PM Hasina and his counterpart, Bangladesh Foreign Minister paving the way for a smooth and creaseless interaction between PMs Modi and Hasina scheduled in less than a week’s time. Earlier, PM Modi had inaugurated a new bridge appropriately called the Maitri (friendship) bridge connecting India and Bangladesh over river Feni. This is yet another milestone reaffirming ties between the two friendly countries. While in Dhaka, PM Modi, other than participating in the Golden Jubilee independence and Mujib centenary celebrations, will visit Tungipara, the birthplace of Mujib and pay tributes to Bangabandhu, visit two Hindu temples in Gopalganj and Satkhira districts, meet a delegation of prominent Hindus in Bangladesh other than holding bilateral talks with Hasina on matters of mutual concern. It is also said that two postage stamps will be issued in PM Modi’s presence. Meanwhile, heads of governments of Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are already in Dhaka and some other global leaders are also expected to join in by next week. A number of world leaders including from Russia, Canada and Sweden have sent video recordings greeting the Bangladesh PM in the twin celebrations. All seem to be genuinely reaching out to Bangladesh for multiple reasons. Bangladesh, under Sheikh Hasina’s uninterrupted more than a decade long governance, has paid a lot of dividends. Its economy is shining, there is a stable government in place, terror scene looks largely under control and on the social front , women emancipation, literacy etc are showing a steady trend. Trade and exports of Ready Made Garments ( RMGs) is picking up. And most recently, Bangladesh has been declared the 68th happiest nation in the world. The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate for Bangladesh . Prime Minister Hasina’s political stature is now on the upswing. Her handling of the humongous Rohingya problem since 2017 had been praiseworthy. She seems to be transiting from a politician to a statesman or at least that’s a perception in the making. Her iron-handed dealing with the terror menace has also been recognised. Since the July 1, 2016 Artesan Bakery deadly terror incident in Dhaka, there had not been any major terror incident. The patience she displayed on repeated provocations by certain quarters that China was cosying towards Bangladesh and that was at the cost of Indian security interests displayed her maturity. And, similarly, Bangladesh purchasing submarines from China seemed to unsettle some in India but she handled it adroitly. Bangladesh is a sovereign independent nation and it has every right to maintain ties with other countries. Recently, Pakistan and Turkey have set up new diplomatic missions in Dhaka. Geo-political equations are rapidly changing. It would appear prudent to be alert and watch the activities rather than reacting. There had been acerbic attacks on Bangladesh when some unsavourily called Bangladeshis as termites or pests. Bangladesh and Hasina showed restraint aplenty not to be dragged in any controversy impairing bilateral ties. Fortunately, things appear to be settling down and there are hardly any talk of CAA or NRC. This status merits to be maintained to keep the bonhomie intact. Bangladesh has so far proved to be the most trusted ally and friend in the neighbourhood. Hence, it’s imperative to develop more deeper ties and this can be further firmed up during PM Modi’s upcoming visit. On her part, Hasina has time and again acknowledged India’s role in the liberation of Bangladesh and Indian war heroes are decorated by Hasina for their valiant role in the freedom struggle of 1971. Now that it’s becoming increasingly clear that India and Bangladesh are coming closer than before, utilising the Mujib centenary and golden jubilee of independence rejoicings, the opportunity must be seized for good. Yet, the security outfits of both countries must not lower their guard or be complacent. The elements vehemently opposed to Indo- Bangladesh friendship, with the help of religious extremists and in collaboration with extraneous powers, can go to any extent to harm the mutual interests. We have Sheikh Mujib's brutal end still fresh in our memory. If history is any indication or a lesson or two to be learnt, utmost security preparedness is called for. A more dynamic intelligence and security cooperation seems need of the hour amid a new chapter being opened between India and Bangladesh. In the coming week, more events are likely to unfold in relation to Indian PM’s visit, which could be worth watching with interest. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: PM Modi's visit to open new vista in Indo-Bangladesh ties

The occurrences in Myanmar, India’s immediate eastern neighbourhood have shaken the whole world in the wake of a military take-over by the junta on Feb 1, promulgating an emergency for the next one year and more significantly, putting popular pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars. The country is up in flames. So far more than 50 have been killed. Well over 1700 have been arrested, and a violent showdown between the protesters and heavily armed security forces has become more a routine than an exception. Reports of confrontation between the military and the agitators seeking return of democracy and release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon, Mandalay and other places are trickling on a regular basis.

The scene looks perilous. The villain behind crushing the democratic future of Myanmar and causing a Coup d’etat is 64-year-old General Min Aung Hlaing who has been functioning as the army chief of Myanmar since 2011. Known for his ruthless response against any civilian uprising, Gen Hlaing, a law graduate himself, came to adverse light in 2009 when as a “battle-hardened warrior” of the Myanmar military, he ruthlessly launched a military offensive in Kokang region crushing the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-myanmar-exploiting-lessons-learnt-in-the-middle-east-365829">Opinion- Myanmar: Exploiting lessons learnt in the Middle East</a>

This infamous General is also singularly responsible for the brutal crackdown on the Rohingyas in 2017 resulting in the influx of nearly 7 million of them into Bangladesh in the last over three years, the number has exceeded 10 million. This shows his heartlessness and resolve to sabotage any chances of democracy trying to find a space in the political landscape of Myanmar.

Meanwhile, the ongoing political turbulence and incessant crackdown on the defiant protesters have drawn acerbic criticism from the UN. UN Human Rights Chief, Michelle Rachelet, in a recent statement, called upon the military to stop forthwith the vicious repression and killings of the innocents.&nbsp;

ASEAN calls for an end to perpetration of excesses have also fallen on deaf ears like the appeals from the UN. There have been more than visible protest demonstrations in front of the Indonesian and Thai Embassies in Myanmar that have not resulted in any impact except stirring an increasing public opinion against the military.&nbsp;

Public is surely in a defiant mood.&nbsp;

Slogans and placards are carrying banner headlines that say “Stone Age is over”. &nbsp;They are also ranting that the protesters are no longer afraid of any threat from the military. The cities in Myanmar are dotted with barricades and fortifications, never seen before of this scale. The country, since its independence, has seen five military takeovers dating from 1948 but the resistance put up this time seems unprecedented. Several “people’s governing bodies” have been formed which pose a direct challenge to the military leadership.&nbsp;

Their resorting to lobbing of stun grenades and firing of live ammunition have also been proving ineffective. Foreign Minister of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan on March 5 has described in the Parliament, the happenings in Myanmar as national shame including the armed forces' use of weapons against its own people.

Amid these happenings, credible reports suggest that the military leadership in Myanmar has tried to withdraw one billion US dollars from Federal Reserve after seizing power on Feb 1. The US has put a freeze on the transaction. &nbsp;It’s further known now that the Central Bank of Myanmar had tried to siphon off the money from the US. The US is trying to ascertain the names of those involved in this attempt to withdraw money as the US, the UK, EU and Canada have imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar.

At the same time, however, there seems to be a concerted disinformation campaign unleashed by the military as seen from disclosure by an ex-Israeli military intelligence officer who is also a Canadian citizen. Ari Ben Menashe, who claims to have intervened in military regimes of Sudan and other conflict zones, said that he has been hired by the Myanmar military to do some damage control lest its image is tarnished in the eyes of the US and other western countries. Menashe’s firm is known as Dickens &amp; Madsons.&nbsp;

Canada hinted that Myanmar military leadership is trying to distance itself from China so that it’s not seen as a Chinese puppet. This looks surprising and couldn’t be independently verified at this juncture. Menashe further claimed that Myanmar is trying to take back Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and its using diplomatic channels in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their early return. This again appears intriguing yet it needs close monitoring.

Meanwhile, inputs as of March 7 reveal that there were sporadic incidents of violence during clashes between the security forces in different parts of Myanmar with protesters intensifying their tirade against the military regime. There have been raids in the houses of hundreds of protesters and one activist of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Khin Maung Latt died in military custody allegedly after he was tortured. A northern Shan State city Lashio saw a barrage of police firing, stun grenades and tear-gassing that injured many.&nbsp;

There is an uneasy calm prevailing in many parts of Myanmar. As regards to India, its borders with Myanmar need to be extra vigilant to prevent unauthorised entry of the victims of the military. A section of the Myanmar military is believed to have told the Indian authorities to return many Myanmar policemen who are thought to have crossed over to the Indian side in the state of Mizoram to escape the military onslaught.

As things unfold dramatically in Myanmar with the rising military oppression and the anti-coup protestors stepping up their aggressive opposition, a longish stand-off between the military-led government and the pro-democracy forces looks certain in the near foreseeable future.

India, diplomatically, has so far played its card with dexterity and patience at the same time eyeing the situation closely to act and react as the ground situation demands.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The occurrences in Myanmar, India’s immediate eastern neighbourhood have shaken the whole world in the wake of a military take-over by the junta on Feb 1, promulgating an emergency for the next one year and more significantly, putting popular pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars.

The occurrences in Myanmar, India’s immediate eastern neighbourhood have shaken the whole world in the wake of a military take-over by the junta on Feb 1, promulgating an emergency for the next one year and more significantly, putting popular pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi behind bars. The country is up in flames. So far more than 50 have been killed. Well over 1700 have been arrested, and a violent showdown between the protesters and heavily armed security forces has become more a routine than an exception. Reports of confrontation between the military and the agitators seeking return of democracy and release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon, Mandalay and other places are trickling on a regular basis. The scene looks perilous. The villain behind crushing the democratic future of Myanmar and causing a Coup d’etat is 64-year-old General Min Aung Hlaing who has been functioning as the army chief of Myanmar since 2011. Known for his ruthless response against any civilian uprising, Gen Hlaing, a law graduate himself, came to adverse light in 2009 when as a “battle-hardened warrior” of the Myanmar military, he ruthlessly launched a military offensive in Kokang region crushing the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance. Also Read | Opinion- Myanmar: Exploiting lessons learnt in the Middle East This infamous General is also singularly responsible for the brutal crackdown on the Rohingyas in 2017 resulting in the influx of nearly 7 million of them into Bangladesh in the last over three years, the number has exceeded 10 million. This shows his heartlessness and resolve to sabotage any chances of democracy trying to find a space in the political landscape of Myanmar. Meanwhile, the ongoing political turbulence and incessant crackdown on the defiant protesters have drawn acerbic criticism from the UN. UN Human Rights Chief, Michelle Rachelet, in a recent statement, called upon the military to stop forthwith the vicious repression and killings of the innocents. ASEAN calls for an end to perpetration of excesses have also fallen on deaf ears like the appeals from the UN. There have been more than visible protest demonstrations in front of the Indonesian and Thai Embassies in Myanmar that have not resulted in any impact except stirring an increasing public opinion against the military. Public is surely in a defiant mood. Slogans and placards are carrying banner headlines that say “Stone Age is over”. They are also ranting that the protesters are no longer afraid of any threat from the military. The cities in Myanmar are dotted with barricades and fortifications, never seen before of this scale. The country, since its independence, has seen five military takeovers dating from 1948 but the resistance put up this time seems unprecedented. Several “people’s governing bodies” have been formed which pose a direct challenge to the military leadership. Their resorting to lobbing of stun grenades and firing of live ammunition have also been proving ineffective. Foreign Minister of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan on March 5 has described in the Parliament, the happenings in Myanmar as national shame including the armed forces' use of weapons against its own people. Amid these happenings, credible reports suggest that the military leadership in Myanmar has tried to withdraw one billion US dollars from Federal Reserve after seizing power on Feb 1. The US has put a freeze on the transaction. It’s further known now that the Central Bank of Myanmar had tried to siphon off the money from the US. The US is trying to ascertain the names of those involved in this attempt to withdraw money as the US, the UK, EU and Canada have imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar. At the same time, however, there seems to be a concerted disinformation campaign unleashed by the military as seen from disclosure by an ex-Israeli military intelligence officer who is also a Canadian citizen. Ari Ben Menashe, who claims to have intervened in military regimes of Sudan and other conflict zones, said that he has been hired by the Myanmar military to do some damage control lest its image is tarnished in the eyes of the US and other western countries. Menashe’s firm is known as Dickens & Madsons. Canada hinted that Myanmar military leadership is trying to distance itself from China so that it’s not seen as a Chinese puppet. This looks surprising and couldn’t be independently verified at this juncture. Menashe further claimed that Myanmar is trying to take back Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and its using diplomatic channels in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their early return. This again appears intriguing yet it needs close monitoring. Meanwhile, inputs as of March 7 reveal that there were sporadic incidents of violence during clashes between the security forces in different parts of Myanmar with protesters intensifying their tirade against the military regime. There have been raids in the houses of hundreds of protesters and one activist of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Khin Maung Latt died in military custody allegedly after he was tortured. A northern Shan State city Lashio saw a barrage of police firing, stun grenades and tear-gassing that injured many. There is an uneasy calm prevailing in many parts of Myanmar. As regards to India, its borders with Myanmar need to be extra vigilant to prevent unauthorised entry of the victims of the military. A section of the Myanmar military is believed to have told the Indian authorities to return many Myanmar policemen who are thought to have crossed over to the Indian side in the state of Mizoram to escape the military onslaught. As things unfold dramatically in Myanmar with the rising military oppression and the anti-coup protestors stepping up their aggressive opposition, a longish stand-off between the military-led government and the pro-democracy forces looks certain in the near foreseeable future. India, diplomatically, has so far played its card with dexterity and patience at the same time eyeing the situation closely to act and react as the ground situation demands. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Is worst still waiting to happen in Myanmar?

In a very recent development that seemed to be significant, Turkey and Pakistan, already close allies, have decided for a robust military cooperation through a formal defence agreement. This was disclosed by Bloomberg. It is also revealed now that these countries are soon entering into manufacture of missiles and fighter jets and in this regard. Officials from Pakistan and Turkey have been holding meetings for the last several months. Pakistan Defence Secretary Mia Mohammad Hilal Hussain met the Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar in December 2020 to give final shape to the upcoming deal. More specifically, the deal would entail long-range Siper missiles and TF-X fighter jets.

Defence experts reckon that with this emerging defence cooperation, Istanbul will be part of the JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets that currently Pakistan develops with China. As it is, Turkey and Pakistan look up to each other as reliable strategic allies, and this is very likely to take their relationship to newer heights. Turkish President has most recently described that such a dependable strategic relationship has serious potential between the two countries. However, the US is believed to have taken note of this development and as it has already imposed sanctions on Turkey for the latter’s decision two years ago to buy Russian S-400 missiles system which is an eyesore to the US.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-us-foreign-policy-and-its-middle-east-conundrum-367054">Opinion: US foreign policy and its Middle East conundrum</a>

It may be recollected&nbsp;that Turkey had snapped its deal with China to procure missiles and subsequently reaching out to Russia for getting this military hardware.

As this news is getting under circulation, analysts have started pondering over this. Pakistan has been cosying up to Turkey and the latter too has been reciprocating in good measure. Erdogan’s more than one visit to Pakistan each year in the recent past has not gone unnoticed. Every time he comes or Prime Minister Imran Khan goes to Istanbul, fresh commitments are signed.

Exceeding his niceties as head of a sovereign country, Erdogan has been repeating his offers of militarily intervening in Kashmir to express his solidarity with Pakistan. Pakistan derives extraordinarily hollowed satisfaction by such assurances which are bereft of any substance or logic especially when India and Pakistan are believed to have revived a cease-fire deal of 2003 to end the hostilities. Erdogan has been playing a divisive role to abet animus which is unfortunately not a sign of a good leader.

Another implication of the Turkey Pakistan military cooperation would mean an arms race in the region. The US is likely to have a dim view of the issue particularly when President Biden is closely watching Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan sadly doesn’t comprehend that Turkey is not the best choice as its ally.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-turkey-signals-sweeping-regional-ambitions-365427">Opinion: Turkey signals sweeping regional ambitions</a>

Erdogan has a clear agenda of propelling himself as a Muslim leader of global level and he also wants to slight Saudi Arabia in this regard. Since Riyadh is not favourably inclined towards Pakistan anymore and the relations are more than sour, Imran Khan is placing all his eggs into Erdogan’s basket.&nbsp;

This suits Erdogan who is always trying to run down Saudi led Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and by default befriends Pakistan. Also, by warming upto Pakistan through a defence cooperation for manufacturing lethal weaponry, Turkey and Pakistan are encouraging security perils in the region which have far-reaching devastating consequences. Assuming and rightly so that such production of deadly military hardware will deter India - the South Asia giant, they are erroneously mistaken. Every country with self-esteem is bound to defend its borders and sovereignty with all its might even militarily. She let there be no illusions on such utopian dreams, and that’s what the experts also say.

Pakistan and Turkey are also enjoying fantasy films like Ertugrul, based on a tribal character who is thought to have existed during the Ottoman Empire. Films on him are watched widely and are full of violence and bloodshed. That shows the priorities of the leaders of the two countries who are perhaps living under false notions of chivalry. It is also known now that Pakistan and Turkish passport holders can have dual nationalities which is understandable but displays a more vibrant equation between the two countries.

The roles of Turkey and Pakistan have been under close scrutiny for their support to Azerbaijan during its military conflict with Armenia last year. By the upcoming military cooperation of joint manufacturing enterprise, it would mean that in any other future skirmishes or full-scale war, both Pakistan and Turkey will not be inhibited to militarily intervene and take sides according to one’s own whims and fancies. World at large is hoping that it does not happen and all eyes are trained in the new US administration.

Meanwhile, knowledgeable Pakistan watchers say that religious intolerance is high in Pakistan. The Pakistan Taliban has been reunified. Terrorists have successfully targeted a number of civilians in addition to several casualties amongst the military and paramilitary personnel. Nobel Laureate and activist, Malala Yousafzai, who had providentially survived an assassination attempt in the past, had received death threat again in the recent past. Afsandyar Mir, a security analyst and Fellow at the Centre for Internal Security and Cooperation opines that reunification of a splintered militancy remains dangerous news for Pakistan.

Hence, it would appear in the larger interest of peace in the region, joint arms manufacture or anti tranquil defence enterprises will prove counterproductive adding more security uncertainties to the people of South Asia.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In a very recent development that seemed to be significant, Turkey and Pakistan, already close allies, have decided for a robust military cooperation through a formal defence agreement.

In a very recent development that seemed to be significant, Turkey and Pakistan, already close allies, have decided for a robust military cooperation through a formal defence agreement. This was disclosed by Bloomberg. It is also revealed now that these countries are soon entering into manufacture of missiles and fighter jets and in this regard. Officials from Pakistan and Turkey have been holding meetings for the last several months. Pakistan Defence Secretary Mia Mohammad Hilal Hussain met the Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar in December 2020 to give final shape to the upcoming deal. More specifically, the deal would entail long-range Siper missiles and TF-X fighter jets. Defence experts reckon that with this emerging defence cooperation, Istanbul will be part of the JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets that currently Pakistan develops with China. As it is, Turkey and Pakistan look up to each other as reliable strategic allies, and this is very likely to take their relationship to newer heights. Turkish President has most recently described that such a dependable strategic relationship has serious potential between the two countries. However, the US is believed to have taken note of this development and as it has already imposed sanctions on Turkey for the latter’s decision two years ago to buy Russian S-400 missiles system which is an eyesore to the US. Also Read | Opinion: US foreign policy and its Middle East conundrum It may be recollected that Turkey had snapped its deal with China to procure missiles and subsequently reaching out to Russia for getting this military hardware. As this news is getting under circulation, analysts have started pondering over this. Pakistan has been cosying up to Turkey and the latter too has been reciprocating in good measure. Erdogan’s more than one visit to Pakistan each year in the recent past has not gone unnoticed. Every time he comes or Prime Minister Imran Khan goes to Istanbul, fresh commitments are signed. Exceeding his niceties as head of a sovereign country, Erdogan has been repeating his offers of militarily intervening in Kashmir to express his solidarity with Pakistan. Pakistan derives extraordinarily hollowed satisfaction by such assurances which are bereft of any substance or logic especially when India and Pakistan are believed to have revived a cease-fire deal of 2003 to end the hostilities. Erdogan has been playing a divisive role to abet animus which is unfortunately not a sign of a good leader. Another implication of the Turkey Pakistan military cooperation would mean an arms race in the region. The US is likely to have a dim view of the issue particularly when President Biden is closely watching Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan sadly doesn’t comprehend that Turkey is not the best choice as its ally. Also Read | Opinion: Turkey signals sweeping regional ambitions Erdogan has a clear agenda of propelling himself as a Muslim leader of global level and he also wants to slight Saudi Arabia in this regard. Since Riyadh is not favourably inclined towards Pakistan anymore and the relations are more than sour, Imran Khan is placing all his eggs into Erdogan’s basket. This suits Erdogan who is always trying to run down Saudi led Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and by default befriends Pakistan. Also, by warming upto Pakistan through a defence cooperation for manufacturing lethal weaponry, Turkey and Pakistan are encouraging security perils in the region which have far-reaching devastating consequences. Assuming and rightly so that such production of deadly military hardware will deter India - the South Asia giant, they are erroneously mistaken. Every country with self-esteem is bound to defend its borders and sovereignty with all its might even militarily. She let there be no illusions on such utopian dreams, and that’s what the experts also say. Pakistan and Turkey are also enjoying fantasy films like Ertugrul, based on a tribal character who is thought to have existed during the Ottoman Empire. Films on him are watched widely and are full of violence and bloodshed. That shows the priorities of the leaders of the two countries who are perhaps living under false notions of chivalry. It is also known now that Pakistan and Turkish passport holders can have dual nationalities which is understandable but displays a more vibrant equation between the two countries. The roles of Turkey and Pakistan have been under close scrutiny for their support to Azerbaijan during its military conflict with Armenia last year. By the upcoming military cooperation of joint manufacturing enterprise, it would mean that in any other future skirmishes or full-scale war, both Pakistan and Turkey will not be inhibited to militarily intervene and take sides according to one’s own whims and fancies. World at large is hoping that it does not happen and all eyes are trained in the new US administration. Meanwhile, knowledgeable Pakistan watchers say that religious intolerance is high in Pakistan. The Pakistan Taliban has been reunified. Terrorists have successfully targeted a number of civilians in addition to several casualties amongst the military and paramilitary personnel. Nobel Laureate and activist, Malala Yousafzai, who had providentially survived an assassination attempt in the past, had received death threat again in the recent past. Afsandyar Mir, a security analyst and Fellow at the Centre for Internal Security and Cooperation opines that reunification of a splintered militancy remains dangerous news for Pakistan. Hence, it would appear in the larger interest of peace in the region, joint arms manufacture or anti tranquil defence enterprises will prove counterproductive adding more security uncertainties to the people of South Asia. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Is Turkey wooing Pakistan through defence cooperation? 

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. It was originally scheduled for February 24. &nbsp;

This is seen as a major setback to the Pakistani establishment as Imran’s visit commencing on February 20, was seen in Pakistan as a significant move to further befriend Sri Lanka. It is also assessed by the diplomatic circles that it was a triumph of&nbsp;the Indian policymakers because the proposed Sri Lanka visit, more specifically the Parliament address was largely at China’s behest.

Now, Pakistan will have to recover with immense difficulty with the shock it received by the last-minute cancellation. Meanwhile, knowledgeable sources also say that the Parliament address was sabotaged to prevent Imran Khan for raking up the Kashmir issue on foreign soil, thus trying to cause a wedge between Indo-Sri Lanka warm ties. This has also left China red-faced as China was intently watching the upcoming visit for geopolitical reasons.&nbsp;

The cancellation has been officially confirmed now by Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Gunawardena. Although the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker reckons that the address has been called off due to Covid-19 related precautionary measures, this explanation seems faint and far from convincing.

In the meantime, credible reports trickling in from Colombo indicate that there is no possibility of Sri Lanka signing any defence agreements with Pakistan during the visit of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanth Colombage did disclose that a number of agreements on economic cooperation, culture and other issues are on the cards but nothing on defence. &nbsp;

However, grounds for strong defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan do exist. &nbsp;From 2000 to 2009, Pak-Sri Lanka military cooperation was exceptionally strong. During the operations against the LTTE in its last phase in 2009, Sri Lanka had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) which Pakistan had readily obliged. It is also pertinent to point out that the LTTE had tried to assassinate the Pakistani High Commissioner in Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand in 2009 as he was assisting the Sri Lankan forces’ efforts to exterminate the LTTE.

In a development linked to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit, the Sri Lankan Muslim community leaders are preparing to meet the visiting Pak PM to hand over their list of grievances by involving Imran Khan whom they described as a great Muslim leader. &nbsp;It is likely that the section of Muslims in Sri Lanka would highlight the human rights violations against the 9 per cent Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and alleged social discrimination. &nbsp;

Reacting to the cancellation of the Parliament address, Rauf Hakeem, opposition MP and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said (Feb. 17) that the Sri Lanka government had embarrassed the PM of a foreign country. Muslims in Sri Lanka are also believed to be agitated over the controversy of the government’s decision to allow only cremation and not the burial of all the COVID casualties. On his part, Imran Khan is expected to give a patient hearing to the ‘aggrieved’ Muslims. &nbsp;It could, in case, be interesting to Pakistan and Sri Lanka watchers to see how Imran’s forthcoming Colombo visit unfolds.

While the cancellation of the Parliament address by Imran Khan is dampening for Pakistan and its PM, it is also seen as a loss of face amid a slew of problems Pakistan is already grappling with. &nbsp; 
However, a more serious problem that Pakistan is facing at this juncture is the assessment by the experts that Pakistan is unlikely to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey’ list until June this year, despite its efforts to gather support from the member nations ahead of the plenary meet of the FATF slated in Paris from Feb 21 to 26. &nbsp;

This is yet another critical setback for Pakistan. It also means Pakistan has not done enough to improve its track record on terror funding despite repeated warnings by the FATF. Compounded with this, the latest report of denial of an address by PM Imran Khan to the Sri Lankan Parliament exposes Pakistan’s hollowed foreign policy bereft of any maturity or seen as an incorrigible nation, howsoever harsh it may sound.

Pakistan doesn’t seem to be learning any lesson and instead it continues to bask on India bashing and most of such reactions emanating from a deep sense of insecurity from India.&nbsp;

Let us dwell upon a couple of illustrations to prove our point. The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Ahmad Bajwa, while addressing the cadets of the Air War College Institution ( AWCI), at the 34th Air War course at Karachi, under the aegis of the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF), warned ( Feb 17) that Pakistan was ready to give a befitting reply to any misadventure posed by its adversary.&nbsp; 
The tenor and syntax were aggressive and reminiscent of his similar speech earlier this month, again at a PAF function. In both cases, the army chief insinuated his warning towards India.&nbsp;

It was indeed unprovoked and avoidable and but the contents rob away any chances of toning down a sense of hostility in letter and spirit .&nbsp;

Army chief apart, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing the participants of the Ninth International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Feb 15, accused India of taking recourse to what he termed belligerent and aggressive policies raising the chances of a conflict in the Indian Ocean. Crossing all limits of decency, Foreign Minister Qureshi also charged India for being driven by "extreme Hindutva ideology".

Again, such remarks coming from a senior minister against a sovereign country were totally uncalled for. It’s clearly evident that such manifestations are the result of a great sense of insecurity felt by Pakistan. This seems to have heightened following the perceived armament build-up by India, as assessed by media house Al-Jazeera. It further analyses that being in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group, Pakistan is apprehensive with security concerns.

Though the well-known commentator and security analyst Zahid Hussain feels that India’s military preparedness is against China, Pakistan feels threatened by India . Pakistan recently hosted a naval exercise with the US, the UK, Russia participating.&nbsp;

Reeling under such massive level of apprehensions from perceived Indian threats, Pakistan first needs to tone down its rhetoric, address its domestic concerns, rein in the various terror groups bred in Pakistan and also straighten up its foreign policy creases so as not to face embarrassment as in Sri Lanka. It would then augur well with it to exaggerate concerns from India.

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament.

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. It was originally scheduled for February 24. This is seen as a major setback to the Pakistani establishment as Imran’s visit commencing on February 20, was seen in Pakistan as a significant move to further befriend Sri Lanka. It is also assessed by the diplomatic circles that it was a triumph of the Indian policymakers because the proposed Sri Lanka visit, more specifically the Parliament address was largely at China’s behest. Now, Pakistan will have to recover with immense difficulty with the shock it received by the last-minute cancellation. Meanwhile, knowledgeable sources also say that the Parliament address was sabotaged to prevent Imran Khan for raking up the Kashmir issue on foreign soil, thus trying to cause a wedge between Indo-Sri Lanka warm ties. This has also left China red-faced as China was intently watching the upcoming visit for geopolitical reasons. The cancellation has been officially confirmed now by Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Gunawardena. Although the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker reckons that the address has been called off due to Covid-19 related precautionary measures, this explanation seems faint and far from convincing. In the meantime, credible reports trickling in from Colombo indicate that there is no possibility of Sri Lanka signing any defence agreements with Pakistan during the visit of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanth Colombage did disclose that a number of agreements on economic cooperation, culture and other issues are on the cards but nothing on defence. However, grounds for strong defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan do exist. From 2000 to 2009, Pak-Sri Lanka military cooperation was exceptionally strong. During the operations against the LTTE in its last phase in 2009, Sri Lanka had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) which Pakistan had readily obliged. It is also pertinent to point out that the LTTE had tried to assassinate the Pakistani High Commissioner in Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand in 2009 as he was assisting the Sri Lankan forces’ efforts to exterminate the LTTE. In a development linked to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit, the Sri Lankan Muslim community leaders are preparing to meet the visiting Pak PM to hand over their list of grievances by involving Imran Khan whom they described as a great Muslim leader. It is likely that the section of Muslims in Sri Lanka would highlight the human rights violations against the 9 per cent Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and alleged social discrimination. Reacting to the cancellation of the Parliament address, Rauf Hakeem, opposition MP and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said (Feb. 17) that the Sri Lanka government had embarrassed the PM of a foreign country. Muslims in Sri Lanka are also believed to be agitated over the controversy of the government’s decision to allow only cremation and not the burial of all the COVID casualties. On his part, Imran Khan is expected to give a patient hearing to the ‘aggrieved’ Muslims. It could, in case, be interesting to Pakistan and Sri Lanka watchers to see how Imran’s forthcoming Colombo visit unfolds. While the cancellation of the Parliament address by Imran Khan is dampening for Pakistan and its PM, it is also seen as a loss of face amid a slew of problems Pakistan is already grappling with. However, a more serious problem that Pakistan is facing at this juncture is the assessment by the experts that Pakistan is unlikely to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey’ list until June this year, despite its efforts to gather support from the member nations ahead of the plenary meet of the FATF slated in Paris from Feb 21 to 26. This is yet another critical setback for Pakistan. It also means Pakistan has not done enough to improve its track record on terror funding despite repeated warnings by the FATF. Compounded with this, the latest report of denial of an address by PM Imran Khan to the Sri Lankan Parliament exposes Pakistan’s hollowed foreign policy bereft of any maturity or seen as an incorrigible nation, howsoever harsh it may sound. Pakistan doesn’t seem to be learning any lesson and instead it continues to bask on India bashing and most of such reactions emanating from a deep sense of insecurity from India. Let us dwell upon a couple of illustrations to prove our point. The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Ahmad Bajwa, while addressing the cadets of the Air War College Institution ( AWCI), at the 34th Air War course at Karachi, under the aegis of the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF), warned ( Feb 17) that Pakistan was ready to give a befitting reply to any misadventure posed by its adversary. The tenor and syntax were aggressive and reminiscent of his similar speech earlier this month, again at a PAF function. In both cases, the army chief insinuated his warning towards India. It was indeed unprovoked and avoidable and but the contents rob away any chances of toning down a sense of hostility in letter and spirit . Army chief apart, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing the participants of the Ninth International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Feb 15, accused India of taking recourse to what he termed belligerent and aggressive policies raising the chances of a conflict in the Indian Ocean. Crossing all limits of decency, Foreign Minister Qureshi also charged India for being driven by "extreme Hindutva ideology". Again, such remarks coming from a senior minister against a sovereign country were totally uncalled for. It’s clearly evident that such manifestations are the result of a great sense of insecurity felt by Pakistan. This seems to have heightened following the perceived armament build-up by India, as assessed by media house Al-Jazeera. It further analyses that being in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group, Pakistan is apprehensive with security concerns. Though the well-known commentator and security analyst Zahid Hussain feels that India’s military preparedness is against China, Pakistan feels threatened by India . Pakistan recently hosted a naval exercise with the US, the UK, Russia participating. Reeling under such massive level of apprehensions from perceived Indian threats, Pakistan first needs to tone down its rhetoric, address its domestic concerns, rein in the various terror groups bred in Pakistan and also straighten up its foreign policy creases so as not to face embarrassment as in Sri Lanka. It would then augur well with it to exaggerate concerns from India. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Pakistan's embarrassment is a spanner in Imran Khan's Colombo visit

After a lull of about a month, the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), has decided to step up its activities to pin down the Imran Khan government. In furthering its aim, PDM chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the presence of Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), held a press conference on February 4 in Islamabad.&nbsp;

As per the latest plans, the PDM will organize a long march towards Islamabad. This anti-government alliance with the blessings of former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has also decided that all parties will contest state elections together, rejecting the open ballot method. This is in complete defiance of the government decision as the proposed constitutional amendment had endorsed for the open ballot system in the Senate Polls. The PDM has also described this march as the Mehngai March (March against inflation). This assumes significance as the electricity, gas and petroleum costs have skyrocketed in Pakistan in the recent past.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in Pakistan continue to be in a non-cooperation mode during the proceedings of the parliament. Also, there is no let up in the cases of corruption in government circles and Prime Minister Imran Khan remains under criticism for heading a corrupt government though his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had pledged an honest and clean governance during the election campaign of 2018.&nbsp;

Earlier, political commentators in Pakistan had assessed that PDM had run out of steam and was no longer force to reckon with. However, with the recent renewed plans by the PDM which comprises all the principal opposition parties, Imran Khan is expected to be under mounting pressure. Therefore, March 26 and run up to that date, remains crucial meriting close watch.

In a separate development, Prime Minister Imran Khan was castigated by well known military veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood for the prime minister’s generous showering of praise and yearning for the Chinese political system of governance. In a writeup in a popular newspaper, The Express Tribune, dated February 3, 2021, Gen Masood finds PM’s opinion on Chinese governance as worrisome as it needs clarity which needs to be addressed to the general public.&nbsp;

Coming down heavily on the Pakistani Prime Minister, Gen Masood, charges his PM for being disillusioned with democracy and finds the role of the Opposition and the checks and balances in it frustrating.

The commentator also questions that if left to himself, PM Imran Khan would probably adopt a quasi-Chinese model with a token Opposition and greater freedom of action. Gen Masood, with vast political and military experience finds the Chinese communist system as harsh curbing individual freedom.

No doubt, Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping have brought about some elementary changes by partially opening the economy to generate wealth, yet this was at the cost of immense political and religious freedom.

This point is of particular importance in Pakistan and the leadership has to sensitise itself to the aspirations and expectations of the people of the four provinces and give them due representation. Even the mention of a presidential system or a quasi-Chinese model would invite a serious backlash. Pakistani military rulers had all the power at their command, similar to Imran Khan’s dream scenario, yet they failed miserably and left behind legacies the consequences of which Pakistan is still suffering.

The PM should realise as warned by Gen Talat Masood that at times he is setting aside key requirements of democratic governance by bypassing institutions. His reliance on the military may give him the confidence to bypass constitutional and legal obligations but these have a downside of weakening democracy and undermining his own role and that of the cabinet.

Gen Talat Masood further writes that good leadership demands they leave in their wake, legacies that place the country on a stable trajectory and not get embroiled in endless controversies. Their main aim should be to build the edifices of the country and create new ones where necessary.&nbsp;

For Pakistani leadership, high priority should be placed on strengthening parliament, correcting courses in civil-military relations, building a firm foundation for the economy, and expanding and deepening relations with friendly countries. Pakistan also needs to develop capabilities to deal with challenges like climate change and cybersecurity and maintain a hard focus on improving health and education facilities.&nbsp;

A country where 44% of the population is illiterate and a very high percentage of children are challenged, and is drowned by the burden of multiple problems, has to seriously rethink its priorities. For it is easier to take out processions but difficult to plan, address its weaknesses and rebuild the country.&nbsp;

By the observations of this war veteran in China, it can be easily surmised that the Pakistani think-tanks generally are averse to the Chinese system of economy and governance. Prime Minister Imran Khan going overboard to warm up to China, as seen currently, does not seem to have the endorsement of a large section of the Pakistani polity.

In the meantime, the Pakistan National Assembly witnessed an unprecedented and nasty chaos in its session of February 4. Many members engaged in physical scuffles which many say was perhaps the first time in Pakistan’s parliamentary history.&nbsp;

The Speaker, having failed to control the rowdiness, had to be provided a security ring by his protection team as the atmosphere inside the National Assembly was charged. The opposition staged a walkout registering their protest due to what they alleged the bullish behaviour of the ruling PTI.&nbsp;

In another significant statement emanating from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, while addressing at the graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force Academy on Feb 2, called upon India and Pakistan to resolve the longstanding “issue” of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner.&nbsp;

He claimed that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and wanted to co-exist. However, he also said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable and prepared to thwart any threat.&nbsp;

In view of this statement, India being a non-aggressor in all the previous wars with Pakistan might walk an extra mile to reciprocate in the larger interest of peace and tranquil between the two countries.&nbsp;

Yet, India in likelihood, will wait and weigh about the sincerity of Gen Bajwa’s statement which, on the face of it, has raised “hopes” of a reconciliation.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

After a lull of about a month, the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), has decided to step up its activities to pin down the Imran Khan government. In furthering its aim, PDM chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the presence of Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), held a press conference on February 4 in Islamabad.

After a lull of about a month, the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), has decided to step up its activities to pin down the Imran Khan government. In furthering its aim, PDM chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the presence of Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), held a press conference on February 4 in Islamabad. As per the latest plans, the PDM will organize a long march towards Islamabad. This anti-government alliance with the blessings of former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has also decided that all parties will contest state elections together, rejecting the open ballot method. This is in complete defiance of the government decision as the proposed constitutional amendment had endorsed for the open ballot system in the Senate Polls. The PDM has also described this march as the Mehngai March (March against inflation). This assumes significance as the electricity, gas and petroleum costs have skyrocketed in Pakistan in the recent past. Meanwhile, opposition parties in Pakistan continue to be in a non-cooperation mode during the proceedings of the parliament. Also, there is no let up in the cases of corruption in government circles and Prime Minister Imran Khan remains under criticism for heading a corrupt government though his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had pledged an honest and clean governance during the election campaign of 2018. Earlier, political commentators in Pakistan had assessed that PDM had run out of steam and was no longer force to reckon with. However, with the recent renewed plans by the PDM which comprises all the principal opposition parties, Imran Khan is expected to be under mounting pressure. Therefore, March 26 and run up to that date, remains crucial meriting close watch. In a separate development, Prime Minister Imran Khan was castigated by well known military veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood for the prime minister’s generous showering of praise and yearning for the Chinese political system of governance. In a writeup in a popular newspaper, The Express Tribune, dated February 3, 2021, Gen Masood finds PM’s opinion on Chinese governance as worrisome as it needs clarity which needs to be addressed to the general public. Coming down heavily on the Pakistani Prime Minister, Gen Masood, charges his PM for being disillusioned with democracy and finds the role of the Opposition and the checks and balances in it frustrating. The commentator also questions that if left to himself, PM Imran Khan would probably adopt a quasi-Chinese model with a token Opposition and greater freedom of action. Gen Masood, with vast political and military experience finds the Chinese communist system as harsh curbing individual freedom. No doubt, Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping have brought about some elementary changes by partially opening the economy to generate wealth, yet this was at the cost of immense political and religious freedom. This point is of particular importance in Pakistan and the leadership has to sensitise itself to the aspirations and expectations of the people of the four provinces and give them due representation. Even the mention of a presidential system or a quasi-Chinese model would invite a serious backlash. Pakistani military rulers had all the power at their command, similar to Imran Khan’s dream scenario, yet they failed miserably and left behind legacies the consequences of which Pakistan is still suffering. The PM should realise as warned by Gen Talat Masood that at times he is setting aside key requirements of democratic governance by bypassing institutions. His reliance on the military may give him the confidence to bypass constitutional and legal obligations but these have a downside of weakening democracy and undermining his own role and that of the cabinet. Gen Talat Masood further writes that good leadership demands they leave in their wake, legacies that place the country on a stable trajectory and not get embroiled in endless controversies. Their main aim should be to build the edifices of the country and create new ones where necessary. For Pakistani leadership, high priority should be placed on strengthening parliament, correcting courses in civil-military relations, building a firm foundation for the economy, and expanding and deepening relations with friendly countries. Pakistan also needs to develop capabilities to deal with challenges like climate change and cybersecurity and maintain a hard focus on improving health and education facilities. A country where 44% of the population is illiterate and a very high percentage of children are challenged, and is drowned by the burden of multiple problems, has to seriously rethink its priorities. For it is easier to take out processions but difficult to plan, address its weaknesses and rebuild the country. By the observations of this war veteran in China, it can be easily surmised that the Pakistani think-tanks generally are averse to the Chinese system of economy and governance. Prime Minister Imran Khan going overboard to warm up to China, as seen currently, does not seem to have the endorsement of a large section of the Pakistani polity. In the meantime, the Pakistan National Assembly witnessed an unprecedented and nasty chaos in its session of February 4. Many members engaged in physical scuffles which many say was perhaps the first time in Pakistan’s parliamentary history. The Speaker, having failed to control the rowdiness, had to be provided a security ring by his protection team as the atmosphere inside the National Assembly was charged. The opposition staged a walkout registering their protest due to what they alleged the bullish behaviour of the ruling PTI. In another significant statement emanating from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, while addressing at the graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force Academy on Feb 2, called upon India and Pakistan to resolve the longstanding “issue” of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner. He claimed that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and wanted to co-exist. However, he also said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable and prepared to thwart any threat. In view of this statement, India being a non-aggressor in all the previous wars with Pakistan might walk an extra mile to reciprocate in the larger interest of peace and tranquil between the two countries. Yet, India in likelihood, will wait and weigh about the sincerity of Gen Bajwa’s statement which, on the face of it, has raised “hopes” of a reconciliation. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: PDM renews plans to corner Imran Khan

Pakistan has been in a desperate mode to walk an extra mile to mend ties with the USA ever since President Joe Biden and his team took charge on January 20 this year. In fact, even before the new dispensation assumed office, Pakistan had been active in sending feelers to team Biden to have a changed attitude towards Pakistan.&nbsp;

Significantly, &nbsp;Pakistani establishment always felt that Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump had abandoned Pakistan unlike other Republican Presidents, and therefore it’s time to reach out to the fresh administration. The visible motive behind this vigorous move was to come out of the global isolation Pakistan was reeling under, counter India to wean it away from the US proximity, dispel any misgivings that the US may have vis a vis Sino - Pak relations, use US good offices to repair the worsening ties with Saudi Arabia and of course to get financial packages to extricate itself from the economic imbroglio. As part of a wishful thinking, Pakistan is also hopeful that the Democrats led Presidency will have a changed and tough policy towards Kashmir.

Pakistani hopes were raised amid these developments particularly because of the recent disclosure by the new Defence Secretary designate, Gen Lloyd Austin who called for a renewed US cooperation with Pakistan in the light of Afghanistan and for containing terrorist activities. While Pakistan was euphoric with the statement of Pentagon Chief conveniently ignoring his cautious warning that Pakistan needed to do more to rein in its terrorists specifically naming Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). It was perhaps an early initiative by the US to wean away Pakistan from China but Pakistan read it too much.

However, this euphoria on part of Pakistan was short-lived as Gen Lloyd Austin called up his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh on Jan 27 hoping about an Indian vigorous role in the Indo - Pacific region and expressing keenness to strengthen strategic partnership with India. A call by the US Defence Secretary barely two days after assumption of office looks significant. Pakistan has silently taken note of it.

In another important move, the new US National Security Advisor (NSA), Jack Sullivan telephoned his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval almost simultaneously assuring renewed defence cooperation, Multilateralism, Quad dialogue etc. Both the NSAs also discussed threadbare on robust cooperation on cyber security, terrorism, strategy in the Indo Pacific region and beyond.

These happenings being closely watched by Pakistan were dealt a severe blow to its short lived buoyancy as the most recent verdict in the Daniel Pearl murder case by the Supreme Court of Pakistan upholding the acquittal of mastermind of the grotesque murder (Pearl the bureau chief of Wall Street Journal was mercilessly beheaded and video made and released in public domain), Ahmed Omar Shaheed Sheikh and ordering his release from the prison.&nbsp;

Reacting angrily on the judgment, in a statement on Jan 28, White House said that it was outraged by the verdict. The US chief spokeswoman, Jen Peski described the ruling as an affront to the victims of terrorism and called upon Pakistan to quickly review its legal options. Such reprimand from the US has given a jolt to the Pakistan efforts trying to warm upto the US. Meanwhile, family members of slain journalist &nbsp; Daniel Pearl have intensified their efforts seeking US intervention on Pakistan for reversing the judgment which was awarded (2 to 1) by a panel of three judges.

The US rebuff has also led to the American Attorney General offering to hold Omar Sheikh on trial in the US itself and was ready to take him into custody for trial proceedings as Pearl was an US citizen. In the meantime, more criticism, worldwide, is outpouring on this verdict. Most likely, in the face of ongoing US pressure and international condemnation, latest news indicates that the Sindh government has requested (Jan 29) the court to hear the appeal urgently.&nbsp;

The legal process seems to be moving fast ostensibly under US pressure but it’s to be seen if Pakistan legal system which is thoroughly flawed, punishes a dreaded terrorist for such an inhuman and heinous crime or let’s him off the hook few weeks before the FATF takes stock of Pakistan’s efforts to contain terror funding and other linked activities.&nbsp;

Again, US Secretary of State, Antony Bilken has also voiced his concern on the judgment underscoring the need for Sheikh’s trial in the US. In view of such &nbsp;volte face by the US, Pakistan steps to befriend the new US Administration can be on hold and the initial expectations can be ‘on wait’ till the guilty are punished as here justice is to be seen to be believed. Omar Sheikh is wanted in India too; hence Indian agencies and security experts need to keep an eye on the developments rather closely.&nbsp;

Also, Indian invisible bodies and diplomacy must step up actions exposing Pakistan for concealing the loopholes of its judicial system as seen in the most recent top court ruling exonerating a hardened and heartless offender like Omar Sheikh.

International commentators, in the meantime, have also opined that President Biden will have to face a test of faith in multilateral organisations and structures when the FATF meets to review Pak based terrorists’ terror funding problems in February. They also assess that as FATF prepares to review Pakistan’s performance, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is apprehended to go down in the rabbit hole of conspiracy.&nbsp;

Already in the backfoot because of Pakistan’s support to terrorism for cross border activities, its counter offensive to prepare a dossier alleging India as the sponsor of terrorism on the Pakistan soil will have no takers. The month that finished only yesterday, saw a spate of terror attacks in early January killing several members of the minority Hazara sect.&nbsp;

Such brazen terror assaults in cold blood exposes Pakistan’s skeletal intelligence and security machinery with complete indifference to the real threats. With a new US government in place, which is warming up to India already, Pakistan will have to rise to its emerging challenges to prove its bonafides or continue to face the flak from the international community. This said, there is hardly any doubt that the recent US rebuff on the Daniel Pearl verdict has dampened its enthusiasm which was part of kicking up a hype which was never there or even it was, it was grossly misplaced.

As this piece is going for the print, news emanating from Pakistan says that Pakistan Supreme Court on February 2, formally ordered the release of Omar Sheikh. The dreaded murderer has been on the death row for the last 18 years and will now be rehabilitated in a safe house where he will be allowed to meet his family members. His family has described this move as one step towards freedom. Indeed , it’s a travesty of justice as termed by the near and dear ones of Pearl .This development is bound to further incur the US wrath against Pakistan and it’s relations may sour contrary to the hopes of Pakistan . Either way, the happenings merit a close watch.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan has been in a desperate mode to walk an extra mile to mend ties with the USA ever since President Joe Biden and his team took charge on January 20 this year.

Pakistan has been in a desperate mode to walk an extra mile to mend ties with the USA ever since President Joe Biden and his team took charge on January 20 this year. In fact, even before the new dispensation assumed office, Pakistan had been active in sending feelers to team Biden to have a changed attitude towards Pakistan. Significantly, Pakistani establishment always felt that Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump had abandoned Pakistan unlike other Republican Presidents, and therefore it’s time to reach out to the fresh administration. The visible motive behind this vigorous move was to come out of the global isolation Pakistan was reeling under, counter India to wean it away from the US proximity, dispel any misgivings that the US may have vis a vis Sino - Pak relations, use US good offices to repair the worsening ties with Saudi Arabia and of course to get financial packages to extricate itself from the economic imbroglio. As part of a wishful thinking, Pakistan is also hopeful that the Democrats led Presidency will have a changed and tough policy towards Kashmir. Pakistani hopes were raised amid these developments particularly because of the recent disclosure by the new Defence Secretary designate, Gen Lloyd Austin who called for a renewed US cooperation with Pakistan in the light of Afghanistan and for containing terrorist activities. While Pakistan was euphoric with the statement of Pentagon Chief conveniently ignoring his cautious warning that Pakistan needed to do more to rein in its terrorists specifically naming Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). It was perhaps an early initiative by the US to wean away Pakistan from China but Pakistan read it too much. However, this euphoria on part of Pakistan was short-lived as Gen Lloyd Austin called up his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh on Jan 27 hoping about an Indian vigorous role in the Indo - Pacific region and expressing keenness to strengthen strategic partnership with India. A call by the US Defence Secretary barely two days after assumption of office looks significant. Pakistan has silently taken note of it. In another important move, the new US National Security Advisor (NSA), Jack Sullivan telephoned his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval almost simultaneously assuring renewed defence cooperation, Multilateralism, Quad dialogue etc. Both the NSAs also discussed threadbare on robust cooperation on cyber security, terrorism, strategy in the Indo Pacific region and beyond. These happenings being closely watched by Pakistan were dealt a severe blow to its short lived buoyancy as the most recent verdict in the Daniel Pearl murder case by the Supreme Court of Pakistan upholding the acquittal of mastermind of the grotesque murder (Pearl the bureau chief of Wall Street Journal was mercilessly beheaded and video made and released in public domain), Ahmed Omar Shaheed Sheikh and ordering his release from the prison. Reacting angrily on the judgment, in a statement on Jan 28, White House said that it was outraged by the verdict. The US chief spokeswoman, Jen Peski described the ruling as an affront to the victims of terrorism and called upon Pakistan to quickly review its legal options. Such reprimand from the US has given a jolt to the Pakistan efforts trying to warm upto the US. Meanwhile, family members of slain journalist Daniel Pearl have intensified their efforts seeking US intervention on Pakistan for reversing the judgment which was awarded (2 to 1) by a panel of three judges. The US rebuff has also led to the American Attorney General offering to hold Omar Sheikh on trial in the US itself and was ready to take him into custody for trial proceedings as Pearl was an US citizen. In the meantime, more criticism, worldwide, is outpouring on this verdict. Most likely, in the face of ongoing US pressure and international condemnation, latest news indicates that the Sindh government has requested (Jan 29) the court to hear the appeal urgently. The legal process seems to be moving fast ostensibly under US pressure but it’s to be seen if Pakistan legal system which is thoroughly flawed, punishes a dreaded terrorist for such an inhuman and heinous crime or let’s him off the hook few weeks before the FATF takes stock of Pakistan’s efforts to contain terror funding and other linked activities. Again, US Secretary of State, Antony Bilken has also voiced his concern on the judgment underscoring the need for Sheikh’s trial in the US. In view of such volte face by the US, Pakistan steps to befriend the new US Administration can be on hold and the initial expectations can be ‘on wait’ till the guilty are punished as here justice is to be seen to be believed. Omar Sheikh is wanted in India too; hence Indian agencies and security experts need to keep an eye on the developments rather closely. Also, Indian invisible bodies and diplomacy must step up actions exposing Pakistan for concealing the loopholes of its judicial system as seen in the most recent top court ruling exonerating a hardened and heartless offender like Omar Sheikh. International commentators, in the meantime, have also opined that President Biden will have to face a test of faith in multilateral organisations and structures when the FATF meets to review Pak based terrorists’ terror funding problems in February. They also assess that as FATF prepares to review Pakistan’s performance, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is apprehended to go down in the rabbit hole of conspiracy. Already in the backfoot because of Pakistan’s support to terrorism for cross border activities, its counter offensive to prepare a dossier alleging India as the sponsor of terrorism on the Pakistan soil will have no takers. The month that finished only yesterday, saw a spate of terror attacks in early January killing several members of the minority Hazara sect. Such brazen terror assaults in cold blood exposes Pakistan’s skeletal intelligence and security machinery with complete indifference to the real threats. With a new US government in place, which is warming up to India already, Pakistan will have to rise to its emerging challenges to prove its bonafides or continue to face the flak from the international community. This said, there is hardly any doubt that the recent US rebuff on the Daniel Pearl verdict has dampened its enthusiasm which was part of kicking up a hype which was never there or even it was, it was grossly misplaced. As this piece is going for the print, news emanating from Pakistan says that Pakistan Supreme Court on February 2, formally ordered the release of Omar Sheikh. The dreaded murderer has been on the death row for the last 18 years and will now be rehabilitated in a safe house where he will be allowed to meet his family members. His family has described this move as one step towards freedom. Indeed , it’s a travesty of justice as termed by the near and dear ones of Pearl .This development is bound to further incur the US wrath against Pakistan and it’s relations may sour contrary to the hopes of Pakistan . Either way, the happenings merit a close watch. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: US ire against Pakistan on acquittal of Daniel Pearl killer

Amid rapidly growing Sino- Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s belligerent moves to derail Afghanistan initiatives to warm up to India, the recent busting of a robust Chinese spy syndicate in Kabul&nbsp;raises many questions.&nbsp;

Such questions further threaten the fragile polity in Afghanistan impinging on the security status of this country which is still struggling to come to terms with some semblance of peace. The condemnable presence of undercover Chinese intelligence operatives on the Afghan soil also calls for the Indian agencies to further reinforce its counterintelligence resources to combat a joint enterprise by Pakistan and China to damage Indian and Afghan geopolitical interests.&nbsp;

But before this recommendation, it seems important to examine how things unfolded leading the Chinese intelligence personnel to capitalise on Afghanistan to garner intelligence or execute some covert operations as a collaborator of Pakistan.

According to the sources placed in Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) which also oversees intelligence, a full-fledged Chinese ring of intelligence active in Kabul was busted last month.&nbsp;

It was a group of ten, and most significantly, two out of these ten were in touch with the Haqqani Network which remains in contact with Pakistan’s ISI and seeks guidance and all forms of assistance from this notorious Pak intelligence outfit.&nbsp;

It’s intriguing that the NDS or the Afghan government had initially kept the activities of this spy syndicate a secret and the NDS disclosed only after the Wolesi Sirga, the Afghan House of Representatives, questioned their security organisation about the news appearing in a section of Indian media about the Chinese covert activities. It would be naive to think that Afghan authorities had kept it under the wrap apprehending it could impair Sino-Afghan relations.

It’s further baffling that only after keeping the ten Chinese spies in detention for 23 days, they were let off without any charge or criminal case and were given a safe passage to China in a special chartered plane.&nbsp;

This seems more suspicious as dependable sources say that under express plans of the Chinese Intelligence headquarters, these spies were wanting to set up a fake module in the name of East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). China is under international pressure from the international community for the continued Chinese high handedness among&nbsp;the Uighurs.&nbsp;

And, Afghanistan has borders with Xinjiang province of China. Hence, it could be possible it was trying to use the fake module to contain the so-called menace of the Uighurs whom the Chinese describe as "terrorists".

This apart, the Chinese complicity with Pakistan to gather hard human intelligence as well as technological, to aid the Haqqani terror network to harm Indian and Afghan interests through collective collaboration is a strong possibility.&nbsp;

This theory seems plausible as two arrested Chinese spies, Li Yang and Sha Hung were in very active touch with the Haqqani activists and Sha Hung was running a restaurant in Kabul for his espionage activities, so reminiscent of the high voltage dramas seen in a film thriller.&nbsp;

Further, a large cache of arms and narcotics were seized from the apprehended Chinese spies which speak about their undesirable designs. It’s also a million-dollar question as to who supplied them arms and contraband items? By deduction, it could be assumed they came from the ISI through their conduits in Kabul who mastermind&nbsp;the terror strikes.

Now that the spies have been flown away silently and no proper interrogation was carried out, mystery would remain about the real Chinese intentions. Most likely, they in coordination with the Pakistani agencies may have already planned or left behind a blueprint for offensive operations.

Chinese have already earned infamy for training and sheltering Indian North-East insurgents including ULFA cadres from Assam, PLA of Manipur and of course the Nagas (both the I/M and Khaplang factions ). ULFA head Paresh Barua is still believed to be hiding in China.&nbsp;

With this track record, and closeness to Pakistan to pinprick Indian security interests, Chinese footprints in Afghanistan calls for a serious reading by the experts watching Pakistan and Afghanistan with India thrown in.&nbsp;

Within Pakistan, Baluchistan, in particular, has been up in arms against China for the CPEC project. Ongoing projects in upgrading Gwadar Port and the railways do not augur well with all. The $62 billion project as part of the Belt and Road Initiative( BRI) being vulnerable from the security point of view, needed fencing all around but the plans were shelved under local pressure.&nbsp;

The situation is not completely to the satisfaction of the Sino-Pak plans. The Chinese consulate was violently attacked in Karachi and Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar came under assault. It could be possible that&nbsp;Chinese intelligence is expanding its network of activities on the Afghan soil as part of its third country operations. It’s therefore, not only worth a watch but merits an aggressive, well thought out counter move to nullify its moves to subvert Indian and Afghan interests.

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Amid rapidly growing Sino- Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s belligerent moves to derail Afghanistan initiatives to warm up to India, the recent busting of a robust Chinese spy syndicate in Kabul raises many questions.

Amid rapidly growing Sino- Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s belligerent moves to derail Afghanistan initiatives to warm up to India, the recent busting of a robust Chinese spy syndicate in Kabul raises many questions. Such questions further threaten the fragile polity in Afghanistan impinging on the security status of this country which is still struggling to come to terms with some semblance of peace. The condemnable presence of undercover Chinese intelligence operatives on the Afghan soil also calls for the Indian agencies to further reinforce its counterintelligence resources to combat a joint enterprise by Pakistan and China to damage Indian and Afghan geopolitical interests. But before this recommendation, it seems important to examine how things unfolded leading the Chinese intelligence personnel to capitalise on Afghanistan to garner intelligence or execute some covert operations as a collaborator of Pakistan. According to the sources placed in Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) which also oversees intelligence, a full-fledged Chinese ring of intelligence active in Kabul was busted last month. It was a group of ten, and most significantly, two out of these ten were in touch with the Haqqani Network which remains in contact with Pakistan’s ISI and seeks guidance and all forms of assistance from this notorious Pak intelligence outfit. It’s intriguing that the NDS or the Afghan government had initially kept the activities of this spy syndicate a secret and the NDS disclosed only after the Wolesi Sirga, the Afghan House of Representatives, questioned their security organisation about the news appearing in a section of Indian media about the Chinese covert activities. It would be naive to think that Afghan authorities had kept it under the wrap apprehending it could impair Sino-Afghan relations. It’s further baffling that only after keeping the ten Chinese spies in detention for 23 days, they were let off without any charge or criminal case and were given a safe passage to China in a special chartered plane. This seems more suspicious as dependable sources say that under express plans of the Chinese Intelligence headquarters, these spies were wanting to set up a fake module in the name of East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). China is under international pressure from the international community for the continued Chinese high handedness among the Uighurs. And, Afghanistan has borders with Xinjiang province of China. Hence, it could be possible it was trying to use the fake module to contain the so-called menace of the Uighurs whom the Chinese describe as "terrorists". This apart, the Chinese complicity with Pakistan to gather hard human intelligence as well as technological, to aid the Haqqani terror network to harm Indian and Afghan interests through collective collaboration is a strong possibility. This theory seems plausible as two arrested Chinese spies, Li Yang and Sha Hung were in very active touch with the Haqqani activists and Sha Hung was running a restaurant in Kabul for his espionage activities, so reminiscent of the high voltage dramas seen in a film thriller. Further, a large cache of arms and narcotics were seized from the apprehended Chinese spies which speak about their undesirable designs. It’s also a million-dollar question as to who supplied them arms and contraband items? By deduction, it could be assumed they came from the ISI through their conduits in Kabul who mastermind the terror strikes. Now that the spies have been flown away silently and no proper interrogation was carried out, mystery would remain about the real Chinese intentions. Most likely, they in coordination with the Pakistani agencies may have already planned or left behind a blueprint for offensive operations. Chinese have already earned infamy for training and sheltering Indian North-East insurgents including ULFA cadres from Assam, PLA of Manipur and of course the Nagas (both the I/M and Khaplang factions ). ULFA head Paresh Barua is still believed to be hiding in China. With this track record, and closeness to Pakistan to pinprick Indian security interests, Chinese footprints in Afghanistan calls for a serious reading by the experts watching Pakistan and Afghanistan with India thrown in. Within Pakistan, Baluchistan, in particular, has been up in arms against China for the CPEC project. Ongoing projects in upgrading Gwadar Port and the railways do not augur well with all. The $62 billion project as part of the Belt and Road Initiative( BRI) being vulnerable from the security point of view, needed fencing all around but the plans were shelved under local pressure. The situation is not completely to the satisfaction of the Sino-Pak plans. The Chinese consulate was violently attacked in Karachi and Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar came under assault. It could be possible that Chinese intelligence is expanding its network of activities on the Afghan soil as part of its third country operations. It’s therefore, not only worth a watch but merits an aggressive, well thought out counter move to nullify its moves to subvert Indian and Afghan interests. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Active presence of Chinese intelligence in Afghanistan

The January 4 grotesque killings of ten innocent Hazara coal miners in Pakistan have taken a sharp turn as the Imran Khan government is under immense pressure to tighten security.

On the other hand, the minority Hazaras are refusing to bury those murdered, wanting to have their prime minister to visit the scene of occurrence of this heinous crime.&nbsp;

And the criticism over the entire situation is mounting every hour.

Politicians and anti-government forces are&nbsp;continuing&nbsp;with scathing attacks on the government for its abject failure to protect the minorities -- especially in the matter of&nbsp;a sensitive province like Balochistan.

The province is already reeling under spate of repressions and stifling of freedom of expression. The minorities are also being suppressed for their ongoing protests against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through their province.&nbsp;

In an apparent bid to draw mileage from this ghastly act, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Vice-President, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz reached Quetta, contacted the kith and kin of the slain miners and stepped up their rhetoric against Imran Khan.&nbsp;

As is known, these two opposition leaders and their political parties are part of the anti-government alliance which of late has been campaigning for ouster of the present government and the fresh Hazara killings have further fuelled their tirade.&nbsp;

Launching a blistering attack against the government, Bilawal told the audience in Quetta that when in Quetta in 2013, Hazaras were killed by bombings, the PPP government had dismissed the provincial government for its laxity and lapses.

As many as 2000 Hazaras have been killed since 1998 in Pakistan and blatant discrimination against them in government jobs or societal standings continue to inflict them.

On her part, Maryam Nawaz conveyed her sympathy to the families on behalf of her father, Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in exile in the UK. The opposition, therefore, is losing no opportunity to capitalise on this burning issue -- thereby, putting Imran Khan on the backfoot.&nbsp;

The garrulous and pompous minister for interior, Sheikh Rashed Ahmed, &nbsp;had air dashed to Quetta to calm down the protesters but his assurances were of no help at all and in fact, proved counter-productive.&nbsp;

Now, the affected are demanding the presence of Imran Khan to come and provide succour to the families. The dead bodies remain unburied despite calls by him to do so.&nbsp;

There is complete defiance by the Hazaras, and their supporters and sympathisers.

Meanwhile, condemning the incident in the strongest possible language.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yusafzai also called upon Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Quetta and share the grief of the Hazaras. This particular outburst is likely to draw international attention as the global community sees Pakistan with suspicion for the country’s terror-linked activities as well as abetment to acts of crossborder terrorism in India and Afghanistan.

Pakistan will hence be seen in a dim light, bringing into sharp focus for its repeated failure to protect the minority. As it is, the recent vandalism in a Hindu temple in Pakistan has already exposed its hollow claims of ensuring security of the minorities.

In view of the increasing pressure on the federal government, Imran Khan, in all likelihood, will not be able to resist the pressure and will visit Quetta sooner than later to placate the aggrieved.&nbsp;

In his wisdom, he should do it fast -- as his platter is already full with compliance of FATF guidelines, political opposition within, and numerous other insurmountable challenges including on the economic front, which do not seem to leave him soon.

(The writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former national security advisor to the prime minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal.)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The January 4 grotesque killings of ten innocent Hazara coal miners in Pakistan have taken a sharp turn as the Imran Khan government is under immense pressure to tighten security.

The January 4 grotesque killings of ten innocent Hazara coal miners in Pakistan have taken a sharp turn as the Imran Khan government is under immense pressure to tighten security. On the other hand, the minority Hazaras are refusing to bury those murdered, wanting to have their prime minister to visit the scene of occurrence of this heinous crime. And the criticism over the entire situation is mounting every hour. Politicians and anti-government forces are continuing with scathing attacks on the government for its abject failure to protect the minorities -- especially in the matter of a sensitive province like Balochistan. The province is already reeling under spate of repressions and stifling of freedom of expression. The minorities are also being suppressed for their ongoing protests against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through their province. In an apparent bid to draw mileage from this ghastly act, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Vice-President, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz reached Quetta, contacted the kith and kin of the slain miners and stepped up their rhetoric against Imran Khan. As is known, these two opposition leaders and their political parties are part of the anti-government alliance which of late has been campaigning for ouster of the present government and the fresh Hazara killings have further fuelled their tirade. Launching a blistering attack against the government, Bilawal told the audience in Quetta that when in Quetta in 2013, Hazaras were killed by bombings, the PPP government had dismissed the provincial government for its laxity and lapses. As many as 2000 Hazaras have been killed since 1998 in Pakistan and blatant discrimination against them in government jobs or societal standings continue to inflict them. On her part, Maryam Nawaz conveyed her sympathy to the families on behalf of her father, Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in exile in the UK. The opposition, therefore, is losing no opportunity to capitalise on this burning issue -- thereby, putting Imran Khan on the backfoot. The garrulous and pompous minister for interior, Sheikh Rashed Ahmed, had air dashed to Quetta to calm down the protesters but his assurances were of no help at all and in fact, proved counter-productive. Now, the affected are demanding the presence of Imran Khan to come and provide succour to the families. The dead bodies remain unburied despite calls by him to do so. There is complete defiance by the Hazaras, and their supporters and sympathisers. Meanwhile, condemning the incident in the strongest possible language. Nobel Laureate Malala Yusafzai also called upon Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Quetta and share the grief of the Hazaras. This particular outburst is likely to draw international attention as the global community sees Pakistan with suspicion for the country’s terror-linked activities as well as abetment to acts of crossborder terrorism in India and Afghanistan. Pakistan will hence be seen in a dim light, bringing into sharp focus for its repeated failure to protect the minority. As it is, the recent vandalism in a Hindu temple in Pakistan has already exposed its hollow claims of ensuring security of the minorities. In view of the increasing pressure on the federal government, Imran Khan, in all likelihood, will not be able to resist the pressure and will visit Quetta sooner than later to placate the aggrieved. In his wisdom, he should do it fast -- as his platter is already full with compliance of FATF guidelines, political opposition within, and numerous other insurmountable challenges including on the economic front, which do not seem to leave him soon. (The writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former national security advisor to the prime minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hazara killings in Pakistan: Crisis deepens

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Shantanu Mukharji

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