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| Pakistan plays a double game | | | SUSHIL VAKIL
There are no two opinions that presently Pakistan is on an image make-over drive. President Zardari’s recent remarks that Pakistan wants to ‘stay off’ the Kashmir dispute and will not use ‘nuclear weapons’ first is enough indication in this direction. It wants to shun ‘terrorist identity’ but not the pivotal role. For international consumption, Pakistani leaders miss no opportunity to condemn terrorists and their activities but take no serious steps to stop them from using the country as an operational base. Even in the month of October the government had moved a 14 point historic resolution in the Parliament resolving to fight extremism, militancy and terrorism in the country but so far there is no outcome. The fact remains that its military establishment particularly the Inter Services Intelligence, is still training and doctoring the young minds to participate in Jihad. However, it was earlier expected that the new government would rein in the notorious agency-known for maim and kill but alas! Nothing happened. The ISI has neither been disbanded nor brought under the direct control of the civilian government. Its officials still enjoy unfettered powers as they are answerable to none except their fanatic ideologues.
It is ironical that despite repeated denials from Pakistan leadership ISI is overtly and covertly supporting the Islamic terrorists in India and Afghanistan. Its role has been linked to all major blasts in India and Afghanistan. The latest and biggest ever terrorist attack in Mumbai hotels is no exception. Against this background, the US forces are bombarding many interior and tribal areas, particularly the frontier region to wipe out guerrillas supported and sheltered by ISI . But without much success. The truth remains that terror being main industry to attract foreign funds Pakistan would ill afford to wind it up once for ever. Result is the ongoing attacks on the democratically elected governments in Afghanistan, India and peace establishing forces.
The latest attacks on two five star hotels and a residential building in Mumbai is a glaring example of Pakistan’s two faces. One, to buy peace. Two, to orchest attacks in India and Afghanistan. The preliminary investigations so far, suggest the involvement of many Pakistan nationals and the epicenter of conspiracy being also the same country. Sources reveal that all the terrorists bearing allegiance to Lashker-e-Taeba, a dreaded organisation supported by ISI had sneaked in through the sea route from Pakistan. How funny! On one side Pakistan is offering India a hand of friendship while as on the other it is backstabbing. Could anyone ask President Zardari as to why his government has backtracked on reining in ISI? Certainly, due to fundamentalist pressure.
It is surprising that Asaf Ali Zardari’s remarks on ‘no first use’ and “hands off Kashmir’ has not evinced much interest in Kashmir. Moreover, his statement also contrasted with the comments of foreign relations spokesperson on the elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Zardari said that Islamabad would most definitely not be the first to use atomic weapons in a possible conflict.
Perhaps, it is for the first time that neither the fundamentalist forces nor the military officials have reacted to the remarks made by President Zardari while addressing the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit from Pakistan. May be, the leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party had entered into a secret agreement with both-Jihadi leaders and military officials sympathetic to the Jihadi cause. Apparently, it is now increasingly becoming clear that Zardari’s gestures of conciliation are nothing but a ‘public relations’ exercise.
For, true to type, Mr Zardari has expressed enthusiasm to work in tandem with New Delhi to resolve the long standing Kashmir dispute. Though there were expectations that his remarks would cause turbulence in Pakistan but nothing of the sort has happened. All this while, the biggest ever terrorist attack took place in Mumbai which sent not only India but other terrorism affected countries into depression. It is nothing but a stark betrayal of assurances to many countries engaged in wiping out terrorism from the universe. The Mumbai attack has once again reminded the world leaders of the impending dangers arising out of the Pakistan’s no action against the fundamentalist forces.
Undoubtedly, no one can know or predict when and where the next attack happens. Simply due to the fact that so far the country, even India, could rap the offender on the knuckle, despite gravest provocations. And till that happens Pakistan will head down the same road again and again. Surprisingly, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in an explicit reference to neighbors-India and Bangaladesh, had recently said “if some countries refused to shelter and aid to terrorist outfits, terrorism could be controlled in a better manner.” What the Home Minister had said proved right only after a few days.
Undeniably, the time is still ripe for all the terrorism affected countries to unite and put an end to important source of terrorism that has not only affected India and Afghanistan but also some far off countries. And if the same is not done immediately a time is not far off when the monster of terror will bring more and more countries within its fold. |
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