Sinister Move Against Pakistan

Anti-Pakistan forces including India and its foreign collaborators have made a sinister move and launched propaganda campaign to poison the minds of people of Gilgit-Baltistan by distorting history. Gilgit-Baltistan (BG) is integral part of Pakistan, and the people are as patriotic and brave as people of other regions of Pakistan. They had fought against Indian forces and were able to get the area freed from Indian Army in 1948. 

Of course, differences between various sects exist in Pakistan, and terrorists have killed people belonging to different sects. But India is trying to stir anti-Pakistan sentiments in the GB. In this context, Imtiaz Hussain, president of GB National Congress and Senge H. Sering President of Washington-based Institute of GB Studies are trying to create ill-will amongst the people of the GB and people of other provinces. They also advocate resumption of traffic and trade across LoC (from GB to Ladakh), while opposing building of dams, expressways, railways and gas pipelines by Government of Pakistan. 

But they ignore the fact that apart from Kashmir being a disputed territory, India is busy building dams on all rivers flowing into Pakistan from occupied Kashmir in violation of Indus Water Treaty to regain control of water of western rivers. This is being done under well thought-out strategy to render Pakistan’s link-canal system redundant, destroy agriculture of Pakistan, which is its mainstay, and turn Pakistan into a desert. 

India has planned to construct 62 dams/hydro-electric units on Rivers Chenab and Jhelum; thus enabling it to render these rivers dry by 2014. Using its clout in Afghanistan, India succeeded in convincing Karzai regime to build a dam on River Kabul and set up Kama Hydroelectric Project using 0.5MAF of Pakistan water. It offered technical assistance for the proposed project, which would have serious repercussions on the water flow in River Indus. Since the US has decided to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan, and has belatedly realized that without the cooperation from Pakistan, it is not possible to ensure and sustain peace in Afghanistan.

India now feels that it has no role after American and NATO forces withdraw from Afghanistan; hence India has increased its efforts to destabilize Pakistan through its collaborators. Sering is spreading disinformation, and is trying to create confusion about status of GB in the eyes of the GB people and the world at large.

There is a perception that he has been assigned the task of creating sense of separatism and stirring feelings of dissent among the GB people. He is currently based in New Delhi and is a visiting faculty for Indian Institute of Defense and Strategic Analysis (IDSA). Sering with help of Indian diplomatic cadre has managed to participate in UNHCR sessions, only to highlight (alleged) HR violations in GB. The Institute for GB Studies professes cultural, economic and environmental rights of people of GB, but actually conducts venomous propaganda against Pakistan, and is involved in creating hatred between different sects and the people belonging to different ethnicities.

But people of GB would not buy into Indian propaganda and distorted logic of anti-Pakistan, and are resolved to frustrate the pernicious designs of anti-Pakistan forces because they are as patriotic as people from other parts of Pakistan.

In November 2012, Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies in its testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress, called for demilitarization of Gilgit-Baltistan, what it said, with a view to promoting genuine autonomy and democracy, for re-instatement of state subject rule and people to people contact between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. “The US must persuade both India and Pakistan to open channels of economic and cultural activity between Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan and enable the UN to increase its role in Gilgit-Baltistan to protect the rights of natives,” said Senge Sering during a hearing by Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on Indigenous People of Asia.

In November 2012, the UK based think tank The Henry Jackson Society, in collaboration with the Washington based Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies, held an event titled “Gilgit-Baltistan: South-Central Asia’s Socio-Economic Integration and Regional Politics” at the House of Lords. One wonders as to why Britain allows its think tanks to involve in anti-Pakistan activities. Lord Sir Clive Soley of Hammersmith had reportedly facilitated the discussion and the panel consisted of Mumtaz Khan, Executive Director of International Center for Peace and Democracy, and Senge H. Sering, President of the Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies. The speakers observed that revival of travel across the Line of Control between Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh would help reunite more than ten thousand divided family members after more than six decades.

At the same time, they reckoned that it will help revive the Himalayan culture to counter rapidly growing extremism and transform the economy of the poverty-stricken disputed region by interlinking the GB with Central Asia and Ladakh, Nepal and Tibet.

Addressing on the occasion Senge H. Sering concluded: “China’s role in South Asia will increase with the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan, putting excessive pressure on the land, society and resources of Gilgit-Baltistan, and that Pakistan and China should respect the concerns of the locals in this regards”. In fact, India and its strategic partners are covertly working on the policy to contain China, and they use each every ruse and subterfuge to paint China in poor light. India had also raised objection to Neelam-Jhelum hydroelectric project being constructed by China on the grounds that it was a disputed territory.

China did not pay two hoots or deemed it necessary to comment on Indian pleas. Since Pakistan took the decision to construct Bhasha Dam, India persuaded the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank not to fund the project, as according to it the Northern Areas are a disputed territory.

Reportedly, both banks have sought no objection from India. Nobody asks India as to why it was constructing dams in Indian Occupied Kashmir, which is indeed a disputed territory as acknowledged in UNSC resolutions.

Katju’s Statements As Just An Unguarded Outburst

Had he been a Pakistani citizen, Justice Markandey Katju would have faced Article 6 of the constitution for sedition because what he has written about Pakistan and its Founding Father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah amounts to treason. His being a foreigner and outside the jurisdiction of local laws, has proved his saving grace. However, after his retirement from his position as an honorable judge in the highly respected Indian judiciary, Justice Katju should not have assumed the role of a citizen free to abuse the freedom of speech like Bal Thakarey who abuses Pakistan and indulges in character assassination of Pakistani leadership as an article of faith. 

Justice Katju, according to his statement, is Chairman of the Press Council of India and former judge of the Supreme Court. The institutions to which he belongs cannot escape responsibility for his utterances and keep their eyes closed to the mischief he is creating between the two independent sovereign states which are also members of SAARC and the UN. The sovereignty of Pakistan, which at present happens to be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, is being questioned. Mr Katju has involved not only the Press Council of India as its chairman but also the UN Security Council with regard to the independent and sovereign status of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In an article under the title of “The truth about Pakistan” published in The Nation on March 2, 2013, Mr Katju states “I do not believe that there are two nations, there is only one nation, that is India, and Pakistan is part of India. Pakistan was created in pursuance of the wicked British policy of divide and rule and the bogus Two Nation Theory”. The British government has thus been blamed for creating Pakistan through its wicked policy. The Press Council of India should explain whether it owns the statement of its Chairman about Pakistan and its Founder Quaid-i- Azam. The government of India cannot keep its eyes closed to the wild statement of the Chairman of the Press Council of India on vital issues of foreign policy challenging the very basis of the creation of Pakistan i.e. the Two Nation Theory.

Similarly, the UN Security Council should take notice of the statement of a judge of the Supreme Court of India. I for one do not take Mr Justice Markandey Katju’s statements as just an unguarded outburst. I regard his article as a “bomb blast” designed to destabilize Pakistan at this critical juncture when it is beset with various internal and external challenges. To quote Mr Katju again about his deep concern over the internal situation in Pakistan, “According to reports, Pakistani cities Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, etc. are rapidly becoming killing fields, with bomb blasts and gun firing a regular occurrence, and ethnic violence between Sunnis and Shias, and persecution of minorities escalating. Nobody knows that when he steps out into the streets of these cities whether or not he will return alive. A beautiful metropolitan city like Karachi is becoming, if it has not already become, a Jurassic Park”. Do I have to tell a retired Judge of Supreme Court of India that his statement is a brazen interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign State?

Many blame India for the above sad state of affairs in Pakistan. The Pakistan foreign office and press representatives bodies, CPNE and APNS, should give a suitable rejoinder to the Indian Press Council and its Chairman.

The space does not allow the narration of the sad saga of dissensions and revolts in a number of states of India that should make a self-respecting Indian hang his head in shame rather than lecture others on democracy and peace. The Indian occupied part of Kashmir is a classic example where brutal suppression is being exercised against the legitimate freedom fighters and independent observers are not allowed to visit. My comment: “Physian, heal thyself.”

A Glimpse of Quaid’s Vision for Pakistan

Recently some enemies of Pakistan [read SAFMA] have started questioning the Two-Nation Theory that was the base for the creation of Pakistan. They are outrageous liars and through their falsehoods, they want to prove that Jinnah wanted a secular state.

There are hundreds of speeches of Quaid-e-Azam that can be slapped across their Zionist faces, but quoting here just some of them to revive the memory of Pakistani youth.

“Happily there is a solution in the enforcement of the Law of Islam and its further development in the light of modern ideas. After a long and careful study of Islamic Law I have come to the conclusion that if this system of Law is properly understood and applied, at last the right to subsistence is secured to everybody. But the enforcement and development of the Shariat of Islam is impossible in this country without a free Muslim state or states.”  Iqbal’s letter to Quaid, 28th May, 1937.

“The Congress President has denied the political existence of Muslims in no unmistakable terms. The other Hindu political body, i.e., the Mahasabha, whom I regard as the real representative of the masses of the Hindus, has declared more than once that a united Hindu-Muslim nation is impossible in India. In these circumstances it is obvious that the only way to a peaceful India is redistribution of the country on the lines of racial, religious and linguistic affinities.” Iqbal to Quaid, June 1937.

“To my mind the new constitution with its ides of a single Indian federation is completely hopeless. A separate federation of Muslim provinces reformed on the lines I have suggested above, is the only course by which we can secure a peaceful India and save Muslims from the domination of non-Muslims. Why should not the Muslims of North-West India and Bengal be considered as nation entitled to Self-determination just as other nation as in India and outside India are?” Iqbal to Quaid, June 1937.

“The Palestine question is very much agitating the minds of the Muslims. I have no doubt that the League will pass a strong resolution on this question and also by holding a private conference of the leaders. Personally I would not mind going to jail on an issue which affects both Islam and India. The formation of a Western base on the very gates of the East is a menace to both.” Iqbal to Quaid, 1937.

“ Pakistan not only means freedom and independence, but also the Muslim Ideology that has to be preserved that has come to us as a precious gift and treasure.” Quaid-e-Azam, Chittagong, March,1948.

“In Pakistan lie our deliverance, defence and honour. If we fail, we perish and there will be no signs and symptoms of Muslims or Islam left in the sub-continent.” Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan Day, March, 1945.

“The Constitution of Pakistan has yet to be framed——-I am sure it will be of a democratic type embodying the essential principles of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in modern times, as these were 1300 years ago———in any case, Pakistan is NOT going to be a Theocratic State——-to be ruled by the priests with a Divine mission.”  Quaid-e-Azam, broadcast to the U.S.A. February,1948.

“Islam is not merely confined to the spiritual tenets and doctrine, rituals and ceremonies. It is a complete code regulating the whole Muslim Society, every department of life collectively and individually.” Quaid-e-Azam, Eid Massage, September, 1945.

“In Islam, ultimate obedience belongs to God alone. The only way to follow this guidance is through the Holy Quran. Islam does not preach obedience to a king, parliament, person or institution. The Islamic Govt. means rule of the Quran. And how can you establish the rule of the Quran without an independent state?” Quaid-e-Azam, address to the students of the Usmania University, Deccan, India, August, 1941.

“Come forward as servants of Islam, organise the people economically, socially, educationally and politically and I am sure that you will be a power that will be accepted by everybody.” Quaid-e-Azam, Presidential Address at the All India Muslim League, Lahore March 23, 1940.

“The vital contest in which we are engaged is not only for the material gain but also the very existence of the soul of Muslim nation, Hence I have said often that it is a matter of life and death to the Musalmans and is not a counter for bargaining.”

Quaid-e-Azam, Presidential Address delivered at the Special Pakistan Session of the Punjab Muslim Students Federation, March 2, 1941

“You have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of Islamic democracy, Islamic social justice and the equality of manhood in your own native soil. With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” Quaid-e-Azam, address to the officers and men of the 5th Heavy and 6th Light  Regiments in Malir, Karachi, February 21, 1948.

“We should have a State in which we could live and breathe as free men and which we could develop according to our own lights and culture and where principles of Islamic social justice could find free play.” Quaid-e-Azam, address to Civil, Naval, Military and Air Force Officers of Pakistan Government, Karachi, October 11, 1947.

“We must work our destiny in our own way and present to the world an economic system based on true Islamic concept of equality of manhood and social justice. We will thereby be fulfilling our mission as Muslims and giving to humanity the message of peace which alone can save it and secure the welfare, happiness and prosperity of mankind”. Quaid-e-Azam’s speech at the opening ceremony of State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi, July 1, 1948.

Long live Islamic Republic of Pakistan!

Death to its enemies!

Markandey Katju's Tirades

This article is to voice grave concern not on ideological but on logical basis to the  Markandey Katju statement ‘ Pakistan will be reunited with India in 15-20 years and people  would realize that partition was nonsense" was published in Indian Print Media on March 5, 2013, Mr Katju is not clear about what he was trying to elaborate. At one place he said that the ancestors of 92-93 percent people living in India were not the original inhabitants of India and were immigrants from various parts of the world and on the other hand he wished to see a united India which was made impossible by his own so-called secular leaders of that time. Before 1937 Muslims leaders were in favor of a united India but the very secular Congress (in the Congress Ministries) did not let it happen.

Moreover, mails sent by Justice Katju to Shamshad Ahmad clearly depict the agenda of defaming our national heroes and creating a misunderstanding of our very basis of Pakistan, Two Nation Theory. India is not a secular state and it can never be so. If Aryans had the right to capture the India and made a religion based Hindustan, then why the Muslims had no rights to ask for a separate homeland for their generations to come? 

Mr Katju should start the process of brainstorming from his own country. As per History of India and Pakistan, whole nation knows better who was the real agent of Britishers. We should try to be friendly instead of blaming and defaming each other. 

Pakistan is indeed more diverse than any other country in the world. And yet it is unambiguously one. Katju examples are all factually wrong and no more than a figment of his imagination. Pakistan has had many centrifugal movements but its democracy has proven strong enough to convert them all as stakeholders. India and its agents have tried hard to balkanize Pakistan for decades. It is not hard to see which country has split and is splitting and which is making strides in growth and prosperity.

Markandey Katju, the dream of ‘Akhand Bharat’ will never come true, INSHALLAH.