Dilemma of increasing polio cases in Pakistan

Once again International Monitoring Board suggested more hard international travel restrictions on Pakistan. Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) is the board which suggested international travel restrictions on Pakistan and World Health Organisation (WHO) implemented it. Most alarmingly, Pakistani government has failed to implement the recommendations of IMB. It is pertinent to mention that IMB works on behalf of the international donor agencies and it issues reports regarding performance of the countries after every six months. In November 2012, IMB recommended that travel restrictions should be imposed on Pakistan and finally those recommendations were implemented on May 5. Over 200 polio cases have been registered in Pakistan in the year 2014 more than previous year, still few months to go to reach 2015. With 500,000 children yet to be vaccinated, Pakistan stands at a deplorable position on this year’s World Polio Day where it adds 85 percent of polio cases to the world. Such escalation of the disease creates many doubts about the stat’s measures and their outcome. Pakistan has been the major contributor to confirmed polio cases in 2013 as compared to Nigeria and Afghanistan – the only three remaining endemic countries. The polio eradication campaigns in Pakistan have been suffering from continuous setbacks as 27 polio workers have been assassinated since December 2012 during anti-polio immunization campaigns. Lack of an efficacious regime to tackle this pandemic was not enough, there had to be a conspiratorial element to further depreciate all the efforts. According to the 2013 World Health Organization report, 74 polio cases have been reported in Pakistan. However, 51 (69%) of the polio confirmed cases are from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), identifying it as the single major poliovirus reservoir in Pakistan. Moreover, the polio immunisation teams whose workers carry out door-to-door vaccinations should be killed as they are part of this sinister conspiracy against Muslims. Since this narrative got out, a series of attacks have been carried out targeting polio teams and killings dozens of health workers, mostly in the troubled areas of Khyber Phakhtunkhwa, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan. As a result of which the most challenging issue for the government is how to retrieve the lost public trust where people in these areas now refuse to get their children immunised. The Government of Pakistan has highlighted multiple reasons for the growing polio endemic in Pakistan citing primarily militancy and ‘refusal families’. Militancy, especially in the Federally Administered Tribal Authority (FATA) and North Waziristan areas of Pakistan, may have compounded the polio campaign further by putting many children at risk. In spite of multiple supplementary immunization campaigns, the majority of confirmed polio cases identified in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in 2013 were from zones considered as low-violence areas.  This observation strongly contradicts the perception of militancy alone as an impediment for polio eradication in Pakistan. Lack of accurate polio vaccination coverage estimates and unaccountability of responsible officials are major reason for new polio cases in areas unaffected by violence. The example of measles epidemic in the southern part of Sindh (considered violence free zone) also contradicts the poor security viewpoint and highlights the failure of public health preventive strategies as the primary culprit. The 306 deaths and 14000 reported cases attributable to measles in 2012 highlights the poor immunization infrastructure, fraught with incorrect reporting. In 2012, Egypt health authorities found polio virus strains in two of its sewerage systems. Samples of this polio virus were traced to the environmental samples in Sukkur in Northern Sindh province of Pakistan again a low violence area. In 2013, the same strain from Pakistan found its way both, in the Palestinian and Israeli sewerage system via Egypt. Recently, 17 polio cases detected in four major cities of the war affected country of Syria have also been linked to the wild poliovirus strain from Pakistan.

A report suggests that all of the six polio cases reported from Quetta were solely because of their parents’ refusal to get their children vaccinated. Despite many edicts being issued by different clerics and religious scholars to unequivocally endorse the necessity of these immunisations, no adequate narrative seems to be in place and after having all these alarming facts in front of us, one wonders why the government has not adopted an effective policy on a war footing. Its contagiousness poses a threat to the rest of the world that is polio-free. Surely, we do not want to isolate ourselves from the rest of humanity. It is not only for our own sake but in order to be an active member of today’s dynamic global world that we need to get rid of this affliction as soon as possible.

Specific strategies related to anti-polio immunization campaigns in security compromised areas are urgently needed, close monitoring of anti-polio immunization campaigns is essential to ensure accountability and to overcome factors behind poor coverage.

Continue reading →

Tharparkar: People left at the mercy of politicians

Wednesday two more newborn babies died in Mithi Hospital in the drought-hit Tharparkar thus raising the death toll to 36. Mostly infants and teenagers have lost their precious lives in the month of October. Both the children died at Mithi Hospital and they were not more than a week old. Over 100 people, including 40 children, are still being treated at the Mithi Hospital. Over 461 children have died in Tharparkar during the past nine months while the provincial government remained unmoved. CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah and his cabinet miserably failed to save the precious lives as no concrete measures have been taken so far that could provide food, potable water to these “ UNFORTUNE” children. The PPP-led provincial government utilizing each and every possible resources to “Regain” the party’s popularity graph which is very much on the decline. Billions of rupees have been spent on the processions of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in order to revive the Bhuttoism. Only rupees two billion were spent to arrange the PPP’s procession at Mazar-e-Quaid to bring the people. The provincial government also at dagger drawn with its allied party MQM which has quit the ruling alliance in protest of derogatory remarks passed by PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto and Khursheed Shah. Thousands of people in drought-hit Tharparkar are dying of starvation. People are force to drink water from the nullah where the animals also quench their thrust. On the other side a relief inspection team that visited the Civil Hospital in Mithi Wednesday and seized hundreds of sacks of staples including bottles of water stocked in the store. The mysterious disappearances of Mobile Health Units equipments even the tires which was gifted by Japan to help local authorities meet the requirements is a condemnable act. This shows the level of corruption on the part of those sitting on the helm of affairs. The Chief Minister Sindh who recently visited the drought-hit area did attended the meeting but most of the time he was caught sleeping. This shows how serious Qaim Ali Shah and his party is when it comes saving lives of the innocent people.
The drought has been further aggravated by the total lack of failure to understand what needs to be done. It is not simply a matter of distributing wheat or vaccinating children after malnutrition and disease have set in. The main issue is livestock which needs to be saved as the local people depend on this livestock. Clean drinking water is also an essential to save not only the people but also for the survival of the livestock.
Despite many promises made by the federal and provincial governments, the people of the area have been left at the mercy of provincial as well federal governments as despite making tall claims nothing significant has been witnessed on the ground and the condition of the dwellers have been worsened with each passing day.
Khan said the absence of a strategy to deal with drought in Tharparkar is reflective of a complete failure of successive governments to plan proactively for the welfare of the ordinary citizens of the country.
Even today despite daily reports of deaths due to the drought our rulers remain unmoved to act on an emergency basis. The callous attitude of the provincial and federal governments is a shameful reflection of the distorted priorities of the provincial as well Federal government. Hospitals in Tharparkar district are crammed with drought-affected people, mostly children. Residents have slammed lack of help from the government.
The ongoing drought in Thar which is leading to what could be avoidable deaths through malnutrition and starvation, especially of women and children as well as suicide by women out of despair when unable to provide food for their children.
CM Sindh Qaim Ali Shah is running the Sindh government more than twelve years but failed miserably to serve the masses. It is a matter of shame for the provincial government that could not installed the water filtration plants which were supposed to be named after Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. People who used to respect Bhutto’s family are now openly criticizing the party over its failure to save their lives. Asif Zardari had announced setting up Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s centre where the needy people could at least drink clean water and enjoy food regularly. Sharjeel Memon also made numerous promises but both failed to live up to his words.
The ruling party facing numerous problems due to bad governance and its failure to fulfill the promises.. Taking corrupt practicee to the task, ending nepotism, VIP culture and provision of cheap and speedy justice to the common man were the promises he and his party leaders made to the people. The PML-N government is also not paying any heed to the plight of drought-hit Tharparkar’s residents. It is a matter of shame that innocent people are dying due to malnutrition in a country which is full of natural resources.

Continue reading →

Unity must to save the country from hidden enemies

The MQM has parted its ways with the PPP government and seems in mood to accept any pressure by the provincial government. PPP leader, provincial minister Manzoor Wassan reportedly told media men the party would bring back MQM in the government within 14 to twenty days. Wassansaid all we have o do is to offer a ministry and some advisors’ posts to the MQM. It is a very serious statement which means a lot. This statement has put the MQM’s credibility on the line. MQM Chief Altaf Hussain seems very angry with the CM Sindh who according to him pushing party’s leadership against the wall. Altaf Hussain complained that Karachi operation is being launched against the MQM. He had told the provincial government not to test the ‘our’ patience. The PPP government has already clrafied that operation is not against any particular party. Police and rangers have been given free hands to deal with the criminals. The rangers have also made it clear that they would not succumb to any pressure and would not succumb to any succumb to any political pressure.
Altaf Hussain. MQM chief has called COAS Raheel Sharif to launch investigations against the presence of black sheep in the police as well other law enforcement agencies, claiming that extra- judicial killing of MQM workers continued unabated. He alleged that Muhajirs are being pushed to the wall and rangers force is active against the MQM. He went extra miles by saying that it is not the military’s job to break the parties. He said the military should be pulled back from politics arguing that he backs the military but will not support the misdeeds. He said that the MQM has always backed the military in difficult times, alighted lamps for martyred soldiers and organized a million marches in support of the military. The MQM is staging protest rallies and sit-ins in Karachi due to which all sorts of routine activities have come to halt.
MQM also came hard on the provincial government for subjecting its activists to worst kind of state terrorism. The Federal government is also being blamed for not taking any interest to end the injustice. The MQM leaders are also accusing the federal government of double policy. They alleged that the activists of PTI and PAT and whosoever attacked the parliament building and PTV headquarters haven’t been arrested yet while on the other side
MQM workers, leaders who were busy in holding party session are receiving all sorts of threats.
The situation is very alarming as Rangers are being accused of conducting operation in Karachi against Muhajirs. Karachi operation was launched with the consensus of all political parties and MQM was very vocal with regard to the deteriorating law and order situation. The MQM chief was the first person who kept pressurizing the federal government to handover Karachi to army. The operation was aimed at purging the country’s financial hub from anti state elements, bhutta mafia, target killers and other anti social elements that had made the lives of the citizens nothing less than a misery. The federal government gave free hand to Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and assured all out support in making the operation a success. But unfortunately, the Captain of the operation (CM Sindh) appeared to have some more priorities than bringing back normalcy in the metropolitan. Despite giving extra powers to Rangers, the Sindh government continued influencing the operation systematically. Shahid Hayyat, the former chief of police is back on the job but this time he had been appointed DG operation. He was sacked after he gave deadline to some political parties to handover the wanted person otherwise police would have no choice but to raid their offices. Now he is back and people are expecting things going to get better in the crime-infested city.
eThe federal government on various occasion advised the provincial government to gear up the operation to achieve the desired results. PM and Federal Interior Minister made numerous visits to see the progress of the Karachi operation. But unfortunately the provincial government started criticizing the federal government of interfering into provincial matter. Now situation is very grave as rangers, being a para military force is being accused of launching operation against MQM. This is very dangerous trend and forces must not be blamed to such extent as it would only help the anti state forces to destablise the country. The law and order situation in Karachi has badly damaged the country’s economy. Innocent people have lost their lives in terror-related incident. Attacks on Karachi airport, bid to break-in Central Jail and rising incidents
of target killing are very alarming. It is the duty of each and every politician either sitting in or outside the parliament to shun their differences. Armed forces are successfully carrying forward operation Zarab-e-Azab. Situation on our eastern and western borders is very tensed. The time has come to safe the country and it is only possible when we all stand shoulder to shoulder with each other.

Continue reading →

Capital punishment vital to curb terrorism

The loss of over 48 precious lives in an attack near Wahga Border has shocked the entire nation. Authorities claimed a suicide bomber struck a gathering Sunday. A number of people were also injured while more casualties are being feared. The suicide bomber appeared to be 18-year-old boy. The cowardly attack near Wahga Border area has raised many questions that definitely needed to be answered. The area is very sensitive and highly secured. The IG Punjab has reportedly told media that people are allowed to attend the event and due to heavy presence of people, police do not even bother to frisk the people. Still the concerned quarters cannot escape the blame for security lapse. The blast took place 400 yards away from the Parade Avenue. Why the police failed to check the individual? How the suicide bomber managed to breach the security carrying over 5 to 7 kg explosives? This is a very alarming situation as the latest attack at 8^th Muharram is a clear message from the terrorists that they are capable to strike whenever, wherever they wanted to. The involvement of foreign hands can not be ruled out as the enemies want to destablise the country. The cowardly attack comes at a time when armed forces are successfully carrying out operation Zarb-e-Azab to flush out terrorists once for all. It can be aftermath of the operation Khyber 2 too.
Law and order situation is getting worst with each passing day across the country. Innocent people are being killed by “Namaloom Afraad”. From Khyber to Chaman hidden forces are targeting security forces, civilians not even sparing the women and kids. The terrorists are roaming free and striking at their will without fearing law of the land. In most of the terror-related incidents, foreign-made weapons are being used. The seizure of huge quantity of weapons from Baluchistan speaks volume about the enemies’ agenda. The weapons seized by the security forces from an empty house belonged to Afghanistan and India which proved the involvement of foreign elements to destablise the country.
Masses are again left on their own. A great sense of disappointment, fear prevails among the citizens due to deteriorated law and order situation. Karachi is again witnessing sharp increase in heinous crimes. Rangers and police force are nabbing target killers, terrorists but finding it difficult to control the killing of innocent people. Non- Baluch residents are being executed in Baluchistan.
It is also a matter of concern that our politicians are busy in character assassination, point scoring and leg pulling. Huge public gatherings are being held in which each and every politician claiming he is the only one who can purge the country from prevailing crises. Instead of shunning political differences, forging unity, the political confrontation continued unabated. None of them is ready to give inch to their opponents.
Had the resignation of Fakhro Bhai been taken seriously by the concerned quarters, the country would not have to face the chaotic situation which had pitched the activists of various political parties as well leaders against each other. He seemed committed to hold free and fair elections and initiatives he had taken to get the job done were praise worth but all his efforts evaporated in smoke due to lack of coordination among the various institutions.
No action was taken against the contesters who violated the same code of conduct that was formulated in consultation with them. They certainly had responsibilities to make electoral process smooth and credible.
Though it was not the sitting government to be blamed for as it was the duty of the caretaker government to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, but now the huge responsibility lies on the shoulder of the incumbent government to learn from the mistake of the caretakers who failed to deliver taking advantage of loopholes in the electoral system. The PML-N has the opportunity to devise foolproof strategy for the upcoming elections. There is dire need to overhaul the election commission and get rid of black sheep present in its ranks. The government without wasting time must work for electoral reforms with an aim not to let any body repeat the mistakes made in general polls that had pushed the government into dark alley.
It is a mater of great concern that so far thousands of people have lost their lives in terror related incidents but yet no concrete measures have been taken to end the very menace. The Interior Ministry had already alerted the security agencies about any such incident can happen. The terrorists are hell bent up killing citizens. Most of them are languishing in jails and ordering attacks. It is high time for the incumbent government to restore capital punishment. Restoration of capital punishment would send clear message to the terrorists as well their financier that they would have to face gallows instead of sitting in the jails enjoying “Perks and Privileges” at the cost of taxpayers’ hard earned money.

Continue reading →

Reduction in PoL prices: Not good enough to end masses’ sufferings

Federal as well provincial governments have failed to devise a comprehensive strategy to end the very menace of corruption and withholding across the board accountability against those bureaucrats, who have failed to implement the decision taken by the PM Nawaz Sharif with regard to reduction of PoL prices. Most of the owners of the petrol pumps have either refused to sell the petrol saying that they have ran out of stock while others are selling the same on higher prices without any fear of getting caught. The Federal government did a commendable job by cutting down Petrol price by Rs 9.43 per litre but the steps could not lesson the miseries of the general public. Despite the decision made by the federal government, the concerned quarters failed miserably to implement the order in true letter and spirit.People are facing hardship in finding petrol.
From a distributor to petrol pump owner, everybody claiming that they have bought petrol on higher prices and if they sell the petrol on reduced prices then they would have to suffer billions of rupees loss which they can not bear. The masses were expecting cutting down petrol price would provide a great financial relief to them but unfortunately their dreams haven’t been come true yet.
Distributors, dealers, shopkeepers and public transport operators haven’t reduced the prices. The masses are being overcharged and the concerned quarters are watching the entire episode as a silent spectator. The public transport operators in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are keep overcharging commuters without fearing of getting caught. People are being charged Rs 30 to 35 from Sadr to Pak Secretariat while Rs twenty are being charged from stop to stop in the twin cities. Despite numerous complaints by the commuters, the Rawalpindi Traffic Police as well Islamabad Traffic Police officials haven’t taken any significant action against the public transport operators. Most of time, the public transport operators only accommodate commuters from Sadr to Faizabad stop. After approaching Faizabad stop they force commuters to empty the van and pick “New Commuters” for Islamabad which is sheer violation of traffic laws. Traffic wardens watch the ugly practice everyday but do not take any action against violators as most of the public transport vehicles belonged to “ Bigwigs”. It was being expected that after reduction in the petrol price, the masses would be able to buy items of basic commodities on lower price but it never happened. The provincial government has constituted price control committee several times but the officials of the committee failed to do justice to their jobs. Not a single dealer, distributor or shopkeeper has been booked for fleecing the masses what to say about fine. The price control comities do exit but only on paper. These officials get handsome salaries and enjoy all perks and privileges but never bothered to keep constant check on the illegal practice of overcharging, hoarding and profiteering. The unhygienic food is openly being sold out in the markets for decades.
Corruption seems a never-ending menace for the general public. One can not get his job done without greasing the palms of the clerck badshah, muharir in government offices and police stations. Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhary, the ex CJP while hearing a case observed that he can not find even a single government institute which is free of corruption. During PPP’s tenure, then NAB Chief while addressing a gathering disclosed that corrupt practicee were depriving national kitty of nearly eight to nine billions of rupees per day. These are not tell-tale story but an open truth which none of the governments either in the past or present ready to admit. There is no dearth of honest and efficient persons in our country. Unfortunately either they have been made OSD or compelled to leave the country as most of the appointments in government institutions are not made on merit. Each and every successive government keeps appointing blue-eyed persons on the top slot. Most of the heads of government institutions are performing as acting chairman. These “Active heads of the government departments’ neither fulfill the criteria nor have any experience for the post they have been commanding.
Bureaucracy plays a important role in promoting or ruining the image of any sitting government as their very job is to ensure implementation of the orders/ announcement made by the President, PM, CMs or ministers. Holding accountability of the bureaucracy has become vital for the government’s survival otherwise the rulers would never made to parliament again as now masses are fully aware of their rights. Time is ripe to rid the government departments of black sheep. The federal as well provincial governments must order probe in to the sorry state of affairs besides taking to the task to the concerned officials who have failed to implement the PM’s orders. Otherwise, the opposition parties would get another golden chance to take on the incumbent government which is already facing many crises.

Continue reading →

Lifting ban on capital punishment need of the hour

The entire national observed Youm-e- Ashur with great zeal and enthusiasm across the country. The strategy devised by the law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order situation and thwart any untoward incident and the cooperation rendered by people from all walks of life played an important role to keep the sanctity of Youm-e-Ashur intact was really praiseworthy. From a common man to ulemas from all sects played major role in promoting religious harmony due to which all the processions ended up peacefully. Not a single incident of terrorism took place. The unity, patience and unprecedented cooperation as well coordination among the people and law enforcement agencies foiled the nefarious designs of the anti state elements. There were serious threats from the terrorists on Youm-e-Ashur but due to effect security mechanism and unprecedented help of the people from all walks of life, the terrorists failed to carryout attack on the processions. There are only handful cowards, inhuman terrorists who under the garb of religion are pitching people against each other. The masses by forging unity, among their ranks rank stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police personnel in maintaining law and order. The anti state elements that are on the run due to operation Zarbe-Azab, Khyber Agency somehow managed to breach the security and shifted their anti state activities in almost every major cities, district of Pakistan. They are ought there to cause as much damage as they can to the security agencies and not even sparing the innocent masses who have nothing to do with these cowards, ruthless enemies. The terrorists are carrying their activities at their will without fearing law of the land. Until now nearly 3500 terrorists have been awarded death sentence but due to ban on capital punishment, these self-confess killers are languishing in the jails at the cost of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. These condemned prisoners are issuing orders from jails to their subordinates against launching attacks on state institutions, security forces and not even sparing the innocent people including elderly men, women and children.
The use of cell phones in the jails in not hidden to anybody, as most of the time the authorities have recovered lots of cell phones from the possessions of the prisoners. This shows the corruption and criminal lethargic attitude of those sitting on the helm of affairs. Each and every government on federal as well provincial level failed to curb the very menace of use of cell phones, supply of weapons from almost every jail across the country. Billions of rupees had been spent and are still being spent on the security of VVIP, VIP personnel, renovation or reconstruction of old, new assembly buildings, government offices and processions. But not a single penny has been used to end the suffering of the masses when it comes to providing cheap and easy justice to them. They have to run from pillar to post to seek justice. One can not even get registered an FIR against any injustice meted out to him or her. Nearly 170 people either committed suicide or killed their loved ones after failing to get justice. The sitting government failed to lift ban on capital punishment which was imposed by the PPP’s led government. The ban on capital punishment encouraged the terrorists to take the lives of innocent people without fearing of getting caught. If one involved killing innocent people, he knows very well that he would escape the gallows due to ban on capital punishment. Though Justice Baqir who narrowly escape attempt on his life last year strongly recommended lifting ban on capital punishment but his request was not honoured.
The human rights activists every now and then make hue and cry pressuring the government to end capital punishment terming it inhuman act. What about those who have lost their loved ones in terrorists acts? Their families are living below the poverty line as most of the victims were the sole responsible of earning bread and butter for their family. The human rights activists never bothered to visit those families to see the miserable lives the victims’ family is forced to live.
The sitting government has to review the entire situation with utmost care and lift the ban on capital punishment. This would send a strong message to those anti state elements that they can not escape from the gallows. Provincial, National Assembly and the Senate needs to lift ban on capital punishment in order to save precious lives. It is matter of great concern too that not a single action had been taking against those who were caught red handed providing cell phone, even weapons to condemned prisoners by accepting bribes. These officials are as guilty as the murderers, terrorists as they are aiding and abetting those criminals whose very job is to kill people as per their masters’ wishes.
The ruling party must take the bold step and order implementation of capital punishment.

Continue reading →

Wagah border tragedy and rare display of bravery

People from all walks of life defied all threats Monday by actively participating in the heart-warming flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border gate. The presence of huge crowd despite a dreadful suicide attack that resulted into the deaths of at least 60 people mostly women and kids Sunday has proved that Pakistanis always stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces and handful terrorists can not bar the masses to take party in any national event. During the ceremony, the enthusiastic crowed chanted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ and other slogans. The rare show of bravery displayed by the people from Lahore as well other parts of the country is an ample proof that such cowardly attacks can not deter masses as well armed forces’ resolve to face all sorts of challenges.
Corps Commander Lahore Lt General Naveed Zaman and DG Rangers also attended the ceremony to boost the masses’ moral. Corps Commander told the gathering terrorists cannot deter the resolve of this brave nation adding these terrorist attacks cannot diminish the zeal and enthusiasm of Pakistanis. He also pointed that there was complete dullness on the other side of the border.
The terrorists are hell bent upon killing security forces personnel and not even sparing elderly people, women and children. The coward, ruthless enemies of state have geared up their attacks against the armed forces and general public. One can not termed people involved in planning attacks as Muslim as there is no room of violence in Islam. Islam teaches us tolerance, equality and respect of human lives. Since the launching of operation Zarb-e-Azab, the terrorists somehow managed to spread across the country to fulfill their nefarious design. They are targeting innocent people to take revenge of killing of their colleagues. Banned outfits are claiming for carrying out Sunday’s attack but so far concerned quarters haven’t identified the real culprits behind the cowardly act but whosoever coordinated the attack deserves no mercy and must be brought to book besides awarding exemplary punishment so that no one could dare to play with the lives of innocent people.
Since the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan till now, thousands of armed forces personnel, other law enforcement agencies men and innocent people have been martyred in terrorists’ attacks. After the fall of Taliban government and setting up President Hamid Karzai’s government by the United States, Pakistan suffering irreparable loss that brought country’s economy on the verge of collapse. Pakistan being a frontline state against global war on terror is struggling hard to revive the economy and flushing out terrorists from its soil to make world a safer place to live. Each and every Head of State kept appreciating the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces and masses but when it comes to assist Islamabad in true letter and spirit every one of them failed miserably to fulfill the promises he/ they made with each and every successive government. US is solely responsible for encouraging terrorists to launch attacks against the Pakistan armed forces, security agencies and the general public. Despite repeated protests lodged by Islamabad, Washington continued launching drone strikes in FATA. In Most of the drone strikes, innocent civilians lost their lives thus spreading hatred against the US and pushing some peace-loving people to launch attacks against own people.
Islamabad seems to have not learn any lesson from the US and its allies’ double standard as no concrete steps were taken by the foreign ministry to compel Washington in particular and its allies in general to respect the Pakistan’s sovereignty .
The previous as well sitting government did not even bother to revisit country’s foreign policy with regard to the double standard of US, world community and United Nations too. All they did just tabling resolutions in the United Nations against the drone strikes, and seeking UN’s role in resolving the core issue of Kashmir. Our rulers as well the opposition parties are not learning from any lesson from the past mistakes and are locked in politics of confrontation. None of the politicians have ever bothered to take practical steps against the unjust policies of US or neighbouring countries. They just delivered heated speeches against the US, Israel and India which is quite evident from the recent shelling from Afghan borders, unprovoked firing by Indian Border Security Forces at LoC and along side working boundary. The rulers have to revisit the foreign policy based on purely Pakistan’s interests. There is also dire need to take solid steps against the terrorists by awarding them exemplary punishment. It is an open secret that most of the target killers, terrorists have sympathies of some political parties that provide them protection from getting caught and “license to kill”. It is need of hour to award exemplary punishment to the self-confessed target killers and terrorists which is only way to put an end to terrorists activities. Pakistanis being a Muslim are not afraid of anybody but Allah Almighty and can not be held hostage by handful terrorists.

Continue reading →