Are Pakistan, Iran Next US Targets?

Possibly Pakistan is going to be the next battle ground of the United States. It is not surprising at all, especially if we take into considerations the war mongering attitudes of the US leaderships and provocative design of the Zionist Israel. In September 2001, Colin Powell called on then Pakistani President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf to take part in the US-sponsored war against international terrorism. But moving one step forward, Powell's assistant Richard Armitage warned Musharraf of severe consequences if Islamabad does not comply with US request. He warned Musharraf that if he remains away from taking part in the war, Pakistan would be sent to the 'stone age' by bombing indiscriminately. Musharraf finally enlisted the name of his country to the list of participants to the war against terrorism under the US leadership only to save Pakistan and considering the world situation created following 9/11 terrorists' attacks.
US-Led War on Terror
In the last one decade, the Pakistani military rulers provided uninterrupted support and soldiery to fulfill its commitment given to the US authorities. However, Pakistan need not had to face the terrible destructions like that of Afghanistan. Still then, more than 35,000 Pakistani citizens had to sacrifice their lives in the so-called US-led war on terror. Pakistani economy has reached at the verge of ruinations. But despite taken all kinds of risks to fulfill the wishes of the United States and making all kinds of sacrifices, Pakistan could do a little to change its fate. Rather Pakistan is fast heading to face the situation that had to undergo by Afghanistan and Iraq. US cancelled US$ 800 million aid to Pakistan raising allegations, as per Colin Powell version, of annexing support and patronization to terrorists and extremists by the Islamabad administration. Powell openly brought allegations that members of Pakistani army were directly collaborating and assisting with the extremists forces. The signal is very clear. The necessary of hobnobbing between the US and Pakistani troops has ended by now. Pakistan is going to embrace the same fate that was exactly happened in cases of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Political observes viewed that Washington has made it crystal clear that it has no need to keep amity with Islamabad through arresting Golam Nabi Paik, leader of the Kashmiri-American Council who also worked as lobbyist in favor of Pakistan with the United States on Kashmir issue. Washington so long has been waiting to create some pleas to impose war against Pakistan that is the only Muslim state possessing nuclear weapons.
The total episode of unearthing hide out of Usama Bin Ladin near the Military Academy of Pakistan and his subsequent killing by the US troops was a mere ploy to establish logic behind launching military drives against Pakistan. With the killing of Usama Bin Ladin, the US military operations in this region would come to close -- this notion of Pakistan and Afghanistan is totally wrong. The war is not going to be ended here. The United States is going to expand the war to other directions.
Pakistan-ISI Nexus
Pakistan gave unconditional support to the United States for more than half a century during the cold war era. But Washington never liked to evaluate Pakistan under any other conditions excepting attaining its own interest. Washington administration remained busy for the last few months in criticizing Islamabad. Along with US administration, the entire US media remained engaged in spreading propagandas to the effect that Pakistani army and the Pakistani intelligence agencies had close link with Afghan Taliban and Al-Qa'ida terrorists' operatives. The US media, to establish such fallacy, published so many 'proven facts and documents' which all were false, motivated, concocted and purposeful. However, Mike Mullen alleged that the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan killed journalist Salim Shehzad for exposing the amity and hobnobbing between the ISI operatives and the Taliban extremists.
The link between the Pakistani ISI and the Afghan Taliban was established long before the 9/11 incidents under the mediation of the United States to fight back Soviet occupation forces from the Afghan soil. The hobnobbing between the ISI and Taliban had started since then. Nobody but the United States knows this very well. It has been observing right at this moment that the United States and its Western allies are not only busy to erase out such relations between the ISI and the Taliban as well as the past reality from not only their won memoirs but also from the chronicles of everyone under the consideration of different undeclared purposes.
Afghan-Iraq War
The United States is seen very active and enthusiastic to start its new voyages. So, they have decided to wind up their $4 trillion Afghan-Iraq war to start new military offensive against Pakistan. Observers and analysts believe, in the new move of the United States and its western allies, Pakistan perhaps would be the first victim. The next target would be the oil-rich Iran.
For along time Pakistan and Iran have become the eyesores of the United States and its allies for giving a clarion call to the Muslim world for a united Arab-Muslim resistance against US imperialists and the Israeli Zionists. Nonetheless, for quite a long time the lust of the United States has fallen on the precious and endless oil-resources of Iran. Interpretative reporter Moor Hurst in his long report warned that the United States was eagerly waiting to create suitable ploys to jump upon the costly oil resources of Iran. Hurst said the crusaders of US President George W Bush and the Zionist cadres of Israel were waiting to put Iran in their traps at a suitable moment.
US-Israel Joint Drive
The United States has already encircled Iran by deploying troops alongside westerns region of Iraq and northern region of Afghanistan. In addition, there are huge war preparations of the United States in the Gulf region. Now question is that what role the Arab countries of the Middle East would play in the face of the US-Israel joint drive to suppress the independent and sovereign entity of Pakistan and annex the fuel and energy-rich regions of Iran?
Observes believe taking united actions by the Arab nations would be the only and best solution. The Arab countries and Pakistan should take lesions from Afghanistan and Iraq before the time going out of their reach.

Steps To Improve India-Pakistan Relations

A meeting of the Pakistan-India Joint Working Group with regard to the travel and trade facilities across the Line of Control (LoC) was held in New Delhi on 18 July where Zahra H. Akbari, director general for South Asia at the Foreign Office, led the Pakistani delegation while Joint Secretary Y.K. Sinha led the Indian delegation. In the meeting, the Cross-LoC Travel and Trade Arrangements were examined so that their effective implementation is ensured and additional steps are taken for the provision of the cross-LoC trade and travel facilities.
Unanimity of Views
The unanimity of views between India and Pakistan for enhancing trade through the Control Line, increase in travel and confidence-building measures is appreciable. It is an indication that difference between Pakistan and India are waning and harmony is growing, which is unavoidable for establishment of peace in this region. It is, however, necessary that effort is made to give the matters agreed upon a practical shape because an agreement for the provision of travel facilities to the people of the Occupied and Azad Kashmir across the Control Line and the promotion of trade between them was also reached earlier during the era of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and perhaps it was also implemented for some duration but this process was later suspended because of the lack of appropriate attention of the two governments and not only the little trade that was going on was suspended rather the hope of the people of the two regions to meet their relatives across the Control Line after decades also died. Therefore, it is necessary that this process is continued this time so that an atmosphere of harmony is created, which is necessary for strengthening the Pakistan-India relations. If seen attentively, such an atmosphere is also necessary for longstanding problems between the two countries. And if this process is to be advanced, this goal can be achieved by increasing the across-the-border travel facilities for people of each other.
Common Interest
New Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has told the Parliamentary Committee on National Security that progress is being made in the relations with India and if it had not been so, the India reaction after the Mumbai blasts would have not been positive. It is a welcome advancement. It is in the interest of both the countries that these contacts are not only maintained rather also enhanced. It is also necessary that care should not be ignored in this process of increasing meetings because both the countries are currently facing terrorism and any carelessness can provide the extremists an opportunity too achieve their nefarious designs.
Some care is being exercised after recent strain in relations with the US that is appropriate. Its proof is it that the Parliamentary Committee on National Security has recommended that citizens of the US and other countries are issued visas from the Foreign Office through one-window. It will be its benefit that a single authority will be authorized to issue visa and obviously will also be answerable for arrival of any disliked personality or person in Pakistan.

It is hoped that this policy of carefulness will yield good results. The Parliamentary Committee on the National Security in its meeting of Monday made some other recommendations as well that need attention e.g. the committee has sought the draft of the Establishment of National Counterterrorism Authority and Anti-Terrorism Act from the Ministry of Interior, the objective of which may be that the immediately and solid planning for checking terrorism is reviewed. The committee has recommended that the Foreign Office should strictly implement the resolutions of the Parliament. It is a good proposal because it is necessary for establishment of the supremacy of parliament in the country that whatever resolution is passed, it is implemented in its letter and spirit.
Demand of Situation
Pakistani Senator Raza Rabbani has said that keeping in view the stance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense, the committee would prepare recommendations for the government. Appropriate proposals will emerge in this way by implementing, which the government will be able to improve the defense and foreign affairs. The committee has also stressed that Pakistan's strategic interests should be given fundamental importance in all policies. It is a fact that there should have been no need to make this recommendation because safeguarding the strategic interests of any country is the top priority of its government. Anyhow, if the committee has now called attention towards it, the monitoring of these matters is necessary. The committee has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that talks with all countries should be held on the basis of equality and sovereignty. This directive too should be implemented because all countries and nations of the world are equal and none has supremacy on the other. Therefore, whenever talks are held or matter is agreed upon with any country, it is should be on the basis of equality.
The need for this directive has perhaps been felt because the US attitude toward Pakistan during the past many decades that Pakistan's assistance is stopped after achievement of the US objectives or sanctions are imposed on Pakistan has created an impression at the public level that the United States has supremacy over Pakistan. The adoption of the policy of equality is also needed to dispel this impression.

President Zardari's Visit to Iran

Pakistan's empathy with the western countries has affected Islamabad's relations with Muslim countries, especially those Muslim countries that were once regarded as close friends of Pakistan. These were the countries that supported Pakistan in every testing time. But now, unfortunately, they are quite aggrieved with us. And the fundamental reason behind that is our close affinity with the United States. The desire to have close relations with Washington and our one-sided foreign policy has sometimes angered our friends like China, and they have also expressed their apprehensions through various gestures time and again. However, despite that, our policymakers are remain unaffected, as they continue to follow the same policy despite the knowledge that this policy has distanced them from their well-wishers.
Ties With Iran
Pakistan has always had good relations with Iran. During Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government, in particular, Pakistan and Iran were trying to gather the Muslim nation on a single platform so as to thwart the conspiracies of the Western countries. In this regard, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto invited heads of all the Muslim countries to Lahore. The agenda was how to bring the Muslim nation out of the whirlwind of problems, and how to make this organization of Islamic countries functional. This meeting was no doubt historic, and it was a major step toward the renaissance of the Muslim nation. However, we are fully aware of the consequences the Muslims had to face as a result of these steps. No Muslim ruler had the courage to make efforts for uniting the Muslim nation following the manner in which Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Saudi Arabian Shah Faisal, who were the proponents of this conference, were killed. However, it is quite clear that this conference created awareness among the Muslims that it is neither possible to make progress nor can the Muslims get any respect in this world without renouncing the western domination. The agenda, which was decided in that conference, is still available and can awaken the conscience of the Muslim nation any time.
Anyhow, in addition to the US factor, sectarian clashes have also kept Pakistan and Iran away from each other. Pakistan has felt that Iran is promoting sectarian violence here, and provides financial and political assistance to specific groups. As a result, people belong to other groups also look toward other countries for assistance. We know that Pakistan has remained the center of sectarian clashes for a long time. However, this factor is no more a hurdle in relations between Pakistan and Iran. One may have millions of differences with former President Pervez Musharraf. However, he has the credit of at least one thing. He took practical steps to end sectarian violence. As a result, Pakistan has got rid of this malaise now. Relations between Pakistan and Iran have been under suspension for some time. President Asif Ali Zardari visited Iran on 25 June. During that visit, he called on the top leadership of Iran. Beside that, he also called on the Iranian spiritual leader. The objective behind President Zardari's visit to Iran was attending the conference on terrorism that was being held there. Since his presence was not meant to hold discussion with the Iranian leadership on bilateral relations, therefore, it does not seem that relations between these two countries could improve even after this visit.
Support for TAPI Project
Improvement in relations between Pakistan and Iran depend on the attitude of Islamabad. The Iranian leadership feels that the bitterness in relations was caused because of the attitude of the Pakistani leadership, and this bitterness was created when Pakistan put aside the Iran Pakistan India (IPI) Gas Pipeline Project, and supported the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Project. Under the TAPI Project, Iran has been forced out of this gas project. The Iranian leadership feels that the IPI Project was in the final phase. Had this project been implemented, Pakistani people could have got low-priced gas. However, this was not done, and in Iran's words, Pakistan put aside the IPI project under the US pressure. Anyhow, the TAPI Project has been signed.
Under the project, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India will be partners in this project. The greatest disadvantage of this project is Afghanistan's participation in it because situation in Afghanistan will always remain tense, and the Taliban factor cannot be ignored there. Therefore, even if this project gets completed, it will always remain under the extremist threat. The Iranian leadership has expressed almost the same type of apprehensions.
The TAPI Project has the US consent as well. The US officials also want that this projects gets completed as soon as possible so that they also get alternative sources of energy, and they have to rely less and less on the Russian states. The US ambassador to Afghanistan said that he was very seriously studying this project, and it is possible that the US companies also join this project at some stage.
Undue US Interference
The improvement of relations between Pakistan and Iran is necessary and the interest of both the countries and the Muslim nation lies in the same. President Zardari hinted that the IPI project can also be resumed. It would be remarkable if it happens. However, keeping in view the current situation and the undue interference of the United States in our affairs, it does not seem to happen. If the Pakistani leadership actually wants to revive this project, it will have to show political insight and courage. Improving relations with other neighboring countries, in addition to Iran, should be part of our priorities because we have to live with these neighbors. This is because we have the right to make friends but we have no option regarding the neighbors. Many of our problems can be solved if our leadership understands this acknowledged principle and reality.

US To Reconsider Anti-Terror Policy After Osama's Death

In the aftermath of the killing of Al-Qaida chief Osama Bin Laden well inside Pakistan, this country would find it very difficult to answer several queries. Pakistan's sincerity in taking action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack, in particular, remains a significant question in India. Pakistan had denied Usama's presence on its soil, but when it joined the global war against terrorism by putting everything at stake, the international community was left with no doubt about the sincerity of its army and Inter-Services Intelligence.
Campaign for US Presidential Elections
The US military has killed Osama Bin Laden close to Pakistan's capital in an area considered to be extremely safe and secure. This extremely secret action is being termed a major success. US President Barack Obama announced that the most dreaded terrorist of the world has been killed. This may serve him very well in his election campaign for the second term. Yet, one should take note of the worry behind his announcement, whether following Usama's killing the terrorist network spread far and wide would be wiped out.
Following the 11 September 2001 attack on the United States, the country took the extreme measure by carrying out an invasion on Afghanistan and turning it into a heap of ruins. At that time, in December 2001, the United States had announced that Osama Bin Laden had been killed in Tora Bora hillocks in Afghanistan. Later, former US President George Bush and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf repeatedly claimed that Usama had been killed in similar actions. With the latest announcement of Usama's death and jubilation over it by Americans, the lid on the secret is off. The entire world dreaded Usama extremely.
Concerted Campaign Against Osama
It was the United States that had launched a concerted campaign against Usama, who was considered to be a hero in the Islamic world. Yet, terrorism continued to raise its head in different forms. A conscientious group in the world regards US military actions as the greatest acts of terrorism. Al-Qaida or Osama Bin Laden had carried out actions to teach a lesson to the West only, which spread terrorism in the name of Al-Qaida or Usama. In anti-terrorist actions, it appeared that the United States has earned a license to sacrifice human lives. It is on the basis of this license that it carried out actions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Islamic countries.
Yet, the silence of those who call themselves to be champions of humanity is surprising indeed. It is also meaningful. The very same world, which justifies Israeli terrorism in Palestine and the latest acts of terrorism indulged in Libya by the United States and its allies, is now heaving a sigh of great relief after Osama Bin Laden's killing. This relief may not last long for the United States and its allies. This is because those who raise their voice against oppression, tyranny, and excesses, are never alone. The United States believes that by killing just one individual, Osama Bin Laden, it has achieved its goal, and is jumping and springing in jubilation. Should that jubilation remain, the world may get the message of peace. But it is necessary to assess the might of those forces that spread the network of Al-Qaida so that the jubilation at Usama's killing may not turn into a major tragedy.

Peace and Stability
US President, Barack Obama has got the credit of killing the most wanted person, Osama Bin Laden, during his presidency. At the same time, he should take note of the factors that helped Al-Qaida network to emerge with a bang. Undoubtedly, the number of those who were attracted by the ideology of Usama and Al-Qaida has largely declined in the world. Even in the Islamic Arab world, people no longer raise the slogan of 'Long Live Usama' and carry his photographs with the same enthusiasm as they earlier used to show. Yet, the strength of those who shout 'Death to the United States' has not dwindled either.
Obama need to seriously ponder why some groups who want peace and stability in the world hate the United States and raise the slogan 'Down with the United States.' It is also his moral duty to condole the deaths of those who have lost their lives at US hands. All peace-loving people in the world, including those in the United States, who had committed the blunder to raise and strengthen a formidable force of Taliban in Afghanistan during the 1990s against the former Soviet Union should also ponder over this. The opinion gaining ground about Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence or Taliban at the international level has been further fortified by Osama Bin Laden's killing. India's stand has also got a fillip with regard to the Mumbai terror attacks. There is need that the United States and its allies should give up their partial line of action in eliminating terrorism.

Protection of Minorities in Pakistan

The Pakistani rulers had presented deceased Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti on a platter before the assassins. A certain section has pushed forward the cause of assassination as violation of the laws of derogation of Prophet-hood, as if their blame on the slain. Bhatti was certain to be slain, but the government did not pay any attention. Bhatti had never uttered a single derogatory word to any prophet, whereas, numerous people heard him praising the holy Prophet Mohammad . He had only asked for such an amendment in the dignity of Prophet-hood laws, through which no innocent person could falsely be implicated.

Adequate Security Arrangements
Bhatti got threats not for his personal opinions but for the sensitive task of collecting diverse opinions from Muslim clerics and minority leaders without providing him adequate security arrangements, in spite of his repeated requests. This assignment entrusted on the directions of President Asif Ali Zardari pleased Western powers, but endangered his life. The government should have taken more precautions after former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's murder. Who killed him? Was it the handiwork of Raymond Davis's henchmen, or the Taliban's, or some other Islamic enemy? It has to be ascertained but strongly. No one has claimed responsibility so far.

Religion prescribes strict responsibilities for the protection of life and property of minorities. However, prayer cannot be made for the non-Muslim departed soul, whereas the descendants of Bhatti deserve our sympathy and condolence. His killer should be arrested forthwith. One should also follow the limits prescribed by God. In Muslim jurisprudence, the punishment for killing a non-Muslim subject is the same as the punishment for killing a Muslim subject.

According to the Prophet, if a Muslim persecutes any non-Muslim, or snatches away his rights, or takes away anything away from him without his consent, or put pressure on him beyond the capacity of his tolerance, then on the day of resurrection, he (prophet) will give evidence against him. In the Caliphate period of Hazrat Ali, a non-Muslim was killed by a Muslim. Hazrat Ali prescribed retribution for him, but the brother of the slain said that he had pardoned him. Hazrat Ali was not satisfied with the statement, suspecting intimidation from the assassin's relatives. But his brother emphasized that he has taken the compensation money. Then only Hazrat Ali released the culprit and pronounced that 'the blood of a minority subject in our state is as precious as the blood of a Muslim subject and his compensation is also the same.'

Malicious Propaganda
Agents such as Pervez Musharraf are busy to please their US and the Western masters for an innovative Islam. God willing, they will not be successful in their nefarious plans, but it is our responsibility to introspect and remove the shortcomings in our personality and for the pleasing of the Almighty must strive hard to protect the minorities in Pakistan.

Withdrawal of US Forces From Afghanistan May Put Pakistan at Risk

The tragedy of the Pakistani rulers and leaders is that while in power they say something and after being ousted from power they go abroad and their rhetoric undergoes a change. When Benazir Bhutto was the prime minister, she often issued "anti-India" statements and like her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, she had been harping on the Kashmir issue.

While in power she never uttered a world against hardliners and fanatic elements that dominated the whole of Pakistan. After losing power, she lived abroad on deportation. She would tell the media in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai that normalization of relations between India and Pakistan was extremely imperative for peace in South Asia. Prior to the last elections in Pakistan when she returned home, she addressed foreign journalists and said she was extremely critical of militants, describing them as fatal for the region.

Present Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, during his foreign tours, made similar statements against the Taliban and other extremists. But when back in his country, he gives "anti-India" statements and blames India for terrorist activities and gives a clean chit to the main conspirator of the Mumbai attack, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is the only Pakistani ruler who perceived the ground realities and took practical steps to improve relations between India and Pakistan and invited former Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Lahore. A resolve was taken to settle the Kashmir problem and other bilateral issues through talks. But Musharraf, who was the Pakistani Army chief, started the Kargil war and upset the peace efforts.

Support to Militant Organizations
Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf captured power through a military coup. He instigated the Taliban government in Afghanistan and extended patronage to Al-Qa'ida and other anti-India organizations during his term as Pakistan president. The attacks on the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly and the Indian Parliament were carried out during his term.

The Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), extended full support to militant organizations and the Taliban in Afghanistan were provided directions by the Pakistani military officers. Then, Musharraf's intention was to achieve access to the Middle East via Afghanistan. Yet, his game was spoiled due to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. He was constrained to join the global war on terror when Bush reprimanded him. Under the UN pressure, he had to rein in militant outfits. But, even thereafter, Musharraf continued to play double games.

While the ISI and the Pakistani military bolstered the Taliban, organizations such as the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba went on with their activities by changing their names. Musharraf remained in a mode of denial of the existence of militant training camps on the Pakistani soil and the infiltration along the border with India, but simultaneously went ahead with bolstering militants. So far so, Musharraf received US aid to the tune of billions of dollars. It was during his term that the leaders of the United States and other countries of the world termed Pakistan as a nursery of terrorism.
Change of Power in Pakistan
Finally, in the wake of change in power in Pakistan, Musharraf had to flee to the United Kingdom and now the possibility of his return to Pakistan is ruled out. After meeting journalists in foreign countries, Musharraf has now realized the stark reality and in a statement in Washington recently, he said, "President Obama Barack administration has reportedly planned to withdraw forces from Afghanistan within a year but there is no truth in that.

For peace and stability in the region it is imperative to defeat the Taliban and the continued presence of the US forces is extremely essential to crush the Taliban there." It is the first time that Musharraf has spoken the right thing in no uncertain terms.

Taliban suicide attacks in Afghanistan are causing huge loss of life and property. If the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces withdraw from Afghanistan without the elimination of the Taliban and Al-Qa'ida, the very survival of Pakistan and Afghanistan will be jeopardized and peace and stability in the region will be shattered, thereby creating a serious threat to the whole world.

India-Pakistan Talks: A Review

A number of problems between Pakistan and India have been awaiting solution since the partition of the Indian-Pakistani subcontinent. Major problems among these are Kashmir, Sir Creek, distribution of water, Siachen Glacier, and now terrorism is also a problem that has contributed to widening of the gulf between the two countries.

In addition to leadership-level talks between the two countries, dialogues were also held at ministerial and secretaries level between the two countries during the last 63 years to solve the problems. During the course of time, wars were also fought, which broadened the gulf of mistrust further, and the Mumbai attacks in the year 2008 pushed the level of mistrust to an extreme end.

The latest, the foreign secretary-level talks between Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir was held after a long time, which ended without any positive results. The Pakistani Government is making efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue and other disputes. However, the Indian Government's stance was limited to talks on terrorism only. Now, these talks again proved meaningless and serving no purpose, and became a thing of the past like those held previously.

Salman Bashir declined to hand over the mastermind of the Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, to India, saying that it is futile to link the Hafiz Saeed issue with the dialogue process. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao raised the terrorism issue at the talks with Salman Bashir and demanded the arrest of Hafiz Saeed because India has been the victims of terrorism attacks from the Pakistani side since a long time. India also entrusted to Pakistan a dossier of the list of 40 terrorists, but whether Pakistan would make any comment on it, is doubtful.

The manner in which the two sides were engaged in filling the blanks shows that the dialogue was held without much preparation. Those who consider this to be another failure of India's foreign policy cannot be totally dismissed. This is because our rival country, which had made India agree to talks even if that meant coming to New Delhi, seems to have been successful in claiming this to be a diplomatic victory. It could achieve this feat without changing its viewpoint after 26 November 2008.

Ministerial Level Talks
The first session of Pakistan-India ministerial level talks was held on 27 December 1962 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan was represented by Foreign Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and India by its Foreign Minister Suran Singh. These six-phase talks concerning the Kashmir issue remained inconclusive. The second phase of these talks was held in New Delhi from 16 to 19 January 1963, while the third phase from 8 to 11 February ended inconclusive in Karachi. However, it was decided to hold one more meeting in Calcutta (Kolkata) to find new ways for solution to the problem. Hence, the fourth phase of talks kicked off on 11 March in Calcutta where the proposal of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was agreed on, saying the Kashmir problem should be solved on the basis of economy and not religion. Yet, no permanent solution to the problem was reached, and it was decided to take the matter forward and holding of another session of talks was agreed.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once again emphasized on solution to the Kashmir and other issues. The fifth phase of ministerial-level talks began in Karachi on 22 April 1963, which ended without yielding any results. The sixth and last phase of these talks began in New Delhi on 15 May 1963, which proved unsuccessful on 16 May when Pakistan suggested making the Kashmir an international issue. In this way, these ministerial-level talks comprising six phases concluded without yielding any results.

There had been no ministerial or diplomatic contact between the two countries for almost seven years; rather, India attacked Pakistan in 1971, resulting in disintegration of the country into two parts (inception of Bangladesh); Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and the Indian prime minister signed Shimla Pact thereafter.

On 31 July 1971, the Pakistan-India diplomatic staff held bilateral negotiations at Rawalpindi to bring the political situation to normalcy. On 29 November 1974, the diplomats from the two countries held negotiations at New Delhi to remove ban from the bilateral trade, imposed in 1965. On 24 January 1975, Pakistan and India signed a trade agreement at Islamabad. Negotiations on Pakistan-India trade were arranged at Karachi from 12 to 13 January 1976.

The Indian cricket team, after a 17-year gap, came to Pakistan on a two-month long tour on 24 April 1978. On 4 February 1980, Indian Foreign Secretary R.D. Sethi along with a four-member delegation came to Pakistan to hand over Indira Gandhi's letter to President Ziaul Haque, in which meetings with Pakistani Foreign Secretary S. Shah Nawaz for bringing relationships of both the countries to normalcy and situation of Afghanistan were discussed.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ghulam Ishaq Khan and his Indian counterpart Narasimha Rao held a two-phase meeting on 10 June 1981, in which discussions were made on the international situation and the bilateral relationships. Pakistan and India held negotiations on No-War Pact and bilateral relationships on 30 January 1982.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Yaqub Khan held a 50-minute meeting with his Indian counterpart Bali Ram Bhagat to discuss bilateral relationships. The second round of this meeting was held in New Delhi on the issue of Siachen Glacier.

In October 1978, the two countries arranged negotiations at Islamabad on the Wooler Barrage dispute. On 31 December 1988, multiphase meetings were held between Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her Indian counterpart Rajiv Gandhi. On 1 January 1989, Benazir Bhutto and Rajiv Gandhi signed three bilateral accords: No attack on each another, solution of bilateral taxation dispute, and cultural cooperation.

Secretary-Level Negotiations
The first round of the secretary-level negotiations between the two countries was held at Islamabad on 17 July 1990, in which Foreign Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Khan represented Pakistan, while Indian Foreign Secretary Machkana Darbe represented his country. These negotiations were of seven phases. The second round was held in New Delhi from 10 to 11 August 1990, third round in Islamabad between Pakistani Foreign Secretary Sheheryar Khan and his Indian counterpart Machkana Darbe and J.N. Dixit from 18 to 20 December 1990 and seventh round in Islamabad from 2 to 3 January 1994.

In these negotiations, which were held after a 17-month gap, nuclear nonproliferation, Kashmir, and Siachen disputes and reduction of weapons were discussed. However, these negotiations didn't bear any fruit. On 28 March 1997, Pakistan-India negotiations at the foreign secretary-level resumed in New Delhi after the lapse of three years. Shamshad Ahmed Khan represented Pakistan, while Salman Haider represented India. The second round of these talks was held in Islamabad from June 19 to 22 1997.

Negotiations at the foreign secretary-level restarted at Islamabad on 15 October 1998 after a gap of 13 months, in which Shamshad Khan represented Pakistan, while Raghunath participated from the Indian side. Discussions were made for the restoration of confidence building environment. As a result of these meetings, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Pakistan in 1999.

In 2003, the Pakistan-India contacts were restored at the foreign secretary-level, in which the India forwarded 12 suggestions for confidence building and stress was laid on the reopening of land, water and air routes. Pakistan showed positive response to almost all of the suggestions. However, it partially rejected one of the suggestions, and also imposed some conditions.

Also, in addition to this, four suggestions were presented from Pakistan's side: Increase in the number of delegation staff and starting Lahore-Amritsar bus service in place of increase in number of buses on Lahore-Delhi route were suggested. On 6 January 2004, a meeting was held between General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the SAARC leaders' conference in Islamabad where both of them agreed to hold purposeful negotiations in February for restoration of relationships.

As a result, negotiations at the secretary-level were held from 15 to 17 February 2004 in Islamabad, which broke down the three-year deadlock. The second round of these talks started in Islamabad from 27 to 28 December 2004, in which Foreign Secretary Riaz H. Kokar represented Pakistan, and from the Indian side Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran forwarded 20 suggestions for restoration of confidence over strategic and regional issues and the Kashmir dispute.

This peace process fell in jeopardy after the seven bomb explosions in Mumbai trains on 11 July 2006, in which approximately 200 people were killed. As expected, India put the responsibility of the explosions on Pakistan and talks at the foreign secretary-level were halted. And it is also said that the Pakistani diplomatic staff was deported from India. However, the deferment lasted for a very little duration and, once again, negotiations started at the foreign secretary-level in New Delhi from 14 to 15 February 2006. In the third phase of this meeting, the Khokhrapar Monabao border was opened on 1 February 2007.

An agreement was signed in March 2007 to prepare combined mechanism against terrorism. However, important, complicated and solution-seeking issues between the two countries remained unresolved. And most importantly, India kept rolling back on its own 12 suggestions that it had forwarded for confidence restoration in October 2003.

During the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting on 7 December 2007 in New Delhi, Pakistani Caretaker Foreign Minister Inamul Haq met his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee and emphasized on negotiations. Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Pakistan from 21 to 22 May 2008, and another meeting was held in Islamabad for the evaluation of the fourth round of Pakistan-India negotiations.

On 27 June 2008, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited India and invited his counterpart for negotiations, after which the fifth phase of negotiations at the foreign secretary-level started on 21 July 2008. Under these negotiations, friendly cooperation in various sectors was ensured and discussions were made on suggestions of availability of resources for easy issuance of visas and increasing people-to-people contacts.

Pakistan and India agreed for confidence rebuilding over the Kashmir dispute and steps for amalgamation of the divided families. However, no agreements over the Kashmir dispute and other issues came to forth.

Disastrous Point
26 November 2008 proved to be a very fatal day for the Pakistan-India peace process when approximately 170 people lost their lives in the massive terrorist activities in the Indian city of Mumbai. India held Pakistan responsible for these activities and one again the negotiation process suspended. And now India is laying stress on negotiations only over the agenda of terrorism.

And news published in various dailies show the bias that India at the moment does not want to deviate from its stance and talk about other issues. One this occasion, we are recalling/remembering these words of the Indian prime minister, which he had spoken on 12 July 2001 for war: "If India and Pakistan remain busy in peaceful and sincere bilateral negotiations for removing mutual differences, then none of the problems could linger unresolved."
Assessment
If the responsible people sitting on the negotiations tables recall these words of Vajpayee, without any doubt, peaceful environment will be established in the region, which will guarantee development of all.

The most important aspect of the 25 February talks is that Pakistan's foreign secretary came here and our foreign secretary talked to him. Even if both of them repeated their old allegations full of resentment, at least it broke the silence. It should be noted here that during the time when formal talks between the governments remain stopped, politicians on both sides spread much more hatred among their people. Before leaving, Pakistani foreign secretary extended an invitation to the Indian foreign secretary to come there. We must continue this sequence.

To conclude, I am also recalling a quote of Jawaharlal Nehru, which he had uttered soon after independence: "A prosperous and secure Pakistan would benefit India; with which (Pakistan) we can establish close and friendly relations." In the light of these words, India should not miss this opportunity at any cost. And it (India) should take such steps that help Pakistan become a stable and prosperous country, so that it also has positive impact on India.

Pakistan Faces Judicial Activism Against Executive

The tension between the executive and the judiciary seems to be declining after meeting between the prime minister and the chief justice. In accordance with the expectations, the executive have acceded to all demands of the judiciary and thus the ongoing arguments in the Supreme Court on the matter would perhaps now come to an end.
In view of many people, the executive had perhaps no other option because in a case wherein the Supreme Court is petitioner as well as jury, the chances of the acceptance of the government's viewpoint were very slight.

Appointment of Judges
During this confrontation, the numerous loyalists of the chief justice spread among the lawyers and in the courts also demonstrated their full strength. Although the Supreme Court had cancelled the official notification of the appointment of judges the same evening, the lawyers tried to observe strike throughout the country and in this effort, the judiciary also took part in performance of the constitutional duty of further strengthening the relations between the bar and the bench by extending full cooperation to the loyalists of the chief justice.
According to BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) reports, a group of lawyers appeared in courts at various places in Sindh opposing the boycott call but the judges did not sit in the courts. The executive committee of the Lahore High Court, in a meeting chaired by Chief Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif, decided to hear the cases of only emergent and immediate nature and instructions were issued to hear such cases in the chambers of the judges only. The rest of the cases were sacrificed for the loyalists of the chief justice.
It is pertinent to mention that the latest confrontation between the judiciary and the executive started with the elevation of Justice Khwaja Sharif to the Supreme Court and he had immediately refused to accept it. Thus, he had the status of a major party to the issue.

Institutional Strength
The foundation for rising up of the judiciary and lawyers as an institutional strength was laid during the movement that started in reaction to the confrontation between the judiciary and Pervez Musharraf in 2007. This institutional strength has, however, reached at this stage under influence of the desire of the judiciary to become a powerful party in the decisions on state affairs instead of gaining strength as an impartial institution.
During the movement for restoration of the judiciary in the Pervez Musharraf era, the leader of the movement, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, often used to say in his speeches that if the military is proud of its khaki uniform, we (the lawyers who wear black coats) are not less than anybody else. Thus, the lawyers, who did not refrain from torturing their opponents, continued increasing their street power. In the meantime, arrangements were made, under the slogans of the constitution duty of cooperation between the bar and the bench, for the lawyer leaders and the judiciary embracing each other. Perhaps, the two sides found this hug so much delightful that instead of separating, they now prefer to constantly stay attached to each other. Top institutions now also seem helpless in the face of the new power that emerged because of this prolonged hugging.

Restoration of Judiciary
Expressing his views about the 14 February strike of lawyers, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan said that in principle he was opposed to it but he did not appear in the court on that day because a decision about the strike was taken by majority of the lawyers. It means that he can go to the extreme in opposing the majority decisions of his party for adhering to his principles and can also start a long march even against his party's government for upholding the principles. But despite showing his opposition before the power that emerged as an outcome of hugging between the judiciary and lawyers, he finds himself helpless before the majority decision. The snake charmers in the ranks of lawyers have set off such flames that nobody is now safe from their heat.
During the movement for the restoration of the judiciary under the Musharraf rule, the leaders of the movement often argued that new PCO (Provisional Constitution Order) judges led by Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar are product of a dictator so the court would not be able to deliver justice in the presence of such partial judges. Those judges are gone but perhaps the judges having the same opinion could be appointed to fill the seats vacated by them.
Perhaps, this is not by chance that the Supreme Court full bench gives a unanimous decision and even a single judge does not oppose that decision. Just like the military discipline demands that every command of the chief justice is taken as the final, our independent judiciary too would possibly not disappoint its loyalists. With the mutual efforts of the bar and the bench, the power of the judiciary is now taking a new shape. Who says our institutions lack the discipline?

Opposition to Presidential Notification
Whereas the majority of lawyers opposed the first presidential notification for appointment of judges, some legal snake charmers touching the extremes in opposition to the notification accused the president of even the contempt of court and treason. Over many similar other steps of the contempt of court, however, they never issued a statement. According to one of our friends, a contempt of court case for the independence of an independent judiciary is pending since long and enjoys the status of a litmus test for providing the independence of the judiciary.
During the Pervez Musharraf era, Fakharuddin G. Ibrahim had filed an application in a court for return of Nawaz Sharif. The Supreme Court had ruled that Nawaz Sharif can return to the country and no hurdle is creating in the way of his comeback. All of us had, however, seen that in spite of the judiciary being independent during the Musharraf era, the former prime minister of the country was bundled into an aircraft and sent back. The sound of this power strike on the judiciary is still echoing. Now, the judiciary can exhibit its independence by giving a verdict in that case of the contempt of court.

Lacking Independence of Judiciary
Currently, Pakistan has a democratic government. The judiciary is independent and powerful. The legal snake charmers are vigorously playing their pungi (a wind instrument used by snake charmers). The petitioner (Nawaz Sharif) is also in the country and Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim is also present.
The government officials who had committed contempt of court by sending Nawaz Sharif back to Saudi Arabia are also there and the chief justice is also the same. But the independent judiciary is missing from this case in spite of having independence.

US Role in International Terrorism

Saudi, Qatari and nationals of other Arab countries were held responsible for the 9/11 incident. The attack was planned in Afghanistan, and according to Americans, the money used for carrying out this attack was transferred to the US from Pakistani banks. To take the revenge, the US attacked Afghanistan. Taliban were thrown out of the government, their officials were incarcerated, and Pakistan was terrified to take side with the US, and the process of punishing Taliban was completed, through Pakistan. Afghanistan has been tormented by the US, but its economy has crashed too. Pakistan too, has been painted with blood and such a system has been devised, which will cause bloodshed incessantly.
The United States has compelled Pakistan to wage a war against its tribal people, and as a result, the vindictive tribals have invaded Pakistani cities with suicide bombers and innocent citizens are dying. Furthermore, US has installed such an incompetent government, which is neither running the official affairs properly, nor will it be able to improve the law and order situation in country. Corruption is devouring the country like termite. In addition, India is being strengthened against Pakistan. India has been accepted as a nuclear power; it is being given a bigger role in the region and has been made a strategic partner.
Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, who is about to retire, has been made to convey the American motives, by saying that Indian Army is ready to embattle Pakistan and China simultaneously. The United States is planning India's role in Afghanistan, and it is being said that, India will be asked to play a major role in Afghanistan and in this way, the United States has taken the revenge of the 9/11 attacks from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Wages War in Vietnam
The United States has killed, or got killed, millions of people in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in response to death of a little over 3000 people, thus proving a Dutch lady scholar wrong, that, as no war has taken place on the US soil for centuries, so it is unaware of the carnage and damage done by a war, that's why, sometimes, it annihilates hundreds of thousands of people in seconds, by dropping the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, wages a war in Vietnam and creates turmoil around the world to show it's power and existence.
According to her, if there is a war in the United States, then in that case, the United States will come to know about the realities of life. Perhaps, 9/11 incident cannot be termed as a full scale war; moreover, there are suspicions about the 9/11 incident that whether it was orchestrated by the United States itself, or was done by its opposing forces or Al-Qa'ida. It is quite possible, that in order to achieve it's global motives, it instigated Al-Qa'ida, or provided them the opportunity, to take the US people along in diligently carrying out its adventure of conquering whole world.
A scholar of Rand Corporation had proposed to destroy the oil wells of Saudi Arabia, after capturing the Iraqi oil wells, but the proposal was rejected afterward. Henry Kissinger, apparently, opposed the proposal, because of the vested interests of his companies, but then Pakistan's Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf, who was then a close friend of the US President, was approached and he resolved the issue amicably.
Afterward, a US military scholar, Colonel Peter Ralph wrote an article named 'Blood Frontiers' which was published in defense journal of the Pentagon, later he wrote a book, containing a plan to change the borders of whole of the Middle East, including Pakistan, according to which, Iran, Pakistan and Syria were to be divided into smaller countries and borders of Saudi Arabia were to be modified. Now, they have created another scenario, according to which, a Shiite warrior tribe of Yemen invades Saudi Arabia and gets hold of its land.

Tackling Hothi Tribe
The Yemeni Government seeks help from the United States to overcome Al-Qa'ida, which according to them, is present there. They term tackling of Hothi tribe as there internal matter and allow Saudi air raids in their Yemeni areas, but they want the United States help to combat the people from Al-Qa'ida. This is just what the doctor ordered for the United States, and is a ripe opportunity for it to reach Yemen. Now, according to International Red Cross Society, they have not yet seen such a bad situation world over, which the Yemeni civilians are facing right now. The United States accuses Iran of abetting this Shiite tribe. It may be possible.
Hothi tribe is active and rebellious since 2004. The United States appears to be involved in arming the Hothi tribe, to create this situation. Although the US intellectuals are writing that Yemen should not be undergone through the carnage like Pakistan, which depicts, that the turmoil and bloodshed in Pakistan, the operation and its reaction, is being done at the US behest.

Iran's Nuclear Program
On one hand, distances are being created between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran's nuclear program is being used to create awe, and while on the other hand, Iran is being accused of helping the Hothi tribe. Iran has accused that one of their nuclear scientist was kidnapped during Umra, and other was killed in Teheran by a bicycle bomb. In short, devil is working and Muslims are the practice board. A crusade is going on, and Muslims are being ruthlessly killed, but Muslim countries never meet together and think together.
Arabs are proud of their wealth. They give their money to the United States, rather, they consider their money safe in the US banks, but they do not spend a penny for development in the field of science. They are not ready to take a combined position with Pakistan. We consider it a joint war and it must be fought intelligently in such a way that the wild elephant, after seeing a united wall of Muslims should change its course.

Creation of South-Central Asian Economic Bloc

Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a joint statement recently in Islamabad. The statement is a good omen as all three countries have agreed not to interfere in each other's internal matters, and have expressed their resolve that neither country will let their respective territories to be used against each other.
Foreign ministers of the three countries released the joint statement at a press conference in Islamabad. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki, and the Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar Spanta further announced that the second trilateral summit would be held in Islamabad during the current year. In addition, meetings of interior ministers will be held in Islamabad, finance ministers in Kabul, and the intelligence chiefs in Teheran.

Joint Decision
The foreign ministers' conference also decided that the scope of the alliance would be expanded to another three neighboring countries and in this regard, foreign ministers of Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan will meet in Tehran. The intellectuals say that everything sans geography of a country can be changed in the world. Similarly, every material blessing in the world can be purchased, but a neighbor is such a blessing that cannot be purchased. The geography of your country will continue to exist and you will have to accept your country's neighbor.
It has been Pakistan's bad luck that relations with its neighboring countries never improved. The Kashmir issue was waged with India in 1947; four wars were fought; one of them bifurcated the county, and one wing of Pakistan became Bangladesh. The Pashtunistan imbroglio with Afghanistan started in the same year, 1947. However, this issue has never led to any war. However, relations with Afghanistan remained cold until 1975. Then Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto extended a hand of friendship toward Afghanistan (President Sardar Muhammad Daud). Sardar Daud and Bhutto had agreed to form an economic bloc for regional cooperation between the two countries. Both of them met the same fate they were killed.
After 1978, Afghanistan and Pakistan were trapped in a war that has been underway for the last 31 years. From 1978 until 1990, this was a war actually between the United States and former Soviet Union, but after 1990, it turned into a war of US occupation over Afghanistan. In this war, Pakistan was declared the frontline state and is being used as a "sand bag."
Until monarchy remained in vogue in Iran, the Shah (king Raza) ruled the country. The Iranian emperor was considered to be a US agent. Until then, good relations existed between Pakistan and Iran. The US interest in the region was that both the countries remain committed to peaceful coexistence and jointly abide by the US dictates.
In 1979, a revolution took place and democracy was established in Iran. It hurt the US interests and the United States started using neighboring countries including Pakistan against Iran. Washington united Iraq, Kuwait, and other Arab states in the world and manipulated a war against Iran that lasted for eight long years. The United States also created a rift in relations between Pakistan and Iran.
China is also our neighboring country. It is the only country in the world that has helped Pakistan against all odds. The United States repeatedly perpetrated terrorism in China and attempted to shift its blame on Pakistan.
Russia is also our neighboring country. During the Cold War era, a wrong decision by then Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan turned Pakistan into a US ally against the former Soviet Union. Then, the United States used Pakistani territory against the Soviet Union. The Russian leadership is still suspicious of Pakistan and does not trust the same.
Since 1999, Pakistan has been isolated on an international level. General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's regime is known as a period of frequent failures of Pakistan on the foreign policy front. Even during the period of the incumbent democratic government, no heed has been paid to Pakistani ministers on the international level, which means that Pakistan is still confronted with international isolation.

Painstaking Task
The only panacea to bring Pakistan out of international isolation is to improve its image and credibility on a regional level. The blemish of being a US ally on Pakistan must be removed. Pakistan's entity as an independent and sovereign country must be established. This is a very painstaking task. However, an alliance comprising of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan can make positive headway in this direction.
Until 2009, the Pakistani people used to complain that the United States was using the Afghan territory against their country. The people of Iran and Afghanistan also had the same complaint that the Untied States was using the Pakistani territory against the same.
A trilateral summit of these countries (Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan) was held in Teheran in 2009, in which the said issues discussed. The foreign ministers of all three countries, during their meeting in Islamabad, pledged that they would not allow any one to use their territories against each other.

Economic Development
The Afghan Parliament by rejecting the pro-US nominees for the new cabinet of President Hamid Karzai twice has proved that Afghanistan has wakened up. Similarly, in camera session in 2009, the Pakistani parliament also raised an effective voice against the US interference. Last week, the parliamentary committee on national security released a draft memorandum, in which flaws in the foreign policy were highlighted and a halt to the US steps against the territorial integrity and security of Pakistan was demanded.
The latest Pakistan-Iran-Afghanistan trilateral statement is a good omen, as it recommends the inclusion of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan into the fold of regional cooperation. It is imperative that that this trilateral alliance is turned into a regional bloc involving China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan also. It will help isolate the duo of India and the United States, and prevent their hegemony from being established in the region. It would also usher in a new era of development in the region. China has emerged as a role model of economic development in the new century.

Assessment
By adopting this model, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other neighboring countries can get rid of the West's hegemony and slavery and can also touch new heights of economic development. This is how the energy crisis in Pakistan can be overcome. It is time that the media, civil society, political parties and the Pakistani people consider to move forward "minus the United States" that is without relying on the US assistance. This sole option will guarantee the stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Pakistan's internal security.

Repercussions of 9/11

The events marking the 9/11 anniversary this year have a special significance for Afghanistan, India and the United States for several reasons. Some of the major are presented to understand the objectives of the United States.

First, it was after this fateful day eight years ago that the Pakistani military decided to carry out a massive operation against the Taliban in Swat. The notorious terrorists were either captured or killed and now the military is ready to fight Al-Qaeda in Waziristan as well.

Internal Threats to Pakistan,
This big advancement outlines the reality of the internal threats to Pakistan as a consequence of the US attack on Afghanistan. Second, the Pakistani Government, the opposition, the military and the media have finally agreed on the fact that this is Pakistan's war not America's and that this war has become compulsory to mitigate the possible threats to the country even though it might not guarantee success if used in isolation.

Third, the Pakistani military has accepted this public opinion that India is no longer Pakistan's enemy even if it remains a permanent threat to Pakistan's security. Thus, it is necessary to continue the peace process that was started by Nawaz Sharif and was carried forward by former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.

The fourth reason is that the Obama administration has identified the need to look for a way to end the conflict that is not only related to actors in Afghanistan but also seeks to bring an end to hostilities between Pakistan and India, and Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This supports Pakistan's viewpoint that for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan, it is necessary for Afghanistan to at least maintain friendly ties with Pakistan politically or else she should be willing to fully cooperate with Pakistan.

New Political Strategy
The fifth reason is that the Americans have finally reached this conclusion that the new political strategy to expand the scope of legitimacy in Kabul is as important as the military operation to stop the resistance.

To prove this contest right, the strategy to make use of this year's presidential elections was not ignored as evident from accusations of massive vote rigging and fraud on the Afghan President Hamid Karzai. This will make it even harder to achieve stability in Afghanistan. The United States will become more dependent on Pakistan to draw the Taliban's attention toward devising a feasible formula to end the conflict. This would be a more realistic way forward for Afghanistan as compared to the military strategy, which was dependent solely on Karzai.

Support for Afghan War
The sixth reason is that the support for Afghan War amongst the American public is weakening. Like the European nations, majority of Americans are demanding the withdrawal of their soldiers. The Obama administration is looking for ways to achieve several victories in Afghanistan by next year's Congressional elections. This mission could not be achieved without a stable Pakistan and full support for her strategic interests as Pakistan cannot separate her Jihadi elements to be used against India from Al-Qaeda or the Taliban.

Pakistan had to pay a huge price in the form of Pakistani Taliban for this unfinished business. Likewise, the United States cannot assert this viewpoint that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda are one and they pose a real threat to it. The Pakistani Taliban and other jihadi groups in the country are Pakistan's problem; they have nothing to do with America.

In fact, Pakistan and America would only need to work hand in hand against the Taliban until they break the ties between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. To separate the Taliban from Al-Qaeda, the Taliban must be given a part in the government in the future. This is the ultimate solution to the Afghan problem.

Attaining Regional Peace
The seventh reason is that India is being asked to play an important role in attaining regional peace. India's secret war against Pakistan in Afghanistan and Balochistan, which was started to bring a halt to Pakistani intrusion in Kashmir, is closing its end. So the sooner India resumes the unconditional dialogues with Pakistan, the better it is.

This should not be a problem for the Congress-led UPA Indian Government as it has the capability to look into the future and strengthen Pakistan's hands in her fight against extremism both at home and abroad.

Spirits of 9/11
If 9/11 does not remain an issue for anybody, the next 12 months would be extremely crucial. Each and every party would definitely have to make compromises. The United States would have to create circumstances that bring the Taliban's representation back to Kabul. Pakistan would have to realize that some of its assets have become her liability, which needs to be taken care of.

India would have to realize that you reap what you sow and that the plans with a zero sum game are no longer viable. Now she needs to solve her issues with Pakistan through the give and take principle. Otherwise the spirits of 9/11, which have not been dead for very long, would come alive again to spread chaos in the region.

Fresh and Better Understanding
Former Pakistani President Musharraf's decision to become George W. Bush's right hand was mostly correct. However, both of them did not trust each other and kept playing games, which led to destruction. That is the reason the new Governments of the US and Pakistan must unite and try to gain a fresh and better understanding of the ground facts.

The sooner Karzai's Afghanistan and Manmohan Singh's India become part of this new arrangement, the better it is.

Pakistan At 62

August is a blessed month as 62 years ago a new Muslim country appeared on the world map in the form of Pakistan. The creation of Pakistan was nothing short of a miracle as it was created after thousands of sacrifices. When the time to get rid of the British rule in India came, Hindus began to think that they will now have the opportunity to rule Muslims.

According to the world acclaimed system of politics, democracy, Muslims would have been in minority, while Hindus would have fulfilled their dreams of ruling India as they formed the significant majority. This thinking of Hindus was gauged by the visionary personality of Allama Iqbal and he brought forward Qaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for the leadership of the Muslim League. Thus, it was because of the efforts and pains taken by Qaid-e-Azam and the Muslim League that Pakistan was created.

Separate Homeland of Indian Muslims
After a period of seven years since the Pakistan resolution, Pakistan was created and hence the dream of a separate homeland for the Indian Muslims was fulfilled. After the creation of Pakistan, thousands of Muslims had to migrate from India to Pakistan. During this journey Hindus and Sikhs began killing Muslims and they did not even spare women, elderly people or children. The ones who were spared of their atrocities were able to reach Pakistan. This migration reminded us of the Migration from Mecca to Medina by the holy Prophet Mohammad.

A lot of people migrated to Pakistan just for the sake of Islam. The Pakistani people also replicated the Ansars of Medina and welcomed the Mohajirs with open hands; hence a new Pakistan began its life journey. The country was established for the sake of Islam, but it has largely remained the domain and politics of the Muslim cleric, chants of the opportunists and in the hearts of ordinary Muslims.

Basis of Ideology
The country was created for the sake of democracy, but it largely became subservient to the wishes of the Army, who ruled over the country for more than half the time since the existence of Pakistan. This country was established on the basis of an ideology, but it was broken down into parts. By losing Bangladesh, we allowed Indira Gandhi to critically state that she has dumped the ideology of Pakistan in the Arabian Sea and has taken revenge for being under the slavery of Muslims for years. The man who raised the slogan that "we will live here, while you live there" received a lot of appreciation for holding an Islamic Conference in the remaining Pakistan, while, in fact, it was organized to recognize Bangladesh. Politicians have always proven to be incompetent. That is why the Army gets an opportunity to come to power, however, the interesting thing is that the idea of municipal level democracy (basic democracy) has always been put forward by the Army generals, while the politicians have been wary of holding elections within their own party so that their dominance within the party does not wither away.

Derive Personal Gains
Religious cleric, generals, clerks, or politicians, and even every person working in any capacity have looted the country to derive personal gains. The way the country has remained into existence is nothing short of a miracle. Despite looting and incompetence, some good people have also come to this country and God has taken the desired work from them.

If you take the example of Ayub Khan among the dictators, he achieved a great feat by establishing a new city in the form of Islamabad and making it the federal capital, he built the Tarbela and Mangla dam, and he is credited for discovering the popular leader Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. He used to call Ayub "daddy", although later he stood up against him and became a popular leader. Bhutto achieved the feat of flour and sugar shortage in the country and in addition, he did great damage to the country by nationalizing the domestic business enterprises and educational institutes.

Under the garb of feudalism, Bhutto raised the slogan of "Roti, Karpa or Makan" and made the common man stand in queues for daily commodities. Despite numerous faults, he had charismatic leadership abilities and is credited for creating political awareness among the masses. The 1973 constitution is an achievement of Bhutto and the will to create a nuclear weapon for Pakistan even if the citizens of the country will be made to have grass to sustain itself is another of his accomplishments. Steel mill, atomic program, the 1973 constitution, and giving the proletariat an identity are the achievements of Bhutto, but he was too hungry for power and this hunger led to the separation of Pakistan. If he would have allowed the assembly session after the elections to take place in Dhaka, Pakistan would not have split into two halves. The same lust for power forced him to commit the heinous crime of rigging the elections in September and General Zia-ul-Haq benefited from this stubbornness of Bhutto. Gen Zia was once the blue eyed boy of Bhutto, but once Gen Zia saw the opportunity he lunged on to power by pushing aside Bhutto. Despite being a dictator, Gen Zia showed good political acumen and he had complete control over the affairs of the country for a decade. Gen Zia tried to Islamicise the Army and shut down any alcohols dens in the Army to infuse the spirit of Islam in them. He became the heartthrob of the Muslim world by supporting Afghanistan in the war against Russia. After the death of Gen Zia, democratic era came back to the country, as Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif jostled for power between each other. The public became dissatisfied with these democratic governments and they also failed to complete the tenure of their respective governments.

Rule of Dictatorship
In Pakistan, democratic governments and military dictatorships repeated past mistakes, which led to their downfall. During the past decade, a military dictator came at the helm of power after sending Nawaz Sharif to exile. Apparently, he looked like a person who is a panacea to all ills in the country, but his actions have shown that he caused the most damage to the country as compared to other national rulers. Former President Pervez Musharraf prevented Nawaz Sharif from returning back to the country, he also benefited from the self exile of Benazir Bhutto. He experimented with new strategies that shook the foundations of the country. He washed in blood the whole area from Waziristan to Red Mosque, and sowed such seeds of lawlessness that his descendants are cutting the harvest.

Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto displayed exemplary understanding by apologizing for the past grievances and dispute between them and prepared a document like the charter of democracy. Although, this was not acceptable to fate and the antistate elements and they removed Benazir Bhutto from the way and when the time for Musharraf to leave power came he handed over the governance to people who are strictly adhering to his policies.

Numerous Ups and Downs
The past 62 years of Pakistan have witnessed numerous ups and downs, but the county was able to progress in the right direction, although at a snail pace. A dictator like Ayub Khan gave the country a new capital and dam projects, while a political leader like Nawaz Sharif constructed the motorway, laid down the foundations of the Gwadar port, and established new airports in Karachi and Lahore.

The creation of Pakistan was not an easy feat since it was not acceptable to both the British and Hindus. It was only acceptable to the supreme creator, God. Hence, God has taken the mantle of protecting this country. That is why false intentions of India have not been backed up with actions on the ground.

Nuclear and Missile Development
Pakistan may be in a pathetic state, but it was blessed to have a great scientist like Abdul Qadeer Khan. The nuclear program was initiated by Ayub Khan, which was ably carried forward by Bhutto and finally Nawaz Sharif carried out the atomic bombs in reply to those done by India. The missile capacity of Pakistan is even perceived as a threat by Israel, and Al-Khalid is also a much talked about missile in the world. Unfortunately corruption, nepotism, and the failure to adhere to merit standards have not allowed the institutions to properly grow in the country.

In the past few years, the media have also become mature and independent and they have started creating awareness in the public. The media played a frontline role in the lawyer movement against the maligned intentions of Musharraf and now the judiciary has become an independent and important institution that is playing a key role in the country. It is hoped that this process of awareness will continue and the common people will be more honest and responsible in the selection of its elected representatives. As a result of this the institutions in the country will strengthen and hence the country will become more powerful.