New India-Pakistan Liberalized Visa Pact: Step To Boost Bilateral Ties

India and Pakistan have signed the much-awaited liberalized visa agreement, introducing for the first time group tourist and pilgrim visas, separate visa for businessmen and visa on arrival for those over 65 years of age.

The new pact, signed between External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik, replaces a 38-year-old restrictive visa agreement and will pave the way for time-bound visa approval and greater people to people contacts and boost trade. While there was no time-frame for issuance of non-diplomatic visas, the new pact says that visa has to be issued with a period of not exceeding 45 days of application.

Terms and Benefits

Under the new regime, one can visit five places instead of the three at present and those above 65 years of age and children below 12 years of age and "eminent" businessmen are exempted from police reporting.

Under the category of visitor visa, earlier only single entry visa for three months used to be issued for meeting relatives, friends, business or other legitimate purpose. Moreover, visa could be only issued for longer period not exceeding one year if owing to the nature of work or business.

Under the new pact, single entry visa is to be issued for six months but stay should not exceed three months at a time and for five places.

Under a new Category II, a visitor visa for a maximum five specified places may be issued for a longer period, up to two years with multiple entries to senior citizens (those above 65 years), spouses of a national of one country married to a person of another country and children below 12 years of age accompanying parents as given earlier.

The new group tourist visa will be issued for not less than 10 people and not more than 50 people. This visa will be valid for 30 days and will have to be applied through tour operators, registered by the two governments.

New Group Tourist Visa

The new Group Tourist visa will be issued for not less than 10 people and not more than 50 people. This visa will be valid for 30 days and will have to be applied through tour operators, registered by the two governments.

The Group Tourist visa facility will also be available to students of educational institutions of both countries. However, this will be a tourist visa only and not for seeking admission in educational institutions of either country. There are two categories for Business visa. Businessmen with an income of Pakistan Rupees half million or equivalent per annum or annual turnover/gross sale of Pakistan Rupees three million or equivalent will be given one year business visa, with five places for up to four entries.

In Category II, businessmen with an income of at least Pakistan Rupees five million or equivalent per annum or turnover of Pakistan Rupees thirty million or equivalent per annum will be given one year multiple entry business visas for Upton ten places, with exemption from police reporting.

The visa shall specify that the period of stay of the businessman at a time shall not exceed 30 days. The maximum time taken in processing of a business visa will not exceed more than five weeks.

Visits to Religious Shrines

In what would be a real joy for people from both sides who want to visit religious places across the border, Pilgrim visas will be issued to those intending to visit religious shrines as per the 1974 Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, or any future revision to the Protocol.

Such visas will need to be applied at least 45 days before the commencement of the intended tour. The visas will be issued at least ten days before the commencement of travel. These visas will be issued for a single entry, restricted to 15 days validity and would be non-extendable.

Under the new pact, persons of more than 65 years of age will be given visa on arrival at Attari/Wagha checkpoint for 45 days. This visa will be non-extendable and non-convertible.

Earlier, people had to enter and exit through the same route and have to use same mode of travel for onward and return journey. Exemptions were made on case to case basis. However, under the new scheme, people can enter and exit from different check posts and change in mode of travel will also be permitted.

Checkpoints for Traveling by Air

However, this is subject to the exception that Exit from Wagah/Attari, by road (on Foot) cannot be accepted, unless the entry was also by foot via Attari/Wagah. The checkpoints for those traveling by air has changed. While earlier, one could fly in at Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar, under the new pact, one can fly in at Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

With respect to police registration, the new pact says that bona fide businessmen, not in exemption from police reporting (EPR) category, may depute their authorized representatives for reporting.

The new visa agreement was supposed to be signed in May during the Home/Interior Secretary-levels talks held here but got postponed after Pakistan said it wanted to sign at political level.

Greater Understanding

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said the time has come for India and Pakistan to show greater understanding of each other’s concerns and sensitivities and to “move beyond reiteration of their positions to more substantive results” in the peace process.

He said that finding amicable and just solutions to resolve outstanding issues was important for Pakistan and India to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. In this regard, Zardari suggested the revival of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism comprising representatives of the foreign ministries, home and interior ministries and intelligence agencies of the two countries.

Multifaceted cooperation between the two sides is imperative for socio-economic development of people and to cope with the “common enemy” of terrorism, he said.

Pointing to the need to fight terrorism jointly, Zardari said Pakistan “stood resolute to fight it until the finish.”

Zardari renewed his call for India and Pakistan to make determined efforts for “friendly, cooperative and good neighborly relations” and for “treading the path of productive and result-oriented dialogue.”

In a separate meeting with Krishna, Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed confidence that bilateral relations will improve and move forward “as we have set a direction.” Noting that both countries desire good relations, Ashraf said: “We must learn from the past. We cannot change neighbors.”

“No doubt Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and other issues need to be resolved” but we need to have a positive approach to resolve them, he said. Ashraf too said terrorism is a “common enemy” of both countries.

He said there is political consensus in Pakistan on having good relations with India. Ashraf also extended an invitation to the Indian prime minister to visit Pakistan.

Comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness Scheme

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has pitched for a comprehensive maritime domain awareness scheme as there were indications that terrorist groups are maintaining their ability to use the sea route. He also said that there were increasing infiltration attempts in Jammu and Kashmir.

“In Jammu and Kashmir, we are beginning to see increasing infiltration attempts, across the Line of Control and even the International Border. There are also indications about terrorist groups maintaining their ability to use the sea route.

“Vigilance, therefore, needs to be exercised not only on our land borders but along the coast line as well. The comprehensive scheme of Maritime Domain Awareness to be led by the Navy would help strengthen coastal vigilance, whereas deployment of more permanent border obstacles and better sensors could improve the situation along the land borders,” he said at the conference organized by Intelligence Bureau. Although the Prime Minister did not name any terror outfit, the Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba terror outfit had used the sea route to infiltrate into Mumbai in November 2008 and went on a shooting spree killing more than 160 persons. He also said that terror threat in the hinterland continues to be a cause for worry.

Ray of Hope

In addition to boosting bilateral trade ties, it will promote people-to-people contacts in a big way. The political climate in South Asia is bound to get a new boost once people in large numbers are able to meet each other and exchange their thoughts and ideas on a frequent basis.

The idea of promoting people-to-people contacts is basically aimed at bringing about pressure on the ruling class on both sides to take decisions in accordance with the wishes of their citizens. The liberalized regime will no doubt enable easier travel and greatly facilitate people-to-people contact. This measure must be heartily welcomed.

Raja Pervez Ashraf Becomes New Pakistani Prime Minister: Political Instability in Country Continues

Water and Power Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf has taken over as the new Pakistani prime minister. Filled with little difficulty with the country’s National Assembly (parliament) electing Ashraf as a replacement for Yousuf Raza Gilani, disqualified by the Supreme Court.

The 61-year-old loyalist of the Bhutto family was pitchforked into the hot seat after the original choice Makhdoom Shahabuddin faced an arrest warrant. But the new leader himself is dogged by corruption charges relating to his tenure as power minister.

The 342-member National Assembly chose Ashraf as the country's 25th prime minister with 211 votes, against Opposition PML-N nominee Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi who got 89 votes.

Undoubtedly, Ashraf is lucky to have been elevated to the highest executive post, as the first choice of President Asif Ali Zardari, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, missed the bus because of an arrest warrant issued against him by a Sindh court in an ephedrine scam case.

Since the issue was contempt of the highest court in the land the verdict was not unexpected, though the scale of punishment is. While all Supreme Court verdicts must always be honored even if they do not appear to be sound, it may not be possible to avoid a prolonged discussion on the present judgment. There are quite a few issues that will need to be clarified.

To his admirers, Pakistan's Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry is a hero whose relentless pursuit of a money-laundering case against the president is teaching a generation of the country's leaders a long-overdue lesson in respect for the law.

To his critics, he is a runaway judge in the grip of a messiah complex whose turbo-charged brand of activism threatens to upend the power balance underpinning Pakistan's precarious embrace of democracy.

Recently, Chaudhry made his boldest move yet by disqualifying Prime Minister Gilani as punishment for his repeated refusal to obey court orders to re-activate a corruption case against President Zardari.

Gilani's downfall marked a watershed in a long-running showdown between the judiciary and the government that has laid bare the institutional tensions plaguing a country that has test fired ballistic nuclear missiles, but has yet to agree on how it should be run.

"In practical terms, democracy is finished because the balance of power between the parliament, the executive and the judiciary has been ruined," said a senior member of Zardari's ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

Judicial Coup

The military, which has ruled Pakistan for about half of its 65 years as an independent nation, has also not hidden its disdain of the Zardari government, but has made it clear it does not wish to seize power. And it has its own problems with Chaudhry's activism.

The present crisis has its roots in Gilani’s refusal to follow the Supreme Court’s 2009 order to request Swiss authorities to reopen cases of graft against President Zardari. On his part, Gilani has pointed out that the President enjoyed immunity from such charges. But the apex court had disagreed — having only recently overturned a 2007 presidential amnesty to politicians accused of corruption, from which Zardari and his late wife Benazir Bhutto benefited the most. Since then, an epic battle has ensued, with both institutions attempting to protect their own turf. Ultimately, in January the Supreme Court ordered legal proceedings against Gilani, and in April, the then Prime Minister was convicted for contempt of court. At the time, he was given only a token sentence with the apex court leaving it to the Speaker of the National Assembly to decide if Gilani could continue as prime minister.

The drama has been spiced by allegations of bribe-taking brought against Chaudhry's son by a billionaire property developer, who has himself been accused of land-grabbing and fraud. The controversy briefly put the stern-faced judge on the defensive before he regained the initiative by disqualifying Gilani.

The next chapter in the saga started when the Supreme Court holds its latest hearing in more than two years of legal wrangling aimed at forcing the government to re-open proceedings against Zardari.

Pakistan's political class is now transfixed by the question of whether Chaudhry will opt to pause in the wake of his victory over Gilani, or press home his advantage by demanding that Raja Pervez Ashraf, the new prime minister, reactivate the case.

Charges Against Gilani

Earlier on June 19, the Pakistani Supreme Court declared that Gilani stood disqualified as the prime minister since April 26, 2012 and ceased to be the premier since that date. The court punished with 30-second imprisonment. It also asked President Zardari to take steps for continuity of the democratic process, an apparent reference to the election of a new prime minister. Gilani was elected Prime Minister in March 2008 and has remained in that office longer than any other elected leader in the country’s history.

Capping approximately 30 months of bitter feud between the judiciary and the government, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Chaudhry held that Gilani, “ceased” to be the prime minister from April 26, 2012.

Gilani was then convicted and sentenced for not obeying court orders to reopen graft charges in Switzerland against President Zardari.

Contrary to expectations that the PPP will back him to the hilt, the ruling party said it would abide by the verdict and set in motion the process of selecting Gilani’s successor.

The Election Commission also issued a formal notice disqualifying Gilani as a Member of Parliament, hours after the Supreme Court ordered it to do so. A session of the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament is likely to be convened for the formal election of the new prime minister.

The present verdict came in response to several petitions that had challenged National Assembly Speaker Fehmida Mirza’s decision not to disqualify Gilani following his conviction.

However, the timing of the judgment is definitely suspect as it comes only days after a business tycoon accused the Chief Justice’s son of accepting millions in bribes to swing cases. Also, the legal validity of the judgment has come under a cloud. References in the judgment, for instance, to two Indian court cases are largely misplaced.

New Cabinet

A total of 27 Federal Ministers and 11 Ministers of state were given portfolios. Hina Rabbani Khar and Naveed Qamar retained their portfolios of foreign and defense, respectively, in the new Cabinet, announced by Prime Minister Ashraf, which has some new faces. Most of the Ministers in Ashraf's Cabinet have been drawn from the previous dispensation of Gilani.

Hina retained the Foreign Ministry while Qamar Zaman Kaira, who had also filed his nomination for prime ministerial contest as a covering candidate, retained the Information Ministry. Qamar was again assigned the Defense Ministry.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, whose PML-Q party is a key ally in the Pakistan People's Party-led coalition, was again inducted as a senior minister and given the Defence Production and Industry portfolios.

Farzana Raja, a loyalist of PPP chief and President Asif Ali Zaradri, was among the new faces inducted into the Cabinet. She was given charge of the Benazir Income Support Programme, a scheme to help the poor.

The other members of the Cabinet include Makhdoom Amin Fahim (commerce), Arbab Alamgir Khan (communication), Nazar Muhammad Gondal (capital administration and development), Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan (climate change), Abdul Hafeez Shaikh (finance), Mir Hazar Khan Bajrani (inter-provincial coordination), Manzoor Wattoo (Kashmir affairs), Farooq Naek (law and justice).

Brief Profile

A strong loyalist of the Bhutto family, Ashraf hails from a family of agriculturists and remained in his occupation until he joined PPP of Rawalpindi in Punjab. Before joining active politics, 61-year-old Ashraf was an agriculturist and businessman by profession. He obtained his undergraduate degree from University of Sindh and did his diploma from UK in Industrial Management.

Ashraf, who was PPP cochairman Zardari’s second choice for the post of premier, became the main candidate after an arrest warrant was issued against party nominee Makhdoom Shahbuddin for alleged irregularities during his tenure as Health Minister.

Interestingly, Ashraf is facing a probe by the National Accountability Bureau for alleged corruption in rental power projects during his tenure as Water and Power Minister.

He was secretary-general of the PPP (Parliamentarians), a party formed in 2002 by the PPP for the purpose of complying with electoral rules governing Pakistani parties. The party contested the 2002 elections while former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was living in self-imposed exile.

Ashraf, who was elected to the National Assembly from Gujar Khan constituency in Rawalpindi district — both in 2002 and 2008 — served twice in the cabinet of Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court.

Ashraf resigned from Gilani’s cabinet in February 2011 after allegations of corruption in power projects. He returned to the cabinet in April 2012 when he was appointed minister for Information Technology. His candidature was backed by PML-Q, a major ally of the PPP with more than 50 seats in the National Assembly.

Tough Time Ahead

The new Pakistani prime minister not only faces corruption cases against him but is also considered an “insensitive” minister. He is accused of being solely responsible for Pakistan’s energy crisis. Instead of trying to find a workable solution to the worsening power supply problem, he has been making promises which he could never fulfill. It is surprising what made Mr Zardari choose him for heading the government as people have been protesting at different places over unending load-shedding, criticizing Ashraf for mishandling the situation.

Moreover, the new prime minister is also likely to face demands for reopening graft cases against Zardari from the Supreme Court.

Ashraf, who belongs to a royal family of Rawalpindi in Punjab, was elected in a two-way contest during a special session of Parliament after three other candidates – Shahabuddin and Qamar Zaman Kaira of the PPP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman – withdrew from the race.

Zardari, a consummate political survivor, has already sacrificed Gilani in his determination to ensure the money-laundering case, which falls under Swiss jurisdiction and dates back the 1990s, remains closed.

While many Pakistanis are happy to see his unpopular government on the ropes, the pugnacious chief justice is facing a growing backlash from those who fear his court-room victories are being bought at the price of Pakistan's stability.

India will have to watch his moves as he has declared that he will try to do all he can to improve Pakistan’s ties with New Delhi. But will he have time for such moves when he has so much to concentrate on the domestic front.

Manmohan-Zardari Talks: Pakistani President on Dargah Diplomacy

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari paid day-long private visit to India on April 8. During his stay and talks with Indian leaders, he offered prayers at the Ajmer Sharif did help the two South Asian neighbors reduce mutual tension and consider practical ways to speedily settle some of the less contentious issues such as Sir Creek and Siachen.
At his one-on-one meeting with Zardari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, however, made it a point to highlight the issue of terrorism upfront and unequivocally told the Pakistani leader that action must be initiated against Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and other perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attack.
The Pakistani president offered prayers at the historic 13th century dargah of sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer after which a $1 million donation for the shrine was announced.
Friendly and Constructive Progress
After a warm handshake and clasp and smiles for the media, the two leaders sat down for talks, which Singh said were "very constructive and friendly."
The prime minister clearly told the Pakistani president at their talks that progress in bilateral relations rested entirely on the way Islamabad handled terrorism, stressing that those behind the 26/11 Mumbai attack must be brought to justice.
Manmohan Singh also accepted Zardari’s invitation to visit Pakistan, and hoped such a visit would take the peace process forward. Singh also brought up the activities of Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind, on whom the US has recently put a $10 million bounty.
Singh also told Zardari that Pakistan must prevent terrorist activities against India from its soil. The two leaders discussed the problem of terrorism, which is a major issue by which the Indian people will judge progress in the bilateral relationship.
Reflecting the view of Islamabad, the Pakistani president said the issue of Hafiz Saeed, on whose head the US recently declared a bounty of $10 million, needed to be discussed between the Home/Interior secretaries of the two countries who would meet shortly in Islamabad. He also stated that there were legal processes in Pakistan without going through which the civilian government could not move against the masterminds of the Mumbai attack.
Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek Issues
On “core issues” such as Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek, the two sides noted Sir Creek was “doable.”
Zardari raised issues such as Sir Creek, Siachen and Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for resolving them. To this, the prime minister said both sides needed to move step by step and that the bilateral dialogue was in the mutual interest of the two countries.
India-China Model Emulated

However, for the first time perhaps, Islamabad indicated that it was seriously looking at the India-China model of bilateral relations wherein the two countries have put contentious issue on the backburner and made significant gains in their trade and commercial ties.
The Pakistani president said though India had several issues of discord with China, their trade relations were booming. Zardari suggested that the India-China model could help improve the relations between India and Pakistan.
High-level officials have been pointing out that more than action against Hafiz Saeed, this visit could begin the trend of top leaders meeting each other more frequently so that issues that appear to be getting nowhere in talks with bureaucrats — such as the stapled visa issue with China — could be resolved to reduce ill will.
Prime Minister Accepts Invitation To Visit Islamabad
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan, with India indicating that concrete actions against anti-India terrorists.
Only recently, he had told Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani that the time to visit should be when there is a substantive announcement to make — something “solid” on the table. There is, therefore, a nuanced shift here. Since Pakistan has entered its election year, it is to be seen if the prime minister will seek to visit before the elections are announced. To that extent, he may have put himself under some pressure to decide unless he does indeed intend to go to Pakistan soon. After the election, the invitation will have to be renewed by the next government if Singh is to contemplate a visit.

China Lauds Development

China has lauded Zardari's visit to New Delhi, stating better ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors would benefit both countries and bring stability in the region. Better ties between Pakistan and India, two nuclear-armed heavyweight neighbors on the South Asian subcontinent, will benefit both countries and regional stability. The two countries’ efforts in warming up their ties certainly are welcomed and applauded by the international community including China, which neighbors both nations and maintains significant ties with them.China and Pakistan have been all-weather friends over the past decades, while both China and India have been members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), a bloc of five major emerging economies that also includes Brazil, Russia and South Africa.
After the improvement in trade relations, marked by Pakistan recently agreeing to India’s long-standing demand of barring only those Indian goods that are on a negative list, Zardari’s lunch with the Prime Minister in a conducive atmosphere in the Indian capital will push the sense along that the mood is not one of hostility, although Islamabad has done little to bring the Mumbai attackers to justice.

Pakistan Faces Chaotic Situation

At present, Pakistan is facing such a chaotic situation that no other Islamic country has faced such crisis. There is not a single but numerous problems, which are of grave concern to 160 million Muslims. There is not a single but so many reasons behind it, and not a single party, person, or group can reform it. However, the government can establish peace in the country. All people are suffering from the economic recession. Undoubtedly, provincial, national, and religious problems have made people worried. No other Islamic country is confronting both of these kinds of issues.
All military dictators have had to eventually face not only armed insurgencies but also large scale democratic movements. The reason behind this has little to do with Pakistanis being great admirers of democracy, because constant military interventions thwarting the evolution of the democratic process has not exactly produced a democratic polity. The main reason why military regimes have had to face intense political opposition in a not-very-democratic Pakistan is that Pakistan (unlike its monolithic military) is an extremely diverse entity with numerous ethnicities, Muslim sects and religions.
It has constantly waged brutal battles against Baloch nationalists (1960-62; 1973-77; 2003-); mercilessly wiped out whole villages with the help of tanks in the interior of Sindh (1983 MRD Movement); ran circles around MQM activists in Karachi (1992), and, of course, has been accused of engineering a genocide of Bengalis in the former East Pakistan in 1971.
Deepening Internal Conflict
The Pakistan Army remains in control of some key national policies such as nuclear weapons, Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and its hardware procurement. Over the years, it has also developed huge corporate interests and organizational autonomy. It does not allow its democratically elected government to interfere with them.
After every election and taking over the government, the political leaders and even the judiciary, scared of the Pakistani Army brass, tend to suck up to them. Even when Pakistan Army commits military and non military blunders, they have tried to cover and shield its leaders and image, never making anyone accountable. But whenever they have tried to assert or encroach upon Pakistan Army’s interests, they act clumsily and hand over the initiative to the Army on a platter. This has been repeated several times in Pakistan’s recent history.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani tonight appeared to reach out to the army but the powerful Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is reported to have adopted a tough stance and wants withdrawal of his statements critical of the military.
With Kayani by his side, Gilani has said that all state institutions will be allowed to play their role, remarks seen as an attempt to resolve the tense stand-off between the civilian government and the military.
Gilani's seemingly conciliatory remarks came on a day when Kayani met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency, in the midst of a tense stand-off between the military and the government over a move purportedly on behalf of Zardari seeking US help to avert an army coup.
Court’s Order to Gilani
Gilani’s continuance in office appeared to be in doubt after the Supreme Court has summoned him to appear in person on January 19 on contempt charges for failure to implement court order on reopening of a money-laundering case against President Asif Ali Zardari in a Swiss court.
The apex court’s order came hours before the Pakistan National Assembly adopted a pro-democracy resolution moved by ruling PPP-led coalition, which could act as a cosmetic booster for the embattled civilian government which is engaged in a tussle with both the powerful army and the influential judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif, who claims that he was not aware of General Pervez Musharraf’s Kargil plan and action, accompanied Musharraf to Pakistan’s Northern Areas to pacify local Baltis whose family members had been killed in Kargil action and whose dead bodies, Pakistan Army refused to accept from us. He defended Musharraf in public and accompanied him to several military stations.
Later, he tried to get rid of Musharraf in the clumsiest way possible. When Musharraf was returning from an official visit to Sri Lanka, he would not allow his plane to land at Karachi Airport and appointed a new Army Chief who was quite junior and unpopular with the establishment. The result: nine years of Army rule under Musharraf and the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif going to jail and then to exile.
Yousuf Raza Gilani, when appointed Prime Minister, went to call on the Army Chief General Kayani, instead of asking him to visit his office. He tried to place the ISI under civilian control but within 24 hours, he gave in to Kayani’s refusal. He gave Kayani an unheard of three years extension in office and two years extension to Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief General Shuja Pasha.
The ISI’s involvement in toppling civil governments, rigging elections, autonomous handling of foreign relations, vigilantism, picking up people and making them disappear is well known in Pakistan. Shuja Nawaz, in his book ‘Crossed Swords’, writes of a sworn affidavit filed by the Pakistani defense secretary in a High Court stating that ‘his ministry had no operational control over the two rogue agencies-ISI and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)-and, therefore, was unable to enforce the court’s orders on either agency in matters relating to detentions’.
International Pressure

In fact, since the United States has started interference to achieve it heinous designs in the region, particularly in the Middle East, it has used Pakistan for its own interests. It has started interfering in the internal affairs of the country, and aired different kinds of evils. Resultantly, a Muslim has started coloring his hands with blood of another Muslim.
The only solution to this problem is that the US intervention should be stopped and Pakistan should develop good relations with neighbor countries of India, Afghanistan, Iran and China. Only then Pakistan will get rid of all these issues. At present, not only Pakistan but India, Afghanistan and Iran are also at the verge of terrorism and the United States wants to attack Iran. By carrying out this attack, it wants to fan the fire of sectarianism in Pakistan. The Pakistani Government and people should do nothing but to be united. Steps should be taken to curb these challenges.
Economic and Political Interests
The Pakistani Government's relations with Afghanistan are improving but not to great extent. The ways of communication have also been paved through trade agreements. We must say here that Afghanistan is in dire need of support from Pakistan, as both countries have common economic and political interests and are the need for each other. These needs can be fulfilled only when interference from the United States and other countries, having vested interests, is curbed. Then, there will be no danger of the US involvement in Iran.

New Geopolitical Equation in Asia

After the dramatic announcement of killing of Osama Bin Laden, a big change in the geopolitics of Asia has become evident centering the dilemma in the relations between Pakistan and the United States. Through this incident, signals are being received regarding a visible role of China and a shrink in the influence of the United States in this region as a split has been created in the relationship between Pakistan and the United States. The plummeting in the Washington-Islamabad relations first came to the limelight through the arrest of a US contractor Raymond Davis, who is known as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) spy, for his involvement in the killings of two Pakistani citizens. After languishing for three months in prison, Raymond Davis was freed in March with the payment of blood money.
Since then, it was being thought that the US pressure on Pakistan would be mounted. Exactly this happened. Subsequently, the United States claimed that their commandoes have killed Bin Laden in a raid. Pakistan has described the raid as a blow to its sovereignty. However, the United States has brought an allegation against Pakistani intelligence agency for providing shelter to Bin Laden. Though a number of questions have surfaced centering this raid -- whether Bin Laden was really killed in the attack or he was killed much earlier or anybody else was killed in the name of Bin Laden.
War on Terror
Centering this incident whatever it might be -- the actual Bib Laden killed or no -- Pakistan is trying to come out of the influence of the United States, a long time friend of that country. Within 15 days of the killing of Bin Laden, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani visited China. The Chinese leaders categorically announced that Pakistan has significant contribution to the war on terror. This country is also a victim of terrorism.
The Western countries must show their respect to the sovereignty of Pakistan. The Chinese leaders further announced that Beijing will consider any attack on Islamabad an attack against it and China will always stand beside Pakistan. This announcement from Beijing in the face of an intense pressure from the west was not only a matter of ease for Islamabad, but a clear indication that China support Pakistan at the time of difficulty.
Building Gwadar Port
Massive steps were taken to enhance military relations between China and Pakistan during this visit of Gilani. The area of cooperation also includes transfer of military technology side by side with military assistance. China has assured Pakistan of supplying more than 50 JF Thunder Aircraft within a shortest possible time. In addition, the two countries have reached an agreement on purchasing frigates for the navy and training on operating submarines. Seventy-five percent arms of Pakistani Armed Forces comes from China. Very soon 260 Chinese fighter planes will be added to the Pakistan Air Force. It is being though that Pakistan is going to be a member of Shanghai Cooperation from an observer at the behest of China. And this might add a new dimension to China-India relations in the coming days. During Gilani's visit to China this time, the most important military on the agenda was the proposal of setting up a naval base at Gwadar Seaport, built on assistance from Beijing.
China and India have long been involved in a race for expanding influence in the India Ocean. Comparatively India navy is now stronger in the India Ocean. It can be said India has its hegemony on the sea. An intensive relationship of cooperation of India navy with the US Navy has been added to this. China has to import its fuel oil from the Middle East through the narrow strata of Malacca under the India-US naval surveillance. During any adverse situation the India-US naval power may close down this supply route for China. Alternative sea routes are very essential for China. Beijing is going to be achieved this opportunity this time completely. Gwadar seaport has multifaceted military significance. Virtually this port will be the main center for China to maintain its influence in the southern seacoast of Asia. From there China will be able to maintain its surveillance on the Indian and US Naval Forces.
Gwadar Seaport is very close to the seacoast of Oman. The distance of the Persian Gulf from here is not so far. Before 1958, Gwadar was under Oman. Later, the area was handed over to Pakistan. In 1973, US President Richard Nixon visited Pakistan. During the visit, the then Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto requested Richard Nixon to help building a seaport at Gwadar. Bhutto proposed that Pakistan would ensure benefit of the US Navy from Gwadar if the port was built with assistance from his country. But Nixan did not make any response to that proposal.
Failing to get any support from the US for building the seaport at Gwadar, Pakistan did not abandon its plan in this regard. Later, they sought helps from China in this regard. The work on building the seaport began in 2002 with assistance from China. China invested $200million for construction of the seaport. The first phase of the construction of the port ended in 2006. Singapore Port Management Authority was given the responsibility of running the port. Now China will be given the responsibility of running the port from Singapore Port Authority. A decision has been taken to review soon the port management by Singapore Port Authority.
The work on establishing direct road and railway communications with China from Gwadar seaport has begun so that oil tankers could be transported to Chinese territory from the port. China began the expansion of road network on Karakoram Highway from Gilgit in Pakistan to Xinjinag province of China. In 2006, Islamabad and Beijing signed agreement to build a road from Kashgar in China to Abbottabad in Pakistan. The two countries took the decision of constructing an alternative land route in consideration that Karakoram Highway might be risky for bigger containers. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited China in July 2010. During his talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, a decision was taken to set up 3,000 km railway line from Kashgar to Gwadar.
Security experts believe China will use this port equally both for civil and military purposes. Chinese ships will not anchor at the port only, but its submarines use the same as a base. In a recent report by New Delhi-based Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis said this port is a threat to India. Gwadar Port is very close to Hormuz strata. During any adverse situation, Pakistan might impose restriction on this route. However, Beijing will be able to conduct a complete surveillance on Indo-US naval maneuverings in the Arab Sea and Persian Gulf.
Pressure From Western Countries
Both the United States and India are worried over this strategic and military cooperation between Pakistan and China. Many people think the conflict between the CIA and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is rooted in the relations between China and Pakistan. It seems that the US has toned down to Pakistan as Islamabad successfully played the China card in face of relentless pressure from the Western countries.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a surprised visit to Pakistan along with Admiral Mike Mullen, then chairman of the Joint US Chief of Staff. Hillary announced that the United States will continue its cooperation and the war on terror with Pakistan. So long the United States has been alleging that Bin Laden had been hiding inside Pakistan with helps from Pakistani intelligence officials. But during her visit to Islamabad, Hillary said she did not believe top Pakistani official knew about the hiding of Bin Laden in that country.
The US security adviser has already announced that Washington's assistance to Pakistan will not be stopped. The US concern has started unfolding at a time when Pakistan is set to go under the total influence of China.
Despite conducting drone attacks inside Pakistan to eliminate the Taliban militants, the United States has been holding talks with the Taliban at the mediation of Turkey. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials have already held meeting with mid ranking Taliban leaders. Recently, former NATO official and former foreign minister of Turkey Hiqmat Setin said that Turkey was going to hold high level talks with the Taliban soon.
It is being observed that the United States contact with the Taliban still exists. However, Pakistan has been made the target of the Taliban. Questions have now been raised from inside Pakistan about the motive behind the recent attack on Pakistani naval base in Karachi and destruction of two naval surveillance aircraft. Whether any special message is being given by this type of attack. It has become clear from the nature of the attack that the target of the raid was to hit the military strength of Pakistan. A section of the mass media in Pakistan has alleged that those who have been conducting this type of attack in Pakistan in the name of the Taliban have special links with the US and Indian intelligence agency.
Pakistan's Military Cooperation with China
However, India has already expressed concern over Pakistan's military cooperation with China. Following the claim of killing Bin Laden at Abbottabad by the US force, a hint was given from New Delhi that India might conduct similar attack on Pakistan. The reaction shown by Pakistan in response to that desire of New Delhi is another cause of concern for India. Pakistan made it clear that if India dared to conduct such raids Islamabad will limited scale nuclear weapon or tactical nuclear arms. It was not so long known that Pakistan has such sophisticate nuclear arsenals.
At the same time, India plunged into another diplomatic difficulty. India handed over a list of 50 terrorists residing in Pakistan to Islamabad authorities and demanded their extradition for trials. The following day reports were published in the Indian newspapers that two of the listed terrorists detained in Indian prisons. Indian wanted to mount pressure on Pakistan in line with the United States, but they himself got entangled in trouble. And as a result, the image of India was tarnished.
After the killing of Bin Laden, the competition launch between the United States and China for expanding influence centering Pakistan gives a signal of a new strategic equation of the Asian superpowers. Iran has also joined the race. Iran has already expressed its solidarity with the integrity of Pakistan. It is being thought that Pakistani military officials have been maintaining contacts with Iran.
Importance of Islamabad
Except China, Pakistan has taken initiative of enhancing cooperation with Russia. President Asif Ali Zardari had already visited Russia. He was given a rousing reception in Moscow. The new relations of China and Russia with Iran and Pakistan could turnout to be a big concern for the United States in future. This will make the position of US-led NATO force in Afghanistan weak, and also deal a blow to the US initiatives of establishing control over the energy resources in Central Asia. In addition, Russia, China is also enhancing its influence in the Central Asia. A cooperative relation between China and Pakistan will help Beijing to make another step forward in expanding its influence in this region. Because of road communication with Central Asia and port facilities, the importance of Pakistan has increased. Despite multifaceted pressure from United States and acts of sabotage inside the country, Pakistan is playing the cards of its good relations with China and Russia because of its geostrategic position. And this is the main weapon of Pakistan. Because of this it is very easy to criticize Pakistan, but difficult to avoid.

Enhancing China-Pakistan Relations

Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1951, China and Pakistan have enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1950 and remained a steadfast ally during Beijing's period of international isolation in the 1960s and early 1970s. China has long provided Pakistan with major military, technical, and economic assistance, including the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology and equipment. Some experts predict growing relations between the United States and rival India will ultimately prompt Pakistan to push for even closer ties with its longtime strategic security partner, China. Others say China's increased concern about Pakistan-based insurgency groups may cause Beijing to proceed with the relationship in a more cautious manner.
Since assuming office, President Asif Ali Zardari has declared relations with China as the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. To enhance and cement the bilateral relations, Zardari decided to visit China quarterly. The last visit of President Zardari to China was the fifth in a series of visits that started since assuming the office in 2008. Zardari's visit came at a time when Pakistan faces a difficult economic situation because of war against terrorism and when China has embarked on a policy to redefine its economic objectives with Pakistan in particular and the world in general.
It is important to mention here that since President Zardari assumed office, Pakistan and China have concluded 60 agreements. The main focus of the recent visit was on the new economic initiatives that have been launched recently. It includes building hydro dams, expanding banking operations, transfer of hybrid seed technology, roads and communication networks, cooperation in the agriculture sector by focusing on optimal utilization of water and development of new high yielding varieties of wheat and cotton, Thar Coal Project and dredging of Tarbela reservoir.
Proposed Civilian Nuclear Pact
The proposed China-Pakistan civilian nuclear agreement is a matter serious concern. The deal, under which China will set up two additional nuclear plants in Pakistan, will be in violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), not signed by Pakistan. The NPT prohibits nuclear trade with the countries which are not signatories to the treaty. China’s argument that its commitment to supply the two nuclear reactors to Pakistan dates back to the period before 2004, when Beijing had not joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), is not convincing as the delivery of the controversial consignment will take place only now. The US rightly insists that the deal must be approved by the NSG — scheduled to meet next week — in the manner it gave its nod for the Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation agreement.
However, the required NSG approval of the Sino-Pak nuclear deal is unlikely to come about in view of the dubious track record of Pakistan. It is too well known that Pakistan has been deeply involved in the proliferation of nuclear weapon technology to various countries. Pakistan’s disgraced nuclear scientist A. Q. Khan virtually ran a nuclear mart when he provided all kinds of support to North Korea, Iran and Libya (no longer in the race) to acquire weapons of mass destruction. China, too, has been guilty of nuclear proliferation, though its controversial role has not been discussed as much as that of Pakistan. China’s role in Pakistan’s emergence as a nuclear-weapon state cannot be ignored.
Infrastructure Projects
China and Pakistan have cooperated on a variety of large-scale infrastructure projects in Pakistan, including highways, gold and copper mines, major electricity complexes and power plants, and numerous nuclear power projects. With roughly ten thousand Chinese workers engaged in 120 projects in Pakistan, total Chinese investment--which includes heavy engineering, power generation, mining, and telecommunications -- was valued at $4 billion in 2007 and is expected to rise to $15 billion by 2010. One of the most significant joint development projects of recent years is the major port complex at the naval base of Gwadar, located in Balochistan. The complex, inaugurated in December 2008 and now fully operational, provides a deep-sea port, warehouses, and industrial facilities for more than twenty countries.
Advantage Pakistan
Pakistan has benefited from China's assistance with the following defense capabilities:
Missile Technology: The Pakistan Army has both short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, such as the Shaheen missile series, that experts say are modifications of Chinese imports.
Defense: The current fleet of the Pakistan Air Force includes Chinese interceptor and advanced trainer aircraft, as well as an Airborne Early Warning and Control radar system used to detect aircraft. Pakistan is producing the JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft jointly with China. The K-8 Karakorum light attack aircraft was also coproduced.
Nuclear Program: China supplies Pakistan with nuclear technology and assistance, including what many experts suspect was the blueprint for Pakistan's nuclear bomb. Some news reports suggest Chinese security agencies knew about Pakistani transfers of nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea, and Libya.

Four-Nation Heads of States Dushanbe Conference

In the heads of states conference held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan have agreed to make concerted efforts to eliminate terrorism, extremism, and crime. The declaration issued at the culmination of the Four-Nation Heads of States Conference also underscored the need for setting up various projects to pave way for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The participating nations endorsing the need to continue the reconciliatory process have expressed optimism that after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, the regional powers will oversee the affairs in Afghanistan. The Afghan security forces will also be strengthened and equipped.
Role of the United Nations
The role of the United Nations will be important in this respect, the meet felt. Extremism will be rooted out from the region through the promotion of trade and investment. Russia will invest in Pakistan in the energy, telecommunication sector, and infrastructure development. According to the declaration, Russia has committed to invest in a 1,000 MW power transmission project that is on the anvil between Tajikistan and Pakistan. It was also agreed to launch rail and road projects to promote trade links.
Pakistan’s Commitment
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, addressing the conference, has said that Pakistan is committed to eliminating terrorism from the region in the interest of peace and progress. The Central Asian states can benefit from Pakistani seaports.
The resolve that these countries have expressed to uproot terrorism from the region is indeed commendable. These countries have somehow been plagued by various challenges and issues. The issue of terrorism and extremism is the most significant. The region is now faced with a unique situation in the possible aftermath of the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. As the foreign troops continue to pull out from Afghanistan, the regional powers will have to undertake new responsibilities and face bigger challenges. There will then be a paramount need to step up efforts to establish peace and stability and an accelerated rate of growth and development in the region. This is the only strategy that can do away with terrorism and extremism to a great extent. The countries have expressed the possibility of regional power assuming control of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of foreign troops. In this respect the role of the United Nations has also been highlighted. This will not be an easy undertaking as the extremist forces are gaining strength with each passing day. Their influence too is growing.
Time Ahead
In future, the collusion between the regional powers will be critical in dealing with such challenges. Failure to do so will make the situation precarious. The highlight of the declaration is that Russia has assured of investing in the development of infrastructure, telecommunication, and energy sector of Pakistan. This is something that Pakistan badly needs. The leadership of these four countries must implement the decisions arrived at this conference so that progress and prosperity can return to the region.

Pakistan-US Agreement on Counterterrorism Cooperation

The fourth session of the Pakistan-US Working Group on Counterterrorism was held in Islamabad on 5 July. The Pakistani delegation was led by Interior Minister Rehman Malik while William Brownfield, US assistant secretary of state for international law enforcement and narcotics affairs, led the US delegation. At the session, Pakistan and the United States agreed on the need for joint efforts to continue strategic talks, to resolve visa problems, and to curb drug trafficking. Moreover, complying with the US demand, Pakistan banned the export of nitrate, which is used in preparing landmines, to Afghanistan. However, the United States assured to enhance Pakistani security agencies' capability.
Addressing the joint news conference at the conclusion of the talks, Interior Minister Rehman Malik welcomed the resumption of talks between Pakistan and the United States. On this occasion, William Brownfield assured to support Pakistani Government's efforts against terrorism. The meeting decided to form a joint task force to eliminate the explosive devices.
Curbing Narcotics Trafficking
The agreement between Pakistan and the United States on strategy and steps against terrorism indicates that, despite the differences on several issues, some dialogue between the two countries is going on, which is a welcome development in the sense that it will not only help resolve these issues but will also help improve relations between the two countries. Narcotics trafficking is a major issue of this region as well as of the rest of the world. The Pakistan-US agreement on curbing narcotics trafficking is an encouraging development. The need of the hour is that the rest of the world too played its due role in this regard so that the longstanding dream of forming a drugs free global society could be materialized.
The ban on export of nitrate, which is used in preparing landmines, to Afghanistan, is a welcome step. The use of landmines in wars dates back to a long time ago. The use of the landmines in the prevailing situation in Afghanistan can bear devastating results. However, the United States should gain an assurance from the Karzai government that the terrorists would not be able to obtain the chemical, used in preparing landmines, from somewhere else.
Common Interest
During his unannounced visit of Afghanistan, UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said that Pakistan's and Afghanistan's working jointly is in the interest of both the countries. However, President Hamid Karzai is unable to understand that. In his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, he expressed grave concern over the alleged shelling in Afghanistan from the Pakistani areas. It is pertinent to mention here that, a few days ago, several hundred Afghan terrorists invaded Pakistani area and reaction was shown from this side of the border.
Speaking in this connection, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the intervention and supply of weapons in Pakistan from Afghanistan needs to be stopped. He added that our borders have been violated five times from the Afghanistan side.
Eliminating Terrorism
David Petraeus, commander of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has said that the foreign forces will focus attention on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the coming months. It is imperative that the NATO forces not only stopped violations of the Durand Line but also enforced measures to prevent the terrorists from infiltrating into Pakistan from Afghanistan.
The United States can give a new dimension to the cooperation against terrorism by showing progress on these matters. That will also pave way for normalizing the relations between Pakistan and the United States once again.

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.

Pakistan-Iran-Afghanistan Summit

Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, reiterating their strong commitment to reinforce their efforts to eradicate extremism, terrorism and militancy, have agreed to strengthen and expand trilateral cooperation in various fields. This was agreed during the trilateral summit between President Asif Ali Zardari, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Afghan President Hamid Karzai held in Teheran on 24 June.
Cooperation Among Governments
Within the framework of trilateral cooperation among the governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, heads of the three states held the second trilateral summit in Teheran on 24 June 2011.
The parties in this summit underlined the good neighborly relations and the necessity of strengthening and expanding trilateral cooperation in various fields. They also discussed issues of mutual interest in the political, security and economic domains, as well as in the areas of trade, education and culture. Moreover, the parties regarded the trilateral summit as an appropriate platform for the promotion of regional cooperation and the strengthening of peace and stability.
During the trilateral discussions, held in a friendly environment, the three parties emphasized the implementation of agreements based on the document signed among the three countries in Teheran (24 May 2009) and the agreement among the three foreign ministers in Islamabad (16 January 2010).
Joint Agreement
The leaders at the summit agreed on the following points:
1. All parties stressed the strong will of the governments and Muslim people of the region to strengthen the ties in various areas of political, security, economic and cultural issues and promoting cooperation among three countries in the above mentioned areas.
2. All parties underlined the need to maintain peace, stability and tranquility in their region as well as to promote economic prosperity, strengthen their cultures and respect religious beliefs.
3. All parties underscored their strong commitment to reinforce their efforts to eradicate extremism, terrorism and militancy, and also rejected external interference, all of which are not in clear conformity with the spirit of Islam and the peaceful traditions of their people.
4. All parties expressed their deep concern over the increase in narcotic drugs trafficking and their organized crime, and called for greater regional cooperation to eliminate this menace.
5. All parties stressed that the existing capacities of their respective countries be fully utilized so as to strengthen peace and security to ensure the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN charter to prevent any instability.
6. All parties reiterated the importance of regional cooperation and emphasized to work together to resolve regional issues affecting them.
7. All parties agreed that further trilateral meetings at the level of ministers of foreign affairs, interior or security and commerce will prepare a roadmap for the heads of government.
8. The Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic Republic of Pakistan support the Afghan-led and owned reconciliation and peace process initiated by the Afghan government.
9. All parties agreed that the third trilateral summit shall be held in Islamabad, preferably before the end of 2011. They also agreed that the fourth summit would be held in Kabul.

Whither Al-Qa'ida After Osama?

US President Barack Obama announced to the nation and the world that Al-Qa'ida leader Osama Bin Ladin was killed in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad by US special force called Navy Seals and his remains were buried at sea. On 2 May evening, addressing his nation and the world, Obama said that today is a historic day for the United States. Referring to Osama as the guilty party in the 11 September 2001 attacks, he said that justice had been done.
US Mission Fulfilled
Again Obama said that the United States was not against Islam. In his statement telecast all over the world, Obama said: "Osama, for over two decades, has been the visible face of Al-Qa'ida. To defeat Al-Qa'ida, the death of Osama was very important for us."
After the destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 9 September 2001, it took nearly 10 years to finish Osama. When Obama was addressing the nation outside the White House, the crowd was jubilant, waving the US flag and chanting "America, America!" After the WTC incident, Osama managed to flee the Tora Bora caves in the mountains and there was speculation that he was hiding in Pakistan. Obama said that the US special force had taken out Osama in a targeted killing and have taken possession of his body. He said that he had spoken to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari about the matter who said that this is a great achievement for the United States and Pakistan.
Impact of Osama's Death
Now that the US President himself has confirmed Osama's death, the question that arises is whether Al-Qa'ida is gong to be influenced by his death. Most probably this answer will be given in the negative, for after the attack on Afghanistan for practically 10 years Osama has been in hiding and as far as his video tapes are concerned that used to appear from time to time as the occasion demanded, the guiding force of Al-Qa'ida had become its No 2 leader Ayman-al Zawahiri. Therefore, there should be no two opinions about the efficacy of Al-Qa'ida continuing. Even Obama has expressed his apprehensions about it.
After his first term, former US President George W. Bush started provoking Afghanistan that had formed a government on Islamic lines. It should be kept in mind that Mullah Omar presented a model of a government on Islamic lines. Bush then immediately termed the destruction of the WTC a "crusade" (jihad) and without collecting any proof blamed Al-Qa'ida for the destruction and peremptorily asked the Afghan Government to hand over Osama in an aggressive manner without giving any proof and then started a reign of destruction in Afghanistan in the guise of wiping out Osama that still continues.
Here the question arises why the United States did not investigate the WTC destruction. And if it did so, why did not the United States reveal the proof. That is why the needle of suspicion points toward the United States, that it in the guise of fighting terrorism has actually declared war on Islam. It was during Bush's time that the United States turned its sights on Islam in the guise of fighting terrorism and actually declared a war on Islam. It was during Bush's tenure that the whole world started looking at Islam and Muslims with suspicion. Bush kept repeating that the United States was not against Islam but regardless of what he said the United States is very involved in a war with Islam. The scheme is to isolate Muslims in all parts of the world. Now that Osama has been killed, the purpose of the war has been served and it should announce its departure from Afghanistan, because the war it started was ostensibly for the purpose of handing over Osama. Now that Osama is dead it should have no concern with Afghanistan. But nothing of the sort will happen.
US, Western World's Domination
The United States and its allied Western nations want to dominate the world. This is their agenda. After the break-up of the Soviet Union and the wiping out of Communism from Eastern Europe, it is the Muslim countries that are in their sights. If Muslim leaders do not learn to dance to the US tune, there is no guarantee for their survival. What is the connection between Al-Qa'ida and terrorism? Leaders of Muslim countries should think about the matter long and hard, so that the campaign against Muslims in the guise of fighting terrorism comes to an end and the propaganda against Muslims stops.

India-Pakistan Cricket Diplomacy

Soon after the finalization of the 2011 ICC World Cup Cricket semifinal match between India and Pakistan, political activities got escalated. Negotiation between home secretaries started and there was a consensus on certain issues. At least because of cricket, some progress took place, otherwise there was a stalemate.

The impasse was because of Pakistan's non-cooperation and India's insistence on stoppage of terror acts before talks. How terrorism has infiltrated and infected the Pakistani culture, its elimination before opening up the dialogue was not possible, hence Pakistan was procrastinating. Now the deadlock seems to be broken and the parleys will go ahead, to solve the old problems.

Pertaining to Extremism

It has been agreed that visa procedures will be made easier by setting up joint working group and a hotline will be established between home secretaries to exchange quick information pertaining to extremism. The parleys have been assessed as positive as both countries have resolved to extirpate terrorism and the permission has been granted to Indian Investigation Commission to visit Pakistan. In turn, Pakistan was informed about the progress in the Samjhauta Express investigations. This means efforts are being made from both sides to neutralize terrorism.

The secretary level talks have paved way for the prime minister-level talks. It was the wisdom of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to invite Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to witness the match, which was largely welcomed.

Mental Bankruptcy

The tension between the countries will start decreasing while the two prime ministers will watch the match together on 30 March. This will be the occasion when representatives of the two countries will be seen together in a mirthful atmosphere, though this will not be a good omen for bad wishers.

The reason extremist Hindu organization, the Shiv Sena, has criticized Mammohan Singh by saying that if he has so much love for Pakistan then he should have invited and sent two tickets to Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru in prison, to watch the match sitting beside them. This statement of Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Rawat proves his mental bankruptcy.

Hindu Terrorists' Involvement

Its politics is based on hatred and aversion. Earlier, there were reports of Shiv Sena's discreet association with Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence. Some names were mentioned, though not confirmed. If investigations intensify about Hindu terrorists' involvement in blast cases, more facts may crop up.

The flurry of the Shiv Sena may be the result of its apprehension that the two sides will neutralize the terror network. Like the Shiv Sena, in Pakistan also there are elements who do not like Gilani's visit to India. They also apprehend such dangers. However, peace-loving common people of both countries are happy with the move. May God keep the evil eye away.