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.

BJP's Opposition To Return of Indians in PoK

Home Minister P. Chidambaram has agreed with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and has announced that Kashmiri youth who crossed the border and had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would be forgiven and safe passage would be provided for their return. The decision has sent ripples in New Delhi, Srinagar, Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. This sudden and unexpected decision has led to a controversy.

The first to express his desire was union Health Minister and former state Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to launch a countrywide agitation against it. Newly elected BJP president Nitin Gadkari had fixed 25 February for launch of the agitation in Jammu. The party has termed the decision dangerous.

Immediate Action for Success
Both pro-government and antigovernment elements have expressed their displeasure over the issue, while the National Conference has termed the acceptance of its recommendations a great success. The state Congress has welcomed Chidambaram's decision. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the decision and has tried to take credit for the same.

Separatists have termed the decision a conspiracy. They have said that the government should take immediate action for the success of a composite dialogue. Kashmiri pundits in Jammu and New Delhi have expressed disapproval of the decision. They said forgiving militants would amount to turning the clock back. Kashmiris in PoK have rejected the decision. They said that the Indian Government should withdraw the army and should give people the right to self-determination.

Major Hurdle
All are expressing their views and nobody can be stopped from doing so. As far as the BJP's opposition is concerned, it is an opposition party, which had been in power in the past. It rules in several states. On the whole the party does not enjoy countrywide acceptance. Many persons, including non-Muslims, consider it a communal and extremist Hindu party.

The party has enmity with Muslims. It wants to keep them backward. If any Muslim makes any protest, he is asked by the party to go to Pakistan. It considers all Muslims antinational and terrorists. However, when elections comes the party begs for Muslim votes. This party is opposed to Pakistan. It has decided to launch agitation against return of Indians from PoK.

However, when it is in power, it develops a soft corner for Pakistan. Atal Behari Vajpayee as prime minister shook hands with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. L.K. Advani paid obeisance at Jinnah's mausoleum in Pakistan and Jaswant Singh wrote a book favoring Jinnah.

Pakistan Needs Inspiring Leaders Like Imran Khan

Few people like Imran Khan, former captain of the Pakistani cricket team and Tehreek-e-Insaf chief, have been born in this world. He stepped into the cricket ground and began his career as a moderate batsman. He played for a long time, but was unable to prove himself as a big batsman. Although Imran made his debut in international cricket in 1971, he was recognized as a cricketer in the 1976-77 series in Australia when he took 12 wickets and helped Pakistan achieve the victory under the captaincy of Mushtaq Muhammad.

In addition to Pakistan's success in this match, the world was introduced to a great future player. His batting also improved with time and was later included in the list of leading all-round cricketers in the world. Thousands of people across the globe became fans of Imran. He was able to win the 1992 World Cup for Pakistan under his captaincy. This was the pinnacle of his glory.

Launching Hospital for Poor
A new Imran was born after the success in the World Cup. He had seen his mother suffer from the fatal cancer disease. Imran was unable to save the life of his mother in spite of the fact that he deeply loved her. He pledged to himself at that time that he will make a hospital for cancer patients. The objective of this hospital was to serve the poor people, so that they can afford expensive health care facilities locally as they are unable to afford health care facilities abroad. Now, the rich and the poor are provided health care facilities in a uniform way, but the only difference is that the rich pay for the health services, while the poor do not pay anything.

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital is a grand example of the ambitions of Imran. He worked day and night for the construction of the hospital. He was able to get the donations from all parts of the globe. Cricketers and artists (which included a significant majority of Indian artists) became part of his fund-raising campaign. Even, Lady Diana came to Pakistan on his invitation. The people living in Pakistan also did not disappoint their local hero. He was able to cash the status he had achieved throughout his cricket career in an effective way.

Charismatic Character
Imran had a charismatic character. The youth were mad after him. His fans were not restricted to Pakistan instead he had fans across the global. I remember that he was forced out of cricket for two years because of injury. On his return to cricket, an Australian daily published a headline on the first page stating: "He has returned to international cricket." No daily felt the need to mention the name of Imran in the daily headlines. The reason behind this was that Imran was as popular in Australia as he was in Pakistan. It was being said that during those days, Imran was the most popular cricketer in Australia after Don Bradman and Richie Benaud.

Thousands of young people in Pakistan opted to play cricket after watching Imran and they wanted to emulate their hero in the cricket field. Numerous talented cricketers came to the Pakistani team after him but no one was able to become someone like Imran. Many people would remember this very correctly that Pakistan had lost the semifinal of the 1988 World Cup to Australia in Lahore under the captaincy of Imran. The people were dejected after this defeat, but there was no protest. The cricket fans/viewers had their faith in their captain and they were aware that the team was defeated after a good fight. In addition, people may well remember that the house of the captain in the 1999 World Cup Cricket Championship was pelted with stones after the cricket team was defeated in the final at Lord's. It was the faith in Imran that people who were happy on the victory of the team were also able to bear any defeats.

Fund-Raising Campaign
The response retired cricketer Imran received after he began the fund-raising campaign for the construction of his hospital was not unexpected, but this proved to be the turning point in the life of the former captain. Imran decided to try his luck in the field of politics and jumped into the ground. A good captain makes his plan according to the conditions of the pitch.

The captain, who had a good understanding of the pitches in cricket, was unable to understand the "new pitch" after he stepped into the field of politics. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) bowled the "yorker" through the Sita White scandal and Imran, including his "complete team" was clean bowled. The beginning to his political career was nothing less than a dreadful dream. He had almost left politics after some of his close associates decided to relaunch him in politics. He entered into politics with new pride and honor, but he is still searching for success in this field.

Political Mistakes
Imran is sincere, hardworking, honest, inflexible, and possesses numerous other good characteristics, but there is a little problem with him as he knows politics as much as a politician is aware of cricket. A well-wisher of Imran after observing that his party will be unable to achieve any success in the coming elections suggested that Imran should boycott those elections. Imran did not pay any heed to this suggestion and the outcome of the elections was the same as feared by everyone.

The support of the referendum of General Pervez Musharraf is his second biggest mistake. I believe that his third biggest mistake was the boycott of the 2008 general elections. He should have fought the elections.

He had already committed a mistake in the past by not accepting the offer of seat adjustments given by Nawaz Sharif. His way of politics is very interesting as he boycotts general elections but does not feel any hindrance in taking part in by-elections. The outcome is the same on both occasions, i.e., his nominate candidates cannot win the general elections or the by-elections. Although, he is a believer that good things will finally come his way in politics.

The cancer hospital is a big achievement. The university in Mianwali is also a great accomplishment. If Imran would not have decided to come into politics and would have stayed in the health and education sector, he would have brought about a revolution in these areas. He possesses the capability to bring funds from abroad and he can even collect a lot of money if he does an appeal for funds at a local level. A big hero would have got the support of the entire country, but politics is a different sort of game. The people in politics have to even lose their "dignity and respect." The norm of mudslinging is already very common in our political culture. A decent candidate is made the target of such accusations that a person gets ashamed after listening to such statements. There is more disgrace than fame in politics. I think Imran would remember the PML-N's accusation campaign.

Inspirational and Positive Attitude
In the past, Imran oscillated between very close and very far from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and PML-N. Later, he began opposition to both these parties. Afterward, he again became very close to Nawaz Sharif and decided to boycott the elections with the PML-N and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). The state of his emotions was such that he tore the order of the Election Commission in the public. Nawaz Sharif decided to contest the elections initially after the request of Benazir Bhutto and later on the demand of Nawaz Sharif. Although Imran fully supported the JI and decided to stay away from parliament. Imran continuously accused Nawaz Sharif of betrayal and became increasingly close to the JI.

Certainly, Imran Khan would not agree to this observation. He commonly appears on the television shows. He supports the idea of having dialogue with the Taliban. He demands the midterm elections to take place.

Imran as a cricketer, and a leader in particular, was one my favorites and I hope that Imran as a politician may also become one of my favorite politicians because of his inspirational and positive attitude that will help develop good relations with Pakistan, which often does not want to restore peace between the two countries in true sense of the term. But how is this possible? I am not aware of this thing. Probably Imran is aware of this?

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.

Government-Judiciary Standoff in Pakistan

The government decision of 13 February on the appointment of judges is being strongly criticized by all. The government wanted to appoint Chief Justice Khawaja Shareef of the Lahore High Court as a Judge in the Supreme Court, and Justice Saqib Nisar as the Chief justice of the Lahore High Court. The government issued the notification for these appointments, but it was immediately nullified by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court.
The court announced 18 February as the date for further hearings on the subject. The relations of the judiciary and the executive were strained, but the politicians and the common people never expected that the President's Camp would take such extreme action. However some reliable sources have revealed that this drama went exactly according to script because the script-writers wanted to take the country toward midterm elections.

Degradation of Values
Even this confrontation may take us toward midterm elections. This vague and murky situation can definitely damage any one party. President Asif Ali Zardari may have to quit. To defuse the situation, some ministers have given confusing statements which, I am afraid, may not work out.
In a previous column I pointed out that the time has come when people are beginning to lose patience. Incongruous policies are increasing the problems of the common people. Price hikes, injustice, the law and order situation and denial of merit have made the life of the common man very miserable. Look at the miseries of the people. When they do not find any catharsis, they tend to commit suicide or come out on the streets in retaliation against social deprivation. In fact, many start selling their own children. The stone-hearted elites of this society are not pushed at all. I have been to many countries, both developed and under-developed, but no where in the world have I seen people selling their own children. It is the lowest possible limit of degradation of the values of our society.
The rulers of Europe and America truly serve their people. If some one commits suicide due to hunger or poverty, the complete society is shaken up. People come out on the streets and make life miserable for their rulers. People in those societies cannot even think of selling their children. The European Union has recently passed a resolution which will be enforced in all its 27 member countries. The resolution states that all human beings are equal, no one is superior to another and the protection of the honor and self esteem of every individual is the responsibility of the state. But our rulers have deformed the shape of our own constitution. One does not find even a single amendment in favor of the poor masses.

Signs of Good Governance
Now, people are talking about mid-term elections and there is a hue and cry to remove all those people who are responsible for the current fiasco. When we look for signs of good governance or concern for the welfare of the people, all governments look alike. I have seen the previous governments of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as well. Now I am seeing the third government of the PPP struggling for its survival. Of the two parties, the period of the PML-N looks comparatively better. The Pakistan Muslim League can fare even better provided it discontinues its policy of a One-Man-Show, and allows space so that democratic norms may germinate within the party.
It is still a mystery why the government rejected the summary sent by the Chief Justice. I am afraid some forces in the government may want to remove the President from office or dislodge the democratic government. Double agents are within the rank and file of the government, but the rulers have been unable to recognize them. And, by the time they do, it will be too late. The present situation is ideal for these intriguing forces. These forces will be successful in killing two birds with one stone.
However, the Opposition is also preparing for the final round. Nawaz Sharif's press conference of 14 February 2010 was a clear indication of these preparations. This time he openly criticized President Zardari and labeled him a threat to democracy. His statement gives an indication that political forces are now at the brink of losing patience. These forces believe that in the presence of President Zardari, Pakistan may not be able to develop good relations with other countries.

Impression of Confrontation
On 15 February, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani addressed parliament and spoke at length on the appointment of the judges. The crux of his speech was that the Parliament also holds weight and, on sensitive issues, the position of the Parliament is superior. But his statement that the judiciary was restored through an executive order, which awaits ratification by the parliament, created a stir. In a sense it was a threat to the judiciary that the executive order could still be reversed. After this statement the political barometer shot up. It gave birth to yet another legal debate.
The impression of confrontation between the government and the judiciary must be defused immediately. In this connection, the government should cancel the notification issued on 13 February 2010 and accept the recommendations of the Chief Justice. In the war of Titans the winner will be the one who enjoys the support of the masses and stands firm on moral grounds. Due to sheer bad luck and incongruous policies, the government may not succeed in its goals.

Kerry-Lugar Bill and Pakistan

John Kerry belongs to the Democratic Party. He graduated in law from the Boston College and is married twice. He first married in 1970 and has two children. In 1988, he gave divorce to his first wife and married the wife of Senator John Haynes, who was killed in an aircraft accident, after mutual agreement. He is one of the leading members of the Democratic Party, and was first elected as a senator from Massachusetts in 1984. He is popular in the party for his beliefs and thinking about the world peace, particularly regarding the solution of South Asian and Middle Eastern conflicts. He was the Democratic Party candidate for 2004 presidential elections, but was defeated by Bush Jr. He played an instrumental role in getting Barack Obama to the presidency. The faith the US Administration, Senate, and Congress have in Kerry can be gauged by the way, in which the recent Kerry-Lugar Bill was unanimously passed in the legislative houses.

The other name with John Kerry is that of Richard Lugar who is also a senator. He graduated in economics and philosophy from the Oxford University in 1954. He served the US Army between 1957 and 1960. He was first elected as a senator in 1976 and he belongs to the Republican Party. He is still a senator and was elected in 2007 from Indiana. He is also going to contest the senate elections in 2012. If John Kerry is a central figure in the Democratic Party, Richard Lugar also enjoys the same status in his party. He is also member of numerous senate committees that include the foreign policy, African affairs, and subcommittees for West Asia, Pacific, Energy, Science and Technology, European Affairs, International Assistance, and Human Rights. He has worked in close association with Senator Kerry in drafting the bill.

Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act 2009
The real name of the Kerry-Lugar Bill is "Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act 2009". The founder of this bill is another senator Joe Biden, who is currently the US vice president. He was closely assisted by Hillary Clinton, who is now the secretary of state. Prior to becoming the president, Obama in the capacity of a senator also played a role in drafting the bill. Initially this was called the Kerry-Biden Bill as Joe Biden had presented this bill in the Senate on 15 July 2008. According to the US law, this initially came under discussion in the Foreign Policy committee. The committee was headed by Joe Biden. After discussion and deliberation, the bill was approved on 29 July 2008. After the approval, the new presidential elections campaign began in the United States. According to the US law, if a bill is not presented for discussion and voting in a congressional term, that bill is barred, the Kerry-Biden Bill also met with the same fate.

After the presidential elections, Obama became President, Biden became the vice president, and Hillary Clinton became the secretary of state. The Kerry-Biden Bill took the shape of a Kerry-Lugar Bill, which then had to be passed again through the Congress constitutional process. The debate began on 6 January and as usual it passed through foreign policy committee to the Congress to the Senate and then to the US President and the Pakistani people. Then, the debate on the language and text of the Kerry-Lugar took such a shape in Pakistan that the government, which was initially terming it a big success were forced to go in the defensive and were coaxed to present the bill in parliament.

Agreements and Financial Assistance Packages
If one goes through the history of the last six decades of agreements and financial assistance packages between the United States and Pakistan, one can easily say that one of these have been without any conditions attached to it. The fire of the US presidential debates has always been directed toward Pakistan. From the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO ) and the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) to the current Kerry-Lugar Bill, the Pakistani rulers have openly selling the independence and sovereignty of our country. The ruling class in Pakistan has always been fearful of popular groups as to them stability of the country is not dear and they prefer the stability of a particular class. In addition to the national wealth and resources, foreign assistance also goes to the coffers of the rulers, politicians, and corrupt government officials. The rulers have always flown with the tide, destroyed institutions, and have made personal decisions at the expense of the dignity and respect of the country. The parliament, senate, and other institutions exist, but everyone is aware where the decisions are being made.

Prior to the Kerry-Lugar Bill, whether it was General Ayub Khan, Gen Ziaul Haque or Gen Pervez Musharraf or the different democratic governments the United States has always been their source of help and guidance. During the Cold War era, the financial assistance received from the West and its leader the United States in the form of Pressler Amendment or other forms was not for the development of Pakistan instead it was given so that Pakistan could prevent access to the hot waters to the Soviet Union. Because of the close proximity of Pakistan to China and Russia, the geographical location kept Pakistan in the eyes of the United States. Previous military and economic assistance also had conditions attached to it such as restricting military arms usage against India or to stop the continuation of the nuclear program. Although until the US interest remained in the Soviet Union, the financial assistance certificates were being given to Pakistan. Hence, Pakistan continued with its nuclear program. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Pakistan achieved its nuclear objectives, which were practically displayed in the atomic tests 10 years later.

It is the habit of the United States that it carries numerous projects simultaneously. After the failure of the first, it starts the second project and, then the third, but it does not forget its objective. The objective to remove Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan from the scene was made during the first tenure of Benazir Bhutto. Although it failed then, it was continued by following democratic governments. This was finally achieved during the General Musharraf era when all blame of nuclear proliferation was thrown on him. The United States has always supported dictatorship as it is easier to achieve its objectives by dealing through an individual. Whenever patriotic spirit is aroused in a dictator he is removed from the scene. The example of General Ziaul Haque and General Ayub Khan is before us. Whenever democratic governments come after dictatorial rule, the United States starts projecting individuals. During the rule of Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, when there is an opposition-government dispute or election of president or chief of Army staff, such confusions were raised through their agents in people who had the right to decide that they invariably made the wrong choice. As whoever they preferred instead of someone else, they were then responsible for dethroning them. General Zia removed Bhutto, while General Musharraf did the same with Nawaz Sharif.

War Against Terror
The United States has always been a similar feature in democratic or dictatorial governments. The present democratic tenure is also continuity in this trend. In the case of the Kerry-Lugar Bill, we could neither see the parliament, the political powers and the individual made all the decisions. In its conditions some is the language of the United States, while other language in the text is ours. The US target is the same nuclear facilities, which it tried to freeze during the Benazir government and later military eras.

Initially it used to keep its objectives hidden, but now it has openly stated it. After engaging the Pakistan Army in the war against terror and by giving the civilian government nonmilitary aid in the form of the Kerry-Lugar Bill, the United States wants to make sure that the Pakistan Army cannot use the military aid given to them in other resources. So, the Army becomes weak and they can move towards achieving their nuclear facilities objective. After the "9/11" incident, every day for the Pakistani people in this war against terrorism has become similar to "9/11". The US benefits are dear to Kerry and Lugar, why not?

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.