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On February 17, 2012, US House of Representatives has tabled a bill which called upon Pakistan to recognize the right of self-determination for Balochistan. The bill was introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher who indirectly tried to make an effort of materializing earlier set CIA agenda of “Greater Balochistan” which comprises of territory of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. He alleged Pakistani security forces for violence and extrajudicial killing. He totally tried to give wrong perception about Balochistan History while declaring that it was an independently governed entity known as the Baloch Khanate of Kalat, which came to an end after invasions from both British and Persian armies. Whereas, the actual fact is that in 1947 was annexed with the Pakistan as per desires of the Baloch. Nonetheless, enriched with natural resources Balochista n area wise is one of the largest province of Pakistan and remained part of united India till partition of 1947. The British normally used this region as staging ground for invaders during various Afghan - British War. The 1876 treaty between the Khan of Kalat and Robert Sandeman accepted the independence of the Kalat as an allied state with British military outposts in the region. However in 1878 Afghan War, the British rule established in Balochistan. At that time the provincial entity was included on the municipality of Quetta, Kalat, Makran, and Lasbella. Thus, the above narrated facts proved that Balochistan never been an independent region of South Asia after 1840 and very much remained under the jurisdiction of English government at the time of partition. It is further added here that divisions of Kalat, Makran Quetta and Lasbella have become integral part of Pakistan as per partition plan. However Baglar Begi Khan haphazardly declared the independence of Kalat on August 15, 1947. He assured the neo-state of Pakistan that Kalat will participate in the defense and infrastructure but will be autonomous. I want to highlight here that declaration of independent Balochistan by Khan of Kalat have never been well received by the population of Makran, Quettat, Lasbella and even Kalati people. Pakistani army entered the region to occupy the area immediately. On Mar 27, 1948, the Khan of Kalat gave in to the State of Pakistan. His brother Abdul Karim Baloch refused to surrender and revolted until his arrest in 1950. Balochistan was put under Governor General control and no elective body formed in Balochistan until 1973. Anyhow, earlier too, on February 8, 2012 US Congress Committee discussed the situation of Balochistan opposed its emancipation but shown concern over security problem and killing of the people. While addressing to media, foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit responded on February 8 and 17 said that Pakistan had conveyed its reservations to the US in Islamabad and Washington regarding the talks and presentation of resolution on Balochistan by the US Congress. In a question he also very rightly sent a clear message to Washington that “Pak-Iran gas pipeline project was not abandoned and it would be completed till 2014.” Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington Sherry Rehman raised the issue of an exclusive hearing on Balochistan by a House Foreign Affairs sub-committee in her meetings with the members of the Congress and senior officials of the US administration. Ms Rehman also stated that Islamabad strongly rejects the purpose and findings of the hearing and considers it an “ill-advised and ill-considered” move that will have serious repercussions for the bilateral relations. She also added that “Pakistan views this hearing with serious concern and considers it unacceptable in no uncertain terms. This kind of an exercise constitutes interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The hearing will be detrimental to building mutual trust and confidence and will add to suspicions in Pakistan about the US motives in the region and concerning Pakistan,” The committee made security agencies responsible for abduction and killing, instead of recommending her government (US) to control CIA and its sisters agencies (RAW & Mossad) from interfering in Balochistan. It would not be wrong in saying that CIA has decided to gear up her project of establishing “Greater Balochistan” which was actually designed in “Bush era”. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday said that there is no military operation being carried out in Balochistan and not a single soldier is involved in any operation in the province. In fact, US thinks that holding, capturing or creating independent state in Balochistan Region will provide her remunerative strategically advantages like easy excess to Gulf through Gawdar Port, disintegration of lonely nuclear Islamic state, dominance over China, Russia, Persian Gulf and other Islamic countries. Moreover, Israel would also be facilitated in attacking Iran. In this regard, likely chances are there that India will provide her air bases to Israel on attacking Iran. US desire can also be confirmed from US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta statement, according to that he owes an explanation to the world as his aggressive posture against the Muslim world / Islam is being projected by the defence forces he commands. Another view point of US intrusive could be that US and its unholy alliance has a desire to keep this region instable and establish her bases even after culmination of “Unsuccessful Afghan Mission” which is going to be end by 2013 according to US Defence Sectary (former CIA Chief) Mr. Panetta. Interference in Pakistani Balochistan is her primary aim because it can give space of exploitation towards Afghanistan and Iran for shaping her revealed project. US and India are deliberating promoting anarchy by helping, sheltering and funding some of anti Pakistan elements. In the first week of August 2011, US Ambassador Cameron Munter while talking to media stated that they have an eye on Pakistan particularly Balochistan since the province is strategically very important to U.S. On August 12, 2011 Mr. Rehman Malik, Interior Minister of Pakistan while talking to the media , confirmed that foreign hands are involved in the unrest of Balochistan. He also claimed that he has the names and telephone numbers of those locals who get instructions from abroad for causing anarchy in Balochistan. Thus, without any doubt one can say that US is openly carrying out interference in Pakistani internal affairs. US Congress, Champions of Human rights activists and organizations, of Western media are need to clarify that why they remained silent over US Marines acts of urinating on the dead bodies of killed Taliban soldiers in so called military operations in Afghanistan. US and Western media are silent and failed to condemn inhuman acts of her allies (India and Israel) against Christians, Sikhs Maoists, Kashmirries, Negros and Palestinian. It is advice to US leadership and congress to take care of her “Negroes” who are fighting for the rights of self determination since 1930 instead of interfering in Pakistan. As per the report 233 people lost their lives in violent incidents involving Indian security forces in the year 2011. Among those who were killed, 11 were students, 7 minors and 6 women. The troops also subjected three Kashmiris to custodial disappearance and disgraced 34 women during the period. Kashmiri youth is determined in their resolve to get Indian occupation forces withdrawn from Kashmir and are continuing with their efforts to get their rights of self-determination / freedom. The security forces employed to suppress the freedom movement commit atrocities against the innocent civilians. Worst hit are the women folk who are dishonored in the presence of their husbands, brothers and parents. US supported NATO’s deliberate attack on Salala Check Post and killing 24 soldiers was the worst violation of human rights for which US top brass did not extend apology. In short, US policy makers must extend an apology to the Muslim world on such unbecoming behavior by US troops. Such acts of disgrace have actually endangered American soldiers and civilians in Afghanistan. India and Israel be asked to stop brutality against Sikh, Kashmiries, Christians and Maoists. American and Indian dream of capturing the region will not be fulfilled since Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian States are well aware of unholy alliances’ hegemonic design. Unfortunately, some of the local electronic media group has also joined hands of “U.S. unholy alliance” for fueling of already deteriorated security and political situation of the country. However, the government should take all patriotic Baloch lords on board and rush down for the speedy development of the largest province of Pakistan. Moreover, the steps taken for the welfare of Baloch nation by government and Pak army should be communicated through electronic and print media for the consumption of general masses. Ref; The writer can be approached This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Read more...ISLAMABAD – Pakistan's defense minister said Tuesday that the country should reopen its Afghan border crossings to NATO troop supplies after negotiating a better deal with the coalition.
Pakistan closed the crossings over two months ago in response to American airstrikes that accidentally killed 24 Pakistani soldiers at two Afghan border posts. The closure has forced the United States to spend six times as much money to send supplies to Afghanistan through alternative routes.
Pakistani Defense Minister Ahmad Mukhtar told the private Geo TV that the government should negotiate new "terms and conditions" with NATO, then reopen the border.
He did not provide specific details. But other Pakistani officials have suggested that the government levy additional fees on the coalition for using the route since the heavy trucks cause damage to the roads.
Pakistan's parliament is expected to vote on a revised framework for relations with the U.S. in mid-February that could pave the way for the government to reopen the supply line.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said last week that she didn't think it would be much of a problem to reopen the route after the parliament vote.
The defense minister echoed this view, saying "I think the people who are deciding, who are giving recommendations, will make the right decision."
For most of the 10-year war in Afghanistan, 90 percent of supplies shipped to coalition forces came through Pakistan, via the port of Karachi. But over the past three years, NATO has increased its road and rail shipments through an alternate route that runs through Russia and Central Asia. The northern route was longer and more expensive, but provided a hedge against the riskier Pakistan route.
Before the accidental American airstrikes on Nov. 26, about 30 percent of non-lethal supplies for U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan traveled through Pakistan.
The U.S. has since increased the amount of supplies running through the northern route, but this has cost it a lot more money. Pentagon figures provided to the AP show it is now costing about $104 million per month to send supplies. That is $87 million more per month than when the cargo moved through Pakistan.
Read more...
The Editor
Time Magazine
Dear Editor,
I recently returned from a
charitable trip to Pakistan , whereby I visited both Karachi and
Islamabad. I spoke with several universities, key businesses,
prominent business leaders and several religious people from all
generations....On the day I returned to the office, someone had placed
your magazine (January 16, 2012), on my desk. I read with interest
your article on Karachi and the city in doom. For a person to have
just returned from the very same place that your magazine described
was somewhat bizarre, so I read with great detail your writer (Andrew
Marshall’s) account.
Let me begin by saying that I often flick through your magazine and
find the articles of great interest, but on this particular day and
this particular article, I found certain comments to be both one sided
and indeed very negative. I say that because I saw a different
Pakistan to what was portrayed in your article. I do not and will not
comment on the political or religious problems that the country faces,
but I will go so far as to say that not everything is as bad as the
image that your magazine paints. Sure there are deaths in the cities.
Please show me a city in the world, that is free from political
fighting and unrest. Sure there are differences in the political party
opinions. Please show me a country in the world where the political
parties agree. Sure the innocent are suffering. Please show me a
country in the world where wealth and power is equal and the innocent
don’t suffer. Sure corruption is in Pakistan . Please show me a country
in the world that is corruption free. My list could go on, but my
point is that Pakistan does have problems...but so does every other
country in the world in some way or another. However, in the case of
ALL other nations, there are often good things to report and the media
goes out of its way to promote these good things across the globe,
whenever possible.
The ridiculous amount of shootings in the USA are balanced off by the
success of Google, Microsoft and Apple. The financial dilemmas of
Greece are lost in the marketing of the Greek Islands as a holiday
destination of choice. The child slave industry of India , is brushed
under the carpet in favour of the nation’s growth in the global
software boom. What I am trying to say, is that someone needs to look
further into Pakistan and see that there are millions of great stories
to write about, which would portray the country in a different light,
to that what is being portrayed by your article.
When I was in Pakistan , I visited a towel manufacturing company
(Alkaram Towels). They produced some $60million in export in 2011 and
are aiming at $85million in 2012. A substantial increase in sales...in
a recession I would remind you. The company was started by the current
Chairman, Mr. Mehtab Chawla, at the tender age of nine, after his
father passed away. Today the very man employs 3000 staff. Now that’s
a story. I visited universities of NED, Hamdard, Karachi , Szabist and
NUST. The students are unbelievably intelligent. They spend their
spare time developing APPS for android and apple. They are involved in
cutting edge technology and no one in the world knows this. Why not
send a reporter to Pakistan to look into this. Why not research good
things in this nation, rather than just the bad things.
At NUST (National Institution for Science and Technology – Islamabad ))
there were 38,000 applications for medicine. There are only 83 seats
for the medicine course on offer. The competition is unbelievable. In
short it pushes the best to be even better. But the world doesn’t
know this. Why? Because no one wants to report on it, or no one knows
about it...or both !!Please do not get me wrong. I understand that
news is news, but it is high time that the western world stopped
promoting these terrorists and political wars in Pakistan and started
to write something that would help the nation. Something positive. If
we really care about global partnerships and economic growth, then I
suggest we try and give Pakistan a helping hand.
There are 180 million people in Pakistan , 65% are under the age of 25.
The youth of Pakistan is its strength.. it is like a sleeping giant.
If you think that India is a booming nation. I suggest you stop a
second and look at Pakistan . Given a little help from the western
world, Pakistan can become a dominant economy. She doesn’t want aid
and she doesn’t need money... she just wants the chance to be seen in
a different light. I believe we have a fundamental obligation to
assist. The only question is, who will reach out first.
Warmest regards,
Tony Lozoro.
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 11:17 AM