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‘Demoralization’ of the US-led Forces and the ISIS Terrorists By Sajjad Shaukat

Posted by admin in OPINION LEADER, Sajjad Shaukat, Sajjad Shaukat 's Column on January 11th, 2016

‘Demoralization’ of the US-led Forces and the ISIS Terrorists

By

Sajjad Shaukat

 

 

US-led Forces and the ISIS Terrorist

 

Present ‘different war’ is simply a clash of wills between two entities. Military thinkers agree that although the physical force will determine the type and scale of war, yet it is the will to fight or moral force which determines the outcome of war.

 

Clausewitz puts it this way, “One might say that the physical force seems little more than the wooden hilt, while moral factors are the precious metal, the real weapon.”

 

In his book, “Fighting Power: German and U.S. Army Performance, 1939-1945″, Creveld identifies the elements of moral force, whom he calls “fighting power, the willingness to fight and the readiness, if necessary, to die.” The greater these elements, the less vulnerable an armed force will be to ‘demoralization’. Quite opposite to ‘demoralization’, moral force, then, is the crucial factor in determining the combat power of any belligerent.

 

In this regard, more than 14 years have passed and the US-led NATO forces have been facing defeatism in Afghanistan in their longest war of history. The ambush attacks on their military installations and personnel by the Afghan freedom fighters have continued, particularly, targeting American bases, check posts and armed persons. While, the US-led troopers and their vehicles are equipped with sophisticated weaponry and modern technology, but they have badly failed in crushing the stiff resistance of the Afghan Taliban.

 

 

 

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Likewise, in case of Iraq, the US-led forces occupied the country in 2003. When Iraqis started a war of liberation, Anglo-American forces became helpless before the stiff resistance of the freedom fighters. In that respect, the US President George. W. Bush had repeatedly said that Iraq is the main battleground of the ‘different war’ against the militants, and he would not withdraw the forces. However, US faced a humiliated defeat in that country.

 

In fact, despite their qualitative and numerical superiority over Iraqis (During occupation) and Afghans who are well-equipped with the elements of moral force, and have been showing unmatched courage by sacrificing their lives, the US-led forces have been demoralized.

 

We can note the same moral force or spirit of sacrificing their own lives in Pakistan’s armed forces, during the successful military operation, “Zarb-e-Azb”, which compelled the Indian-supported insurgents of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to retreat from North Waziristan Agency and other tribal areas. The jets of Pakistan Air Force have bombed militants’ hideouts in North Waziristan, and killed thousands of insurgents including foreign militants, while Pak Army has also killed several terrorists through ground offensive, and many of them surrendered before the army. And during street to street fighting, without bothering for their lives, and by air-dropping commandos at the risky places, Pak army made a great headway in disrupting the Taliban supply routes and links. While, there is a significant decline in motivation of suicide bombers, because most of the TTP Taliban have either been killed or fled their areas—they have been demoralized. What the US-led NATO forces could not do in the last 14 years in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s armed forces did within 14 months, while, geographically, the North Waziristan is the largest Agency and has the same topography like Afghanistan. It is also mentionable that unlike the American CIA which is part of the US global war on terror, Pakistan’s primary intelligence agency ISI captured several terrorists in Pakistan’s various regions, including suicide-jackets and weapons—thus thwarted their subversive acts.

 

Displaying moral courage like Pakistan’s armed forces, within three months, the Russian-led coalition of Iran, Iraq, the Syrian army-the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Lebanon-based Hezbollah have broken the backbone of the US-CIA-backed ISIS terrorists, Al-Qaeda’s Al-Nusra Front, the rebels and the mercenaries who have been fighting against the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government and against the current Iraqi regime as part of America’s double game (Of regime change). In this context, it is owing to the high moral force that Russian-led combatants have destroyed the strongholds, supply lines and installations of the US-led entities. Besides killing several commanders of the CIA-assisted militants, they have shattered the command and control system of the ISIS and their affiliated terrorist outfits. These demoralized militants have fled most of the areas in Syria and Iraq, which have been recaptured by the NDF and Iraqi military which is well-motivated with the fighting spirit of audacity and boldness. In this regard, recently Iraqi forces have defeated the ISIS terrorists and liberated the city of Ramadi which was occupied by the group in 2014. Now, without caring for their lives, Russia-led forces are successfully achieving their objectives.

 

Here question arises, as to why unlike the Russia-led combatants, the US-led forces have been demoralized. In this connection, it is important to know that in every kind of war, the victory or defeat depends upon the soldiers who know that for whom they are fighting for, and for what cause.

 

In this context, Russian President Putin has pointed out that he was exposing the secret designs of the US global war on terror—New World Order agents, their collaboration with the Zionist-led regime in America and Israel including fake war against ISIS. Regarding NATO countries, Putin also clarified by saying that he is attacking the New World Order, “not because he wants to establish some kind of super-power entity in the Western world, but because the New World Order is imposing an irrational, irresponsible and unlivable ideology upon much of the West.”

 

The people of the Russian Federation are in unity with the Russian forces, which is the main reason behind their great courage. Similar is true in case of the Syria’s NDF and Iraq-Iran military entities.

 

On the other side, America-led forces know that they are fighting for the interests of the Zionist Jews and Israel. Particularly, the US military personnel are well-aware of the facts that they have been sent abroad—Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere in the world to maintain the supremacy of Israel, instead of protecting America whose citizens have been facing multi-faceted crises due to the prolonged phony war on terror. It is the major factor which have demoralized the US forces.

 

Obama’s dual policy and contradictory approach have also demoralized the US-led forces. In this respect, earlier, he had ordered the Defense Department to abandon the goal of training the Syrian rebels, after the failure of the US-supported rebels to topple Assad’s government, but, afterwards, he decided to send 50 Special Forces to Syria to help in eliminating the ISIS terrorists. Similarly, he agreed to keep the Syrian President Assad in power, but, later on, he backed out from his statement and remarked that the Assad would have to go. Then, again, he is favouring the Vienna meeting where the US Secretary of State John Kerry has agreed to maintain Assad in power. Meanwhile, ordinary Americans have been criticizing the double game of President Obama, military establishment and the US useless proxy wars which are being waged for the interests of Israel, at the cost of American tax-payers.

 

While comparing factors of moral force and ‘demoralization’ in connection with the combatants of this ‘different conflict’, it is also of particular attention that despite the use of every possible technique of state terrorism, the well-equipped Israeli and Indian security forces have, totally, failed in suppressing the wars of liberation in the occupied territories of the Palestine and Kashmir where freedom fishers’ resistance continues unabated.

 

‘Demoralization’ of the US-backed forces in Afghanistan, Syria, controlled territories of the Palestine etc. have resulted into their frustration and depression. Hence, they are killing the innocent persons through special military operations and aerial bombardment. Likewise, the US-assisted ISIS terrorists and their affiliated militant groups have also been massacring the innocent people, including their own warriors who have vacated the regions in Syria and Iraq. Many demoralized ISIS militants have deserted their comrades. They have also lost the support of local Muslims who have come to know that these brutal militants are distorting the image of Islam, and are misinterpreting Jihad which does not permit the any sort of terrorism. Moreover, in frustration, US have so far killed several soldiers of its own army and those of Afghan army in the friendly fire incidents, especially in Afghanistan.

 

Without any doubt, we can conclude that the US-led forces and the ISIS terrorists have been demoralized in this ‘different war’, as they are fighting for the supremacy of Israel in the entire world.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Courtesy Veterans Today

 

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Indian Independence Day is Black Day for Kashmiris By Sajjad Shaukat

Posted by admin in KASHMIR-CARDINAL ISSUE, KASHMIRI GENOCIDE BY INDIAN ARMY, MUSLIM GENOCIDE IN INDIA, OPINION LEADER, Rape of Kashmiri Women By Indian Army, Sajjad Shaukat on August 15th, 2015

                               Indian Independence Day is Black Day for Kashmiris

                                                          By Sajjad Shaukat

 

 

 

Every year when India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over observe it as Black Day to convey the message to the international community that India continues to usurp their inalienable right to self- determination.

 

This very day is being marked by complete shutdown, as deserted streets, closed businesses and security patrolling the streets could be seen in the Indian-held Kashmir. Noting intensity in the war of liberation and hoisting of Pakistani flags by the Kashmiri protesters, this time, Indian occupation authorities have imposed stringent restrictions in Srinagar and other towns, and deployed heavy contingents of police and troops to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations.

 

However, during the partition of the Sub-continent in 1947, the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) which comprised Muslim majority decided to join Pakistan according to the British-led formula. But, Dogra Raja, Sir Hari Singh, a Hindu who was ruling over the J&K, in connivance with the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Governor General Lord Mountbatten joined India.

 

The Radcliffe Boundary Award gave the Gurdaspur District—a majority Muslim area to India to provide a land route to the Indian armed forces to move into Kashmir. There was a rebellion in the state forces, which revolted against the Maharaja and were joined by Pathan tribesmen. Lord Mountbatten ordered armed forces to land in Srinagar.

 

Indian forces invaded Srinagar on October 27, 1947 and forcibly occupied Jammu and Kashmir in utter violation of the partition plan and against the wishes of the Kashmiri people. 

 

When Pakistan responded militarily against the Indian aggression, on December 31, 1947, India made an appeal to the UN Security Council to intervene and a ceasefire ultimately came into effect on January 01, 1949, following UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir.

 

On February 5, 1964, India backed out of its promise of holding plebiscite. Instead, in March 1965, the Indian Parliament passed a bill, declaring Kashmir a province of India-an integral part of the Indian union.

 

Kashmiris organized themselves against the injustices of India and launched a war of liberation which New Delhi tried to suppress through various forms of state terrorism. Passing through various phases, the struggle of Kashmiris which has become an interaction between New Delhi’s state terrorism led by the Indian security forces and war of liberation by the freedom fighters keeps on going unabated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is notable that since 1947, in order to maintain its illegal control, India has continued its repressive regime in the occupied Kashmir through various machinations.

Nevertheless, various forms of state terrorism have been part of a deliberate campaign by the Indian army and paramilitary forces against Muslim Kashmiris, especially since 1989. It has been manifested in brutal tactics like crackdowns, curfews, illegal detentions, massacre, targeted killings, sieges, burning the houses, torture, disappearances, rape, breaking the legs, molestation of Muslim women and killing of persons through fake encounters.

 

According to a report on human rights violations in the Indian-occupied Kashmir, since 1989, there have been deaths of 1,00000 innocent Kashmiris, 7,023 custodial killings, 1,22,771 arrests, 1,05,996 destruction of houses or buildings, 22,776 women widowed, 1,07,466 children orphaned and 10,086 women gang-raped/molested. Indian brutal securities forces have continue these atrocities.

 

In fact, Indian forces have employed various draconian laws like the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, and the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act in killing the Kashmiri people, and for the arbitrarily arrest of any individual for an indefinite period.

 

Besides Human Rights Watch, in its various reports, Amnesty International has also pointed out grave human rights violations in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, indicating, “The Muslim majority population in the Kashmir Valley suffers from the repressive tactics of the security forces.

 

In its report on July 2, 2015, the Amnesty International has highlighted extrajudicial killings of the innocent persons at the hands of Indian security forces in the Indian-held Kashmir. The report points out, “Tens of thousands of security forces are deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir…the Armed Forces Special Powers Act allows troops to shoot to kill suspected militants or arrest them without a warrant…not a single member of the armed forces has been tried in a civilian court for violating human rights in Kashmir…this lack of accountability has in turn facilitated other serious abuses…India has martyred 100,000 people. More than 8,000 disappeared (while) in the custody of army and state police.”

 

In this respect, European Union has passed a resolution about human rights abuses committed by Indian forces in the Indian held Kashmir.

 

It is of particular attention that in 2008, a rights group reported unmarked graves in 55 villages across the northern regions of the Indian-occupied Kashmir. Then researchers and other groups reported finding thousands of mass graves without markers. In this regard, in August, 2011, Indian Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission officially acknowledged in its report that innocent civilians killed in the two-decade conflict have been buried in unmarked graves.

 

Notably, foreign sources and human rights organisations have revealed that unnamed graves include those innocent persons, killed by the Indian military and paramilitary troops in the fake encounters including those who were tortured to death by the Indian secret agency RAW.

 

As a matter of fact, Indian authorities are not willing to talk with Kashmiri people on political grounds. New Delhi reached to a conclusion that only bullet is the right way of dealing with Kashmiris who are demanding their right of self-determination. Surprisingly, Indian successive governments are trying to ignore the dynamics of the freedom movement of Kashmiris for the sake of their alien rule.

 

Nonetheless, August 15 which is the Independence Day for India, is Black Day for the Kashmiris and their brethren in Pakistan including those living all over the world, as they re-affirm their commitment to continue their struggle against Indian illicit occupation, and till the attainment of their liberation.

 

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Additional Reading

Realities of Indian Policy in Kashmir Expose the Hypocrisy of Their Politics

By: Zia Sarhadi   
 
Posted on
 
 

 


An Indian army soldier looks at the bodies of three Kashmiri Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters in Ponychak 17 August 2001, after they were shot dead by Indian troops, as they were trying to cross the border into Indian-occupied Kashmir. 

 
Following in the footsteps of the occupiers of Palestine, L. K. Advani, the Indian home affairs minister, announced on August 20 in Srinagar, capital of Indian-occupied Kashmir, that Indian soldiers accused of torture, extra judicial executions or rape of women would be immune to prosecution under a new law. Not that unruly Indian soldiers ever felt any compunction about killing or raping Kashmiris, but this new law tells the army of occupation that it has a complete carte blanche in its dealings with them.
This follows another announcement: India intends to double the strength of its military presence in Kashmir by raising 30 additional battalions of the Rashtriya Rifles over the next five years. India already has 700,000 soldiers in Kashmir who have indulged in wanton killing, terrorism and gang-rapes. At least 70,000 Kashmiris have been murdered since the uprising began in December 1989, and countless others maimed.

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The Kashmiri struggle for self-determination has been misunderstood by most Muslims: they think it is merely a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. 
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The new Indian policy also confirms reports that India is working closely with Israel. Jane’s Defense Weekly reported last month that Indo-Zionist collaboration in the military, technological and intelligence fields had reached unprecedented heights. Each is an alien occupier involved in a campaign of state terrorism to crush the aspirations of the indigenous people. Both are also highly militaristic societies but present themselves to the world as “democracies”: Israel claims to be the “only democracy” in the Middle East; India maintains the fiction of being the “largest democracy in the world”. Yet their behavior in their occupied territories puts both outside the pale. Two other policies are common to both: each is involved in fighting the Islamic movement in the area that it occupies; each is an ally of the US.
These facts have important implications for Muslims globally. It is interesting to note that most Muslim regimes have no qualms about dealing with either. The close Indo-Zionist collaboration is also evident in their common stand vis–vis the World Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa (August 31 to September 7). Israel, backed by the US, has been working overtime to smother debate on the theme of “Zionism is racism”, while India does not want its caste system to be discussed. At least 160 million Dalits in India live lives of degradation and humiliation under religiously-sanctioned apartheid.
India has been far more successful in hiding its ugly face than has Israel. But for some awareness among the Muslim masses of the Zionists’ crimes in Palestine, every regime in the Middle East would have ‘normalized’ relations with Israel long ago. Yet the same awareness does not exist when it comes to dealing with India. Even in such places as Tehran, the Hindus are welcomed and a number of trade and other agreements have been signed. The Kashmiri struggle for self-determination has been misunderstood by most Muslims: they think it is merely a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. This shows the success of Indian propaganda.
Indian propaganda was somewhat blunted during the Agra summit (July 14-16) because of Pakistan’s insistence on the centrality of the Kashmir dispute. In fact, in Pakistan there had been hopes before the summit that India was now in earnest about resolving the 54-year-old ‘dispute’, but such hopes have now died. Islamabad now seems to understand that Delhi simply wanted the pretence of a dialogue, without really addressing the root of the problem. Vajpayee said that India was prepared to discuss Kashmir, but only as part of a “composite dialogue,” clearly rejecting its central position in the troubled relations between the two nuclear neighbors. In addition, India’s insistence on the inclusion of “cross-border terrorism” in the abortive joint declaration was mischievous and devious. No Pakistani ruler could agree to such an expression, because it has profound political and legal implications.
It implies first that the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir is an internationally-recognized border when it is not; second, that the uprising in Kashmir is not indigenous but instigated by “terrorists” from the Pakistani side of Kashmir. Indian rulers deserve full credit for deviousness; they have been trying to turn the LoC into an international border and have frequently suggested this at international forums, presenting it as a “reasonable” proposal. If Pakistan were to accept this, what was, and is the purpose of the uprising in Indian-occupied Kashmir that has been under way since 1989, in which more than 70,000 Kashmiris have perished and countless thousands have been maimed?
To suggest that the uprising in Kashmir is not indigenous is also an insult to the aspirations and sacrifices of the Kashmiris. No outside help can sustain a movement for 12 years if it does not enjoy local support. In fact, last year, when the Hizbul-Mujahideen announced a two-week ceasefire, Advani admitted that the uprising was indigenous and that Delhi had to talk to these groups. Advani, and indeed Indian rulers in general, have a remarkable ability to speak from both sides of their mouths.
This was also evident in the manner in which they approached the Agra summit. While publicly stating that they would like to be flexible on Kashmir, and would like to create an atmosphere conducive to good neighborliness, in private they have insisted on Pakistan surrendering to Indian demands.
Indian hypocrisy is also evident in the fact that immediately after the Agra talks, Delhi announced the formation of another 30 battalions of the Rashtriya Rifles to be deployed in Kashmir. Similarly, the Disturbed Areas Act as well as the Special Armed Forces Act, under which soldiers are exempt from any legal constraints, have been extended to Jammu as well (until recently they had applied only to Kashmir and to areas within 20 kilometers of the border in Jammu).
The Hindustan Times reported on August 4 that since Delhi ended the ceasefire in Kashmir in May, the number of Kashmiri deaths has risen from 97 to 225 per month. India insists on calling them “militants.” India’s own casualties at 43 per month have remained steady (before India’s ceasefire announcement of last November, casualty rates were about 160 “militants” and 36 Indian soldiers per month.) Clearly India has intensified its violent policy in Kashmir even while claiming to be talking “peace” with Pakistan. It was to discuss these “successes” that Advani went to Srinagar and gave the glad tidings that henceforth Indian soldiers could shoot to kill and rape women without any fear of restraint or punishment.
Despite all this, India continues to enjoy an excellent press in the west, especially now that the US wants to enter into a strategic partnership with it in order to contain China. Next time someone talks about “democracy,” human rights or self-determination in the US, advise them to examine the record of its two allies, Israel and India, and try to explain why they should have a license to kill, pillage and rape any people.
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Zia Sarhadi writes for Crescent International, the newsmagazine of the global Islamic movement.

 

 

 

 

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Pakistan Celebrates National Minorities Day By Sajjad Shaukat

Posted by admin in Christian Pakistanis Our Great Assets, Minority Rights, Sajjad Shaukat on August 12th, 2015

                                           Pakistan Celebrates National Minorities Day

                                                            By Sajjad Shaukat

 

 

 

 

                                                  

Every year, on August 11, Pakistan officially celebrates the National Minorities Day to honour the services and sacrifices, rendered by religious minorities for the country over the years.

 

This very day also recognizes the contribution and sacrifices of minorities in creation of Pakistan and nation-building.

 

On this occasion, events, seminars and social gatherings are arranged across the country by members of various religious minorities and the ministry of National Harmony.

 

It may be recalled that during the PPP government, August 11 was official declared National Minorities Day by the former President Asif Ali Zardari in 2009 in line with the historic speech of founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947. In his speech, Quaid-e-Azam said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

 

There have been numerous Non-Muslims who have risen to the rank of Brigadier; and in the 1990, the first Christian promoted to the Rank of Major General was Julian Peter who commanded the 14th Div in Okara Cantt. In 2009 brigadierThere have been numerous non-muslims who have risen to the rank of Brigadier; and in the 1990, the first Christian promoted to the rank of Major General was Julian Peter who commanded the 14th Div in Okara Cantt. In 2009 brigadier Noel Israel Khokhar, was also promoted to rank of Major General. Capt. Hercharn Singh, the first Sikh as Commissioned Officer in Pakistan Army. He was commissioned in Baloch Regiment. Currently, he’s serving as an ADC to a Corps Commander,Major General Noel Israel Khokhar also promoted to rank of Major General. Capt. Hercharan Singh, the first Sikh as Commissioned Officer in Pakistan Army. He was commissioned in Baloch Regiment. Currently, he’s serving as an ADC to a Corps Commander

 

 

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Major General Noel Israel Khokhar

 

Division Commander

Pakistan Army

 

In the same speech, Quaid-e-Azam said, “We are starting in the days where there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between ones caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens, and equal citizens of one state.”

 

It is mentionable that in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, the Constitution of 1973 protects the real rights and interest of minorities, living in Pakistan.

 

Last year, Shahid Mairaj, the Dean of the Cathedral stated in his message, on August 11, “The governing principle is to let people of every faith live in peace as they choose, and understand that the state belongs to everyone. This country is our mother, and it is a duty for all of us to help it to advance and flourish.”

 

In this regard, Member Punjab Assembly and minorities’ leader Najmi Saleem remarked, “Minorities in Pakistan have exactly the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Minister Incharge for National Harmony Dr. Paul Bhatti said, “The Minorities Day provides us an opportunity to renew the pledge for the promotion of tolerance and interfaith harmony as in a pluralistic society, there can always be a divergence of opinion on a number of issues, but these differences can be solved through interfaith harmony which means a cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religions, traditions, faiths, and spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at all levels.”

 

He acknowledged by pointing out, “Many steps have been taken by the Government for the protection and promotion of minorities like the reservation of 5 percent quota in Government jobs/services, enhancement representation in the parliament, declaration of August 11 as the Minorities Day, including observance of optional holidays and celebration of the festivals of minorities at official level”.

 

A Sikh leader, Sardar Bishan Singh shared similar thoughts and pointed out that all citizens of Pakistan worked together for the growth of the country.

 

It is notable that the Ministry of National Harmony was formed after the devolution of Ministry of Minority Affairs to acknowledge the sacrifices and services of minorities to promote peace, patience and tolerance for creating an understanding and brotherhood among the people of different schools of thought.

 

However, since the formation of Pakistan, minorities are contributing in every sphere of life and their political involvement is also worth appreciating. Therefore, the day is dedicated to the minorities who played their constructive role in Pakistan.

 

But, it is regrettable that in the recent years, with the support of anti-Pakistan groups like Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jundullah and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) including their affiliated outfits, Indian secret agency RAW which has well-established its network in Afghanistan arranged a number of terror-attacks on Ahmadis, Christians and Sikhs in order to distort the image of Pakistan abroad.

 

In this connection, some terror-events might be cited as instance. In May, 2009, Indian backed militants had forcibly taken over the shops and homes of the 35 Sikh families in the Orakzai Agency in Pakistan. On May 28, 2011 armed assaults on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore killed more than 70 people. More than 80 people died and 150 injured when two suicide attackers struck the All Saints Church in Peshawar on September 22, 2013. On March 17, 2015, at least 15 people were killed and more than 70 injured when two Taliban suicide bombers attacked churches in Lahore. Indian supported TTP claimed responsibility for these attacks. In this context, investigations showed that RAW was behind these subversive acts. In fact, besides other terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Balochistan and Karachi, assaults on religious communities are part of the Indian scheme to create chaotic situation in Pakistan, because it is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World.

 

While, India which claims an arch secular state has surprised the world because of continued attacks on other minority groups, especially Christians, Muslims and Sikhs—and events of forced conversion of Christians and Muslims into Hindus.

 

Unlike India, where religious minorities are being targeted by the Hindu fundamentalist outfits like the ruling party BJP, RSS, Shiv Sena etc., all the minorities such as Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and Budahists enjoy fundamental rights in Pakistan, including all other rights of citizenry in Pakistan.

 

Nevertheless, Pakistan which came into existence on the basis of Islamic principles to provide respect and protection to all the segments of society is giving full safety to all the minorities as mentioned in the Constitution. Besides other minority groups, particularly Christians are not only serving in the armed forces, but are also working in other departments. Without any discrimination by the Muslims, they also run their own business and are working in private sectors.

 

Nonetheless, the National Minorities Day not only expresses gratitude for the contributions, made by these religious communities, but also professes that future development of Pakistan hinges crucially on their efforts.

 

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

 

Email: [email protected]

 

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