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China-Pakistan Energy Corridor By Brig (Retd) Asif Haroon Raja

China-Pakistan Energy Corridor

Asif Haroon Raja

 

 

 

 

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Establishment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was first proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his visit to Pakistan in May 2013. Li stated, Our two sides should focus on carrying out priority projects in connectivity, energy development and power generation”. At that time, Pak-China bilateral trade had reached $12 billion. The proposed project of linking Kashgar in northwest China with Gwadar Port on southwestern Arabian Sea coastline in Baluchistan was approved on July 5, 2013 during the visit of PM Nawaz Sharif to Beijing, which included construction of 200 km long tunnel. In December 2013, China committed $6.5 billion for the construction of a major nuclear power project in Karachi. In May 2014, another agreement was signed to start Orange Line metro train project in Lahore worth $1.27 billion. In November 2014, the two countries signed 19 agreements related to CPEC. In addition, Chinese firms started work on six mega power projects in Gilgit-Baltistan such as Dassu, Phandar, Bashu, Harpo, Yalbo to tackle Pakistan’s energy crisis.  

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Originally scheduled to come on September 14-16 last year, China’s President Xi Jinping’s visit was postponed in the wake of prolonged anti-government protests in Islamabad and security concerns, and the government not wanting anything untoward happening. Postponement of the visit was seen by the government as a big setback since it entailed investment of $26 billion in Pakistan. Onus of postponement was squarely put on the shoulders of those indulging in futile dharna politics. This setback was not an ordinary one when seen in the backdrop of worst ever energy crisis, economy in shambles, state corporations in decay and all economic indicators in negative – thanks to the inglorious five-year rule of PPP led coalition. Cash-strapped Pakistan struggling to finance energy projects from western donors couldn’t afford a single day delay.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb which started in mid June 2014 in North Waziristan after the brazen terror attack on Jinnah airport in Karachi and peace talks having fallen apart was put in top gear after the gruesome tragedy in Peshawar Army Public School on December 16, 2014. Its scope was spread all over the country and cooperation with Afghanistan was greatly improved. Rangers-Police intelligence based targeted operation in Karachi was also speeded up and so was Frontier Corps-Police operation in Baluchistan. These efforts were backed by National Security Policy, Counter Terrorism Policy, Joint Intelligence Directorate to coordinate efforts of 33 intelligence agencies, formation of Counter Terrorism Force at federal and provincial levels, lifting of moratorium on hanging of convicts, setting up of military courts and focussed 20-point National Action Plan, all in a bid to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.

Brilliant successes against terrorism and extremism, which raised the stature of Pak Army backed by air force very high among the international comity, helped in further enhancing the confidence of China’s leadership in Pakistan. Well aware of Indo-US encirclement plan and shifting of Ameica’s pivot to Asia-Pacific to contain China, the latter wanted an early opening into world market to become an unchallenged economic giant as well as the super power. Mindful of the under developemnt of its western province which is its soft belly and ongoing Uighur movement, China wants speedy modernisation of Xingjiang to bring it at par with eastern provinces. For the accomplishment of these dreams, China needs access to warm waters in Arabian Sea through Gwadar since this route is the shortest and the cheapest. This access was never granted to Russia. With this objective in view, President Xi Jinping undertook a visit to Islamabad and pleasantly surprised the Pakistanis by raising the level of investment from $ 26 billion to $ 45 Billion in Pakistan.

Pakistanis opened their hearts to welcome the worthy guest. During his two-day historic visit (April 20-21, 2015), President Xi signed 51 agreements/MoUs worth $28 billion, with $17 billion in pipeline spread over 15 years. His visit achieved the milestone of the groundbreaking of historic 3,000 km-long strategic China-Pakistan-Energy-Corridor (CPEC). It includes $ 18 billion worth energy projects such as coal, solar, hydroelectric power projects which will inject 10,400 MW electricity in the national grid by 2017/18, laying down fibre optic cable from Xingjiang to Rawalpindi, 1240 km long Karachi-Lahore motorway, metro and bus service in six major cities, up gradation of 1300 km long Karakorum Highway (first opened in 1978), oil/gas pipelines, commercial sea-lanes and host of other projects.

The CPEC project will include building new roads, a 1,800-km railway line and a network of oil pipelines to connect Kashgar in China’s western Xinjiang region to the seaport of Gwadar. It includes a string of energy projects, special economic zones, dry ports and other infrastructure. China is helping Pakistan in producing plutonium at Chinese built Khushab reactor and will also sell 8 submarines worth $5 billion, which will give a quantum jump to Pak Navy’s sea capability.

Gwadar, once a part of Oman before it was sold to Pakistan in 1958, is one of the least developed districts in Balochistan province. It sits strategically near the Persian Gulf and close to the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 per cent of the world’s oil passes. Work on Gwadar deep-seaport had started in 2002 with China’s investment. In 2013, management of the seaport which was in the sloppy hands of Singapore PSA International was handed over to China’s Port Holdings. It is planned to develop Gwadar into free trade zone with a modern airport on the model of Singapore or Hong Kong and a gateway to CPEC. Some analysts perceive Gwadar port turning into China’s naval base in the Indian Ocean, enabling Beijing to monitor Indian and American naval activities and thus frustrating their ambition to convert the ocean into exclusive Indian lake. Modernization of Pak Navy by China is seen as a step in that direction.

 

 

Energy-poor Pakistan certainly seems to have found a saviour in China, which has promised to stand by the country in its dark hour (parts of the country suffer power cuts for up to 18 hours a day). Jubilant President Mamnoon Hussain predicted that the economic corridor will be a “monument of the century” benefitting “billions of people” in the region. Analysts believe that the CPEC has the potential to radically alter the regional dynamics of trade, development and politics. They say the projects conceived under CPEC will ease Pakistan’s energy shortages and make a substantial difference in the long term with both generation and transmission covered. Some experts opine this initiative can bring greater cohesion in South Asia, one of the world’s least economically integrated regions. Adil Najam, Dean of the Boston University Pardee School of Global Studies, believes anything that binds the region together is “a good idea” since countries tend to focus on “zero-sum geostrategic posturing” rather than recognising the benefits of integration. MNA Ahsan Iqbal says “CPEC is a game changer for the entire region and will uplift the lives of about 3 billion people across China, Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.

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While the CPEC may be ‘monumental’ for Pakistan, for China it is part of more ambitious plans to beef up the country’s global economic muscle. Chinese officials describe the corridor as the “flagship project” of a broader policy — “One Belt, One Road” — which seeks to physically connect China to its markets in Asia, Europe and beyond. This initiative includes the New Silk Road which will link China with Europe through Central Asia and the Maritime Silk Road to ensure a safe passage of China’s shipping through the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. China is not building the corridor as an act of charity for Pakistan. It will happily fund and build any structure that plays into this goal – whether we’re talking about roads or ports”,  says Michael Kugelman, a senior associate at the Washington DC based Woodrow Wilson Centre. Access to Indian Ocean via Gwadar will enable China’s naval warships and merchant ships to bypass Malacca Strait.    

 

 

 

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At the same time, the new silk roads are bound to intensify ongoing competition between India and China –and to a lesser extent between China and the US – to invest in and cultivate influence in the broader Central Asian region. Kugelman stated, India has long had its eyes on energy assets in Central Asia and Afghanistan, even as China has gobbled many of these up in recent years. The US has announced its own Silk Road initiative in the broader region. India is concerned about China’s huge investment in Pakistan, particularly its recent decision to fund a new batch of nuclear reactors. Pakistan plans to add four new nuclear plants by 2023, funded by China, with four more reactors in the pipeline (adding up to a total power capacity of 7,930 MW by 2030). India and other detractors of Pakistan are propagating that China is supplying nuclear technology to Pakistan in defiance of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) guidelines, which forbid nuclear transfer to Pakistan as it has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. China argues that these projects were agreed with Pakistan before it became a member of NSG in 2004.

Pakistan has remained under a dark star for a long period; it has bravely sailed past the period of trials and tribulations but at a very heavy cost. Pakistan has acted as the frontline state against the Soviets and against global terrorism and suffered enormously, but in the process it allowed China 35 free years to develop and prosper. Landmark CPEC has further cemented Pak-China relations and made them natural allies. China’s liberal investment which surpasses all foreign investments in Pakistan in the past are based on trust, confidence and convergence of interests and both are in a win-win cooperation. The all-weather, time-tested friends share common vision and seek peace and not confrontation. They have entered into a new era of geo-economic relationship and plan to boost two-way trade to $20 billion.

The Silk Road Economic Belt will not only connect and develop China and Pakistan but also the regional countries for the first time and promote peace. It has opened vista of great opportunities for Pakistan and will greatly help in poverty alleviation, overcome unemployment, remove inequities of smaller provinces and help Pakistan in becoming the next Asian tiger. Strategic economic moment for Pakistan has arrived and interesting part is that Pakistan has assumed the position of economic pivot for the whole region. This paradigm shift in circumstances is a cause of great worry for the enemies of Pakistan both within and outside. They have put their heads together to work out new strategies how to block the forward march, but time and tide is not in their favor.  

The writer is a retired Brig/defence analyst/columnist/author of five books, Member Executive Council PESS, Director Measac Research Centre, Director Board of Governors TFP. [email protected]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

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Pakistan, Turkish Navies to hold bilateral Naval Exercise

 

Pakistan, Turkish Navies to hold bilateral Naval Exercise

17th February 2015

 

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy and Turkish Navy will hold a bilateral naval exercise commencing on 19 Feb with an aim to enhance interoperability and operational understanding.

Turkish Navy Ship TCG BUYUKADA arrived at Karachi to participate in the exercise, which includes an elaborate Harbour and Sea phase, said a statement on Tuesday.

The visiting ship was received by Turkish Naval Attache in Pakistan and senior officials of Pakistan Navy.

The exercise being first of the series, is a landmark reflection  of the historic ties between the two navies as well as a true manifestation of convergence of strategic interests of the two countries which will go a long way in promoting maritime security and stability in the region.

Pakistan Navy and Turkish Navy have been interacting since long in order to improve upon the level of coordination, interoperability and training.

The current bilateral navel exercise will lay sound foundation for subsequent exercises between both the navies in future.

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Pakistani Dialogue Round Table on Current Affairs by Khaled Nizami

Email Addresses of All Participants Deleted For their Privacy

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Col Naeem / Javed Chaudhry Saheb,

The kind of effective force you are talking about can be provided jointly by the Higher Judiciary and the Armed Forces.

As regards educating people and creating awareness is a long drawn process. Immediate remedial action is required. This action should not cause any international uproar resulting in imposition of sanctions.

The need of the hour is get rid of the self-serving corrupt politicians and form a National Unity government of capable and honest technocrats for a period of 2 years. This interim government should have full support of the higher judiciary and the Armed forces.

During the 2-yr period, the technocrat govt should clean up the system and bring in effective reforms in all areas of governance. There should be Summary court trials for corruption as well in order to ensure a total cleanup of the existing system..

I fully agree with you that Army take-over is no solution. We should work on a long-term solution.

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On Sun, Jan 25, 2015 at 12:44 AM, Javed Chaudry <> wrote:

Sir, your message is no different from what most of us in this group seem to be either advancing or supporting. The only question here is what can be done practically? 

What we can all do practically is to make people aware of what is the problem, what are the issues and draw a line between the right and the wrong things comparing things with the rest of the world and drawing from history.

A different kind of force and thrust is required to actually get rid of the system and those who sustain it for self-serving reasons. This is the force that we, in this group do not have, hence the things remain in status quo.

 

Javed Chaudry

 

Whichever way you look at it; this corrupt and exploitative (feudal) system masquerading as democracy shall have to be dismantled; if we want to survive as a state society. 

But an overwhelming majority of our compatriots a

​r​

e either busy to eke out a living or are blissfully ignorant of the chaos seeps in; to undo us for good. 

One thing which is eminently doable is, to at least educate the people out of there obliviousness and apathy; and create

​awareness.

Could we agree on this approach; and join hands to do something practical?

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Why not start from the right foot? Why not allow only the highly educated and experienced professionals to enter the parliament? Pakistan has plenty of such people available. Why do we not think out of the box and introduce a method to exclude the likes of that garbage that makes the majority of so called Electables. A new system can only emerge from a new thinking – not by repairing the already tested and quite untrue procedures which have been around for 67 years.

Pakistan has plenty of good people of its own, what it does not have a good procedure, hence the present politicians will get the jackpot each time you to the polls.

 

Javed Chaudry

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What is needed is for the elected MNAs, Senators and MPAs to be put thru a specially designed crash adult literacy program, the program should based on Swiss Finishing Schools model for these bozos to be also introduced to social graces, conduct and deportment, dress sense, table manners and all the rest.   
Subject: Re: Issues

 

There were times when there was no pay for these public reps. Only travel expenses to attend sessions. They were not allowed any mark of distinction on their cars. No extra privilege. Bhutto made them VIPs. Thereafter, there has been no stopping.

Masud

 

 

On Sat, Jan 24, 2015 at 9:29 PM, Javed Chaudry <> wrote:

By all means Sir. And another thing, perhaps a minor point, the food made available to the parliamentarians in the parliament cafeteria is subsidized while there are lots of poor and hungry people around. If anything, food should be subsidized for the poor people not the rich and the most affluent and useless category of the society.

For the sake of a mental exercise, suppose if the all the Pakistani politicians are locked out of the parliament and various provincial assemblies for a year, what would be the impact on the economy of Pakistan? The state of Pakistan will save millions of rupees a day, not just out of their salaries and perks but also due to the fact that they no longer have access to the national coffer. Like the tentacles of a giant octopus, their men are sitting in all nooks and crannies of every departments eating away Pakistan in more ways that you can count.

The dynastic politicians and the progress of Pakistan are two entities which negate each other and cannot survive together.

 

Javed Chaudry

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From: Syed Masud ul Hassan [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2015 10:53 AM
To: JAVED CHAUDRY

Subject: Re: Issues

 

Chaudhry sahab, I would like to add following conditions also:

  1. Candidate must be registered as voter in that constituency. Presently they get elected from far off places and never visit that area after elections. If a person is not a voter of that area, how can he claim to represent those people.
  2. Winner must get absolute majority of votes i.e. more than 50 %. Presently a person winning with a simple majority of 30 % vote also claims to be representing the constituency.
  3. Direct elections of senators.
  4. Direct elections for reserved seats like women and minorities by concerned voters.
  5. System of Re-call as in USA.
  6. Dictatorial powers of party heads under 18th Amendment should be withdrawn.
  7. Electronic system of voting be introduced. The system demonstrated to Election Commission before the last elections, allows voting from anywhere that is connected with internet.
  8. There should be strict control on limit of expenses by candidates.

Masud

 

On Sat, Jan 24, 2015 at 12:25 AM, JAVED CHAUDRY <> wrote:

Masud Hassan Sahib, my response was to address Wasti Sahib’s suggestions to allow 300 years for democracy to grow. You are right and I am also fully aware that it can be and has been done almost overnight. I fully agree with that, but not without changing the acceptance criteria for the candidates, hence the changing of the constitution. At a minimum, three requirements must be changed: one is the academic qualification, minimum a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, such as military academy education), higher education to be preferred; second, a minimum of 15 years working experience in a responsible position; and the third, Clean bill of financial track record. With these requirements in place, 95% of the present day parliamentarians will be out. When talking about working experience in responsible position, 15 years of being a parliament member as the friend or family member of a dynastic political outfit does not count an acceptable experience – not in my books. I am looking for scientists, engineers, economists, lawyers, accountants, professors, doctors, retired judges, retired military officers etc. to be the members of the parliament. The semiliterate corrupt garbage that we have today cannot build the nation or its democracy.

Javed Chaudry

 

On Friday, January 23, 2015 1:57 PM, Syed Masud ul Hassan <> wrote:

 

Chaudhry sahab, why go so far in history. Let us not talk about India, what about Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam. Germany and Japan were also new to democracy but did not waste a day after peace treaty to get on to democracy. Unless we get rid of the real enemy of democracy, it will remain zameen jumbad na ….

Masud

 

On Fri, Jan 23, 2015 at 10:54 PM, JAVED CHAUDRY <> wrote:

Our good friend Wasti Sahib states:

Give Pakistani democracy the same time as was ‘Allowed’ to other decent democracies. Why discriminate and put hurdles before it ?

SHW

 

I have no reservations about the honesty and integrity of Wasti Sahib in demanding for patience and time that was allowed for other democracies around the world. But I will have to reject his proposal as it is based on assumptions and postulations which applied to other countries centuries ago but do not apply to Pakistan in view of the socio-polity needs and limitations in the 21stcentury. The process of development of democracy in Pakistan cannot be directly compared with the Europe of 16th century after they had experienced the renaissance in Europe during 14th to 17thcenturies. Pakistani society is still unaware of the meanings of renaissance even in the 21st century. Our methods and procedures must meet our own needs and limitations.

 

If we go by what Wasti Sahib is proposing, it will be akin to developing a motor car in Pakistan today, starting from the point where the original design stood in the late 19th century and then allow this technology to take 100 years to evolve to the current form and standards – In hundred years, we will still be 100 years behind others. Wasti Sahib’s proposal therefore, cannot be considered acceptable.

 

It took the Europeans several centuries to develop the democracy simply because they did not have a living example to copy from. The democracy, although proposed originally by the Greeks before Christianity, but it was still an abstract thought in Europe until a couple of centuries ago.

 

Today, Pakistan does not enjoy the political, social and economic freedoms as did the Western Europe during the last three centuries while they were developing their democratic systems. Most of the Western European countries were at par with each other militarily and economically. They had minimal interference in their internal affairs from other countries. They were slowly but steadily improving their economies and level of general education of the public. The growth of population was not as severe as it has been in Pakistan during the last six decades. The upper crust in those countries did have luxurious life but did not steel from the nation’s coffer and deposit it in the Swiss banks. Many of them had additional economic help from the New World as well as their colonies. Also, they were ahead of most other countries of the world in science and technology. In Pakistan, the life is hugely dependent on its friends and neighbours and their own geopolitical, socio-economic and religious interests. The Western Europe, while developing their democracies, did not have to fight CIA, RAW and Saudi Money trying to rearrange social life through themadressas, TTP and dozens of terror groups.

 

Pakistan therefore, cannot afford the luxury of waiting for three centuries to develop its democracy. We know what the target should be, we also know what kind of people are required to work in the parliament – All we need to do is to re-write the constitution that would serve Pakistan as opposed to the one in use today that serves a few dynastic families and their friends only. In order to develop democracy in Pakistan, the very first step will have to be to remove all the thugs who have a stranglehold on Pakistan’s politics and economy.

 

Javed Chaudry

 

 

On Friday, January 23, 2015 12:47 PM, Imtiaz Akhter <i> wrote:

 

All of us know that the country is suffering from the defective landlord mulla democracy. Non of us knows how to bring a quick change to a proper workable democratic system, except wait for the time till the people of the country become sensible enough to elect sincere and able representatives.

 

On Friday, January 23, 2015 10:08 PM, S.Khalid Husain <> wrote:

 

shams abbas sahib they are slow learners they need more chances!!!!!!  

 

From: shams abbas [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2015 5:39 PM
To:
Subject: RE: Issues

 

The PPP has been given four chances.
The PML N three.

In each of these tenures,the performance was worse than the previous one.
Why?Because as correctly pointed out ,’the vision for building solid foundations and Institutions on which Democracy is supposed to deliver does not exist.’

On the contrary,we have seen time and again,that complaints of corruption,rigging in elections and massive, governance blunders, surpass previous records.

We are not arguing against democracy.
We are not pleading for Milirary Rule.
We are not stressing dictatorial rule.

All that is needed is good CORRUPTION FREE GOVERNANCE by competent,highly educated and skilled people who are experts in their fields.Those who have the competence to correct and guide the country on a path from where, there is no turning back.Only going forward,
to improvement, betterment and welfare of the larger number of people.

The argument ,give democracy a chance, therefore is patently an excuse.A cover up for support of corrupt governing Mafias which have taken us down the path, in all facets of development.
Be that of justice,ethics,morality,economy,rule of law,protection of life and property or economy.

If we are in a reverse gear and visibly so,should we just wait,be onlookers?
Or  attempt to manage and enforce e change.
In my view we must reject the status quo.We must demand that these failed leaders and parties be held accountable for their monumental mistakes and corruption.I need not go into examples and details of their record of mischief based leadership.

Sixty seven years are more than enough.No more time to be lost.We must demand that the constitution should be implemented in totality which includes articles 62 and 63,indeed all articles which encompass the rights of individuals for being better governed,ruled and given a ‘better present and future.’
Why not?This is our country.

Shams Z Abbas

Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 07:01:02 -0500
Subject: Re: Issues

It has been seen in Pakistan, that as you give more time to the so-called democracy loving politicians, the more loot and plunder they carry out.

 

Just review their recent performance during the past 7 years.

 

After 5-year loot and plunder by Zardari & his PPP coterie, look at the current state of affairs. Nawaz Sharif and his gang have no time to improve governance, they are busy in signing lucrative contracts thru their external agent Saif-ur-Rehman. Just look at the LNG contract, Reko Diq, and other privatization ventures.

 

If we want to act stupid and close our eyes to the reality on ground, then by the time we wake up,  nothing will be left of Pakistan.

 

We should all understand that these corrupt politicians are using the slogan of democracy not for the betterment of the people but as a shield for their corruption.

 

KHALED NIZAMI

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 10:53 PM, Haroon Wasti  wrote:

Give Pakistani democracy the same time as was ‘Allowed’ to other decent democracies. Why discriminate and put hurdles before it ?

SHW

 

On Friday, January 23, 2015 5:12 AM, Mahfooz Rahman wrote:

 

Dear sirs and madams

I agree with the views of Javed Chaudary saheb 

 

Pakistan is an ocean of ignorance , poverty , sickness , unemployment and helplessness . In its midst , there is an island of affluence (through fair means or foul , mostly foul  ) knowledge and apathy . The affluent ones’ bearing is unbearable and revolting   . The impression to the world is one of pity none the less disgusting.  

No matter how many times one shuffles the pack of cards , the same tired ,rotten  , crude and foul mouthed people come out as parliamentarians . This is our luck . However in other matters  These people are cunning and rotten to the core . However , they to borrow the words from P.G Woodhouse they are made of concrete from the shoulders upwards unless it is tempered with their self aggrandisements .

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 10:46 PM, Syed Masud ul Hassan  wrote:

Aziz Beg was editor/owner of a weekly magazine, STAR. That was banned during Ayub’s times. He wrote a book on Pakistan.That was borrowed by some friend but was never returned. The book was also proscribed.

Masud

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 9:50 PM, JAVED CHAUDRY  wrote:

Masud Hasaan Sahib,

I fully concur with your second and third paragraphs as well. The real problem is that when we say “we” elected them – who are those who elect them? The 70% of the illiterate masses (assuming there is no rigging)? We are obliged to follow and obey the rulers, only when they are placed in the office legally and fairly. That is not the case in Pakistan, hence its people are under no obligation to accept and obey such rulers.

Yes, I agree, our people should rise, but they don’t and they won’t. They have been part of such system for centuries and they are unable to think for themselves. I do not know who Mr. Aziz Beg is/was, but perhaps he was right in saying what you have quoted.

The bottom line is that I do not believe the thugs in power are in any mood to quit. They will have another sham election and same or similar thugs will be in power once again and the whole cycle of corruption will repeat itself.

The government of the people, by the people, for the people will not materialise in Pakistan unless the election system is designed to be independent of money, the current dynastic party system and unless the police and the judiciary are depoliticised. Short of that, the corrupt system will prevail until a coup takes place or the country disintegrates. No matter how many cycles of such sham elections the country goes through, no positive change will come and a steady deterioration will be a constant feature of the corrupt system.

The people all over the world are getting a short term respite from the expensive petrol, but in Pakistan they are paying twice the usual price, only if they can buy some after a long wait in the line at the petrol station. Who is responsible for this? The (rigged election) elected government – Who else?

Javed Chaudry

 

On Thursday, January 22, 2015 9:42 AM, Syed Masud ul Hassan <> wrote:

 

Chaudhry sahab, I think your comments are based on first para only. Please comment on the two other paras, reproduced below.

Masud

Problem is that despite the Constitution, our people are denied those rights by the rulers whom we keep electing repeatedly. We accept whatever is doled out. ‘HAKIM-E-WAQAT KI ITA’AT LAZIM HAI’

Instead of behaving like the subjects of ;Ek tha Badshah’ our people have to rise and snatch the rights given by God and laid down in the Constitution. Time has come to follow Faiz’s “LAZIM HAI ……” The needed spark is not visible as yet. If I still remeber the words of Mr Aziz Beg, “People were perspiring, leaders were conspiring, nation was expiring and alas, none was inspiring”

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 7:05 PM, JAVED CHAUDRY <> wrote:

Masud Sahib, the constitution in Pakistan does not mean a thing to the ordinary public. It serves only the ruling elite. If the constitution was in use the way it is meant to be then people like Sharifs and Zardaris could not have been considered qualified to run for the highest offices. Having a constitution in Pakistan offers no benefit to the people. The ruling elite is simply above it with judiciary and all other governmental instruments equally corrupt, happen to be in their back pocket.

Javed Chaudry

 

 

On Thursday, January 22, 2015 5:15 AM, Syed Masud ul Hassan <> wrote:

 

“Change does not happen it has to be made to happen”,

Khalid sahab, I absolutely agree with your above comment. You have put Saudi Arabia and Pakistan together in one category. There I disagree a bit because our Constitution grants all the rights whereas Saudi, if they have one, does not allow.

Problem is that despite the Constitution, our people are denied those rights by the rulers whom we keep electing repeatedly. We accept whatever is doled out. ‘HAKIM-E-WAQAT KI ITA’AT LAZIM HAI’

Instead of behaving like the subjects of ;Ek tha Badshah’ our people have to rise and snatch the rights given by God and laid down in the Constitution. Time has come to follow Faiz’s “LAZIM HAI ……” The needed spark is not visible as yet. If I still remeber the words of Mr Aziz Beg, “People were perspiring, leaders were conspiring, nation was expiring and alas, none was inspiring”

Masud

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 12:26 PM, S.Khalid Husain <> wrote:

God given rights have to be implemented, as they are in most countries except Muslim countries, and most blatantly not implemented, but denied, in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, one a ‘Fountainhead’ of Islam and the other ‘Citadel’ of Islam, two of most hypocritical countries.

Change does not happen it has to be made to happen, the poor remain poor in Pakistan, the illiterate remain illiterate in Pakistan,  minorities remain victimized in Pakistan, corruption remains a fixture, bad governance persists, the only change is much increased bigotry and hatred engendered by the mullas.           

 

From: Syed Masud ul Hassan [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2015 10:49 AM
To: S.Khalid Husain

Subject: Re: Issues

 

Despite efforts by the ‘great democrat’, blacks got right to vote only a century after end of the Civil War. It took another half a century  to elect a half black president. Credit for this cannot be given to what happened more that a century ago. Change was to come with passage of time. Even Kennedy was the first Catholic to become president. Many countries have had very effective women prime ministers and presidents. USA is only now likely to elect a women president.

USA was formed by independent states joining together. When some of the states did not approve of the policies of the central government, they decided to separate and form their own union.

Following were the 5 basic principles of union. Ending of slavery was not included. That was included only in the agenda of Lincoln. Break up took place before he became president. After becoming president, he started the 4 years war to impose his program. I am not going in to merit or demerits of that program but just about principles.

 

1. Rights come from God, not government

2. All political power emanates from the people

3. Limited representative republic

4. Written Constitution

5. Private Property Rights

Despite the first principle, our liberals have no objection but hell is being raised against our Objectives Resolution for following the principles from God.

Masud

 

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 8:44 AM, S.Khalid Husain <> wrote:

In the country of the man who said above, a descendent of slaves, a man of different color, who were cruelly discriminated against and inhumanly treated, has been elected by the people of that country to be their President. The man who used the ‘danda’ to unite the country, to end slavery and injustice in that country, must be resting easy in his grave.

Wonder how those who used the ‘danda’ in our country are resting wherever they are.  

 

From: Syed Masud ul Hassan [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2015 12:18 AM
To: Khalil Sufi

Subject: Re: Issues

 

Democracy – “Government of the the people,by the people for the people”

The man who said the above, used history’s biggest ‘danda’ to unify his own nation.

Masud

 

On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 8:42 PM, Khalil Sufi <> wrote:

Mahfooz -It is not the personalities who should matter. Democracy -maybe government of the the people,by the people for the people. Democracy may work for the people who are reasonably educated, intelligent ( we don’t need Phds.), and not a mob that can be led by the Pied Piper of Hamelin  Pakistan when it came into existence had laws and rules and, still has, to go by. Do we, including myself follow these. This can be seen on the roads, traffic, encroachment, garbage on roads, getting  a driving licence,a passport, utility facilities or any other work connected with any of the government departments. Karachi and Lahore were example of town planning. These cities are bursting and continue to be expanded.. Islamabad was planned by a world renowned  town planner Doxiadis, K, P, a Greek architect. Proper public transport does not exist. There is no railway station in the Capital of the Country. Islamabad is loosing its charm as”Islamabad the Beautiful.” It is becoming a commercial city Pakistan has privileged classes the civil service and the military services. Then there is a working class or the common citizens. They exist on day to day basis. Some of this forum  members may be living in foreign countries where there are minimum wages. In our part of the Country one can employ a domestic help under Rs.10,000/ pm 24/7 and no leave or any other benefits. They have no pension ( a worker gets a pension of Rs.3,500/ pm), no subsidized education or basic health facilities. The do not get plots at throw away prices. 

 

Has all this happened overnight ! We have all contributed to this mess.

 

Regards 

 

M, Khalil Sufi

 

On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 6:52 PM, <> wrote:

Issues are lack of resources. Here everyone consumes six times more than his fair share of global resources. Pakistan’s GDP, $1,260, US GDP is $42,000.

Only six percent of farmers work on land, to produce enough food for Americans, and keep some in reserve, in case it is needed around the world.

 

 

Naseem Khan

 

 

Subject: Re: The Dispossessed Ones

My son , Saad , following the advice given to him by a driver at his firm , got up at 3 AM  to get his car filled in . But the nearest petrol pumps were closed . The poor chap again attempted at 7.30 AM . After a wait of one hour , he got it .Thank God . Last evening I phoned him at his offfice specifically to ensure that some petrol may be kept aside for emergencies especially our house is 35 km from Islamabad . Name anything water , gas , electricity and now petrol . Has the previous or the present managed anything ? Governance means delivery . Have they managed to deliver .  .

 No one in his right mind would wish for martial law . But if governments do not or cannot deliver pray what is the solution ?   

 

On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 2:34 PM, Col Naeem  wrote:

A government foisted by a criminal NRO, rigged elections, corrupt judiciary and yellow media is not legitimate.

Since this government came through extra-constitutional measures (NRO and violation of Article 62 and 63 to name a few); it could/ should be ousted through extra-constitutional measures; for the viability and security of the state.

Extraordinary situations require extraordinary solutions.

 

On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 1:24 PM, Haroon Wasti  wrote:

NO ONE BUT NO ONE has the right to usurp the power

of the 180 million people of Pakistan to dislodge their

elected Govt.,  Good or even Bad.

 

It is solely their inherent right and any one interfering in

that right has no place amongst them or in their hearts.

Only the 180 million can bring in any change.

 

We are aware of our history and know well that those

who tried this trick, not only MIS– — USED our respected

institution but also deceived the nation to fulfill their

own ugly selfish ambitions, leaving the nation worst off

then before , reeling unsteadily for decades later. 

 

No sane person should even dream of such options.

 

SHW

 

 

On Monday, January 19, 2015 8:11 PM, S.Khalid Husain  wrote:

 

Mercifully no mulla is on the list for the interim government or it will be from smoldering tandoor to blazing nightmare.

 

From: Col Naeem [mailto: 

 

Relevant names with alternate names were decided upon even before the dharnas in July 2014!

 

 

On Mon, Jan 19, 2015 at 12:44 PM, Mahfooz Rahman < wrote:

I am not professional writer nor a political scientest . I write a hobby . However I am enclosing a video . Whether you like or not he speaks truth .http://www.zemtv.com/2015/01/18/goya-with-arsalan-khalid-exclusive-with-zaid-hamid-18th-january/

Regards

Mahfooz    

 

On Mon, Jan 19, 2015 at 12:28 PM, Sadeed Malik <> wrote:

Mahfooz sahib, A very well written narration of recent events, with continued degradation in our country. Many of us have commented, some with solutions. I would like to hear from you what solutions you propose to correct the state of affairs with short and medium term measures; covering a period of about a decade.   Regards      Sadeed

On Jan 16, 2015, at 7:43 PM, Mahfooz Rahman <> wrote:

                                   THE DISPOSSESSED ONES

If  the Zardari years ( 2008-2013)  were bad as far as the governance was concerned , the current rule is worse . As a political commentator said aptly he governance in their dictionary means making more metro buses or motorways . In my article “ An Autumn of Bitter Harvest “ , I wrote that  I found out that it was immaturity  in various phases of ‘democracy ‘ so much so that the common people are beginning to hate  the word . Democracy in Pakistan is tantamount to looting the exchequer and exploiting  the marginalized people .

On the political  horizon a new star , General Raheel Sharif , has emerged shining brightly on the bleak afternoon sky . Ma Sha Allah He is everywhere at the gate of the Army  Public School ,Peshawar  when it reopened on January 12 shaking hands individually with the children and parents boosting up their morale  , on the front meeting soldiers ,meeting the US armed forces top brass , at the CentCom , John Kerry , the US Secretary of State both in Washington as well as Rawalpindi , or David Cameron , the British Prime Minister in London .

Two major events happened in succeeding months ie December 2014 and January 2015 . One event happened in the Army Public School , Peshawar when firing and grenades by the attackers  killed 150 persons including 134 children . Another event happened half a globe away in France when two gunmen killed a dozen in an attack on a magazine “ Charlie Hebdo “ . The responses from each were totally different . In the first case , apart from the army which arrived on the spot within minutes when the shooting began and cleared the school from all militants , the response from the Government left much to be desired . The Prime Minister convened an all parties conference the second or the third day instead of taking an urgent action .

Many writers and political commentators wrote comprehensive on the mind boggling event . I minuted that the Concise Oxford Dictionary has no word to describe this bestiality .  I also wrote a short story “ Mama I want to go to school . Papa I want to go to school “. As a grandfather I wanted  to share with the parents or grandparents  my anxiety whether their children would be safe at school regardless of their wishes .  

The French response  was phenomenal . Beside police action of killing the assailants , French both men and women demonstrated in the major cities . Not only that , the Government gathered forty heads of states and of governments to show the world’s solidarity with France .     

I do not trust the politicians . One man who stood out was Imran Khan . However he too failed at the crucial moment  for the reasons as mentioned below :-

1 . In Peshawar at the start of the all parties conference , the Prime Minister was caught by the eyes of the camera cutting jokes and he was smiling .        That picture went viral . There is no harm in cutting jokes . But the timing was odd . Twenty four hours , the nation had lost its cream . The parents and grandparents had lost their children/grandchildren . It showed the politicians’ apathy .

2 . Imran Khan cancelled the sit in to protest against the rigging in the previous year’s election . Whether he was right or wrong , it appeared to the onlookers that he was tired of the sit ins . One writer named him as Dharna Khan .

3 . His  marriage   showed  indifference to the great loss the nation suffered at the Army Public School , Peshawar . Again I felt that the timing was odd . I discussed the matter with my wife . I told her  Imran Khan’s marriage has made  a big dent in his popularity graph  . Of course I have no estimates. However I feel he has missed the boat . 

  1. He and his newly wedded wife went to the school the other day to boost the children’ morale at the head of a huge motorcade . People counted the number of cars as 32 rubbishing his claim against the VIP culture which dominates the elite . However at a press conference on his return from Peshawar , he told the media that henceforth there would be no protocol for him . This way he is different from other politicians of the country .
  2. They were met by angry parents outside the School . Among the charges he  had to face  was indifference for their loss because of his recent marriage .( Another charge was leveled against the Prime Minister and his family for   removing his grandchildren  from school) . Slogans of ‘ go Imran go ‘ were raised against him for the above reasons . The parents were troubled that their children were killed and the politicians were indifferent to their losses . However , according to a lawyer and a political commentator , Chaudry Fawad Hussain , said were Nawaz Sharif , the Prime Minister , to go to the Army Public School without police escort he would face a much hostile reception . To the parents , Imran Khan appeared no different from other politicians . He appeared to have feet of clay .

Be it as may it , the parents of the children of the Army Public School or the people of Pakistan living elsewhere ,  are fed up of the governance , the law and order . There are many places in various  towns and cities which have no water , no electricity , no gas . The latest addition  is the non-availability of petrol because a major oil distribution company has no money to pay for the imports   In Tharparker , a famine is raging and each day a couple of infants die . Except the army which is camped there and doing all that it can , the Sind Government is nonchalant .

Each day bring bad news for the dispossessed people either of fire in a wood factory , or a bad accident between two speeding buses killing or maiming people . One can go on and on but the list of grievances has appears to have no end .

Mahfooz ur Rahman

Islamabad

January 16, 2015     

Pakistan’s Armed Forces are considered as saviours because time and again they have proved to be so.

Whenever there is a crisis in the country, the Armed Forces are called in, whether it be earthquake, floods, terrorism or Pakistan’s integrity & failure as a state.

Pakistan’s Armed Forces is the only institution which is disciplined, trained and well-versed in strategy development.

Now what we are suggesting is that the Higher Judiciary should take the lead in correcting the state of affairs of the country with full support from the Pakistan Armed Forces. Take over by the Armed Forces is not suggested.

KHALED NIZAMI

: Mayraj Fahim <f>
Date: Sat, Jan 24, 2015 at 6:59 PM
Subject: Re: Fwd: Issues related to Democracy in Pakistan – this corrupt & exploitative (feudal) system should be dismantled & Replaced by a National Unity Govt of Honest Technocrats
To: kanizami07 <>

Why is Army considered the savior? Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were in army governments and received their formative development in army governments. What guarantee will not make same mistakes again?

From: kanizami07 <>
To:
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2015 5:47 PM
Subject: Fwd: Issues related to Democracy in Pakistan – this corrupt & exploitative (feudal) system should be dismantled & Replaced by a National Unity Govt of Honest Technocrats

 

 

 third, Clean bill of financial track record. 

With these requirements in place, 95% of the present day parliamentarians will be out. When talking about working experience in responsible position, 15 years of being a parliament member as the friend or family member of a dynastic political outfit does not count an acceptable experience – not in my books. 

I am looking for scientists, engineers, economists, lawyers, accountants, professors, doctors, retired judges, retired military officers etc. to be the members of the parliament. The semi

​-​

literate corrupt garbage that we have today cannot build the nation or its democracy.

Javed Chaudry

 

On Fri, Jan 23, 2015 at 10:54 PM, JAVED CHAUDRY <j> wrote:

 

Pakistan  cannot afford the luxury of waiting for three centuries to develop its democracy. We know what the target should be, we also know what kind of people are required to work in the parliament – All we need to do is to re-write the constitution that would serve Pakistan as opposed to the one in use today that serves a few dynastic families and their friends only. 

 

Javed Chaudry

 

 

 

On Thu, Jan 22, 2015 at 7:05 PM, JAVED CHAUDRY <> wrote:

Masud Sahib, the constitution in Pakistan does not mean a thing to the ordinary public. It serves only the ruling elite. 

If the constitution was in use the way it is meant to be then people like Sharifs and Zardaris could not have been considered qualified to run for the highest offices. Having a constitution in Pakistan offers no benefit to the people. The ruling elite is simply above it with judiciary and all other governmental instruments equally corrupt, happen to be in their back pocket.

Javed Chaudry

 

On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 2:34 PM, Col Naeem <> wrote:

A government foisted by a criminal NRO, rigged elections, corrupt judiciary and yellow media is not legitimate.

Since this government came through extra-constitutional measures (NRO and violation of Article 62 and 63 to name a few); it could/ should be ousted through extra-constitutional measures; for the viability and security of the state.

Extraordinary situations require extraordinary solutions.

 

 

 

 

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Does ISIS Exist in Pakistan? By Sajjad Shaukat

           Recently, propaganda intensified that the militant outfit Daish or ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) has its presence in Pakistan. Besides some newspapers and media anchors of some TV channels also misperceived that ISIS has penetrated into Pakistan. In fact, they made their observation on the basis of media announcements by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leaders and Indian media.

 

Although ISIS does not exist in Pakistan, yet Pakistan government, law-enforcing agencies, media and civil society must exercise high degree of vigilance against any possible ingress by any elements like ISIS. Despite this, existence of ISIS in Pakistan needs special analysis, as its presence can not merely be propagated on the basis of wall chalking or media announcements of the TTP leaders and India.

 

As regards this militant outfit, on 29 June 2014, ISIS proclaimed a worldwide caliphate by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, based in Iraq. It claims religious, political and military authority over all Muslims, while ISIS’s actions have been widely criticized around the world, with many Islamic communities judging the group to be unrepresentative of Islam. One of ISIS’s goals has been to establish a radical Sunni Islamic state in Iraq and the Levant region, which covers Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine etc., and southern region of Turkey. It is widely known for its violent propaganda which includes Internet videos of beheadings. The UNO and Amnesty International have held this group responsible for human rights abuses and war crimes. ISIS group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the UNO and the European Union.

 

Some reports suggest that as part of the double game, American CIA has also been supporting the militants of the ISIS to overthrow the Shia regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Another aim is to spread sectarian violence in the Islamic countries.

 

However, besides some Islamic countries, a majority of the religious extremists from the Western World and especially India has joined the ISIS. In this context, a deliberate oblivion on the part of the West about ISIS recruits from their countries also exposes their duplicity and hypocrisy.

 

images-14It is notable that although various kinds of terror attacks in Pakistan have been conducted by the TTP and its banned affiliated groups in the past few years, yet the massacre of 132 school children at Army Public School and College in Peshawar on December 16, 2014 proved a watershed, as it has given a final wake up call to the nation to unite against these ruthless terrorists.

 

In this respect, the armed forces of Pakistan have conducted several successful military operations against the terrorists; the most recent one being operation Zarb-e-Azb, which has successfully broken the backbone of militants. Frustrated by their failures, these insurgents are resorting to coward acts like attack on innocent children in Peshawar.

 

Taking note of the school attack, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif has himself started supervising the military action against terrorists, and as part of the operation, several terrorists have been killed during air strikes. Gen. Raheel stated, “We are extremely saddened, but our resolve has taken new height”, and added “We will continue to go after the inhuman beasts, their facilitators till their final elimination.”

 

Undoubtedly, as a result of ongoing operations in Waziristan and Khyber Agency especially operation Zarb-e-Azb, militants are finding no place other than Afghanistan to flee and save their skin.

 

In this context, Gen. Raheel accompanied by the DG of Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), rushed to Kabul on December 17, 2014. During his meeting with his Afghan counterpart, President Ashraf Ghani and the ISAF commander, he presented evidence of the Peshawar massacre’s linkage with TTP sanctuaries in Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. He also asked the extradition of TTP chief Mullah Fazlluah, and handing over to Pakistan. In response, they assured him to take action against the TTP.

 

In fact, Afghanistan has become a hub of anti-Pakistan activities from where external secret agencies, especially Indian RAW are sending logistic support to Baloch separatist elements and TTP insurgents in Pakistan. Posing themselves as Pakistani Taliban, these enemies have joined TTP and other banned extremist outfits. In the recent years, especially TTP’s insurgents and its affiliated banned groups conducted many terror-activities in various regions of the country like suicide attacks, ruthless beheadings of tribesmen, assaults on security personnel and prominent figures including Shias, Ahmadis, Sufis, Christians and Sikhs as part of the scheme to create chaotic situation in the country.

 

It is of particular attention that spokesman of the Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Usama Mehmood and some other militant groups have also condemned the TTP in relation to the massacre of innocent children at Peshawar school.

 

Nevertheless, after Peshawar incident, strong public reaction against extremism/terrorism and dislike for Taliban/TTP elements—has been equally condemned by the political leadership as a national policy, showing solidarity with the armed forces. In this connection, on January 2, this year, political and military leaders agreed on a draft of legislative measures which would pave the way for establishment of special military trial courts. The participants also reiterated the commitment for dismantling and destroying all forms of terrorism and terrorist networks operating within the country. It was unanimously resolved that the 20 points enunciated in the All Parties Conference (APC) Resolution of December 24, 2014 shall be acted upon expeditiously—the bill as 22nd (Constitutional) Amendment, will be enforced soon after its approval from the parliament.

 

Meanwhile, media has reported that an Indian person namely Mehdi Masoor of Banglore remained affiliated with ISIS, and is running a pro-ISIS tweeter account. So question arises as to how India justifies its propaganda of ISIS linkage with Pakistan?  As a matter of fact, New Delhi has been frustrated by the successes achieved against the Taliban/TTP insurgents by Zarb-e-Azb. Therefore, sinister aim of Indian false propaganda about the presence of ISIS in Pakistan is to distort country’s image in the eyes of international community, while ISIS does not exist in Pakistan.

 

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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Pakistani Army boot camps want to ‘re-program’ ISIS terrorists

 An undated photo posted to a militant website in January shows ISIS fighters marching in Raqqa, Syria.Photo: AP

 

 

It’s a 12-step program for terrorists.

Pakistan has successfully deradicalized thousands of Taliban jihadists using special boot camps — and now wants to try the tactic on the monstrous Islamic State, The Post has learned.

Pakistani military officials say they are confident that they can re-program the twisted minds of the head-chopping ISIS terrorists and turn them into normal, hard-working citizens.

“I believe that if we are able to harness ISIS in our rehab centers, I think it is doable,” said one Pakistani military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Since the program began in 2009, Pakistan has reformed a whopping 2,500 Taliban warriors — most of whom were suicide bombers and mid-level troop commanders, officials said.

“We have a 99 percent success rate. [The Taliban] would have killed themselves and a lot of other people, too. We are saving a lot of lives,” another Pakistani army official, Maj. Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa, told The Post last week in Washington, DC.

Pakistan is now willing to share its expertise on rehab centers with Iraq and Syria in their fight against ISIS, which has taken over large swaths of land in those countries to create their self-proclaimed “caliphate,” Bajwa said.

“If we receive a request from [Iraq or Syria], I think we can talk to them about it,” Bajwa said, adding that all Middle Eastern countries need to take an “integrated approach” on ISIS and other extremist groups because “we’re all fighting the same menace.”

The Pakistani army came up with the rehab idea after it launched a 2009 offensive in Swat Valley and rounded up a number of Taliban militants, the anonymous source said.

The terrorists were segregated and categorized by their level of indoctrination and their ages, which ranged from 18 to 45, the official said.

“We look at their track record — how long have they been with the Taliban, their level of radicalization,” the official said. “On a scale of 1 to 10, this one may be an 8, and this one a 5, and we separate them accordingly into groups.”

The army converted four large school buildings in Swat and put together a team of doctors, teachers, psychologists and other professionals.

The Taliban then underwent a four-part re-programming process there that took six months to a year.

The “deradicalization program” drills down into the root causes of why they join the ranks of the Taliban, the official said.

“Some people get radicalized out of a sense to serve God,” the official said. “Others, especially young men, see Taliban with long beards and carrying Kalashnikovs [machine guns] walking around’’ and think it’s cool.

The official said that in some Taliban-controlled areas, the terrorists force families to turn over their children for indoctrination.

In the rehab centers, the first part of the rebooting process is a psychological evaluation.

INITIALLY, THEY HAVE A VERY DARK MINDSET, AND THEY WON’T — — USE ANY COLOR OTHER THAN BLACK COLOR TO DRAW A HO– — USE WITH NO WINDOWS.

 – Gen. Bajwa

“Initially, they have a very dark mindset, and they won’t use any color other than black color to draw a house with no windows,” Bajwa said. “At the end of the process, they want to use any color other than black to draw their house — bright colors with open windows and doors.”

In the second phase, the militants are “de-indoctrinated and then motivated” by religious teachers and friends, Bajwa said.

“They sit down with [the terrorists] and explain to them, ‘Why would they resort to this type of life?’ What it entails in terms of religious values and social and moral values, so all that was discussed,” Bajwa said.

The third and fourth parts involve making the terrorists productive citizens who are valued by their families, according to Bajwa.

They are given an education and taught a craft, such as carpentry or computer programming.

During the process, the other official said, the terrorists are served regular Pakistani meals in a large cafeteria. On the menu is curry, rice, mangos, vegetables and yogurt for dessert.

They also take part in a comprehensive morning and evening physical therapy program, playing volleyball and cricket, Pakistan’s favorite pastime.

“They operate in teams and are socially more active, which is positive reinforcement,” the official said.

The former extremists are then released back into society.

“They never again join the [Pakistan Taliban],” Bajwa insisted. “But we put in place a system of monitoring them with the help of an integrated team, the family and local police.”

A source said there was only one case in which it appeared the reboot might not be working.

“This monitoring time actually caters for that risk and possibility,’’ the source said.

 

Reference

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