Pakistan: Difficult times require difficult decisions

Civil and Military leadership must face the challenges in 2016
By Barrister Amjad Malik

Pakistan is amongst the news due to the recent events unfolding in KSA - Iran standoff, Pathan Kot incident post PM modi's visit to Lahore and APC of smaller stake holders on CPEC and wave of terrorism in the form of ISIS in Syria and looming threats post Paris Attack. These are opening regional and international opportunities for the Prime Minister to muscle his diplomacy skills as he holds Foreign Office hat too and make advantageous decisions for Pakistan. I share my thoughts on a few recent developing subjects.

Pakistan is a great ally of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its principle stand to stand by its ally in the time of need to defend the realm, its territorial integrity at all costs is reflective of state passion, religious fervour and national interest. Defending holy places is further step to address large segment of our public opinion and national and Islamic duty. Defending realm than offending Yemen and or Iran in this matter also keep it a little neutral as Iran may not dislike this role as it may later provide an opportunity to influence for a truce on quid pro quo basis along with OIC countries & Turkey China, the UK and the USA who may have influence and KSA may listen to a collective voice. Although the Kingdom of Saudi will not like pak neutrality but keeping in view populous the Shia community in Pakistan with around 30% free press, freedom of Political and protest activity and highly influential positions enjoyed by the sect may fit the bill and avoid severe sectarian clashes at homeland too. Pakistan may have a backlash on a wrong strategy KSA will not as  KSA will not have that problem due to the minority population of the Shia sect, a strong civil and criminal laws and no protesting marchers on the street are allowed, so again a very sensible drive by Pakistan.

But having said that KSA is financially a very big benefactor for Pakistan in the time of need so handling diplomatically may be an art rather than a mere skill which will test the patience and mastery of Premier Sharif at the nick of time. So pleasing the Kingdom must be on board whilst sticking to our guns as we did successfully on the Yemen issue which cost us a seat in UNO if we did not initiate a follow up strategy for a damage control exercise. Having said that we can have a situation where we do not say a straight 'No' but a partyial 'yes' to defend that part of the offence and let international community influences the KSA with common sense in the meantime that saves us too. Joining 34 state alliances with KSA may be an opportunity to offer our experience to fight terrorism at the OIC and 34 state level alliances. Pakistan may highlight it at the 34 countries alliance or at OIC to move to the right direction and have a purposeful and meaningful platform to bridge the gap, have joint intelligence sharing protocol and have a dialogue between ancient civilisations which is extinct at the moment on the issues of blasphemy, burning Quran, filming the Prophet (PBUH) and ending gulfs of mistrust between east and west. It may be a factor to contribute than withdrawing from an eventful opportunity at the same time avoiding offensive against hostile states to KSA. So training, sharing, and defending may be our best option, rather than be part of an offence with retaliatory repercussions for which the state may not be ready and that stretched to encompass such challenges all around. On terrorism Pakistan’s stand post APS Peshawar is very clear. International community appreciates that role of Pakistan and national action plan gives a role model capacity to offer assistance because of experience and world is respecting the premier COAS and the nation for standing against militancy.

ISIS poses a greater threat to the west as the strategy and mode is changed from foreign terrorist to home grown radicalised sleeper cells. Pakistan must have a strict line on ISIS as such groups may get personnel support from outlawed groups and due to looming poverty in KPK, FATA and some Punjab region money can be used to buy support. Outlawed groups may fuel the fire in Baluchistan too. PM should invest special attention and interest not to allow such groups to support ISIS to hold grounds with illegal sale of oil proceeds in Pakistan’s troubling region and let it not use our soil to perpetrate any Attack overseas. NECTA must be given this target to root out such groups that can form nexus with ISIS. Biometric checks at all airports and entry points must be operational and in any opportunity with speeches and actions must clearly warn that Pakistan’s territory and  interest will be protected at all costs and its soil will not be allowed to be used for any form of radicalised activity, terror and militancy operation.

It's a right step that Pakistan does not wish its soil to be used to and for terrorism and same will not be accepted in the form of foreign spying intervention and any proxy on our soil whether by any enemy state and our by any ally. Our internal militancy can be easily manipulated by forces like ISIS and that's the bigger challenge for  armed forces and intelligence outfits in the state of Pakistan. True success will be to avert APS like challenges and make them history. Internationally Late King Abdullah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once floated the idea of 'joint intelligence mechanism' amongst east and west’ which is word to wise at this time. Pakistan may try first to attain civil and military trust to have joint intelligence mechanism at the level of NECTA and later internationally. Once Pakistan has attained some success locally, it can float this model at international levels. Only that can serve a better purpose of any unity amongst Islamic community of nations than combat force like NATO which only will have backlash at home due to sectarian divide in most of the gulf region.

On Pathan Kot we are right to condemn the incident , share and investigate the information and separate accurate culpability from political advantage seeking mantra. Pakistan must allow military civil and foreign office committee to assist the govt to form all three answers of that investigation but must remain true and vigilant.

It  must know exactly what happened. Scientific and real investigation and what's military stand and what's foreign office take so that no one embarrasses us on intl forums. Kashmiri plight and their struggle continue and our moral support will win more laurels than our people or groups physically participating in it and getting caught. We were embarrassed in kargil and suffer huge losses and artificially highlighting the issue back fired and later cost Pakistan its democracy.

This is the time to try to win on table than on ground. Dialogue will attempt to keep peace as an option and realistic move towards progress will engage India and will allow Pakistan to complete CPEC. India will not allow CPEC and ending terrorism and energy crisis until we keep them engaged and keep international interlocutors closer to influence India of peace than locking horns and keep our eastern border busy and warm with skirmishes. Peace must be accepted as a viable option out of choice not out of fear and creating peace must not be seen as a sign of weakness but sensibility as wars have been tested thrice. There is no good and bad terrorists as outlawed are outlawed, we can jointly deter defeat & discourage terrorism & increasing radicalisation to make Pakistan, region & world peaceful and for that PM have an opportunity post Peshawar to continue adopting one line which is 'end terrorism from all shape and form ' so that we can have peace at home progress on Pak China corridor and attempt to find energy and water shortages. It will benefit India so as Pakistan. Governance education, health with free medical and accountability will come when economic stability remains a reality. Breaking begging bowl will bring great tidings and we are nearly there, but not there yet.

Great people & their sacrifices make a great nation & Pakistan has shown that it has no dearth of those who can sacrifice in the line of duty and APS Peshawar zarab e Azab , young martyred Aitzaz and ongoing operations and our law enforcement juwans day in day out are proving it. Prime minister must bring this into light every month and APS, NAP and progress on operations and follow up on NAP implantation must be part of reality check every month of not every week. People have been negligent in Kala Bagh dam and allowed foreign enemies to woo and influence stake holders to derail progress in the subject. Let us not be complacent in Pak China corridor which is ‘make and break’ for Pakistan and a ‘game changer’. Civil and military must join hands to make a dream come true. PM must tell Pak political parties that they must not wait for Devine intervention & Pak must complete CPEC in national interest in this game changer project. Politicians as a clan have performed poorly when it comes to national cause of democracy Kala Bagh and attaining governance through ending corrupt precludes so as military dictators. Post 1999 we have been struggling for the full decade for fairness, scared status of ballot, freedom of information and the right to choose and the chosen have secretly wiped all chances of possible silent revolution in the society by PPP govt post military dictators departure and scandals are like works emerging in Karachi from every closet. If we are not free from lack of food, hygiene, electrify and gas, then degree scandals and onslaught on media take over. Basic problems of our questionable contribution in ongoing war on terror and, economic meltdown, and energy short far. Electoral and law reforms and judges appointments are yet to be tabled again in the Parliament after even passing a joint resolution. Recent APC on CPEC shows that Politicians after getting elected and having a 5 year term could not get their eyes out of their bellies as usual, that is a big misfortune for the country. Those who were on premier positions in PPP reign and even in Musharraf's reign did not value that this is the most sacred place to cherish and serve the country and its people they belong and that’s the least they owe it to them. But no Kala Bagh was built and no CPEC enraged in fact no one was willing to give a dime to them as a loan let alone $46 billion dollars as making money and more money was and is the motto of outgoing regime, so the net result is zero as zero plus zero is always zero and that remained the progress report of PPP govt, hence Karachi operation is unearthing skeletons of mega interest and high magnitude.

Who leads opinion polls in Pakistan is not the right question at all, but the country's direction is relevant which seems on the right track under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In democracy hired guns are not available for mercenaries to play havoc like in war on terror we brought fire to our backyard without strategy and policy in public knowledge and parliament domain, but having said that Democracy isn’t coming in a day and it’s not a day’s job to attain complete civil rule. We can only make efforts further to stabilise the process by which civilian rule is respected & strengthened. Rulers must never be scared of civil dispensation, consultation and joint working on major challenges and objectives which are relevant to common masses and are concerned with state future infrastructure and protection. Civilian dispensation is an ongoing process of years and is attained with patience and resilience and better governance is its key to strengthen it and that's exactly the need of the hour that rather than Pakistani nation and its ruling junta divert its attention towards peripheral issues, they must keep moving forward. It is my humble view that, economic stability will promote protect and preserve not only democracy but will attain a system of governance by the passage of time and patience is a virtue at this juncture.

Prime Minister of Pakistan with his hard work is striving to break the begging bowl and insisting on a ‘trade’ not ‘aid’ ideology to save the nation from perpetual slavery and to end the 'brain drain' and ‘CPEC’, ‘Guwadar’, ‘Kala Bagh’ and ‘TAPI’ and ‘NAP’ are the hallmark of his administration and some of the examples of such interaction and mindset. Govt must not mind advocates of good governance but must stay focused as progress will unnerve many like it did to dharnabaz , and we must move towards the right direction towards our set goals and objectives, as I reiterated earlier continuously; country is already heading in the right direction:- a) To end terrorism through zarab e Azab and ‘NAP’ national action plan  and it’s time to show the international world what is achieved as a success story; as we are pinning hopes elsewhere economically, hence western side can be wooed through NAP actions and achievements to make a safer state, region and the world in return. b) To revive economy through Pak China corridor, Guwadar port and industrial marathon revolution and by political stability without witch hunt, as that's the game changer this will guarantee next victory. c) By meeting the energy needs by setting up dams, and energy infrastructure and meeting electricity shortfalls as we are mandated by the people of Pakistan and the pmln administration promised to turn their darkness into  light by end of their term.  

The Prime minister leadership acted in time to console and condole the French and offer of assistance whilst Intl world condemned Paris Attack. The Prime Minister opened his arms, shared good practice offered help and proved his resolve and visited the French embassy at Islamabad and France that was a very stalwart statesmanlike gesture. On Pathan Kot in India attack the reaction of Govt was sensible and  befitting to the requirement. That's the 'lead ' a leader can show to those superficial critique dharnabaz who are whilst enjoying the lusty luxury dream on arm chair revolution as change does not come in a day and requires sheer hard work, Passion continuity and vision.

The Prime Minister of PML(N) as 'The lion' here is to complete tenure and will go to the public for vote, how he does that is the art which makes him the lion. What CPEC, NAP and energy projects intend to do in Pakistan requires vigilance and patience. To turn around as local national and international evils will be casting all sorts of shadows and eyes on state programmes and mercenaries will be available to disrupt in the form of further and or local hired guns. Which long have been thwarting success like stopping Kala Bagh dam and letting opponents to have the time to infiltrate and complete Bagliyaar Dam. Open statements are in the public domain to make CPEC a history and that's what is a national challenge. Civil and Military together must come up to all these challenges with the help of political stake holders (especially signatories of the charter of democracy) as no single power can complete this 'dream to come true ' that Pakistan is safer economically powerful and energy self sufficient as ending aid and promoting trade on equality basis is not a day's dream and will not be achieved without hard work and sacrifice and patience.

16 December 2014 APS Attack on school and 131 children martyrdom is a turning point in Pakistan's history to complete the unfinished business. ISIS or TTP may change masks but extremism radicalisation, violence and intolerance have made this nation hollow with the damages to mind body and heart and it requires similar madness and a sheer strong will to discourage deter and defeat this menace of terrorism. Luckily nation stood upon this APS Peshawar tragedy and national consensus was formed as its armed forces and ruling elite joined hands and minds to end terrorism through operational 'Zara's e Azab' and intellectual 'National Action Plan' onslaught. Enemy is widespread , unfaced, and have strong breeding grounds its hideouts and safe heavens and nation can only defeat it by collective effort as Militancy is defeated by the change of mindset as weaker democracy is treated by more democracy and governance. Pakistan is long marred by indoctrinated by radicalisation.

NAP must not be taken lightly, as economy energy and terrorism is interdependent on the success of NAP. These are ongoing issues in the world and Pakistan must come up as a role model, a success story everywhere in the west to galvanise support for its civilian system of governance and Pak must promote economic attitude in China Central Asia and middle east and governance and precision of amenities and energy locally at home soil and politically harmony through dialogue with political forces and allies. In 2016 Pakistan must not deviate from its aim to turn around the economy, attempt to end terrorism and try further to meet energy needs. If the govt succeed, only politicians go to voters not the govt officials in a lawful authority with due process. They must encompass and embrace the successes of Pakistan's law enforcement segments under NAP as their own, when the prime minister goes to his people as only that's the 'naked truth' that the govt and the opposition are accountable to masses and the rest are all to govt and the parliament.

Corruption poses a serious hurdle in the way of smooth sailing civil process and to attain role model governance, but economic prosperity safety security and energy sufficiency all are interlinked. Once Pak comes nearer to breaking the begging bowl it will surely know how to grip corruption, which is out of hand still in the presence of plethora of anti corruption laws and NAB (national accountability bureau) on top. Successful prosperous economically viable govt will know how to protect our hard earned living too and if it treads with China and Pakistan Govt must know that China does not spare those who meddle in the public funds as there is a death penalty for such crimes. Let us start 2016 with optimism and genuine prayers for prosperity in the country.

But the future is bright. Despite a gloomy picture of Pakistan, nevertheless, my faith in Pakistan is not startled. Pakistan is waking up, thanks to civil dispensation, free media, awakening lawyers and civil society and conscious 100 million smart street men and women. Pakistan is taming the uncontrolled and unbridled elite of course establishment as well as political classes who ruled the last 67 years as the poor and middle class never got their turn. This change is for good. If people who are ruled, start taking an interest in their day to day matter as to how they are ruled, then that is the start of any softer revolution and change does not come in a day. Whether it is the return of democracy, judiciary restoration, degree scandals, Musharraf’s trial, Judges oath to law of necessity, or NRO pardoning the unforgivable, public is quickly making up their mind and media is helping them to shape their opinions. Good or bad this exercise was never carried out and it must continue as the experiment is exposing, keeping the pace and is throwing a challenge to ruling contenders.
An elderly pensioner in a village has now views to express on politics despite his educational constraints and a labourer working in the mills of an urban city knows how to protest if electricity, sugar and flour shortage hit his streets. As expansion of internet has knit us all into a global village and even we are frequently taking about our homeland day in day out. Better means of communication and transportation is hindering elite class’s attempts to sideline their looted money.

In a changed Pakistan when PPP govt icons and or previous regime stalwarts through launches or agents tried to park their slashed funds overseas before the deal is done, media is visiting the place creating public awareness and helping the nation to form an opinion. PML (N) administration has a challenge to end ‘VIP culture' and promote corruption free politics and public service with a warning that whosoever come to politics with the motto of serving the public and the country is welcome. If they accept the renewed terms otherwise Pakistan is fast turning into a place where only whiter than white will survive in this noble profession of politics. Govt of Nawaz Sharif must express their facilitation to the people Pakistan on the CPEC and express solidarity and good will for them at the crossroad of country’s political landscape as he advances on NAP inch by inch.

We can only make Pakistan a successful, progressive Islamic state if we individually eliminate the differences in our sayings and doings and remain firm and united and fight on principles. We can do so by remaining honest, speaking the truth and by practicing justice in small and larger matters of our individual as well as national life. Only then we can make it a peaceful country where progress is a dream come true, rather than a radicalised militancy. This can be achieved, if Pakistan’s executive & state representatives practice complete fairness in relation to its obligations and responsibilities and are made themselves accountable to its people who elect them. They operate a crystal policy of unity, faith and discipline in nation building and they provide their services in accordance with the Islamic injunctions, & Constitution of Pakistan 1973 coupled with complete harmony & nation’s trust. They promote acceptable internationally recognised human rights in respect of its citizens, minorities and above all women who play an important part in any progressive and developing society. May God bless Pakistan with a strong, brave and intelligent united leadership who think in the wider interest of Pakistan and through NAP Zarab e azab and CPEC utilises its resources for Pakistan’s development and for its people’s progress in this 21st Century and the coming centuries.

Barrister Amjad Malik is a Chair of the Association of Pakistani Lawyers UK -11 January 2016