Another frivolous allegation

Pakistan OBSERVER, Thu, Jan,03, 2008.

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema
 

One is amazed to learn the attributions of baseless allegations so regularly by the American media. We heard so many times western media’s accusations that Pakistan’s nuclear assets  may fall into wrong hands, Pakistan is providing safe havens to terrorists, Taliban from Pakistan launch attacks on Afghanistan, Taliban are using Pakistani sanctuaries etc. And the latest allegation that has emanated from heavily influenced and lobbies controlled American media that Pakistan has wasted counterterrorism money. 

Has Pakistan wasted the monetary support that was extended to Pakistan to carry on its fight against terrorism is the question that needs to be analyzed. Pakistani ambassador to United States  Mahmud Ali Durrani responded diplomatically and regretted the appearance of such comments stressing that the South Asian ally (Pakistan) is doing everything it can combat terrorism along its Afghan border. Indeed it was an appropriate diplomatic response to unproven allegation. 

Many observers in Pakistan have now begun to question the authenticity and rationality of media in the west in general and in US in particular. In some circles the reaction has been so strong that they are now even refusing to believe anything, even if it is true, appearing in some of the western media. The strong reaction could be the product of contradictory pursuits of American policies in South Asia. Some are pained by stories that are the product of ignorance of ground realities. Some feel or view it as a systematic campaign of pressurization with the aim to divert attention from the real problems. Some feel that many elements in western media are working in congruity with the objectives of powerful lobbies. 

Increasingly it is becoming clearer that some elements of western media are so powerful that they push rather hard their own agenda which may also include to tarnish Pakistan’s image. Many rational and thinking Pakistanis are beginning to enter doubts about the rationality and authenticity of western media. Such creeping doubts could be easily removed by advancing convincing proof but so far the reports and allegations are merely based on conjectures and hearsay evidence. 

On one hand the many American government officials never cease to admire and repeatedly acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts in war on terrorism but some elements in the media never cease to stop their efforts to churn out more and more allegations against Pakistan on the other. The latest acknowledgement of Pakistan’s massive contributions came from the former Defense Secretary William Cohen as it was highlighted by the Pakistani ambassador in US. In addition it was also stressed that there is dire need to enhance Pakistan’s counter terrorism abilities by providing equipment like upgraded helicopters, night vision goggles, unmanned aerial vehicles etc. 

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman not only rejected these allegations but also questioned ‘reimbursements for services provided could be misappropriated or how reimbursed money could be called any kind of assistance’. The allegation by the US military official revolves around that the money intended for maintaining a large force of 100,000 is not reaching the troops. If this is the case how Pakistan does still manage to maintain troops in the tribal areas. These officials merely stress that ‘they know’ that the money is not reaching the Pakistani troops.

The media in developed countries is expected to be much more responsible as it is supposed to check the authenticity of reports before publishing or airing them. So far not a single story  has produced convincing evidence. Just by asserting that I say so does not amount to meaningful evidence.

The media in the west does not recognize that despite the difficult situation that pervades in Pakistan, it has not yet shown any hesitance in its counter-terrorism efforts. Pakistan has deployed over 100,000 and has already set up more than 1000 check posts. The stationing of so many soldiers has caused many unforeseen problems for the incumbent government. Not only many of the militants have been undertaking terrorist activities inside Pakistan but many Pakistanis have expressed their anger over the operation in the tribal areas as it has been often dubbed as Muslim Pakistani killing Muslim Pakistanis. 

So many innocent Pakistanis have already lost their lives both in the militant’s activities inside Pakistan and operation undertaken by security forces in tribal areas as well as in areas like Swat. It is indeed flabbergasting when one hears or reads sentences like ‘Are the American taken for ride’. Many Pakistanis are now beginning to seriously consider exactly the same thing and are asking the question ‘Have the Pakistanis been taken for a ride’. 

The American Congress seems to be more prone to believe such baseless stories than most  of the Pakistanis. It is only natural that many Congressmen hardly fully comprehend the intricacies of the situation and therefore they can become an easy prey to such propaganda. The Congress has already slapped many restrictions on the release of funds to Pakistan. Indeed it is likely to impact in some form on the will and efforts of the Pakistanis. Whether this has been done in congruence with a well planned policy or a product of their ignorance, it is bound to take a toll on ongoing efforts. 

Indeed the US funds are important for Pakistani efforts and cuts and restrictions are not at all elements that can inject enthusiasm for a war which is gradually being painted as American war through the efforts of both the western and regional media. Allegations like the wasting of money or using for alternative purposes is likely to influence many officials whose dedicated efforts may also see downward dip. 

The irresponsible attitude of some elements in western media may able to influence the Pakistanis to rethink its ongoing policy in its war on terrorism. However one thing is certain that Pakistan is confronted with acutely alarming situation which indeed is partially created by the activities of the Americans in the region and partly by its regional partners. The inability of ISAF/NATO forces to bring about a minimum semblance of stability in Afghanistan has further complicated the situation. 

It would be in the best interest of both the Americans and the Pakistanis to work in harmony to effectively deal with this menace. Unnecessary, frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations need to be avoided in order to sustain a meaningful effort. Both the Americans and the Pakistanis need each other especially in the war against terrorism. . The alternative could be dangerous and highly undesirable. Apart from the Americans and the Pakistanis, no other country has really made any substantive contributions. The media needs to be more responsible in order to encourage them to attain their objective of elimination of terrorism from the region.

The writer works for Islamabad Policy research Institute.