Pakistan and the world’s stability

The POST, Sun, May,27, 2007.

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema

Writing in ‘The Observer’ and ‘Gulf Times’, a former British member Parliament  Denis Macshane advised the British government that Pakistan is a key to defeating the new threats to world. In this connection he mentioned that several times the west has turned its back on Pakistan and urged that such mistake should not be made again. He also argued that Pakistan is subjected to unnecessary pressures and Pakistan is repeatedly reproached about not doing enough. Somewhat similar sentiments were earlier expressed by an eminent writer Mr. Anatol Lieven in International Herald Tribune (March 8, 2007) who stressed the need and importance of supporting Pakistan is in the greater interest of international community. Speaking at an Australian Defense College, the former Commander of Central Command General John Abizaid also expressed somewhat similar thoughts. 

While highlighting the need for early return to pure democratic civilian regime, Mr. Macshane acknowledged that Pakistan is neither dictatorship nor democracy as it is practiced in most countries of the west. However he recognized the contributions made by Pakistan in the war against terrorism and stated that it has been overdue to acknowledge the sacrifices Pakistan has made. He mentioned that not only Pakistan has posted 80,000 of its troops and has suffered more than 500 casualties which are considered far more than the casualties of NATO troops. It needs to be mentioned here that Pakistan has now added another 10,000 troops making it more than 90,000. 

Another intriguing aspect of his argument revolved around Indian policy pursuits. He suggested that India could join the war against terror by removing its 70,000 soldiers from Kashmir and opening the border. The argument appears to be that if Pakistan felt its eastern flank was secure, it could transfer more of its troops to its western border. In this connection he also mentioned that UK gives aid to Indian around a billion British pounds and India spends 200 million British pounds on aid to Afghanistan. He asserted that UK aid to India is, in effect, subsidizing India’s effort to pull Afghanistan into its orbit. 

The reference to the opening of many Indian Consulates in those areas of Afghanistan where no Indian has been seen in years also deserves comment. This writer has more than once questioned the need for four Consulates in a small country like Afghanistan in some of the previous articles. The opening of a consulate is primarily caused by two major factors; either a large number of citizens of the involved country inhabit that particular area where the Consulate is opened or the trading interaction between the two countries in that particular area is very high. A close scrutiny of the Indian Consulates in Afghanistan reveals clearly that neither of the above mentioned reasons exist where the Indian Consulates have been opened. 

Despite the non-existence of the factors that influence a state to open Consulate, the question that is being frequently asked is that why then these Consulates have been opened. Part of the answer that has been suggested in one of the article is that India is seeking influence in order to keep up pressure on Pakistan. In fact the Indian are alleged to be supporting subversive elements in Pakistan’s border provinces through Afghanistan. Many Pakistanis have highlighted this particular aspect and repeatedly stressed that these Consulates are acting like Indian staging posts for materialization of nefarious designs against the adversary. 

Another aspect of the argument that was highlighted revolved around the undue pressures on Pakistan to hunt Osama Bib Laden. It certainly appears rather strange to many that on one hand Pakistan is subjected to intense pressures to hunt Osama where as NATO has so far failed to find Radovan Karadzic or persuade the Serbian army to stop protecting Ratko Mladic. Besides, the international community is well aware of British inabilities to check IRA killers crossing into Northern Ireland. Similarly the American efforts to stop infiltrations from Mexico have also not been very impressive. 

The major thrust of such articles is to support Pakistan as Pakistan is the key to world’s and region’s stability. To support Pakistan and facilitating in its efforts to defeat both terrorism and extremism is actually in the interest of entire world if it wants to see a stabilized region. There is no doubt that many in the west are beginning to acknowledge the massive contributions made by Pakistan. Articles such as the above mentioned two writings and a speech by American General reflect the enhanced comprehension of the existing complexities and a hopeful sign of a realistic assessment that is gradually gaining grounds. Undoubtedly this is a good omen. 

What is perhaps encouraging to learn is that many in the west are beginning to embark upon realistic path. Not everything is immediately accepted if it comes from the Afghan or American sources. The description of Tribal Pakhtoon’s ethnic links with their Afghan Pakhtoons reflects a certain amount of comprehension of the cultural traditions of the tribal areas and the existing sympathies. Cognizant of the difficult situation on the border, Pakistan has already undertaken a three pronged approach which was initially criticized by some in the west but ever since it has begun to pay dividends, many are not only satisfied with the Pakistani approach but has begun to appreciate it. 

It has also been stressed that Pakistan should be given priority and supported in a comprehensive manner. The basis of this argument revolves around the question that what happens if Pakistan is radically destabilized. Indeed the thrust of the above mentioned two articles reflect the much desired realization among the west not to dismiss Pakistan’s efforts and avoid unnecessary pressures that been hitherto frequently applied to Pakistan. On the contrary Pakistan should be fully backed in its efforts against both terrorism and extremism to facilitate the attainment of the often stated objective of stable region. 

Pakistan is nuclear power and a non NATO ally of the west which is deeply engaged in fight against terrorism. Already Pakistan has contributed more than any other member of the international coalition to combat terrorism. Without the active participation of Pakistan, war against terrorism is unlikely to make much headway. Too much pressurization and ready acceptance of Afghanistan interpretation of the events without according due considerations to Pakistani viewpoint is bound to take a heavy toll of Pakistani efforts. An unstable Pakistan could result in a nightmarish situation and could have adverse implications not just for the region but also for a much wider area of the world. Therefore Pakistan’s stability and continuous encouragement for its efforts to war against terrorism undoubtedly becomes a prerequisite for the visualized peace and harmony in the region. 

No body questions the need to defeat both Al Quada and Talibans which have foothold in Afghanistan. The Afghan government has frequently demonstrated a tendency to quickly cover its own weaknesses and inabilities by putting the blame on Pakistan. Although not many in Pakistan believe in most of Afghan interpretation but what amazes some in Pakistan is the endorsement by some western commentators without undertaking any investigative approaches.

The writer works for Islamabad Policy research Institute.