It’s beyond doubt that the
terrorism is the single largest enemy of the nations of Indian sub-continent. After 9/11 and even
after getting ‘Big-brotherly support’ from USA, Pakistan has remained the centre of discussion for the world.
Besides the twin problems, one
terrorism and two General Musharraf himself, Pakistan faces other roadblocks on the way of living a peaceful life and getting democratic set up of government. It’s leaders like Benazir or Nawaz sharif can’t succeed in dealing with people by sitting on foreigners’ shoulder. Benazir Bhutto’s ground hardly looks solid, as the sympathy waves takes only days to ebb. Secondly the women flock in Pakistan haven’t woken up. No political party has cared for the women’s cause. From the meagre presence of women in the rallies, it seems that women of Pakistan still believe that the politics is the men’s world. The women need to come up and fight for their future, as the democracy only help the weaker sections to prosper. Benazir has, however, a chance to dig in this mine.
It’s surprising that no one has economic plan for the country. They talk about terrorism; they talk about America; and unfailingly they talk about Allah. But no one is interested in talking about the employment, the education and rights of women. Caring for the welfare of the people in general makes a man or woman a leader of the masses. Pakistani leader lack such a skill of becoming the mass leader. If the democracy is to be restored, and after restoration it were to be consolidated, the leaders will have to address the real issues.
While evaluating Pakistan’s present position, we cannot keep our model, the rights enjoyed by people of India, before our eyes. Apart from other things, the situation in FATA area requires some scrutiny. During Pakistan’s involvement in helping Afghan people for countering Russian occupation, the
border between these two countries had became virtually non-existent. People would come and go at their will across the border. And then came the Pakistani backed Taliban rule.
People living in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) are feudal by nature; they have agreed to accept universal franchise in 1997 only. They fear that voting rights to all would erode the power of tribal leaders. Pakistani rulers are virtually powerless in this area since 1947, as these people feel more affinity with Kandahar and Kabul then the government in Islamabad. After 9/11 their affinity became their worst enemy; and the US sponsored will of Pakistani rulers tried crushing the involvement of local tribes with Taliban factions. The war between these tribal people and Pakistani military continues, even after death of 1000 Pakistani soldiers in two years. After Lal Mosque episode, the Talibans are believed to be the mastermind behind the series of blasts in Pakistan. We cannot back Musharraf for his attack on judiciary, but given the internal situation in his country, some heavy military operations are necessary.
In the present circumstances, we, the Indians, cannot remain a spectator to the events of Pakistan. It is not a country situated in a remote corner of Eastern Europe. We have common border of more than 1000 Km with it. People of both countries are socially and culturally identical: we have common language, food, religion and social traditions. We had helped the people of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, in their troubled days; we should openly help the cause of people of West Pakistan, too. It’s hard fact that Pakistan had forced us into war for four times, but today is the time to show a big brother’s approach and send clear message to the military rulers to remain away from suppressing the will and voice of the people. Such an attitude would help in solving our common issues like Kashmir and terrorism, too.
Till the day we get ourselves involved into Pakistan’s internal affairs LET US PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN.