Jonaid Iqbal
The tension between these two neighbours – Pakistan and India – may have brought United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (and his spouse) to Pakistan although he came for two days as chief guest to participate at Independence Day festivities. This being Mr. Moon’s third visit here.
Pakistan celebrated 67th anniversary of independence, Wednesday. We began the day with exchange of greetings and felicitations with friends, relatives and fellow citizens. However, grandkids insisted on sweetening the day and going outdoors buying cakes and candies.
Nonetheless, we have a number of reasons for getting worried since a number of things have been going wrong during these past 66 years, as well as for challenges that lie ahead and also because we face the Indian Army Chief, Bikram Singh’s, resent threat, effected in his advice to Indian commanders to be ‘aggressive’ with Pakistan at the Line of Control.
The fear took root since Aug. 6 after India accused the Pak Army of killing five Indian soldiers, however, without any proof of violation from Pakistani side.
Within this week, India has escalated the skirmish at LoC, and also resorted to lobbing machine gun, and increased gun-fire on Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan was taken with surprise at the surge in Indian temper and timing of its violations, ahead of US army draw dawn in Afghanistan in which India claims – and expects – high gains.
This time around the UN SG advised Pakistan to adhere to the founding father’s vision for ‘peace within and without, ‘While elaborating his theme he said he was willing to play the role of a mediator to solve the Kashmir problem, which has remained on the dormant UN agenda for more than six decades. His trip also coincided with India and Pakistan trading accusations over firing incidents across LoC. According to reports American Ambassadors both at Islamabad and New Delhi are trying to cool tempers on both sides. May be it has received good response because we now read that fulmination against in New Delhi came down a notch
Speaking at the National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Ban said the new Centre demonstrated Pakistan’s determination to be a force for peace by drawing on its experiences, sharing its knowledge and deepening its contribution.
Speaking at the same venue, Ban advocated immediate end to military use of drones’ attacks, saying they violated international laws. We wonder if it would fetch a right response from the United States. The recent Indian attitude is really surprising in view of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif holding out olive branch for Indian leaders, as well as an invitation to Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit Pakistan, and was also looking forward to meet Singh at the forthcoming UN session in September.
Recently Newaz again pledged restrained and responsible response to Indian accusation as a measure to defuse recent tensions.
Meanwhile, responding to demands for a forthright national security policy, Interior Minister Chowdhury Nisar Ali Khan has drafted a framework, and revealed it at a news conference. It would be a “multi-prolonged policy divided into two parts: 1. Internal counterterrorism and 2. external aspects and strategies.”
In addition, a counter terrorism rapid force will be established at the Centre, and provinces were also urged to form their counter terrorism outfits.
Source: Weekly Holiday
