The writer has been teaching at the School of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-e-Azam University and is a Visiting Faculty Member at the National Defense University, Islamabad
In case of Nato supply routes being blocked, it is being portrayed by media reports that Pakistan would be the loser because the US payments for transit services may go to Iran instead. The reports have tried to create the impression that blocking the Nato supply route creates a tremendous economic loss for our country but these experts are wilfully silent on the quantum of economic and financial losses and damages that this US proxy war has caused Pakistan; one moderate estimate is around $120 billion. Therefore, this kind of pro-American propaganda by our media seems to rely on the naivete of the Pakistani people, hoping that they don’t see through this propaganda gag.
What have the Pakistani people gained from the fact that Nato supplies run through Pakistan? Some drivers got jobs, but they also risk their lives on a daily basis. Some Afghan and Pakistani owners of trailers and trucks have exploited the opportunity and their families have grown rich. The money paid by Nato and the US, as reimbursements for using Pakistani facilities, has either gone to the security establishment or vanished into the black channels of our political establishment. The Pakistani people and the Pakistani economy, at large, have not gained anything from all this.
On the other hand, not the supply routes directly but the engagement of Pakistan as an ally in the Afghan war, has cost our society dearly. Militancy has grown and spread throughout Pakistan. This has resulted in an outflow of capital from Pakistan; countless people have not only lost their jobs and income as a result, but also lost their lives and properties. Some media outlets are projecting a distorted picture of the situation, disregarding the national interests of our country.
Most of our politicians, anchors and ‘experts’ only eye their own monetary gains and don’t care about the nation’s requirements. Where were these experts and their patrons when Nato supplies were stopped for almost three months because around two dozen soldiers were killed at the Salala checkpost? Nobody cared about economic and financial losses then. Did these television anchors and their so-called experts ever voice their concern for the people who are facing hardships due to an unprecedented rise in prices of basic food items (atta was available at Rs13 a kilogramme in 2001 and now it is being sold for Rs52 a kilogramme) because of corporate exploitation linked to the Afghanistan problem?
For the survival of Pakistan, we need to forge national unity, which means solidarity between all the different groups and across the social strata. Right now, Pakistan is suffering due to civil war and drone attacks; those who try to stop the suffering thus deserve our solidarity and support; not the blame. God bless Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 28th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (45)
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@csmann: Dear camann, You make requesting somebody to leave sound quite simple. However, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and several other countries have been asking America to stop using drones in their countries for a very long tome now, but they are completely ignored
@Sexton Blake: If you don't believe something,it doesn't mean it didn't happen.9/11 and Abbotabad is a fact ,the way most of the world knows,all the conspiracy theories apart.And Taliban said OBLand Al/Qaida were their guests,and all they have to do was to ask them to leave their country,if not turning them over to USA.Aiding and abetting criminals is being a criminal itself.
Although not directly applicable to the above article, it may be of some interest to readers that the US recently vetoed a Security Council Resolution which condemned terrorism in all its forms. I wonder if this means that some forms of terrorism are OK?
@Eddied: Dear Eddied, I did not forget a thing. The Taliban Government were in their own country. I did not agree with their type of government, nor do I agree with the governments of many other countries, but as long as they keep it internal it is illegal to invade and bring down a government. In case you have any doubts about brutal activity take a look at what happens in some Middle-Eastern countries. There are several countries I would not wish to take my daughters to. In regard to harbouring OBL, I am reasonably sure that there is nothing the Taliban Government could do about it. OBL and al-Qaeda were a Pakistan/US/Saudi creation hold up in the almost impenetrable hills of Afghanistan, and even in spite of constant bombing by B52’s and thousands of special OPS troops it took 10 years for the US to supposedly get OBL, and if you believe the Abbottabad incident you believe in the Tooth Fairy. Moving on to the 3,000 innocent people it is very questionable as to what happened on 9/11, and if you believe the official version you also believe in Santa Claus. There is no evidence as to what really happened, and I recall that after 9/11 the head of the FBI, Robert Mueller, stated that OBL was not wanted for activities associated with 9/11. In effect everything we hear about 9/11 is hearsay. However, getting back to reality the US and Dictator Musharraf, in 2001, created a huge 2013 problem for Pakistan in regard to the Taliban, and somehow a solution has to be found. In 2014 the US will be out of there, and like the Iraq Government the Pakistan Government will have to find a solution for the incredible mess the Americans have created, and as usual the US will wash its hands of the whole affair.
@unbelievable: When US leaves slaughter will increase Dear unbelievable, You are probably right, but for the wrong reasons. Twelve years ago the Taliban were not bothering anybody too seriously. Then the Americans, in their usual failed wisdom, ably supported by Pakistan dictator President Musharraf, attacked the Taliban quite viciously and overthrew their Government. Obviously, the Taliban have been unhappy about it ever since so you are quite right. When the US leaves there will be payback one way or the other. We will just have to be patient and see who prevails. Unfortunately, there will probably be no winners. Only losers. If a few more people such as IK existed the future would look a lot brighter. However, he appears to be in short supply. If the people writing in are any example there appears to be too many gung-ho Pakistanis who are living in relatively safe areas.
@Rex Minor
I'm neither in support of what the US is doing in other countries, nor do I condemn it(!) Lets talk only from Pakistan's point of view. Please explain how is blocking the NATO supply routes going to do anything better for Pakistan? It is actually going to hurt Pakistan's economy more by taking such a stupid step. This might anger you (and other Pakistanis) but let me try to put it bluntly: such acts actually give "valid" reasons to US to further intensify their attacks on militants based in Pakistan. With US "fixing" things in Afghanistan as well as the 'issues' in Iran being sorted out, and with Pakistan being projected as the real "epicentre of terrorism", do you think blocking supply routes is going to help Pakistan? or is it going to put it in deeper trouble? Forget the billions of dollars of aid which it is currently receiving for doing almost nothing against terrorists, Pakistan might as well have to prepare for an all-out war with/against US for giving sanctuary to majority of terrorists. In current circumstances, it won't take long for the US to switch Pakistan from being a so-called "strategic partner" status to the "host country of terrorists" mode. Already there is an immense distrust for Pakistan due to OBL as well as Mehsud being found living pretty close to two major Pakistan military bases! US is only tolerating Pakistan till it gets its troops withdrawn from Afghanistan in 2014/15. It is for the better Pakistan stays (rather, tries to stay) on the good side of US.
I was shocked and surprised by the article. I though, woah this is "too much common sense" for Express Tribune. But then I scrolled down to read the comments. They are typically biased and pathetic. Yes, PTI SHOULD BE LAUDED and all of the people criticizing them need to brush up on their political knowledge.
@numbersnumbers: Mr where is your TTP before 2004??? It is there because of America,Not all the terrorist are from TTP they are limited in numbers many looters, kidnappers and gangsters using TTP name.Can you tell me when there is peace talk USA always tries to fail it why ??? And for your kind information PTI condemned it for 1000 times for proof visit their website. PTI demandes for the peace talk because from 9 years we are fighting but results are in negative
@Alann: You are quite a charactor with your pettyfogging logic to criticise everything Pakistan does or has done and bringing it down to that BLOCKING THE ROUTE FOR Nato supplies is not really the solution. Not once you critised or at least questioned the criminal acts of the current American administration which beause of their paranoia has been systematicaly killing the civiian old, women and children by unmanned drone operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan Somalia and yemen. War crimes and genocide are the terms usualy reserved for such extra judicial operations. These actions do not reflect the western values. Imran Khan is not a machiavilean seasoned politician, but is definitely of a noble stock if his spirtual stregnth has enabled him to resist by how small and stupid means one considers. The Amnesty International and the new German Government( once in place) will be following this dedbacle in 2014.
Rex Minor
@np: Criticizing terrorists include TTP.....wake up !
@Ishrat salim: PTI may have criticized terrorists in general but NEVER TTP by name. The anger evident when Hakimullah was killed was totally missing when Gen Niazi was killed.
Dear Author, Just like Bakhtiyar said, please disregard all these comments opposing your article. They're either Indian or bloodthirsty, war-mongering fascists. Thank God people like you who still have common sense still exist. I agree with you 100%. PTI is the only political party in the country to raise the issue of the integrity and honor of the country. I mean, why would the other political parties even bother to do the same? They don't care a bit about any of Pakistan's interests including its respect and pride.. Preach On Author!
The problems facing Pakistan are so convoluted, due to a variety of reasons, such as the Insane desire to of the US to conduct never ending wars, and Pakistan complicity with America by some Pakistan leaders over the last 20 years, that one editorial could not possible give a full explanation of the problems facing Pakistan or why they occurred. However, this editorial is on the right track, and if this type of thinking could spread Pakistan has a chance. It is quite apparent that the current type of thinking has not worked and Pakistan has gone from one disaster to another. Good work by Ali Ashraf Khan. Without giving a full explanation, which is virtually impossible, he presented a short sharp precis of what is required to start Pakistan back on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, it will be a long road.
@numbersnumbers:
Computers are only as smart as the idiots who use them.
To author.and ET....great article...keep it up. Such negatives.comments were expected....u r absolutely right....our people are as human as our Soldiers, hence, if we want peace we may have to talk to the dévil if we have to.....when Americans and Afghanistan govt can talk to TTP, why cant we ? If they can ask for our help and asistance, why our govt not do so same....when they ask us to release some high profile prisoners to help them in their effort for talking peace, why the Americans and Afghans not stop those terrorists attack our people across the border ? why the Americans not stop dones to enable our govt inítiate peace talks with those TTP group who wants peace too.Only Afghanistan need peace not us ? They should be told that without peace in Pakistán, there will be no peace in Afghanistan......
@Zain: your análysis is not correct as your numbers are based on undocumented ecónomy which has seen unprecedented increase from 30 pct between 2001 to 2007 to 70 pct from 2008 upto 2012.....we are no better even today with dóllar hovering at 109 Rs....billions are going waste today and nobody is léast bothered with regard to the price of eatables and ítems of daily use....go ask a person in the street how are they and their families are passing their days...try and explain your given theory as stated abv by you and you get your answer.......
@Hakeem Luqman:
Mr. Neem Hakeem, Khatra e Jan, may I ask you if the Pakistani commandos have turned eunuchs eating your phukkis? Why don't they go and nail these animals and spare the women, children and the innocent men? Why do they just attach a gps chip on the house, call Langeley and leave? Why? Again why? Yet again why?
The vast majority of pakistanis take the elimination of terrorists i.e. taliban over violation of national sovereignty each and every time after a drone strike.
The tone of this article surely indicates that eliminating the worst terrorist in the country is not appreciated by Pakistan...it is confusing to outsiders when you consider the old traditional saying that " the enemy of my enemy is my friend"....in Pakistan, apparently the enemy of my enemy is my enemy...
@Parrot:
There are no short cuts for progress! People alone are the masters of Pakistan destiny. .Pakistan is struggling to become a total democracy but apparently have inherent shortcomings. It must have democraticaly elected local Governments at the community. The country needs systemic and administrative reforms in education and judiciary as well as of its army. Its political leadership and the intellectuals from the population need to debate on the required reforms(very few do) and not all thed time about the concerns of foreign Governments including terrorism and extremism, the terms which ared usualy used for 'RESISTANCE'.
Rex Minor
What a wonderfully mature and balanced article! Yes author, the economy is in bad shape solely due to terrorism, and no other reason. And yes author, the terrorists are killing us solely due to our participation in the US-led war on terror, and no other reason.
Rubbish. Even with 2014 looming your still blathering that the slaughter is all the fault of the American's and when they depart everything is going to be peachy -- that's way beyond naive - way beyond stupid - it's delusional. The Taliban have never said they would stop their war against Pakistan when the American's leave - never said they would stop it if the NATO supplies stop flowing - never tied their conflict to the American's what so ever. Time to wake up - time to grow up - when the American's leave your slaughter is going to increase not decrease. Rather than blaming the boogeyman - look in the mirror.
Well done! In any other country such action would have happened not only long ago, but with the support of the whole nation.
Utterly dismayed to read this piece. The author has obviously not heard of UN Resolution 1368 which makes it incumbent on all member states to support the war against terror and not to harbour, finance or support terrorists in any way. I think editors have a huge responsibility now in Pakistan. They must realise that Pakistan's survival depends on eliminating the terrorists and not doing anything that can be construed as support for their point of view. It is this political oxygen that has allowed terrorism to gain such a strong foothold in the country. I know that there is a responsibility to present both sides of an argument and to give space to all points of view. But this responsibility comes second to the national interest and I don't think this piece takes the national interest into account. Extremely disappointed not just with the writer but the paper as well.
we all want to have independent Pakistan, as many countries are enjoying independence in a true sense. therefore, question arises what sort of way should be adopted to get the work done? there are two ways first if emotional and second is rational. we have to control our emotions and should give them a rational way. we have to develop our self internally so that external factor could be replaced. we have very low foreign reserves, only for one month, we are dependent on IMF, we have energy problem, we have militancy problem, we have disintegration within state on various issues. before going to stop NATO supplies we have to work on them, after that our actions will tell the world we are sensible and mature Nation. we are not fools to be emotionalize by anybody.
Good grief - this person is teaching this twisted perspective to military cadets? No wonder Pakistan is in so much trouble.
Dear author, please disregard those statements which oppose your article (those commentators are all Indians).
I am pleasantly surprised from your editorial and I believe it sums up the common perception in Pakistan quite accurately. We Pakistanis are sick and tired of fighting and suffering for a war which has absolutely nothing to do with us, and in actuality, has caused us the most harm than any other nation. The sooner we return to peace and a position where our national interests come first, then more quickly our economy will stabilize.
PTI is leading the way, and we should not oppose them for what is in the interests of all Pakistanis. We should realize that our national unity and national survival comes before any political party.
Author, you should understand that most of the people in this country(including many PTI supporters) have a problem understanding simple logic. No argument or reasoning can make them change their minds. Therefore let them live in fantasyland and keep voting the same politicians
NATO supply was not blocked for three months after Salala incident as mentioned in the article but was blocked for over seven months. The incident took place on 26 November 2011 and supply resumed on 3 July 2012. Please correct your record.
Here come the bashers!!
Your atta price example shows you desperately need a course in economics 101
@Zohaib:
Well said sir! As long as there are people of the authors calibre who have the knowledge and the intuition to follow through what the people of Pakistan are experiencing on a daily basis the current nightmare, there is every possibility that this country will not completely fall into abyss. Whether it s PTI or JI or other political masters, it is the indigenous Natives at the end whose resistance will succeed in driving the foreign Evil out of the region.
Rex Minor
Comparing prices across a decade on a fiat currency - clearly someone didn't take their Econ 101 class even.
Average household income in 04-05: 9685. Average household income in 2010-11: 21785 (124% increase). Lowest quintile : 11385 vs 5567 (up 104%). (Numbers from HIES 04-05 and PSLM 10-11). Per capita income has doubled in dollar terms with rupee depreciation making it really even (GDP is up 3.2x in that time).
Consumption has increased. People eat out a lot more now. Go shopping more now. Use their services more now. Use FMCGs. But income has kept up pace with inflation. Even in last 5 yrs, income kept up pace with inflation, almost. In real terms, income has not really gone down that much.
The author is in the wrong profession.
@numbersx2 If u had done some research instead of relying on ur perception abt PTI u would hv found many times IK naming and condemning Taliban (but i am sure u would find fault in that as well, "he did not say Tehreek Taliban Pakistan in full"). Secondly, the roots of the current militancy is based on American (& Pak. Military) involvement in the Afghan Jihad. How can condemning Drone Strikes a violation of international Laws and Human Rights be labeled as TTP position, in our quest to eliminate militancy and the barbaric TTP we ourselves hv become (educated) barbarian, screaming for blood, with no regards for the human costs of our actions. We should also stop exercising selective amnesia when dealing with TTP, where we forget its origins & only deal with the monster that this militancy has become. we need to focus on the origins & eliminate the narrative of this so called 'Jihad' , detach from this American War (payed by Aid in billions & CSF ) and own it ourselves.
So when did Pakistan unite against the "civil war"?For PTI/IK/JI terrorists that kill Pakistanis are brothers and martyrs.The ones killed by them is just collateral damage of their Jihad.The menace of terrorism would have been over long time ago if these parties and their apologists have stood behind the army to flush them out.Has IK mentioned any plans for the terrorists(off course,not terrorists for him,is afraid to even refer to them by name) after drones have been stopped.?What if he is doing the US bidding by stopping their exit.How is it they have not even reacted to the stoppage?
What a flawed analysis that carefully ignores the Elephant in the Room! Once again, all the ills that befall Pakistan are blamed on America/the West/anybody but us! Would all please note that the "author" neglects to mention how this "Militancy" ever started (does the word Kashmir ring any bells?), instead calling for "National Unity" in support of the PTI and JI (AND TTP!) positions! BTW, has the PTI ever "condemned" the TTP for the human and economic slaughter of Pakistan???