Peace in Afghanistan impossible without Pakistan: Grossman

US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman on Wednesday assured Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani that the US was not contemplating a reconciliation process in Afghanistan without Pakistan’s support.

In a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House, Gilani told Grossman that it was extremely important for Pakistan to see a sovereign, stable and prosperous Afghanistan because it was in its own as well as of the region’s interest. Gilani said he was happy that his idea of the three Ds – dialogue, development and deterrence – was being realised by the international community as a way forward. He voiced apprehensions that Pakistan might once again suffer the negative fallout of the Afghanistan problem. Grossman responded that the US would not commit the mistake of abandoning Pakistan again.

Gilani said Pakistan was working to ensure Afghanistan’s connectivity in the region through the Afghan-Pakistan Trade Agreement (APTA) which should also extend to the central Asian republics. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan and Afghanistan’s joint resolve of rooting out terrorism as both countries had suffered severely. Gilani emphasised that the US, Afghanistan and Pakistan should be on the same page in terms of denying space to militants to capitalise on, adding that he was looking forward to positive outcomes of the forthcoming Istanbul and Bonn conferences.

The prime minister said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Pakistan would be an opportunity for exchange of views on multiple subjects, adding that positive signals both from Washington and Islamabad were important in denying space to the militants.Grossman agreed with the prime minister on the need for the repatriation of the 3.5 million Afghan refugees still in Pakistan.

Kashmiri American Council Reiterates Its Statement of Objectives: Dr. Fai

South Asian News Agency

Washington, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri American Council (KAC) said that once again, Kashmir is living proof that it is not going to compromise, far less abandon, its demand for Azaadi (freedom) which is its birthright and for which it has paid a price in blood and suffering which has not been exacted from any other people of the South Asian subcontinent. Fai said that the Board of Directors of the KAC in its 3-days meeting agreed to the following 18-points “Policy Statement” to be pursued during the fiscal year of 2011.

1. The Board clarified that the Kashmir dispute is simply this: the people of a large territory which is not part of any existing sovereign state were assured by the entire international community represented by the United States that they would be given the right of self-determination to decide their future by a free vote. Until now this assurance has not been honored;
2. The Board explained that there must be an early, just and durable resolution to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir;

3. The Board noted with satisfaction the reiteration of President Obama on November 7, 2010 that “Kashmir is a longstanding dispute between India and Pakistan” and resolution of Kashmir is, “in the interests of the region; it is in the interests of the two countries involved and it is in the interests of the United States of America;”

4. The Board remains convinced that the people of Jammu and Kashmir constitute the principle stakeholders and should be an integral component of the ongoing peace process. Therefore, the talks must be tripartite between all parties concerned: i.e., the Governments of India & Pakistan and the legitimate leadership of the people of Jammu and Kashmir;

5. The Board voiced its continuing belief that India and Pakistan alone cannot solve the 64-year-old Kashmir conflict, it requires the deeper engagement of the United States with both these neighboring countries;

6. The Board reiterated that durable peace and development of harmonious relations and friendly cooperation between India and Pakistan would serve the vital interests of the peoples of both nations, enabling them to devote their energies for a better future;

7. The Board stressed that ‘Cricket Diplomacy’ and more trade between India and Pakistan will create a conducive atmosphere and must be appreciated but history testifies that it will do nothing to end the indigenous Kashmiri resistance against occupation, which is fueled by the denial of self-determination for more than 64 years;

8. The Board believes that moral suasion, not military force or violence, should be employed to resolve the Kashmir conflict. There cannot be a military solution of the problem; any such solution is bound to invite challenge. The Board rules out war as an option and calls upon all the parties to the dispute to work for a comprehensive cease-fire and bring every form of violence to an end to improve the environment for a constructive and progressive dialogue;

9. The Board made it clear that the Kashmir conflict is not about autonomy, nor is it about converting the ‘Ceasefire Line’ into an international border. It is about honoring the political and human rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in accord with international law, international treaties, international covenants, justice and morality;

10. The Board appeals to both India and Pakistan to negotiate a treaty to create a nuclear weapons-free zone in all of Jammu and Kashmir because Kashmir being the only country in the world that shares borders with three nuclear powers – India, Pakistan & China;

11. The Board calls for an intensive and comprehensive inter and intra Kashmiri dialogue outside Sub-Continent between different opinions and regions of the state on both the sides of the Ceasefire line including Kashmiri Diaspora. This interaction will improve the level of trust and confidence, as it will also help to develop a consensus in the conflict resolution. The governments of India and Pakistan must facilitate the dialogue by issuing the travel documents to the participants;

12. The Board resolves that all internally and externally displaced people of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947 including Kashmiri Pandits, should be facilitated to return to their homes in safety and dignity;

13. The Board expresses grave concern over the conditions of militarization and inhumanity endured by the people of Kashmir, and the violation of their inalienable right to self-determination. The militarization has induced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detentions, torture, phenomenon of half-widows, orphans, displacement, migrations, and mass graves;

14. The Board expressed its disbelief that non-violent, civil disobedience, including the prolific agitation that began in 2007 and is sustained until today, enacted by the people of Kashmir has been repeatedly met with brutal force and collective punishment by the Indian state.

15. The Board decided to continue to draw the attention of the international community toward the gross human rights atrocities committed by 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir;

16. The Board decided to pursue the case of Rt. Major Avtar Singh of Rashtriya Rifles (Indian paramilitary force deployed in Jammu & Kashmir), accused of brutally killing Jalil Andrabi, Chairman, Kashmir Commission of Jurists on March 27, 1996 in Srinagar, Kashmir.

17. The Board recommended that following steps need to be taken by the Government of India to make the peace process meaningful, i.e.,

i. Immediate and complete cessation of military and paramilitary actions;
ii. gradual withdrawal of the military presence from the towns and villages;
iii. dismantling of bunkers, watch towers and barricades;
iv. release of political prisoners languishing in jails, interrogation centers and detained under emergency laws, like Mian Abdul Qayyum, Ghulam Nabi Sumjee, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, Musarat Alam, and many others;
v. annulling of various special repressive laws, like the Indian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSAPA), the Jammu & Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act; and
vi. restoring the right of peaceful association, assembly and demonstrations;

18. The board proposed that an appointment of a special envoy on Kashmir by the United Nations or the European Parliament or President Obama will hasten the process of peace and stability in the region of South Asia.

“Off The Net” Kashmir Freedom Movement

Hamid Rajput has a sharp eye to pick between the lines, he always has something interesting to say. Not only that he has a good way to explain and express himself. I find him very interesting and always like to discuss with him.

Dead body of a woman is paraded to establish the Indian ruthless rule

When discussing over many issues, Kashmir had us fixed for the barbaric, inhuman and humiliating atrocities being committed over the Kashmiris. Thus our discussion developed in to deeper groves of the issues related to human sufferings there. Be it children, young, old women or anyone that dares to stand before the Indian authorities is crushed in every conceivable manner so as to break the will of the people. Least that the Indians realise that everything can be destroyed but for the will of the people. Now Kashmir movement has entered into a phase of no return, the violence will increase so will the killings who will check and intervene is a million dollar question. To pin hopes on the powers in the West including the UNO would mean living in a fools’ paradise.

Here see how the Indian women have come out of their clothes and asking Indian army to rape them is slap on the face of the world conscience but who cares. Likewise is the Kashmir issue, who cares.

Indian women protesting against rape by Indian army – can someone answer

Kashmir is a burning issue not from the near past but since the freedom of the sub-continent. The British played their cards and India fell trap to that; India accepted what was not hers hence the British succeeded so they have a permanent buyer of their weapons. Wasn’t that what David Cameron had come to visit New Delhi for? He could not see any state terrorism in Kashmir or elsewhere within India where Maoists and many more are fighting for their political rights and freedom from the yolks of India. If he had not kept his eyes close to these problems, how could he have bagged contracts worth 1.5 billion dollars? After all what’s a human value, what does it mean to few rich and powerful, nothing more than an ant that gets trodden under the feet without even being noticed.

Going back a little, during month of April, he wrote a paper, “Who attacked Mumbai” quoting Indian writers and intellectuals, that Indian thinker now realize that the fault lines lie within. Here some visible factors could be mentioned to think who is behind uprisings on the Indian side of Kashmir. Kuldeep Nayar in his recent article jog Indian memory that Nehru made promise with Kashmiri nation that they would be given an opportunity to decide what they wanted to do with their territory and later he backed out his words. Arun Dhati Roy a well respected journalist from India portrays Kashmir uprising in these words: “Not surprisingly, the voice that the government of India has tried so hard to silence in Kashmir has massed into a deafening roar. Raised in a playground of army camps, checkpoints, and bunkers, with screams from torture chambers for a soundtrack, the young generation has suddenly discovered the power of mass protest, and above all, the dignity of being able to straighten their shoulders and speak for themselves, represent themselves.” She has a very loud and strong voice compared to her frail body and structure. May be if asked, she

Kashmiri Women raped abducted and never to be seen again

could also turn around like Mr. Jinnah who was questioned for his loud and firm voice said, “Do not forget that I am a Rajput from Sahiwal.” But admirably this lady has the courage to say it loud and clear without mincing her words. The tragedy is that Indian leadership has no wish to read or hear such words that may bring them closer to peace.

B. Raman, a former Indian bureaucrat views the recent Kashmir uprising in these words: “We are facing an Intifada of the Palestinian model in J & K for the first time. It is a spontaneous outburst of anger by sections of the youth over what they allege is the disproportionate use of force by the police and the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force).” I took these words as a confession of thousands of killings inside Indian Kashmir. Ban Ki Moon the Secretary General of the UNO also observed similar developments in Kashmir.

Amnesty international’s report on Indian atrocities on Kashmiris reminds the Indian authorities that they have an obligation to protect the right to life in accordance with international law and it includes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Law Enforcement Officials, can only use firearms when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. I leave it to readers to decide that who could be behind Kashmir movement, the infiltrators or internal fault lines?Indian troops forcing the kashmiri youth to march naked To protect the right to life is a far cry for the Indian leadership in power at any given time but their killings, rapes and humiliations of the Kashmiris is a routine matter that has no parallel in history. Just to prove the point, here is a video clipping of the Indian security forces herding the unarmed Kashmiri youth stark naked and abusing them. It has some very derogatory language that has been used in it. It’s a complete shame to humanity who are in a position to influence the Indians and yet they look the other side. This a serious cause that develops vengeance amongst the aggrieved who later over a period of time resort to violence and other means that are then termed as terrorism.

What the Israelis are doing in Gaza is simply deplorable that must not only be condemned with words but must be resisted by force of the international community but when it is compared to Kashmir situation, Gaza is just a shadow. When Ban Ki Moon has also seen with his own eyes and realizes the potential threat to world peace why he does not mobilize the international agencies to stem the atrocities of the Indians in Occupied Kashmir makes one wonder about the intentions of such bodies. To conclude, I would like to appeal to the Indian sane mind that please read the writings on the walls that are visible even to blind and do grant the Kashmiris their legitimate rights for self determination. If for some reason this is not heeded to, the consequence can be disastrous not only for India but for the whole region and world peace.

Tight-lipped International Community!

By Yousaf Alamgirian

Even after Hindu extremists link has been established in Samjhota express attack India has simply refused to share the investigation report of the incident with Pakistan. It may not be justified to expect high moral values form a country whose security and intelligence agencies support extremists elements of the society to play nasty with the minorities and to go for subversive activities just to malign a neighboring country. Still it is the moral duty of a nation to provide evidences or results of the investigative report to other nation whose 42 citizens were brutally killed in an incident. Ironically Pakistan was blamed for this incident as well. For India it is not at all any problem to satisfy its masses after any of the terror attack as it can easily blame Pakistan and its intelligence agencies.

It had never been unearthed if Swami Aseemanand, had not disclosed the truth before the court. He born as Jatin Chatterjee in West Bengal got a masters degree in Physics from the Burdwan University. He joined the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1978. Indian well read newspaper Hindustan Times narrates in its December thirty publication of the year 2010 that the blast was ensured around midnight on February 18, 2007 – a day before Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri was to arrive in Delhi to resume peace talks – bombs were set off on the Delhi-Lahore Samjhauta Express, a twice-a-week service. The incident occurred on Indian Territory, after the train passed Diwana station near Panipat in Haryana, 80 km north of Delhi. Of the 68 killed, most were Pakistani civilians, besides some Indian citizens and army jawans guarding the train.

Pakistan has all the rights to ask for the investigation report as its 42 citizen died in the incident but India is not going to extend its support in this regard. On the other hand when Mumbai attack was still undergoing India started blaming Pakistan for the same. So much so it demanded that ISI’s DG himself should visit Delhi to clarify the allegation. Despite Indian hullabaloo whole of the international community especially United States used the Mumbai attack to pressurize Pakistan. USA’s officials have time and again warned Pakistan that if any of Mumbai like incident happened again then Pakistan has to face the music.

This is how America facilitated Indian stance to keep Pakistan under pressure. It is the high time for India to play malicious as Pakistan is fighting war on terror and its forces besides defending eastern borders of the country are hectically engaged on western borders to curb the extremist elements. In order to provide India an opportunity to destabilize Pakistan it has been willfully provided a place to train and groom terrorists who later are facilitated to enter into Pakistan for subversive activities. It is all happening under US and its allied force’s nose and Karzai government is kept in loop.

The way Indian extremist has admitted extremists’ elements involvement in terrorist activities is in fact a big slap on the Indian secular face. It shows deep roots of radicalization Indian society. On one side India send its girls in the world beauty contests and have managed a soft image of its through Bolly wood movies but the real face of it is otherwise. Hindu extremists have gone berserk and have merged as force in India which doesn’t regard and care for anything. Ironically they enjoy full support of Indian army and inelegance agencies. That’s why Col Prohit was the one who designed and planed Samjhota express blast. These forces don’t let anyone to come in their way. This is the reason area police chief Mr Kurkure who was doing investigation of Samjhota express was killed in the garb of Mumbai attack cross firing. But now after Swami Aseemanand has accepted the responsibility of the blast has further elucidated the fact that what dirt Mr Kurkere was going to detect from this case.

It shows how strong and dangerous network Hindu extremists posses. Smelling the gravity of the matter Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the “crown prince” of Indian politics, told the American ambassador last year that Hindu extremist groups could pose a greater threat to India than Muslim militants. His words were revealed in one of 4,000 leaked U.S. diplomatic cables sent from Delhi. The cables reveal a difficult but increasingly warm relationship between a prickly emerging power and a superpower keen to be friends but on its own terms. In fact Hindu extremists have gone out of control and they have the tendency to pose pressure on Indian liberal segments that are helpless in this regard.

Civil societies of India and Pakistan both were stunned on revelation of such a verity regarding Samjhota express but the so called super powers never uttered a single word to condemn Hindu extremists’ brutal act of attacking passenger train travelling between two countries. Can the citizens of Pakistan who are giving their lives in WOT expect from US establishment that it will issue a statement that American govt and its masses are really perturbed of such evidences and India must eradicate Hindu terrorists so that none of such incident could happen in future. America instead condemning the Indian nefarious designs has signed civil nuclear technology pact and other defense deals with India. Russia, France and Israel had already signed defense deals with India. Strengthening Indian hands means threatening the regional peace. American and the international community must realize the fact that dual policies of any nation never let them go much ahead. Any super power could remains a super power till the time it does justice and observe some of the human and moral values which seems missing in almost all the bigger nations.

Pak-China Relationship: Newer Horizons

By: Dr. Raja Muhammad Khan

Chinese Prime Minister waving to the crowd at Islamabad Airport. PM Yusuf Raza Gilani, Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly and Farooq Naik, Chairman Senate are also there.

On the final day of his three days, historic visit to Pakistan, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, addressed the joint session of Pakistani Parliament. During the address, the distinguished guest lauded Pakistan’s role and sacrifices, it rendered in fighting out the terrorism. He said, “Pakistan has paid a heavy price in combating terrorism. The fight against terrorism should not be linked with any religion or ethnic group and there should be no double standards.” He further emphasized that, “The international community should affirm that and give great support as well as respect the path of development chosen by Pakistan.” He also promised to further enhance the strategic and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China in the days to come. Indeed, in conformity to the national interests of the peoples of both countries, this strategic partnership would promote, “peace, stability and prosperity of the region.”

Indeed, the three days visit of Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao, has attained another milestone in the history of bi-lateral relationship of Pakistan and China. This visit is of a unique significance, as it covers all aspects viz; the strategic, political and economic. In the wordings of the Premier Wen, “To cement and advance the all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Pakistan is our common strategic choice.” In the joint communiqué, issued by both countries, it was decided to boost the bi-lateral cooperation in the field of energy, defence, space technology, transportation, banking, infrastructure development, heavy machinery manufacturing, cultural exchange and finance.

Another distinctiveness of the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao is that he made sure to meets all stakeholders in Pakistan. Apart from the traditional meetings with the President and Prime Minister, Chinese Premier met with leaders of all political parties of Pakistan. Rather, it was a rare mosaic of Pakistani political, religious, and territorial leadership gathering to welcome their all time friend in Islamabad. This gathering was indicative of the fact that, there exists no second opinion about Pakistan’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China. This fact was amply highlighted in the welcoming address of the leader of opposition during joint session of Parliament once he said, “We are mired in a lot of controversies, but on one issue there is no controversy and that is our friendship with China.” No global leader ever has such a reception and united response and indeed a spirit of love from Pakistan ever. Chinese Premier also had a detail meeting with the Armed Forces heads under Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and assured further enhancement in the ongoing cooperation in the field of defence. Premier Wen Jiabao declared that, “Beijing would never give up on Pakistan.” Seeing the unity among the leadership in Pakistan, Prime Minister Wen said that, “Government and people of Pakistan are united and moving forward to safeguard solidarity, prosperity, and sovereignty of the country.” He also announced 500 educational scholarships for the Pakistani students in Chinese educational institutions. This indeed, would enhance people-to-people contact in both countries.

Today China houses 20% global population and because of its overwhelming growth rate, it has become a powerhouse of Asia. The enormous Chinese development in the field of technology, industry and even in the field of defence has created a fear in the Western world. India too is jealously following the Chinese path. Since China has strategic partnership with Pakistan, therefore, this aspect seriously bothering India. Projects like; Karakoram highway, Gwadar port, and Chashma nuclear reactors are some of the aspects where both countries are having strategic cooperation. Besides, China is investing in a number of other projects like; 2.6 billion dollars Kohala Hydel project and 8 billion dollars Bunji dam project.

Following the establishment of Pak-China diplomatic relationship in May 1951, both countries has attained many milestones in their bi-lateral relationship. Pakistan, otherwise among the first few countries, which recognized this great communist state, proved its friendship by making strong lobby in getting the UN membership for China. The initial slow pace of mutual understanding got an impetus following the Sino-India war of 1962. In the era of Field Martial Muhammad Ayub, then Foreign Minister (later Prime Minister), Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto formalised this relationship on the strategic lines. Through his strategic vision, he made Pak-China relationship as an essential and never changing pillar of the Foreign Policy of Pakistan. The same vision exists even today and Pakistan maintained it as an inalienable part of its diplomatic relationship.

China has always appreciated its deep-rooted friendship with Pakistan and acknowledges Pakistan’s untiring efforts for getting her closer to United States in early 1970s. Indeed, through this collaboration during the peak days of the cold war, Pakistan lessened the tension, previously existed between U.S and the China, by becoming a bridge between two giants. Following this collaboration, China got an opening and diplomatic and trade excess into the Western world, whereas, U.S got a Communist friend in Asia. In a way, Pakistan proved its significance and vision as an international facilitator if not mediator. Thereafter, Chinese markets and goods were introduced at the global level and its economy started prospering to a level of second to U.S only in the contemporary world today. For the United States, this was the first moral and diplomatic pre-eminence over former Soviet Union.

During the visit of Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Pakistan and China concluded economic deals worth $35 billion in total. These deals include; 17 agreements, four memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a joint venture. This indeed is a new record of the economic deals and agreements in the history of traditional friends. Both Premiers attended the Pak-China Business Cooperation summit, participated by 260 Chinese delegates with their 150 Pakistani counterparts. China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCIT) and Board of Investment, Ministry of Commerce, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), jointly organized this summit. The agreements reached during the summit include; “development of energy sector, promotion of trade, exploration of natural resources and development of agriculture, livestock, finance and banking sectors.”

A $6.5 billion MoU was signed between China Three Gorges Corporation and Alternative Energy Development Board for the wind power projects and solar energy projects. Both the countries signed framework agreement in relation to Development Finance Cooperation Agreement besides inking agreement of purchasing seafood, guar products, cotton yarn purchase and yarn import contract. In addition, frozen fish agreement, import stone business agreement, leather purchasing contract and agreement for purchasing of Pakistan rapeseed meal, were also inked on the occasion. Cooperation agreement, medical equipments donation agreement, and stone import business were also signed during the daylong summit between the business communities of both the countries.

On this occasion, Chinese Premier, reiterated his resolve to enhance the bilateral trade with Pakistan in the coming years in a bid to improve the flow of investments between both countries. The bi-lateral trade between Pakistan and China rise from $1 billion in 2002, to $6.8 billion in 2009. Chinese Premier desires that volume of this trade should be brought to the level of $10 billion on earliest possible timeframe. For the betterment of economic cooperation and to facilitate the currency swap, both countries agreed to open the branches of ICBC in Pakistan and China. The Premier Wen said that, “China welcomes Pakistan’s effort to capitalize on the preferential terms in the bilateral FTA to expand exports to China. The Greater financial cooperation between China and Pakistan will provide a strong support for in-depth and sustained growth of our economic and trade ties.”

He said that, “his country would increase investment in Gwadar Port. The port currently administered by Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), was constructed by China in 2006. Chinese Premier promised that his country would remove the trade barrier between Pakistan and China by improving trade infrastructure and promoting Pakistani exports to his country. Earlier Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, appreciated Chinese investment in Pakistan, especially in the energy sector of Pakistan. Prime Minister Gillani said that, “We would encourage Chinese companies to consider investments in the energy sector, which assures certain returns. Our energy requirements are expected to increase from 20,000MWs to more than 160,000MWs by the year 2030.”

In fact, Pakistan is not a resource deficient country, but problem lies with the technical expertise, infrastructure development, and availability of capital. Today, apart from huge amount of unexplored oil and gas, “Pakistan has 185 billion tonnes of coal reserves, which would be converted into energy to satisfy Pakistan’s growing demand.” Besides, Pakistan welcomes Chinese experts for the exploration of its oil and gas resources. Prime Minister assured Chinese investors for special economic incentives like; “duty-free import of plant and machinery, exemption from sales tax and income tax.” In spite of a stiff resistance from New Delhi and Washington, China has agreed to establish two nuclear plants as part of the civil nuclear energy programme.

Pakistan and China are already working for the development of the Pak-China Trade Corridor along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). In this regard, the highway is being upgraded and lying of a railway track along the KKH is in progress. Upon development of this overland route, there would be further boost to the economic relationship. Pakistan is otherwise becoming a hub for the oil and gas from Central Asia and Middle East. With the improvement of communication infrastructure, oil and gas from these regions can easily be transported to the Chinese territories either through oil tankers or through an overland gas pipeline. Premier Gilani assured his counterpart for the safety of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. He said, “Besides a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the Joint Five Year Economic Programme, we are now jointly endeavouring to establish closer financial and banking sector cooperation.” Chinese Premier also supported Pakistani point of view on Kashmir issue. China has a clear stand that, Kashmiri must get their right of self-determination as per UN resolutions. China indeed, rejects all Indian assertions of betraying Pak-China relationship and regional domination by India. China does not support Indian case for a permanent membership of UNSC. China also assured Pakistan for its full supports on Pakistani position on the Afghan issue.

Pakistan and China are bounded in, an inalienable relationship ever since the formal beginning of their diplomatic relationship in early 1950s. Nevertheless, Pakistan has more frequently served the U.S aims and objectives, even more than its European partners have. Nevertheless, it enjoyed a smooth relationship with China, but rocky, complicated, full of mutual mistrust and apprehensions with United States. Chinese Premier has the moral courage to laud the sacrifices of Pakistan while fighting against terrorism and extremism. This acknowledgement and praise indeed, is in stark contrast to a “cacophony of statements emanating out of Washington that urge Pakistan to do more.” Therefore, the red carpet reception for such a time tested friend and declaring the “Friendship with China as a matter of pride for Pakistani nation,” by Prime Minister Gilani was a true reflection of the national sentiments.

Kashmir is calling

Azam Khalil

“The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs or impede their efforts to obtain it.” – John Stuart Mill

Huge protests continue in Indian Occupied Kashmir where even school going children are now clamouring for their right of self-determination. Nearly 150 people, who were armed with stones – that replicated the struggle of the Palestinian youth against the Israeli atrocities – have been brutally killed or injured by the Indian occupation forces.

So, in a dramatic move on December 6, senior Congress leader for Jammu and Kashmir and State’s Minister for Health Shyam Lal Sharma addressed a rally in Kathua district, calling on the Indian (federal) government to divide the occupied territory into three parts. According to him, Kashmir should be given independence; Jammu be made a separate state; and the region of Ladakh be declared a union territory of India. Thus, India will find it very difficult to continue their hold on the disputed territory by sheer force. Recently, the number Indian troops in the valley have been raised to 900,000; it will not only create problems for the Kashmiris, but also for the occupation forces.

In the recent past, the Government of Pakistan has not followed an aggressive and firm policy vis-à-vis the issue of Kashmir, which has allowed the Indian leadership to continue to suppress Kashmiris, who were betrayed by the British, the then Hindu administration and Maharaja Hari Singh. In this context, India has always tried to downplay the struggle of the Kashmiri people and, at the same time, has carried out a vigorous propaganda campaign against Pakistan trying to equate a just cause with terrorism. In case the Government of Pakistan does not carry out a rigorous approach to highlight the miseries and human right violations in IHK, it may perhaps result in further delay to achieve the objective of the freedom struggle.

Before Sharma presented his formula for Kashnir, Arundhati Roy, an Indian civil rights worker, and Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a veteran Kashmiri leader, were charged with sedition, and a case was registered against them for highlighting the Kashmir cause in a seminar in New Delhi. One can now say with certainty that whatever the Indian leadership or its forces do, time is fast approaching when a just solution, which is acceptable to the people of the occupied valley, need to be found. In case it continues to resist reason, there will be a danger that the other oppressed regions like Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, and the Sikhs in Punjab, may also join the Kashmiris to demand their right of self-determination from the Indian government.

But the question is what should be Pakistan’s role so that a peaceful, positive and productive decision can be achieved in Kashmir? For this, the Pakistanis need to highlight the miseries of their Kashmiri brethren in the United Nations in an effort to remind the international community about the pending implementation of the resolutions passed by it long ago.

Pakistan should make it clear to the international community, especially the US and EU, that the struggle for self-determination cannot and should not be bracketed with terrorism. Moreover, Islamabad should inform Beijing that, while they have no objection to China’s trade relations with India, its leadership must advocate the cause of the Kashmiri people with the Indians when they visit New Delhi this month.

Besides the efforts made by Pakistan, it is the responsibility of the Muslim countries to exert diplomatic and moral pressure on the Indians to reach an amicable solution for the disputed state.

Pakistan was provided with an opportunity initially when the puppet Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah demanded the federal government to repeal the Special Armed Forces Act, which it had enforced in the occupied territory. And now when one of his Cabinet ministers (Sharma) demanded Azadi for Kashmir, because he believes that this is the only solution which would allow the people of Kashmir to progress. Hence, such pressures are expected to increase on New Delhi in the coming days, which may force it to have a tripartite meeting, including the Pakistani and the genuine Kashmiri leadership, for a negotiable settlement of the issue.

Pakistanis should make it clear that no progress is possible with the Indians, unless and until real progress is made on the disputed territory. We should also make it clear to the Obama administration that it is time the US comes out and supports the just cause of the Kashmiris – if they are serious to win the war on terror in this strategic part of the world. Also, the Americans must understand that without the resolution of this issue, it may not be possible for Pakistan and the West to eliminate the menace of terrorism from South Asia.

Having said that, it will be desirable to see a visible shift in the foreign policy of Pakistan, especially on Kashmir. That it will respond properly to the Kashmiris’ call not showing any hesitation whatsoever, and simultaneously support them to achieve their right of self-determination.

More so, the Government of Pakistan should learn from the WikiLeaks’ disclosures, which prove that backdoor diplomacy will not always be productive. Therefore, whenever this government talks about principles there should be no contradiction whatsoever in its backdoor contacts or open discussion, especially on the issues that are critical for Pakistan.

Finally, the PPP-led government should also exercise its right to respond against India’s blatant interference in Balochistan, and if it does not retreat or sever its ties with insurgents, who are creating havoc in our country by indulging in acts of terrorism, then the least it can do is to raise the issues of other oppressed people in India whose rights have been suppressed or who are living as second or third class citizens. So, I believe that there is no harm if the Indians are made to test the same medicine, which they prescribe for others. Perhaps, then they will be able to understand the real reason why we are at war, and eventually behave like a good neighbour.

Held Kashmir “assembly” has no authority to decide State’s future: Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS, Pakistan reminded the international community Monday that the Constituent Assembly of Indian-occupied Kashmir has no authority to decide the future of the disputed State, saying it’s final disposition must be made by the will of Kashmiri people. Reacting to statement made by a representative of India in the General Assembly’s Decolonization Committee, Pakistani delegate Tahir Andarabi, also said that Jammu and Kashmir is not an integral part of India, nor has it ever been.

He said the UN Security Council had recognized that region as a disputed territory. Earlier, speaking in the committee’s debate on decolonization matters, Indian representative Charan Das Mahant cliamed that Kashmir was an integral part of India, and that its people have regularly exercised their franchise in free and fair elections.
The Pakistan delegate challenged the Indian statement, citing several UN Security Council resolutions. “No electoral exercise conducted by Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir can substitute a free and impartial plebiscite mandated by these Security Council resolutions.”
“I would like to remind him (the Indian representative) that the Security Council in its resolution 91, denied the authority of the Constituent Assembly formed by India in occupied Kashmir, to decide the future of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and reminded the parties that final disposition of the State is to be made in accordance with the will of the people of Kashmir,” Andarabi said.
“Security Council resolution 122 of 24 January 1957 further reaffirmed that action taken by that Consituent Assembly would not constitute disposition of the State in accordance with will of the people expressed through free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the UN auspices.”

US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds

GHAZI, Pakistan – For US combat pilots in Afghanistan, there are two reasons to visit Pakistan: to help provide aid to the millions affected by devastating floods, and to improve America’s image.

Pakistani flood survivors arrive in Khwazakhela, a town in Swat valley after being evacuated by a US …

Torrential monsoon rains have lashed Pakistan for two weeks, triggering catastrophic flooding that the UN says has affected 13.8 million people, in a disaster eclipsing the 2004 tsunami that killed 220,000 across Asia.

Entire villages have been washed away. Parts of the country, such as the northwest Swat valley which for years was paralysed by Taliban insurgency, are cut off from the outside world. An estimated 1,600 people have died.

The government says the international community has promised 92 million dollars, but it is the presence of US military helicopters that may incite the most controversy in Pakistan, where anti-Americanism is endemic.

The White House said that US helicopters have helped to save more than 1,000 lives in Pakistan. Washington has provided 35 million dollars in aid, including 436,000 halal meals and 12 pre-fabricated bridges.

“The primary focus of our mission is to provide food to people,” Major Daniel Rice, commanding officer of the US aviation fleet in Pakistan, told AFP.

Asked whether it would help remove misunderstandings about the United States in Pakistan, he said: “I certainly hope so.”

“We are learning from each other every day… We are talking about each other’s families as we deal together with the calamity here,” Rice added.

Islamabad’s alliance with Washington and the presence of nearly 150,000 US-led foreign troops fighting the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan has been blamed within Pakistan for its own rise in militancy.

Concerned about anti-American sentiment, the Obama administration is trying to engage more fully with Pakistan, which has long seen Washington as interested only in securing its military cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Washington has earmarked 7.5 billion dollars in development aid over five years, but has sought to persuade Pakistan to widen its fight against militants to Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked groups who threaten US troops in Afghanistan.

A covert US drone war against Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants in Pakistan’s semi-autonomous tribal belt has inflamed public sentiment in the northwest.

But on the ground, US troops say the experience of helping with flood aid has been only positive.

After being grounded because of bad weather, helicopters flew sorties on Monday evacuating people and bringing food supplies to Swat.

“We are here to help people of Pakistan… Pilots have come back saying they saw lots of smiles, waving of hands and thumbs up while delivering supplies and shifting people to safer areas… and that is a good sign,” said Rice.

The United States has sent four Chinooks and two Blackhawks to Pakistan, which fly with a representative of the Pakistani military on board.

It is the second time since the 2005 earthquake, which killed more than 73,000 people and left around 3.5 million homeless, that the US government has sent helicopters to Pakistan for relief operations.

Authorities in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have warmly welcomed the US assistance.

“Floods have devastated the communications system in our province. US helicopters, in this crisis situation, have become a backbone in the relief operations,” information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain told AFP.

The lounge near the base’s apron hummed with activity as pilots of the Pakistani and US armies sat together, exchanging pleasantries and gulping tea and coffee as it rained intermittently, with low visibility outside.

“Let people of Pakistan decide about our image as we deliver supplies and carry people from flood-affected areas,” said US pilot George Kelly, adding that “very poor” weather was one of the main challenges.

Kelly said he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Swat valley, calling the former trouble spot “probably the prettiest place I have ever come to”.

The army has provided separate lodging to over 90 US military officials, who are closely in touch with air traffic for minute-to-minute weather updates.

“(The) Pakistan army offers a world class facility at the base and we received excellent support. We are really impressed to see the hospitality of our hosts,” said a US army Major Marc Geeting.

Sergeant Curtis Hissong was equally upbeat. “It gives us satisfaction to deliver food supplies to Pakistanis stranded in different areas.

“The biggest challenge for us is weather, and we are overcoming it as best as we can,” Hissong said.

In flood-hit Kalam, Bahrullah Khan, 38, a teacher who has been stranded there since floods struck while he was on holiday, said the American help was a blessing.

“Pakistani helicopters evacuate army people or people of their own choice. The US helicopters in this situation are really a blessing for us.

“We can now expect we will also have our turn and will get an opportunity to leave soon,” he said.

Pakistan needs aid for development of tribal areas: Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan needs aid from the international community to carry out its social and economic development programme for tribal areas. In an interview to a Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the Prime Minister said, “after the successful military operations, we now need a social and economic development programme.” He said the government has already measured local needs and damages done by the insurgents and schools, bridges and public buildings have to be constructed and it is now that they have to win the hearts and minds of the people.

He said, “We have told the European Union that we will need its aid.”

“We are looking beyond terrorism. We are going for a long run relationship with Europe. For the tribal zones, where we are militarily involved, we don’t only need Europe, but the whole world,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the present military efforts weigh on the economy and “we need an exit strategy: the military is not a solution”.

“The army shouldn’t stay longer than necessary in these zones ·

unless to install the authority,” he added.

To a question, he said, “We control the strongholds of the insurgents of South Waziristan, Orakzai, Malakand and Swat.”

The militants are in retreat, looking for places to establish themselves, territories where they could demoralize the Pakistani security forces, he added.

He pointed out the reaction of terrorists is to attack civil populations – weak targets, but the government is certainly not losing the control of the territory.

“We can find them for example in Sindh or Punjab. But that doesn’t mean that they control Punjab.”

To a question about the attack in Lahore on the Ahmadi community, the Prime Minister said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) took protection of the minorities to the heart.

“For the first time we have appointed a minister from a minority – a Christian – who is in charge of minorities. After the attack took place, I sent him together with the Minister of Home Affairs to Lahore,” he added.

He said the government had condemned the attacks. The terrorists have no religion, no frontiers, their only agenda is to destabilize the country and that is why they want to provoke sectarian violence, he remarked.

Prime Minister Gilani said the attacks did not have a religious significance as the terrorists want to use sectarian conflicts as aninstrument.

“Besides, we are tackling the laws that are discriminatory against minorities,” he added.

He said during the previous Musharraf government he was in 1prison. “I even heard on the television during my detention that we are a country with an energy excess.”

He said in 1994 Benazir Bhutto had introduced a programme of IPPs, independent electrical power plants, that were strongly criticized by the opposition.

“But without these IPPs, the situation would be even more serious. Yes, we have problems of energy supply caused by a bad planning, inherited from the previous regime.”

The Prime Minister said to have new power projects, the government needs a time of three years, even in short term.

“In the medium term we have planned at five years and the long term at more than twenty years. We have explored everything: coal, water, thermo, solar, nuclear energy and windmills. It will take time. But we don’t have a deficit of more than 2000 MW,” he added.

Karzai, Obama discuss prospects of Taliban talks

* Karzai briefs US president about efforts towards reconciliation
* Obama reaffirms long-term commitment to stable Afghanistan

KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai discussed prospects of peace with the Taliban in a videophone conversation with US President Barack Obama, Karzai’s office said on Tuesday.

“During the video call, Karzai put Obama in the picture about Afghanistan’s efforts towards the acceleration of peace and national reconciliation, which America’s president welcomed,” the statement said.

Karzai has launched a high profile effort this year to reach out for reconciliation with the Taliban, who have made a comeback more than eight years since their ousting by US-backed Afghan militias.

Washington has so far supported efforts to lure lower-and-mid-level Taliban to lay down arms, but has been more guarded about efforts to reach out to their leaders, which it thinks is likely to be successful only after progress on the battlefield. The statement from Karzai’s office said both leaders had emphasised that Afghanistan and the international community should follow a “unified stance” on the question of talks.

Long-term commitment: In the “teleconference” which lasted more than an hour, Obama reaffirmed the “US’ long-term commitment for a prosperous and stable Afghanistan,” Karzai’s office said in a statement, according to AFP. reuters/afp