The nation at war

I wonder whether the young suicide bomber who sneaked into the office of Allama Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi Al Azhari after the Friday prayers in Jamia Naeemia Lahore and blue himself up to cause the Allama's martyrdom, knew that this single event in the whole long chain of such beastly bombings, could set into motion such a strong anti Taliban reaction against their campaign to establish a truly Islamic order and mark and end to US designs in the middle East, South Asia and Central Asian Republics (CARs). Nor did the master minds behind, who planned Allama Sarfraz Naeemi's eliminations through this act of vengeance, had the remotest idea that the fallout of the Allama's Shahadat through suicide bombing, could snow-ball into a deadly Anti Taliban wave amongst the Ulema, the Pakistani public comprising all shades and hues in addition to the mainstream political parties the federal government. As for as the parliament is concerned, it was already having second thoughts about its support with regard to introduction of Nizam-e-Adal. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TPP) and the hasty irresponsible statements of Molana Sufi Muhammad had already met its fatal Waterloo. Although GHQ was not only brooding over the establishment of a suitable cantonment in Swat, it had submitted proposals to the Ministry of Defense and had met the approval, in principal of the Prime Minister, but the formal approval of the President was expected after the budgetary sanction of the same. A suitable occasion for the announcement was awaited such as the return and rehabilitation of a suitable number of internally displaced persons. However, there is always an unexpected tide in the affairs of public movements or warfare. In the historical context, such sudden and unexpected tides, are called the Lord of the Unknown. The shahadat of Allama Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi was one such Lord of the Unknown that turned the tide of whatever public sympathy they enjoyed in certain Islamist circles. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) made a strategic blunder in targeting Allama Sarfraz Naeemi who was held in the highest esteem by one and all in Pakistan without any exception. Within hours its boom ranged against the Taliban like a Tsunami. President Asif Ali Zardari seized this opportunity and decided to address the nation to make some crucial announcements. Preparing the Presidential or Prime Minister's address to the nation takes time. So many concerned quarters have to be consulted. Main stream political leadership and important as well as sensitive quarters have to be cleared. Key friends abroad have to be either consulted or informed before announcement. I have been Press Secretary to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. She personally made sure about the various implications of a policy statements and accuracy of the figures quoted by the ministries concerned. She invariably rehearsed before going in the air, to the point of perfection. Anyway President Zardari must be congratulated for the establishment of a cantonment in Swat. Not a word of protest from a single circle in the whole of Pakistan Saturday print or electronic media. The second major move was the complements and applause paid to all ranks of the armed forces taking part in the recent military operations paying well deserve homage to the gallant officers and men for their valour while making the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the service of the nation for the defense of Pakistan the Supreme Commander won the hearts and appreciation of all those serving in any part of the country by suitable recognition and financial assistant in such hard times including raise in their salaries announcement in the budget. President Zardari has thus ensured genuine support for his person as Commander in chief as well as their loyal support for the present government during any enforceable difficulties in the future. The success of achieving President Zardari's difficult goals in a matter of only five minutes address to the nation lies in the strategic choice of the correct timing for his address. Even Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Minister Punjab/President PML(N) Shahbaz Sharif put their stamp of approval over the issues hours before Zardari spoke to the nation. Little did Mian Shahbaz new that President Zardari shall be enhancing his national support and stature as a result of PML(N)'s full support in his resolve to fight the Taliban with the full backing of the Pakistan armed forces while the Pentagon and the State Department already stand solidly behind Zardari. All this augurs well for the future stability of Pakistan and peace in South Asia.

The writer is President of the Pakistan National Forum.

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