Indian sub-continent: On the wrong side of history

From the time of independence of Indo-Pak in 1947 to the contemporary age of post-modernism, Pakistan has gone through militaristic endeavours only to be confounded by militarism

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has proposed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly which aims to ban Hindi dubbed cartoons, Doraemon, aired on the cable. It is ironic that instead of setting priorities right, the nascent party has chosen an easy target to highlight linguistic and cultural issue. The important aspect to be noted is the resolution concerns the propagation of foreign culture despite the fact that Punjab Assembly is the only assembly in the world that has banned its own regional language, Punjabi, as a means of conversing i.e. whether speaking or writing.  Is it hypocrisy or ignorance to bypass the reality of being a Punjabi in a country where Punjabi are a majority. Not recognising the roots or improvising our heritage to the modern era has left a bar to our systemic and evolutionary struggle to attain a distinctive and unitary conscience as a nation state despite being united by Urdu as the official language. Iqbal as an Indian poet became our National poet. With the passage of time, Ahmad Faraz and Habib Jalib became the identity of the Urdu language as they resisted the Islamisation of Zia Ul Haq. This was a time when Pakistan was ‘Islamised’ through a dictator who had himself massacred Palestinians in Jordan. Yasser Arafat was the leader of Palestinians during the war. During the Soviet War, once again, religion was used as a tool to manipulate and deceive masses into jihad and bigotry. This time, capitalist America was the champion of religious doctrine. Massive funds were released into Soviet-Afghan war to counter the Soviet invasion. This seemed like the realization of the slogan: ‘Pakistan ka matlab kya: la ilaha illallah.’ There was no mention of the democratic and constitutional struggle of Jinnah. There was no place for the essence of Iqbal's secularism which contested the ‘atheistic materialism’ and ‘territorial expansionism’ which had become the order of the day. Pakistan became a pawn when Liaquat Ali Khan chose a side over another for reasons unknown, but the consequences were realised when Ayub Khan- the enemy of Fatima Jinnah- wrote in his book, Friends Not Masters: 

‘To be enemy of America is dangerous but to be the ally or friend of America is suicide.’  

What led to this ?

From the time of independence of Indo-Pak in 1947 to the contemporary age of post-modernism, Pakistan has gone through militaristic endeavours only to be confounded by militarism. Prior to delving into history of Indo-Pak wars, there is something more important to weigh in the scale. The reason to point out the Punjabi language was to symbolise the confusion and stalemate among the most populous region of Pakistan. The integration of elements that were supposed bind the provinces and people never took place. Tarek Fatah has an aggressive stance as means of stern opposition to how the creation of Pakistan as nation-state took place. Tarek Fatah refers to history. He defends his position by stating that Muslim League won seats from Bengal while Punjab was under Unionists, NWFP (KP) was led by Bacha Khan, Sindh was under nationalists and Balochistan was free to join or remain independent. Fatah states that Jinnah took steps to counter these Provincial governments. Jinnah ordered Pakistan Army to intervene into Balochistan, Gilgit, Kashmir and parts where needed. A British, General Gracey, was the COAS at that time. The problem does not lie in the creation of Pakistan. It is the aftermath. The Urdu speaking people from UP, Bihar, Bhopal, Hyderabad and elsewhere had voted for Pakistan but a few migrated. Those who did; settled in Pakistani Punjab. They became part of a Punjab where the local language was reduced to secondary language i.e. less desirable. The Pakistani Army comprised mostly of Punjabi and Pashtun origin who had not voted for Muslim League. This ‘Pakistani Muslim’ Army was led by General Gracey and since the time he has retired, the institution consistently followed British approach of ‘divide and rule’ and policy to discriminate using false methods as ‘tool for subjugate’. No wonder that the Muslim armies of different empires throughout history have been kept to control the masses and internal affairs rather than unite under the caliphate or the civil leadership. After the British left, the people became slaves to the Army in Pakistan. The ‘jaagirdars’ and ‘nawabs’ inherited the reins of the nascent state of Pakistan. They left no stones unturned in disparaging the very reason why Pakistan was created as a place where they will test Islam as code of life. It became a place where man would not be equal to his fellow man. Hence, democracy did not prop up when it was needed most. Now, the anti-democratic forces are looking for ways to retain their control. 

As the leadership of Muslim League gained power, they had no idea how to run the dynamics. They failed in their attempt to consolidate the integration of Pakistan. It resulted in gaps which led to dangerous paths. The Muslim leadership had no realisation that the impediment was not the contemporary contrasting ideology of Hindutva or Zionism that posed threat but the concept of ‘territorial expansionism’ and ‘atheistic materialism’ which they had themselves embodied in their approach to society and aspects of life. Incompetence is a small word to describe. It was criminal negligence on rulers who abandoned the idea of ‘statesman’. While Urdu became the official language, the provincial languages and customs fell apart slowly, definitely. Debate arises that Jinnah considered the Presidential system over Parliamentary democracy. The elitist from Central India had control over the ‘decision making’ where the Army was majorly consisting of Punjabi and Pashtun soldiers. At time of Partition, Bengal was the only province which had voted for Muslim League. The mindset of Western Pakistani leadership was evident when they barred the entry of Prime (Chief) Minister of Bengal province to East Pakistan i.e., present-day Bangladesh. After independence, Nehru destroyed the ‘jaagirdari’ concept in India through land reforms. To this day, the land reforms are implemented in a manner where the Indian Army has to answer for embezzlement and corruption. In Pakistan, Aleem Khan with the help of Pakistani Army officers has confiscated lands. Indian democracy has proved ‘across the board accountability’ while in Pakistan, the militaristic status quo calls for ‘good governance’ and ‘across the board accountability’ while indulging in utmost deceptively criminal and negligent activities. To put it simply, how did the institution of Pakistan Army grow extremely powerful in order to become a major decision maker and dominant stakeholder in the system while violating moral, constitutional and Islamic laws in addition to usurping democratic and liberal rights of Pakistani people? Refer to the time period around 1970 and then 2010.

In 1970, the elitist status quo had a biased stance against the Bengalis. Ayub Khan had gone after humiliation. He had been antagonistic to Fatima Ali Jinnah who was opponent to basic democracy system and in elections. Around mid-1971, however, the leaders from Western and Eastern unit had decided to sit together and discuss the viable options to solve differences. Bhutto, Bizenjo, Mujib-Ur-Rehman and leaders of Bacha Khan’s party had agreed on dialogue process.  Ayub Khan had gone. Yahya Khan was in power. Pakistan Army was engaged in Bengal province. Pakistan had no diplomatic stance on the international level and no concern whatsoever for security policy. It was all about control over the people and resources. As we couldn’t control the Bengali people or give them due rights, we decided to abandon any concern and sever connection with them i.e. humiliate their leadership. The source of relation was the Two-Nation theory. Tarek Fatah states that purpose of Pakistan finished when the only province that had voted the Muslim League into power had become Bangladesh. Those who try to cover the wrongdoings of Pakistan Army suggest that Bhutto had launched an army operation in Balochistan against his opponents. However, this depicts similarity of 1970 to 1947 when Pakistan Army intervened in Balochistan, which was not liked by Balochi leadership and people – not in opposition to Pakistan but there was dislike regarding the mindset of elite. Bhutto was to become the antithesis to Muslim League. Nevertheless, Jinnah and Iqbal’s mission was still far from being realised. Bangladesh is evidence of how Pakistan failed as an Islamic Republic under Urdu political elite and Punjabi-Pashtun Pakistan Army. PTI in Punjab assembly is more concerned about ‘India-centrist thought’ but void of realism regarding Punjab. Political parties become democratic through a democratic setup that leads to evolution. Evolution is about ‘regional’ (read: provincial) dynamics. A Presidential form of Federal Government will also take time to deliver. The decision-making needs to be according to a benchmark that takes into account the historical perspective and evolutionary mechanisms.

Zia-Ul-Haq came into power. Pakistan became centre-stage of Soviet-Afghan war. A wave of ‘Islamisation’ swept across the country. Democratically elected Bhutto was hanged in a judicial murder. Jihadism was promoted to counter atheistic Soviet Union. Almost three decades had passed since Partition. Pakistan rejoiced at Liaquat Ali Khan’s historical decision to join American camp in 1950. GOD Business swept the world. GOD Business meant Gun-Oil-Drug Business. Suddenly, Islamic brotherhood became the order of the day as Arabs used oil to their advantage which resulted in utter failure due to historical designs. Iran became an Islamic theocratic Republic with sectarian background. Islamic forces started political activities in Kemalist secular Turkey. Afghanistan had been bombed to ‘smithereens’ by Soviets. Indians started their Nuclear program. The world was in for a roller-coaster ride. Latin America had arisen against imperialism. Communism had spread its wings in East Europe and East Asia. Pakistanis held pride in their ancestry to Arabs, Iranians and Turks. They related their history to Muhammad Bin Qasim and Mahmood Bin Ghaznavi – and, not to forget the long forgotten Mughals. Muslim historians of Pakistan distorted the Islamic history. The Ummayads and Abbasids were no longer remembered for their oppressive and criminal acts but the bravery and chivalry of Muslim armies who looted civilians and massacred opponents for money and power. Arabs became arrogantly proud and Mongol invasion of Baghdad wiped out Islamic contribution to science, arts, philosophy etc. Crusades were waged on Muslim lands during that time. It was Syrian, Iraqi, Hijazi and Egyptian history. Saladin was a Kurd. Religion was not separate from politics. Islam divided into two major sects - as did Christianity. Glorification of ‘jihad’ became a norm. Learning was restricted to religious doctrine. In recent history, World War I and World War II led to transfer of power from Britian to America – which suggests the rise of godless Western civilisation. Zia Ul Haq had decided to use the mujahideen in Kashmir after Soviets were defeated. The utter failure of Islamic scholarship led to definite decline with humiliating consequences. ‘Ghazw-e-Hind’ is regarded as a future battle between a Muslim Pakistan Army and Non-Muslim Indian Army. Question: considering its past, will it be the Pakistan Army that will wage ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’?

The Pakistani Muslims fantasise about Islamic warfare history which they think delivered them from yokes of disbelief, slavery and oppression. What we consistently fail to realise is that Pakistan was achieved through a democratic struggle. The Arabs were responsible for the martyrdom of Imam Hosein. Not only the divide has deepened but the militaristic mindset (territorial expansionism and atheistic materialism) prevails throughout the Muslim world, today. Zia Ul Haq chose his political successors: Sharif brothers, MQM and JUI. These were regional parties. For the first time, these regional parties represented the ‘real’ dynamics of Pakistan. However, the intention was not to prop values of liberty, secularism and democracy but to counter Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Then came the infamous 90s politics which witnessed the failure of democracy to deliver. The opposition between two largest parties, PPP and PML (N), was based on extreme hatred. Atheistic and communist Soviet Union was now, the Russian federation. The Pakistani nuclear program run under civilian setup had reached the goal. The Pakistani military had grown strong during Zia regime. ISI had a political wing. Pakistan had become a jihadi warrior state with naïve foreign policy and weak internal structure. Political parties represented a distorted picture of democracy and accountability. Kargil War occurred which led to differences between ruling party and the establishment. The democratically elected government was ousted. Nawaz Sharif was allowed exile into Saudi Arabia. Benazir Bhutto was on self-imposed exile. 9/11 occured and the War on Terror is waged against jihadi elements. Pakistan becomes the most important non-NATO ally. There was a reason that Pakistan was on the wrong side of history when Musharraf surrendered to a phone call from Americans. The Taliban came back to haunt us. Afghanistan and Iraq were destroyed. The horrors of dictatorial and anti-democratic policies of Muslim leaders came back to smite their faces as nature intervened to restore the path to ‘days of Allah’. Arab Spring came to life. It culminated with Syrian ceasefire plan where Russian iron fist countered American invisible hand. Russia had returned to center-stage and Muslims along with Western masters disliked it. It was a threat to their establishments militaristic status quo. PPP was in power in Pakistan. 

Fast forward from 1970 to 2010 – as hinted from the earlier pargraph. Army operations are launched in terrorist infested areas within Pakistan- during rule of PPP government. A pro-democratic Kayani knew the Great Game and allows Putin’s Russia to gather the benefit of severed American-Pakistani relations. Ahmad Shuja Pasha and Zaheer Ul Islam resorted to their agendas to malign Punjab government on Raymond Davis issue. Surprisingly, it is linked to the mindset that resulted in APS attack in Peshawar. Isn’t it remarkable that ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ would choose the day of 16 December? Specially, when Pakistani media would cover the Peshawar event instead of fall of Dhaka – from now on.   This is the sick mentality. The elitist mentality is being wiped out by the democratic system. The public concern is performance. NAP implemented by the state has achieved a lot of goals to achieve prosperity and peace. Zarb-E-Azb was declared a part of it. Somehow, the establishment wanted to remain importantly relevant and credibly powerful. The Peshawar incident provided safe exit to anti-ruling party (anti-democratic) elements and allowed Army to gather public support to engage in operation against terrorists whom they had used at some time as pawns for militaristic agenda.

The movements launched on dates of August 6 and 7 (2016) will be recorded in history as continuation of establishments attempt to discredit and dislodge the political system of Pakistan. These elements are on the wrong side of history. We, Muslims, accept one part of our history which does not benefit, while ignore and reject the part that teaches a lesson. The four Muslim caliphs were elected through four different ways. They were considered the inheritors of the Prophet’s legacy. The differences arose in their methods of governance where the weaknesses were manipulated by agitators and power-seekers. Thus, the group of Kharijites arose who demanded accountability. As the Kharijites grew stronger, the Muslim public grew weaker and this led to the disintegration of empire of Islamic caliphate. There were pro-republic forces which is represented by Nasir Janjua, today. There were agitators like Ahmad Shuja Pasha. The Kharijites weakened the Islamic public order as they took law in their hands and interpreted law according to their will and interests. The result was that the next most powerful institution after the caliphate i.e., governorate of Syria under Moawiyah took control. The net result was Yazeed. The persecution of Yazeed and his successors led the Prophet’s family to escape to Hind i.e. modern day Indian Sub-continent. The first mosque outside Arabia at Prophet’s time was built in state of Kerala, India. The creation of Pakistan is considered a miracle and huge accomplishment. This is another ‘story of truth’ to fabricate lies. Those who treaded the ship of Pakistan onto militarism and set sail upon the path to India-centrism have failed to recognise the very importance of India as a democratic republic. Af-Pak and Indo-Pak are not entirely the same page scenario or paradigm. As the Prophet’s family escaped persecution at hands of Muslim ‘Umayyad Kingdom’; the Hindu Kingdoms opened their doors to let them settle in al-Hind. Nature favours the fair and moderate and helps those who help the oppressed. Hindutva ideology arose in opposition to Afghan invaders and Mughal rule. Pakistan and India suffer from establishments militaristic status quo. The Modi-ised 'Hindu India' is engaged in militaristic status quo inside Kashmir while the Pakistani Army utilises the militaristic status quo to make slaves out of ‘bloody civilians’ i.e. capture their own civilians. British went from sub-continent but left the trace of militarism in institutions which led to usage of ‘divide and rule’ policy. Whatever mistakes the Pakistani Army has made in internal and foreign affairs has the opportunity to be cleansed through Nawaz Sharif’s civil government. This is where the right side of history lies. Even if Zardari or Imran Khan is in power, the conspiracies hatched against civilian order should be countered with full support for the ruling party. COAS Raheel Sharif is an exemplary general in terms of good service to Pakistan but needs to counter the anti-democratic forces within Pakistan Army. How else will the Pakistan Army come up with a stand on Indian establishment's militaristic status quo in Kashmir? It was Pakistani government that brought rapprochement between Turkey and Russia; while Israel failed to attain the role of broker. 

The Pro-Israeli NATO agents inside Turkey wanted to make a Morsi out of Erdogan. The coup occurred the exact day when Erdogan refused to follow Turkish establishment’s pro-NATO stance when he stated:

‘Oppose ISIS and support Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad Government’.

The Kurds and the opposition supported Erdogan during the coup attempt. It was again public support that the Turkish Army failed to capture but Pakistanis fall for lies of the militaristic establishment. According to geo-political dynamics, Egypt is favourite for next NATO hot-pursuit. Egypt despises Turkey at every forum. A dictator like General Fateh Al-Sisi is all what Pro-Israeli NATO needs. Before Clinton gets elected, the pro-Israeli NATO is bent upon destabilizing Asia. As Hillary Clinton gets elected, America will gather western forces to counter Iranian proxy asset i.e. Hezbollah to encircle Iran in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. A time for Saudi-Wahabi Kingdom to rejoice. Nevertheless, another plan to destabilize Middle East. It is the first time that the Kalash tribe has been targeted in terrorist attack – ISIS was the perpetrator. There are plans for re-fuelling chaotic elements to engage nations in unnecessary wars for wastage of time and resources across the Asian countries. Egypt will resist Syria. The financers and operators of ISIS will create situation for Egypt to seek pro-Israeli NATO’s help (similar to Pakistan Army’s leadership mindset which looks to ‘terrorism’ as a pretext to remain relevant – the confusion regarding question of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ rose during Musharraf regime). NATO will intervene. Erdogan in Turkey won’t allow NATO presence in Middle East or Eastern Europe. Putin and Erdogan Met on 9th August to discuss the itinerary of an EurAsian Union against Pro-Israeli NATO.

NSA Nasir Janjua was in Iran where China administered the meeting between Pakistani-Iranian officials. It is said that regional situation from Syria to Khulbhushan Jadhev to Kashmir  and other matters were discussed. It is likely that the next Russian Iron fist will fall in Afghanistan to counter American invisible hand while China flexes her power, too. Both, Russia and China, have reached a level of understanding with ASEAN nations despite Obama’s visit to Japan and Vietnam in May. Indian NSA Ajit Doval also visited Vietnam. Pakistan is strengthening her internal structure and securing her foreign policy through diplomatic endeavours. The best thing that a Good General like COAS Raheel Sharif can do is to destroy or counter the undue Establishment influence in civilian supremacy. Muslim Turkey has decided to ally with Christian Russia to counter Godless Pro-Israeli NATO where the NATO seeks complete defeat of Russia and intends to lay groundwork before the mastermind of Libya’s destruction i.e. Hillary Clinton, assumes power. Nawaz Sharif seeks to destroy the Militaristic Status Quo on both sides, India and Pakistan. The Indian Corporate sector, Media and Army brought terrorist Modi into power. The contrast between Narender Modi and Nawaz Sharif is the Nature’s intervention. As the timing when Pharoah’s body was discovered, it tend to serve as a warning sign for Zionist movement, where it was the Militaristic maneuverability that God had intended to mark as sign of Arrogance, oppression and transgression. COAS Raheel Sharif visited Egypt in July. The history will favour him as a Pro-Democrat for the least and reward utmost with fairness to his level of humility if he meant to counter NATO’s influence in Egypt. However, we must take care of our home - first. It is Nawaz Sharif’s (Civil Government) responsibility to pursue the Kashmir cause and Afghanistan policy in a manner that destroys Militaristic Status Quo and cleanses Pakistan from the dirt.


Shehla Rashid, a student of JawaharLal Nehru University (Delhi, India) along with her friends has launched a movement against RSS / Modi and has exposed the Indian establishment connection between Corporate sector, Media and Army. It seems that the tactics that Indian militaristic mindset uses to suppress voice is no different from the Pakistani side. ‘Ghazwa E Hind’ will be about a Moral struggle that will restore a Public order where : ‘Moral Law will be the Highest Law’. Prior to Nawaz Sharif’s Civil Government, India was all for it. The NAP is part of success of Civil Government but it seems that planning was made at hands of establishments to slowly discredit and dislodge the political system. Panama Papers has strengthened Nawaz Sharif. Nature has brought Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, ASEAN, Iran, China and CAR’s closer for a purpose. The path of Pakistan’s ‘foreign policy’ suggests that ‘Days of Allah’ have come to help those who’ll resist throughout the process and after the regional Military Dictatorship of Israel has advanced to become a ‘Global Superpower’. Those who intend to plant seeds of hatred and discord between Pakistan and India should know that the ‘Ghazwa E Hind’ will NOT entirely focus on Armed struggle but the main component is Moral struggle. The struggle of Shehla Rashid and the support of Indian Civil society suggests that Indian are still better (way ahead) at democratic, equal rights as means of dealing in fairness. Pakistani Civil society has to stand up to restore the credibility where the Public order resides in the awareness of informed will and collective conscience. Balochistan and Bangladesh need to be discussed as much as the victims of Peshawar incident. The revenge of Partition (against Pakistan and India) at hands of Bangladesh is the propagation of secularism where dialogue is about learning – not killing. Bilawal Bhutto was right about Democracy as the best revenge. It is the best revenge against the oppressive liars who’ve kept us in dark until the arrival of the ‘Days of Allah’ which have came to shed light on reality: ‘For truth is to prevail and falsehood bound to vanish’ (Al-Qur’an). The stronger, fairer and effective the Civilian setup - the weaker the Kharijite and Yazeedi mindset.  When did Muslims resist Yazeed and his successors? The challenge was to wage a Moral struggle which is possible through Civil setup that rejects oppression, militarism and power-hungry mindset that is bent upon conspiring against  Public order.  Caliphate was finished the day Imam Hosein (Peace Be upon Him and May God be pleased with Him) was martyred. The continuation was an establishment type militaristic status quo - witnessed in the actions of Slave Dynasty which ruled over Delhi during 12th century.

Waqas Mahmood Ali is an International Strategy Analyst and Political commentator. Waqas is a former member of staff at 'The Nation' newspaper. He is 'Phd Candidate' at Strategic Studies Department at Air University. He is associated with Newspapers, Radio and, Policy, Political and Media think tanks. He can be reached on twitter at @WaqasMahmoodAli

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