STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Pakistan is in turmoil last witnessed in 1971. 16thDecember is the 52nd anniversary of surrender by Pak Army in Dhaka. Quad-e-Azam’s Pakistan was truncated within 25 years of independence. Bengalis, who were 56% of population, formed their own state. I vividly remember the pain we felt at this national humiliation. As president of Punjab University Student’s Union, a powerful body, we were bamboozled and paralyzed. Till the day of the surrender, we were fed lies about our armed forces valiant struggle. Victory was imminent; total bullshit!
Over time facts emerged about this debacle. The in-depth report of Justice Hamood-ur-Rehman was concealed to prevent the nation from finding the truth. It finally came outvia a leak by an Indian journalist. This surrender was a finale of events started by Ayub Khan, a dictator, since 1962. He despised politicians calling them “bloody civilians” and East Pakistanis “bhooka Bengalis”. These prejudices corroded the very basis of Pakistani statehood leading to the breakup.
We as a nation were fed lies that we swallowed by the mouthfuls. We were led to believe that breakup was a result of an international conspiracy, Indian aggression and Bengalis being traitors. While there may be some elements of truth in it; in reality we brought it upon ourselves through mistreating our Bengali brethren and denying them respectful participation in the affairs of the State.
Before the start of hostilities, we undertook a visit to East Pakistan as a student delegation to foster “brotherly relations” with students there. Professor Waris Mir was our team leader. I had a great personal rapport with him. There were many hair-raising experiences that I will share at another time; however one visual is imprinted in my mind. Chittagong was part of our itinerary; a lush green city nestled amongst hills. On our way from the airport, I saw a white palatial residence atop a hill. I asked our guide about it; he informed me it is Commissioners residence where you will be having afternoon tea.
That afternoon we met the Commissioner. He proudly gave us a guided tour of his residency including the balcony where he can look down on his “bhooka Bengalis”. We never treated them as equals; they were a colony to be ruled over. While tons of material is available on debacle of East Pakistan, I urge my readers to watch a compelling documentary on YouTube by Hamid Mir “Who is responsible for the Separation of East Pakistan”.
Within what remains as Pakistan, we have been invaded by our own army multiple times. They enter as liberators and go onto rule as usurpers supported by our corrupt elite. The latest entry in April 2022 is the most vicious one. General Bajwa has harmed Pakistan in his 2nd term more than any other army dictator. He was succeeded by a Chief whose ruthlessness knows no bounds. Puppet politicians like Sharif brothers, Zardari, Fazal have become their lapdogs.
We have seen that bureaucracy has no spine when faced with raw power; it has unfortunately extended to the judiciary too. Supreme Court Justices are proudly declaring that civilians should be tried in military courts. Justice Munir’s invention of “law of necessity” has invaded the workings of CJ Pakistan and CJ Islamabad. ECP has become a street brawler; bringing down Imran Khan seems to be his sole purpose in life. Conduct of lower judiciary openly trampling the laws is now an everyday affair.
Where have the brutal tactics of Junta led us to? The whole nation has become paranoid. There is a constant fear that someone is out to get you. Entire government machinery is deployed to systematically dismantle PTI and chase away their candidates. Patwaris are gathering “fards” of lands of PTI ticket holders and tax department is harassing PTI supporters as police attack and destroy their homes. We have become a dysfunctional State.
This Junta has led to an economic shutdown. We are now condemned to borrow more to repay loan installments. We are selling our income generating assets to foreigners. We have become a vassal state for middle-east kingdoms. It appears the boundaries of cantonments have been extended to cover the whole country.
Then there is security shut down. We have become irrelevant to the West; they don’t need us anymore. If anything we have become an irritant. West treats us an ally of China and the Chinese no longer trust us.
Army Chief has presented himself for a screen test like anyone seeking a lead role. His timing of US visit couldn’t be worse. Washington is pre-occupied with Ukraine and Israel. He has little to offer except recognition of Israel. Pakistan is the least of their concerns; maybe a tag along for future use. Should he pass the screen test, the Chief seeks to prolong this illegal regime and put off elections. Announcement of schedule should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Increased terrorism is a failure of intelligence. They arepre-occupied with choking PTI. The bosses will no longer permit army to conduct war. Thus they are converting from a defense force to a commercial force taking over the economy. Army is already involved in real estate, banking, heavy industry, construction, contracting and logistics. Now they are taking over agriculture, mineral wealth, and healthcare. This sham democracy is headed towards an economic dictatorship as seen in Myanmar and Egypt. Free and fair elections are a mirage. Can the people regain their country from these usurpers?
