STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Hope is a feeling of expectations and desire for certain things to happen. It is manifested by keeping your trust in whatever you believe in. For Muslims, it is faith in Allah and belief in the words of the Holy Quran. The message clearly states; do not permit the flicker of hope to be extinguished. It requires belief in yourself and seeking the Benevolence of Allah Almighty. However, what is going on in Pakistan and globally is making it increasing difficult to retain positivity. These trying times require a resolve bydrawing on your reserves to maintain your bearings. Through this shrunken world of technology, we have free flow of information. It is increasingly difficult to ignore the atrocities being perpetuated, underpinned by lies and falsehoods.
The barbaric events in Gaza, the genocide of Palestinians, deaths of children due to starvation, killing of aid workers and widespread destruction are a revolting phenomenon that is causing worldwide impotent rage. Yet the onslaught continues unabated without respite. Maintaining hope becomes increasingly difficult.
The recent attack on Iran brought us to the precipice of a global conflict. After nearly half a century of isolation and global sanctions, it was assumed by Israel and its biggest allies that Iran would be an easy picking. The attacks were devastating for Iran. The pretext was demolition of their nuclear capabilities; in reality it was an attempt to cow down the only Muslim nation unwilling to submit to Isreal’s hegemony in the region. In the first strike, top military brass and nuclear scientists were eliminated using enemy agents positioned within Iran. Having a dissipated air force due to crippling sanctions, Iran had built a missile capability that was able to strike back at Israel. Despite the perfect “iron dome” and air cover stationed in Iraq and Jordon, Iran was able to instill serious damage. It led to a ceasefire call by President Trump and accepted by both opponents.
Iran stood firm this time around. Their resolve has developed over decades of isolation, and the whole nation rallied around its leadership. Despite Iran toughness,future attempts may be made. I was listening to Israeli PM utterings dating back to 2011. He identified two targets. Iran and Pakistan. Iran is still in the process of developing nuclear capabilities, but Pakistan is already a nuclear power. He called it an “Islamic bomb” and the boggy he tried to create was “Pakistani nukes could fall into the hands of Islamic extremists”.
There is deep cooperation between India and Israel that includes defense, intelligence and Pakistan is perceived as a common enemy. Attempts to bomb Pakistan’s nuclear facilities go back to 1981 through a joint effort of Israelisand Indians. Then President Zia was able to counter it. Another attack was planned in 1998 after Pakistan carried out its nuclear tests. There were more attempts subsequently that fortunately did not materialize. However now we have two bruised egos. Israel’s attempt on Iran has been blunted and Modi’s attempt to humble Pakistan failed miserably. In fact, India’s much touted fleet of Rafale fighter jets were taken out by Chinese missiles expertly managed by Pakistani armed forces.
This could be a lull before another storm. The undying hostility against Pakistan by both India and Israel could lead to further adventurism. While Pakistan basks in the glory of success of prevailing in this short encounter, they must not let their guards down. Our enemies are counting on the prevailing discontent within Pakistan due to atrocities being perpetuated against the most popular leader, Imran Khan. They must not misunderstand the ability of Pakistanis to come together in the face ofadversity, despite internal dissent. However, it should also sensitize our present rulers for the need to diffuse the causes of widespread discontent.
While the defense is strong, Pakistan’s rulers must face upto the inherent dangers of continuing to rule using the iron rod. Nations grow when there is economic stability and vibrancy. The corruption ridden political components of this hybrid regime are a structure without foundations. A party with only 17 genuinely elected members has been thrust into power. They have now received the gift of special seats, courtesy “Constitutional Bench” of Supreme Court. Passing the most unconstitutional judgements, they have distorted the concept of rule of law. At this point no relief is possible to redress genuine grievances through our mutilated judiciary disfigured by 26th Amendment.
The global world order is in turmoil. President Trump has embarked on a mission that will severely harm the US economy and disrupt global trade through his knee-jerk tariffs. We in Canada are facing the consequences. His “big and beautiful bill” just passed by Congress will disrupt the life of common US citizens, especially the poor and suffering due to cuts in Medicaid and removal of other social safety nets. I believe the American institutions and will of people is strong. It will come to bite him during the mid-terms next November.
Various onslaughts on peace, world trade, loss of freedom and belligerence in various parts of the world is causing anxiety and despair all around. However, we have to keep the flickering light of hope alive. Humans plan one thing and Allah is best Planner of us all. One should not despair, rather hold onto your faith. Justice shall prevail; the timing is decided by Providence.
Leave a Reply