Author: sammilogger

It is surprising how Robert D Kaplan was prophetic in predicting that Indian Ocean will be centre stage of rivalry in 21st Century. Things are unfolding exactly as he had predicted. China’s perceived Strategy of String of Pearls was countered by Indian Strategy of Necklace of Diamonds. US laid Strategy of Pivot to Asia and China countered it with Strategy of BRI. Nowadays we daily witness developments related to this rivalry. Each move is being countered with another move. In Sri Lanka, China got hold of Hambantota port while India got hold of Jafana Port. China got hold of Djiboti while India went for Duqm Port of Oman. In Mauritius China is focusing on Port Louis where as India is going for Agalega. In Seychelles too battle for ports in on. India has gone for Assumption Island and China has bid for Victoria Port. Gawadar is being countered by Chahbahar. India also attempted to create political crisis in Maldives. Game is on and Pakistan will face implications of this rivalry.

The US led West, enjoyed ascendancy over rest of the world owing to predominant edge in technology. Technology and knowledge remained monopolized by the key players and for decades no other country challenged the might of the West. However, advent of IT and computer technology drastically altered the equations. IT and internet became the tools for free flow of knowledge and accessibility to knowledge/ technology improved exponentially. Monopoly over knowledge and technology was busted. Free flow of knowledge, facilitated in bridging the insurmountable gap between have and have not. I really wonder was this the intended consequence by creators of IT or they themselves busted their monopoly.

Pakistan and Turkey are emerging as two strongest pillars of Muslim world. Next 5-6 years are going to propel these two countries towards growth and progress and they are bound to gain further strength. In 2023, Turkey is to see off 100 years accord with Europe inhibiting her progress (as reported in social media) where by same year Pakistan would have gained solid foundations of CPEC (In-Sha-Allah). Turkey is already assuming leadership of Muslim World whereas Pakistan is squabbling with internal issues. Future for sure has great promises for these two countries. IA.

Depleting natural resources, increasing consumers, chaotic weather patterns and ability to alter weather has placed mother planet under stress and also probability of disasters has increased. Pakistan is least prepared for bracing the change. Putatively a resilient nation, may face a challenge whereby resilience may become irrelevant. Water security is the most serious concern. Pakistan being lower riparian is highly vulnerable to Indian machinations. Abysmally low storage capacity increases such vulnerability. Notwithstanding, enemy actions, Pakistan needs to improve water management or else we shall face droughts. Situation in Cape Town these days is eye opening. Please work to enhance awareness.

Civility, morality and dignity warrants that a dead person should not be criticised. The person has been silenced by the providence. The person has already surrendered to accountability hereafter. The on going abomition, hatred and criticism of Asima Jahangir in my view is not in order. Best thing to do is to give graceful send off full of good wishes and prayers to the deceased.

Just concluded a seminar at Muzaffarbad titled, “Kashmir at Present: Quest for Empowerment and Growth”. In view of current opportunities of growth and CPEC, AJK lends itself as Beacon of growth for IOK which lacks conducive environment due Indian oppression. Better development is AJK will generate positive ramifications for IOK. Proud of AJK Chapter of Association of Alumni of National Securtiy Workshop(AAN)

Buzkashi (goat pulling) is a Central Asian sport in which horse-mounted players fight for a goat or calf carcass and pull it apart. Since 1979, Pakistan is facing Buzkashi like a calf. During Cold War the Bison(US) and Bear(USSR) were pulling her apart. During War on Terror, the forces of order(US) and forces of disorder(Al-Qaeda and affiliates) pulled her apart. In the ongoing rivalry in Indian Ocean, it is feared, the US and China are likely to pull her apart. Thanks to our importance which brings along risks further compounded due lack of our seriousness and institutional approach.

China and Pakistan have remained brothers since decades and lately are called Iron Brothers. Once two brothers get into a business, the brotherhood gets tested. Pakistan as a conduit is so critical for rise of China that it’s Pakistan which is proving equal to the test where as China will be tested in due course of time. If both sides fail to respect other’s interests or behave selfish this age old brotherhood may come under stress. Pakistan being the smaller brother should not be exploited by the elder. It is hoped and expected that China will prove equal to the demands of brotherhood.

Every time I ponder, I realise how blessed is Pakistan. In 2006, Robert D Kaplan projected Indian Ocean to be Centre Stage of Rivlary in 21 Century. He didn’t then project importance of Gawadar. China, a waxing power is victim of Revenge of Geography. In present state of circuitous SLOCs China cannot become a super power. CPEC route is thus so critical for China. To contest US strategy of Pivot to Asia, China unleashed her own BRI. In this geo-strategic setting , Gawadar has become a linchpin. Gawadar is sina-qua-non for CPEC. CPEC is sina-qua-non for BRI and BRI is in turn sin-aqua-non for rise of China. Thus Gawadar is going to be the rock-foundation of complete structure. Cargo handling potential of Gawadar is also higher than any other port of the world. Hammer head shape of Gawadar is too a rare phenomenon. Allah may bless us capabilities and vision to reap benefits of His blessings.

“Pakistanis don’t value their independence because they did not shed blood to gain independence” – this is a common perception. Lack of nationhood has been considered as an inadequacy while gauging potential of Pakistani masses. This inadequacy is seen as a corollary of bloodless struggle for independence. It is also said as part of history that Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his steno got this independence for Muslims of the region now housing Pakistan. Nature has bizarre and unique ways of functioning. Seeing the positive aspects of war on terror, I some time wonder has the divinity made up for our inadequacy through the blood we shed during war on terror. Many a times mother nature brings out good for us out of havocs that we face. As a consequence of War on terror the nationhood has been strengthened, nation stands more mature, confident, self assured and resilient.