Sammilogger

The world is in transition from uni to multipolarity. The region is in transition due BRI, new regional alignments and ongoing Sino-Indian rivalry in IOR. Pakistan too is in transition from security to economy dominated state and from kleptocracy to democracy.

Moving beyond rehetorics, China- Pakistan friendship is manifesting in CPEC and future economic inter- dependence. It’s worth pondering that which country gains more. I see this partnership highly asymmetric. In every sense while China is a giant, Pakistan is a small fry. China is like bullet train with Pakistan attached as an age old bogie. In the context of geostrategy and geoeconomy, China is going to be greater gainer however, Pakistan is bound to gain even beyond these two contexts. 1400 years ago, Holy Prophet PBUH ordained Muslims to, ‘seek knowledge even if they had to go to China’. As regards knowledge, even today it will be highly beneficial for Pakistan on way to China. Key attributes of society like, knowledge, wisdom, harmony, patience, tolerance and discipline are scarce in Pakistan but in abundance in China. Besides FDI from China we should also look for CDIK (Chinese Direct Investment of Knowledge) in Pakistan.

Geostratagic location of Pakistan has repeatedly bestowed upon her a pivotal role larger than potential. Earlier such roles for the US were on way to fighting, destruction and mayhem. The third such role for China is on way to construction and development. The mere positivity of future role guarantees much better dividends than previous roles full of destruction. Geography has intertwined destinies of Pakistan and China.

It is expected that China will capacitate and uplift the functionality, management and work ethics in Pakistan. The bogie at the tail of bullet train will be compelled to catch up with speed of the train.

‘Resilenece’ and ‘Turbulence’ are two words that best describe Pakistan. It may be apt to say that, “Resilience thy name is Pakistan”. In the midst of another bout of turbulence, it’s so nice to see a political leader who inspite of daunting challenges is thinking and acting for our future generations. Clean and Green Pakistan campaign is a trend setter for Pakistan. A country which was let to run the way it is, has found a Godsent opportunity to cleanse itself of physical as well as societal filth. The journey is long and arduous but maiden step speaks of success. There is a visible resolve in incumbents to take harsh decisions. Putin’s rise to success was initiated by his unbeleivebale firm handling of oligarchs. Pakistan too is a country where mafias have grown stronger than government. It’s high time to rein in these self-serving monsters of Pakistan. Accumulative effect of judiciary as well as government is creating shivers in spines of untouchables. My request to all is that as a social obligation for our future generstions, let us put in our bit in these efforts. Let’s not be deterred by enormity of the task in hand. Drops will make the ocean In Sha Allah.

Raising of Indian status on STA to Tier 1 country and relaxation of sanctions related to Indian defence procurements from Russia indicates how desperate is US to woo India

“Actions speak louder than words”, however in media savvy times, words are also essential to build perceptions. It is also said that, “Perceptions are stronger than reality” which can now be modified as, “Perfection is THE REALITY”. Battle of Narratives has become so critical these days because our well intended actions can be projected in such a way that a malicious negative perception outweighs our actions. It is also said that it’s important not to do a wrong, but it’s equally important not to do a thing which can be perceived or projected wrongly. IK and his team are taking good actions but they seem to be not doing so well in battle of narratives. Agreed it’s too early to judge this government, however, it may get too late to quell once created debilitating narratives. The issues which people are facing are harsh realities, but, if people lose hope these realities will become monsters. PTI government needs to orchestrate a campaign for building narratives. People may accept load shedding, poverty, financial harships etc if they are shown light at the end of the tunnel. It’s important to speak loud and repeatedly to tell to the people THE TRUTH. If they feel government is making progress on generating electricity, reducing debt burden and increasing money in National coffers, they will find a hope. In absence of this information people are at the mercy of narratives being thrown by theives who enjoy playing on this turf; this being their strength.

PM of Pakistan took a morally correct initiative of inviting India for peace talks. However, Pakistan, India moves and counter moves need to be understood in the perspective of peculiar mindset. Pakistanis by nature are emotional, straight and forthcoming while Hindu Baniya is cunning, deceitful and shrewd. To this end, old adage, ‘BAGHAL MAIN CHHUREE MOUHN SE RAAM RAAM’. It’s enough to speak of Indian mindset. The U turn on offer of peace talks in my view is based on well thought out design. First they promptly said yes to tell the world, look we are good guys and we have taken the offer inspite of continuing terrorism by Pakistan. Then they stage managed mutilation of a dead Indian soldier and crafted a justification of reneging on earlier acceptance. By so doing they have flashed an incident which could have gone away as mere routine. They have sent a message to the world, look we are keen but Pakistan is not behaving. Saying yes and then no are not momentary decisions. These are part of that cunning design to malign Pakistan and a genuine freedom struggle in Kashmir. However, they cannot befool all the people all the time. Very soon even US will realise true mentality of India.

‘Gen X’ to which I belong, in adolescence saw uproar and fanfare of a unified Muslim Ummah. 1973, in nascent years of life we were witness to Islamic Summit in Lahore. It signified a unified Ummah facing common enemy and possessing wealth of fossil fuels to be used as a weapon. The world powers to be were aghast. They were not at all happy with this unification. They saw it as a threat. I recall Gen Hamid Gul (late) who said in early 90s that US is faced with three threats namely ideology, manpower and technology. Ideology comes from Muslim world in general and Pakistan in particular. Manpower threat comes from China and technology threat from Japan. In order to ward off threat of ideology; the most serious one, Muslim world became a target. Arab spring seemingly a pleasant and well meaning change (as spring is best season of the year) transformed into evil; though seemingly intended scorching summers to burn everything in ME. Leaders heading unification of Ummah were gradullay eliminated. Formation of OPEC and shoddy deals with key oil producing countries obviated the threat of use of oil as a weapon. Hatred towards common enemy ie Israel was transformed into amenability. Over and above seeds of discord were sown within Muslim Ummah. As a consequence instead of focusing on common enemy Muslim Ummah is today engaged in internal strife and squabbles. Oil can no more be used as a weapon. Wealth of Muslim Ummah is being more enjoyed by the West. Muslim world is in worst state of division. It is a classic example of an engineered as well as self imposed withering away of Muslim Ummah. Pray Muslims identify real enemies and get unified again.

Schwerpunkt is a German word, meaning ‘point at which maximum effort is concentrated’. If I have to pick one domain warranting our national Schwerpunt, it is Harmony. Religious harmony, political harmony, inter provincial harmony and harmony in every other field of life is much desired in Pakistan. Inter Provincial harmony is going to be bedrock of our integrity as federation. To this end, support of provinces to each other is the best mean. Support in tangible terms will give best dividends. Developed provinces should allocate funds in support of underdeveloped provinces. Rather than doing it in NFC Awards, a province should declare allocation of funds out of its own share as gift to less priviledged people of underdeveloped provinces. Nation craves to see Punjab or KPK doing projects in Balochistan and Interior Sindh in support of hapless people of these provinces. Present political dispensation is best suited for such a trend. Long Live Pakistan. SAMREZ

Recent visit to Cairo provided me an insight to how an effective leader inspires nation, breeds solidarity and dares challenges. Expansion of Suez Canal is an epitome. Egyptian people r.aised US $ 8.2 B and project planned for 3 years was executed in merely 1 year. This expansion enabled two way traffic in Suez Canal, and ability to handle largest vessels. The project will double the number of vessels using Suez and will uplift huge area included uninhabited Sinai desert. It also includes construction of four tunnels to link Sinai with mainland and new city of Ismailia in Sinai. President Fatah al Sisi has put the country on route to development and growth. Pakistan too is facing similar challenges which warrant national solidarity and resolve. Honourable CJ has already initiated a campaign to raise funds for construction of dams, however nation seems still in slumber. I hope new PM gives a clarion call and Pakistani nation proves better in resolve and solidarity than Egyptian brothers. Long Live Pakistan.

Now that Allah has rewarded our prayers, you are there as a sought after leader. Have no words to say how happy we are. Your ideas and thoughts are close to our hearts. Allah may bless you steadfastness to stay the course. Expectations are sky high but as they say no challenge is bigger than human will. I have full faith that you will succeed. I am in no position to advise you. However, based on my observations, I shall like to request you on one account. Human mind is susceptible to all kinds of ills. Some of these are power, fame, wealth and popularity. I have seen top men succumbing to these ills and beginning to falter. Your delivery on promises will be contingent upon insulation of your mind to these ills. Let me assure you sir that the psychofants will throng you. They might have already stepped in. Their primary job would be to take you farther from realities. Sir as long as you can guard against these enemies in the guise of friends, you will Inshallah succeed. Please look for those who are critical of you and tell you of your faulies. They are your real well wishers. My prayers and best wishes are with you.

At the time of creation of Pakistan there was A Leader and Pygmies. The country unfortunately faced a leadership crisis right after her birth. Muhammad Ali Jinnah: the founding father was a towering personality while he was surrounded by low calibre leaders. Once providence took away Quaid e Azam the pygmies were left behind. The second best to Quaid e Azam; Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan also got merely 4 years to provide sound foundations to the country. These pygmies included feudal lords exploiters, extortionists and people infused with vested interests. They ruled the roost ever since then. Providence has once again brought in A Leader while pygmies are still there. Imran Khan has been elected to lead the country at very apt time. He has defied and betrayed all enemies and critics whether within Pakistan or outside. In opposition he is again faced with pygmies. It’s my conviction that these pygmies will not be able to stand in front this great leader. If he stays steadfast and on high moral grounds his opposition will be rendered to mere pygmies lacking any substance, moral authority and credibility. Allah may guide us all.

SAMREZ Islamabad