Sammilogger

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.

Pakistan is clamoring for a change. Notwithstanding, daunting challenges, successes in War On Terror and certain other factors have made the nation more confident, better galvanized, better self assured and resilient. Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Agencies have succeeded in creating conducive environment for other prongs to take off. At the same time, Social media in the recent past has awakened our collective conscience. Opportunities of CPEC are also knocking at our doors. However, political instability is denying the rich dividends of such a favorable situation. Since last one year the battle is raging between right and wrong. Prolonged poor governance, mismanagement and domination of vested interests, have wrecked havoc with our national morality. It is said that societies are driven by either “shame”or “guilt”. These elements were amply found in our society a score of years ago, however, in the recent past these have become alien to us. Wrong doers flagrantly attempt to prove that no wrong has been done. In all domains, Pakistan is improving fast less the domain of leadership. Election 2018 will be a defining moment for Pakistan. Pakistan’s electoral system has been crafted by the elite for the elite. Prolonged governance in provinces by single parties has rendered these entities hostages to them. Punjab is given to PML(N), Sindh is with PPP, Balochistan belongs to Sardars, it is only in KPK that there is a semblance of true franchise. Overall distribution of NA seats is such that the one who controls 5 divisions of Punjab forms the central government. General masses are still not in a position to display total independence in selection of their leaders. In such a scenario, free, impartial and fair elections displaying true representation of people of Pakistan is merely a dreamscape. It’s a far cry to expect or bring out sound results from the exercise of electoral process. The solution lies merely is realization, rising to the occasion and larger than life role by political leadership. In the prevalent clamor for change, in case political leadership fails to live up to demands of masses, they shall be the losers. Pakistan cannot live for any long in the present state. Nation is yearning for change and the change will find its way in spite of resistance it is getting. Long live Pakistan.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

In the current contestation in SA between US and China new alliances are being formed. China is a waxing power while US is a waning power. I believe while India is betting on a horse which has seen the peak and is down the hill, whereas Pakistan is betting on a horse which is up the hill and has yet to see the peak. Besides this, US is a distant power and China is a neighbouring power. In short term this strategic setting will pose problems for Pakistan, however in the long run India will be a loser. IA.
Samrez, 29 Jan