The Complete Magazine for the Region November 2019 www.southasia.com.pk

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Kashmir Kis Ka Hai? India has abrogated its own Constitution to usurp Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan continues to rattle the world’s conscience to the reality. The people of Kashmir meanwhile live in abject helplessness. Pakistan India Bangladesh Kashmir Governance Crisis Space Militarization Vulnerable Minorities Mushaal Speaks

Contents

17 Cover Story Kashmir continues to burn under Indian oppression.

Kabul Editor’s Desk 07 Colombo Reality and Rhetoric 30 Decoding Dangerous Trends 36 08 Readers’ Thoughts Assam Dhaka The Lost Citizens 32 38 Who Said That! 10 Second Liberation Bengaluru Kathmandu Space Militarization 33 Grapevine 11 Shaking Up the Status Quo 39 Kabul News Buzz 12 An Elusive Goal 35 Cover Story Kashmir – Dead-end or New Opening? 17 Interview - Mushaal Hussein Mullick 20 Implosion Any Day 24 All is Well 26 Region Islamabad Winning Hearts and Minds 28 Lahore Governance Crisis 29 33

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Ayodhya Quetta Waiting for the Verdict 40 Dying in the Darkness 50 61 Neighbour Larkana Classroom Disaster 51 Tehran Karachi Anatomy of an Attack 42 Fighting World Hunger 52 Opinion Lahore Economic Warfare 44 Quest for the Creative Juice 54 International Dhaka Tensions in Diversity 55 Khartoum A Nation in Transition 45 Swat Reviews A Lop-sided Approach 56 Jakarta Books Freedom Flare-up 47 Around Town Interpretation of Jihad 59 Revisiting Islam 60 Another Burger Joint 58 Feature Films J. Expands 58 Islamabad IT Ends 61 A Celebration of Erudition 49 Rambo: Last Blood 62

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 5

Editor’s DSlugesk

Avoiding Doomsday

The recent decision taken by the the FATF and APG requirements to strengthen its AML/CFT Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to regime. However, the FATF statement came with a caution keep Pakistan on its grey list till Feb- as it expressed serious concerns over the lack of progress ruary 2020 is another setback for this made by Pakistan in addressing terror financing and mitigat- cash-strapped country. It exposes ing money-laundering risks. In addition, the global financial the level of complacency shown by watchdog clearly warned this already grey-listed country to the country’s economic managers take decisive action soonest possible. to deal with a matter that has turned Pakistan’s continued placement in the FATF’s grey list into a crisis-like situation. Meeting in depicts a doomsday scenario for the country. It is now al- Paris on June 28, 2018, the FATF Ple- most on the verge of being blacklisted as a terror-financing nary took the highly anticipated decision on the basis of a state, an infamous tag that is currently associated with only monitoring report of the International Cooperation Review two countries in the world - Iran and North Korea. The Glob- Group (ICRG) that found several ‘strategic deficiencies’ in al Terrorism Index of the Institute for Economics and Peace Pakistan’s anti-money laundering (AML) steps and in com- (IEP) ranks Pakistan at 5th position in terms of countries bating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regimes. Other than most affected by terrorism. Issued by the Basel Institute of Pakistan, the other states placed on the FATF grey list last Governance, the Basel AML Index 2017 ranked Pakistan at year were Sri Lanka, Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Serbia, 46th position among 146 countries in the world in terms of Trinidad and Tobago. money laundering and terror- At that time, the task for ist financing risks. Now, with a Pakistan was quite simple and mere 4-month lifeline at Paki- clear-cut: to come out of the stan’s disposal to complete grey list and to further avoid be- the unfinished 27-point action ing downgraded to the black- plan, its Ministry of Finance, list. It would have done this by in tandem with all concerned fulfilling its 27-point action plan financial regulatory authori- until the October Plenary this ties and agencies, such as the year. However, the task appeared to be too formidable for State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue as the PTI government. It was obvious that they had not done well as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Paki- their homework. To control terrorism financing, the govern- stan, needs to expedite collective efforts on a war-footing. ment was tasked with devising corrective measures, as spe- Despite the dire situation, somehow things don’t seem to cifically recommended by the Financial Action Task Force. A be working in the desired direction. Knowing that India is team of economic and financial experts was hired at high making sinister efforts to damage Islamabad’s endeavours salaries to fulfil FATF’s 27-point agenda. Some efforts were and push it to the brink so that it is blacklisted by the FATF, made by the finance ministry to remove the loopholes in the Pakistan needs to move fast, set its house in order and financial transaction system and form a flawless mechanism make significant and sustainable progress to escape the to stop money laundering and curbing terrorism financing. financial doomsday. There is a feeling that some of those However, much to everyone’s chagrin, the FATF decided in people in the government responsible for financial decision- October to still keep Pakistan on its grey list. This indicates making have a lop-sided approach towards the next ac- the harsh reality that the country has miserably failed to tions that FATF could take against Pakistan. They need to complete its action plan, as in the given 16-month period, it realise in no uncertain terms that black-listing would lead has just been able to work on only five out of the 27 tasks this already economic-hit country to a freeze in official and given to it to control alleged funding to terror groups. As per private capital inflows as well as tough sanctions would be the latest statement issued by the FATF, it acknowledged imposed on its banks and financial institutions. Time is re- Pakistan’s commitment to address its strategic counter- ally running out and it seems as if doomsday is just around terrorist financing-related deficiencies and to comply with the corner.

Syed Jawaid Iqbal President & Editor in Chief

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 7 Readers’ Thoughts

Challenges Ahead

November 2019 Vol.23 Issue 11 his is related to last month’s cover story PRESIDENT & EDITOR IN CHIEF Ton ‘Whither World Bank?’ The World Syed Jawaid Iqbal Bank is an international organisation that EDITOR helps emerging countries reduce poverty. It Javed Ansari focuses on improving education, health and infrastructure while providing low-interest CONTRIBUTING EDITOR S. G. Jilanee loans, interest-free credit and grants. So far it has successfully addressed social sector ASSISTANT EDITORS Faizan Usmani development in South Asia but some regions Syeda Areeba Rasheed are behind others, especially in terms of adult literacy and eradication of poverty. The situation CONTRIBUTORS is perhaps more challenging in Pakistan where Aneela Shahzad – Cynthia Ritchie Dr. Ahmed Saeed Minhas – Dr. Moonis Ahmar poverty, terrorism, high fertility rate and a Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan – Faizan Usmani generally conservative attitude towards women education and their low participation Javed Ansari – Javed Jabbar – Kelton High in workforce create an onerous set of constraints. The development stays in flux as Khalid Hussain Mir – Laura Schuurmans Major General (r) nam Ul Haque – Maryam Sadriwala the World Bank Group approaches the end of the third half-century of involvement Meriam Sabih – Muhammad Atif Ilyas – Murtaza Talpur in the process of development. Will the World Bank change its policies towards Nighat Kamal Aziz – Professor Arshad Syed Karim such countries? S. M. Hali – S. Mubashir Noor – S.G. Jilanee Sabria Chowdhury Balland – Samia Shah Fatima Saeed, Sikandar Taimoor – Syeda Areeba Rasheed Karachi, Pakistan

GRAPHICS & LAYOUT Haroon Rasheed Kamran Ghulam Nabi Riaz Masih Man of Words interview, he also pointed out that the World Bank is an active supporter of General Manager-Marketing arrar Sehgal is an international CPEC as this initiative will lead to large Syed Ovais Akhtar economist and renowned legal economic gains in infrastructure and PRODUCTION & COORDINATION Z Aqam-ud-Din Khan consultant. It was really impressive to transport growth in the coming years. CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION see his views as part of your cover story Muhammad Ali, Shehryar Zulfiqar Islamabad, Pakistan

EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE 20-C, Lane 12, off Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Phase II Extension, DHA, Karachi - 75500, Pakistan Deteriorating Phones: 92-21- 35313821-24 Fax: 92-21-35313832 Education System Website: www.southasia.com.pk Email: [email protected] his is with reference to the article MIDDLE EAST T‘Price of Indiscipline’ by Syeda REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE Areeba Rasheed. Ragging is a menace Pirana Advertising JLT PO Box 486207, 1704, Level 17, HDS Tower, that is deeply embedded in the minds Jumeirah Lake Towers Cluster F, Dubai, UAE of young adults. Despite the fact that Phone: +97-14- 4508309 ragging is a criminal offence in Sri Lanka, Fax: +97-14-3688487 Email: [email protected] it has become a part of university life in SouthAsia. It is good he shared his where the seniors shatter the excitement SouthAsia is published every month views regarding the World Bank and and the confidence of the newcomers by Syed Jawaid Iqbal for and on behalf of the developments it has made during to impose their superiority. A collective JAWZ Communications (Pvt.) Ltd. the years in Pakistan and South Asia. initiative should be taken to eliminate this and printed by Union Graphics, Karachi. Zarrar Sehgal holds the view that the mess. Everybody has a right to education Views expressed by the contributors are current agenda and policy goals of the and if the terror of ragging prevails, it will not necessarily shared by the editors. World Bank will need a massive influx of directly affect the quality of education Published since 1977 as Thirdworld, the magazine was capital to sustain and promote growth and the mentality of new students. The re-launched in 1997 as SouthAsia. in the lesser developed countries. In his aftershocks of ragging can even lead

8 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Readers’ Thoughts

to students suffering from Post-traumatic long delays, overcrowding and sometimes Stress Disorder (PTSD). lengthy walks to be able to get into a bus. All Rashmi Singhe, these translate into tremendous sufferings Colombo, Sri Lanka and loss of health and money daily. We need to remember that the basic prerequisite for a good economy is the mobility of the people Malicious Practice Words of Wisdom with access to an efficient public transport system. If the city is to survive with any rime Minister Imran Khan forcefully raised degree of success, the city-planners must his is concerning the article ‘Violence Pthe Kashmir issue during his address to fix its transport system first. TAgainst Women’ by Irshad Ahmed. the UN General Assembly. There can be no Azmol Fuad Talukdar, The article primarily discusses the sadistic peace in occupied Kashmir so long as Indian Dhaka, Bangladesh practice, said to be a gynaecological test, troops continue to terrorise the Kashmiri women undergo to determine whether people. Therefore, it has become incumbent they had vaginal intercourse or not. Such upon the United Nations to exert maximum Rain in Karachi an examination leaves a long-lasting pressure on Indian Prime Minister Narendra impression on the life of the women. Many Modi and his government to not only lift hile the world eagerly awaits rain as experience physical, psychological and the curfew in occupied Kashmir but also Wone of the blessings of the Almighty, it social consequences and, in cases of withdraw troops from Kashmir. Thereafter, is the other way round in Karachi, where the rape, the practice causes additional pain it should allow the UN to hold a plebiscite news of a rain spell is considered more as a to the original act of sexual abuse, leading as agreed to by Pakistan and India. The warning rather than an intimation from the to re-traumatisation and re-victimization. UN must act quickly or the entire region meteorological department. This is largely WHO very strongly condemns the practice will descend into chaos and strife, bringing and claims that there is no evidence that miseries to hundreds of millions of people. the method can produce accurate results. Hatib Ali, Unfortunately, forced virginity tests remain Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan legal in Afghanistan despite President Ashraf Ghani’s pledge to end the invasive examination in May 2017. Inefficiency of Marzia Durani, Kabul, Afghanistan Public Transport

haka’s chaotic public transport service Global Warming Dis a major headache for city-dwellers. The city is notorious for its never-ending ccording to the International Labour gridlock and critical lack of road safety. due to the weak infrastructure of Karachi, AOrganisation, countries which depend Rapid population growth and urbanisation, which exposes its true loop-holes during on agriculture are at risk of a serious water extreme inequality, inadequate road space, prolonged rain spells. Mountains of garbage shortage and Pakistan is among them. In unplanned roads and an archaic traffic invade the city, destroying the fragile civic coming years, the water crisis will aggravate management system are among the reasons infrastructure while the stakeholders and and the countries which run their economy behind this problem. Usually, buses and administration continue to blame each other by selling agricultural products will face minibuses are the preferred modes of travel for lack of funds and resources. The water high unemployment, inflation, poverty and for the majority of residents. In the absence of that accumulates everywhere destroys gaps in incomes. Many countries, including better alternatives, they often have to endure roads, enters homes, damages vehicles and Pakistan, Sudan and Yemen, which are endangers power infrastructures and street already facing the spectre of global warming, lights potentially causing serious accidents. will be the first to face global warming effects. As the mayhem continues, authorities seem To overcome the consequences of climate to be sipping on their teacups or resting change and to save the agro-economy, under the bridges while the city slowly steps Pakistan should start water management into its grave. practices. It should build dams, stop water- Gulshan Naz, logging and monitor the distribution of water Karachi, Pakistan among all provinces. Sajjad Wazeer, Shikarpur, Pakistan

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 9 Who Said That!

“We must learn from history, there “Despite all the “We want people to see is no military solution for achievements of the real Pakistan – we the Kashmir issue...we civilization, the human believe there is a have to understand being is still one of Pakistan beyond what this reality.” the most vulnerable the Western media - Pervez Musharraf, creatures on earth.” presents us.” former President of - Vladimir Putin, - Sarmad Ali, Pakistan President of Russia Chairman, AdAsia 2019 Organizing Committee “Kashmiris and Pakistanis “The government of India are one. Our grief is cannot continue to deal “No matter how tough my common as their tears with Kashmir with a life was, I was always move our hearts.” clampdown.” looking up at the sky – Dr. Arif Alvi, – Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and wishing for good President of Pakistan Kashmiri leader things.” - Mahira Khan, “Compromise for your dream Pakistani actress but never compromise on your dream.” “Donald Trump has gone “I am obsessively bent - Imran Khan, from making absurd on quality - to an Prime Minister of comments to being unhealthy degree.” Pakistan downright dangerous - Brad Pitt, with his bombastic American actor rhetoric.” “I am the son of a freedom - Lindsey Graham, “I just really am trying, trying, fighter, and a son of US Senator all the time. But I like to a freedom fighter be scared. I love to automatically suddenly feel out of imbibes the value of “It’s obviously nerve-wracking, control.” democracy.” because I don’t know the - Kristen Stewart, – Narendra Modi, ropes really, William is American actress Prime Minister of India obviously used to it, but I’m willing to learn “I believe in peace. Only quickly and work hard.” “It is very easy to point peaceful co-existence can - Kate Middleton, fingers at others sitting ensure peace.” wife of Prince William, at home, but very - Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Duke of Cambridge. difficult to play the Prime Minister of game.” Bangladesh - Misbah-ul-Haq, “I guess the glass ceiling former Pakistan Test cricketer is in the West. For us, “Where liberty dies, evil it’s the glass wall.” “I am not someone who grows.” - Princess Reema craves being captain, - Hamid Karzai, Bint Bandar Al Saud, I am more interested former President of Saudi Arabian princess in scoring runs for Afghanistan Pakistan.” “Rape is India’s most - Babar Azam, “Corruption could lead common crime against Pakistani cricketer to the collapse of the women and has been party and the downfall described by the UN’s “I don’t mind people hating of the state.” human rights chief as a me, because it pushes - Xi Jinping, ‘national problem.” me.” President of the – Scharmin Osmany, - Cristiano Ronaldo, People’s Republic of China Pakistani author. footballer

10 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Grapevine

Jealous Ex-wife things, the PPP Chairman owns a house in Lahore on which he did not spend a single paisa of his own. Malik Riaz (of Bahria fame) gifted it to him. The Bilawal House in Karachi eham Khan Prime Minister is on 0.2 acres while the one in Lahore is on 25 acres! It Imran Khan’s former wife, R is bombproof since it has 30 inch thick walls, each filled was not encouraging about his with security gadgets. The house itself has an airstrip for speech at the UN General As- helicopters and small jets. It can easily cater to 10,000 people sembly. There was a time, not and is said to be worth Rs.5 billion. too long ago, when Reham Khan couldn’t stop praising Imran Khan. She now reportedly believes the Back to Old Prime Minister should stop talking about Indian Occupied Kashmir. A Job lot of people think the lady needs to take her deteriorating mental as this the right time to send condition seriously! It’s obvious WPakistan UN Permanent Rep- Reham doesn’t have anything resentative Maleeha Lodhi home? productive to do after the divorce. Perhaps some psychiatric After all, she conducted everything help will do her good. Or she can still get her weather-girl job quite well back on British TV. when Prime Minister The House He Didn’t Imran Khan went to New Build York to meet Bilawal Bhutto’s ‘Jab barish hoti hai tou paani aata hai, jab world leaders ziada barish concerning hoti hai to the Kashmir ziada paani issue. He aata hai’ also made a explanation of great speech the rain havoc at the General Assembly. It turned out Maleeha had completed in Karachi was her tenure at the UN. The man who replaced her has been hilarious. He at the UN before – Munir Akram, who served as Pakistan’s seems to be Permanent Representative from 2002 to 2008. He is back untouched by reality, obviously at his old job. Widely known for having a rather hardcore and because of the privilege he is aggressive approach, Maleeha Lodhi is said to prefer the surrounded by. Among other peace-making route.

She Wasn’t Recognized ahira Khan was at the Paris Fashion MWeek. It was L’Oreal that gave her the chance. In its report, Daily Mail, however, referred to her as a ‘L’Oreal team member’. The newspaper had failed to recognize Mahira Khan, the most popular actress in Pakistan Mahira Khan with US singer Camila Cabello and other models at Paris Fashion week these days. Even then, nothing stopped With US actor Eva Longoria (R). Mahira from spreading her magic. During ‘Le Mahira Khan with Helen Defile L’Oreal Paris,’ a part of the Paris Fashion Mirren during the "Le Defile also seen rubbing shoulders with L'Oreal Paris" as part of Week, she danced down the runway with re- Paris Fashion Week. singer Camila Cabello as well as Eva nowned English actress Helen Mirren. She was Longoria and Amber Heard.

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 11 News Buzz news buzz

Sajal says No to Indian film ajal Aly has rejected an offer to do an Indian film because she believes no Pakistani should work for India till the atrocities and human rights violations by SIndia do not end in Kashmir. Sajal is called ‘the queen of expressions’. She has worked in many plays and has also appeared in the Indian film ‘Mom’ with the late Sridevi. She believes there is amazing talent in Pakistan’s film industry which has played an important role in the revival of the industry. She also praises the efforts of directors and producers who are working to better the entertainment sector. She says, “If I can achieve the same level of fame and respect in my country why would I want to go to India?” Waheed Murad IAF Chief Admits Mistake Celebrated

ebruary 27 still haunts the Indian armed forces as the Paki- Fstan Air Force (PAF) let it be known to them quite clearly who they were dealing with. The Indian Air Force has admitted to shooting down their Mi- 17 helicopter on that day. The PAF also shot down two Indian fighter jets on that day, one of which fell inside Pakistan and its pilot was captured by the Pakistani forces but was released a day later on the order of Prime Minister Imran Khan, as a gesture of goodwill. Indian Air Chief, Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria confessed to the he late actor Waheed Murad was hon- shooting down of the helicopter after the conclusion of an in- Toured by Google Doodle on his 81st birth quiry against the concerned IAF officials. anniversary. A court of inquiry concluded that the Indians shot down their helicopter by mistake on Feb. Waheed Murad began his career with the 27. The incident took place in Budgam in which 6 IAF personnel were killed when a SPYDER air film ‘Insan Badalta Hai’ in 1960 as apro- defence missile hit one of the IAF’s choppers. ducer. In 1961, he did a supporting role for The Indian Air Chief told the media that action would be taken against the two officials who ‘Aulaad’. From ‘Aulaad’ caused the incident. to ‘Zalzala’, he acted in 125 Urdu films. He also worked in eight Punjabi films and one Pashto film. Songs such as ‘Ko Ko Korina’, ‘Akele Na Jana’, and many others made him an icon in the Pakistani film industry. Among some of his other best known films are ‘Dil Mera Dharkan Teri’, ‘Heera Aur Pathar’, ‘Armaan’, ‘Andaleeb’, ‘Mastana Mahi’, ‘Insaniat’, ‘Devar Bhabhi’, etc. He won several Nigar awards.

12 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 News Buzz

Mountaineers rescued

he British High Commissioner in Pakistan has thanked the Pakistan TArmy for rescuing their mountaineers. Thomas Drew said the Pakistan Army res- cued five stranded UK mountaineers and the Army pilots did an astonishing job. Pakistan Army helicopters rescued five British mountaineers from a 22,500 feet mountain after they had fallen and injured from Koee Broghail Glacier in Chitral. The British climbers were John James, William Tayler, Alastair Swinton, Thomas Livingstone the Rakaposhi Mountain in the Karakoram under harsh weather conditions. The rescued and Uisdean Hawthorn. Range. Army helicopters also airlifted the mountaineers, Jon Barredo and Eva Robles, Earlier, at least three stranded moun- dead body of a mountaineer, Fida Hussain, thanked the armed forces of Pakistan for taineers were rescued by the Pakistan from Miyacher Glacier in Nagar. saving their lives. Army from a peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. These The Pakistan Army also rescued two mountaineers were scaling the Mir peak of Spanish mountaineers from the K-2 base

Firdous Jamal Again

t seems Firdous Jamal is not happy with any new actor. After he got a lot Iof heat for his remarks against Mahira Khan, he has now criticized Imran Ashraf. New Cadbury Ad

connection between a mother and daughter is truly special and that is what the new ACadbury commercial highlights. Usually, mothers are shown making all the sacrifices to see their children smile but Cadbury shows the other side as well. The mother does get emotional and hugs her daughter while the background says, ‘Kuch meetha ho jaye, Kuch acha ho jaye’. Talking about young actors in general, in a TV show, he said these actors were not actors but models and mere show- Imran phones Hasina pieces. He said they pretended to act but in fact, they could not act. He believes rime Minister Imran Khan made a phone young actors are not spontaneous and call to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh are pretentious. For example, he says, PHasina Wajed to inquire about her health there have been many other actors in the and convey to her his best wishes. The Pakistan past who have played the role similar to Prime Minister underscored the historic and fra- the one Imran Ashraf played in ‘Ranjha ternal relations between the two countries and Ranjha Kardi’ but they did it in a much reiterated his commitment to strengthening bilat- better way. eral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 13 News Buzz news buzz

Free rides for plastic recyclers

he city of Rome is trying to become more environmental- ly-friendly by offering free metro tickets to travellers who Tre-cycle plastic bottles using machines set up in three stations of the Italian capital. The initiative was launched in July. It has proved so popular that 350,000 bottles have been recycled. It will soon be ex- tended across the metro network and run until July 2020. The scheme has been welcomed by residents in a city with a chronic trash collection problem. “If you use the money to in- volve people (in recycling), even those who have no civic sense will recycle”, says Rome resident Claudio Perelli. Commuters need to download an app onto their mo- bile phones which registers the number of tickets they have earned based on the number of bottles fed into the recycling machines. One ticket valid for 100 minutes of travel costs 30 bottles, which must be inserted into the machine with the barcode label so that the machines can read them and register them on the app. Rome is the first city in the European Union to launch the scheme at metro stations. Similar schemes have al- ready been adopted in Beijing and Istanbul.

Mohsin Abbas Indian actor has crush Lost on Mahira Khan ohsin Abbas has disappeared from the Duniya TV show ndian actor Avinash Tiwary M‘Mazaq Raat’ that gave him rec- seems to have a huge crush ognition as a singer. His career was going Ion Mahira Khan. He posted great guns when a marital dispute arose her photos with wife Fatema Sohail. She accused on his story him of domestic violence and appealed with a heart for help. As a result, Mohsin got fired from emoji. the ‘Mazaq Raat’ team. Subsequently, This is a screenshot of a video chat between not the first Mohsin Abbas and his alleged time some- girlfriend Nazish Jahangir one has was leaked and that admitted brought in a new dimen- to having sion. Both denied any a crush on truth of a relationship. her. Many Now ‘Mazaq people pub- Raat’ has a new licly have singer but Mohsin similar crushes. As it is, Mahira Khan is Abbas was in known for her beautiful looks. a class of his own.

14 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 news buzz News Buzz

Trying Hard Twist in the Tale hah Rukh Khan hasn’t had real box Soffice success since ‘Raees’ (2017). bdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi Ashraf and Neelum Munir. Rida is beauti- So he has been on the lookout for a delve into a love-hate relationship ful and innocent but she faces trouble and potential blockbuster for a while and he Awith a twist in ‘Kaheen Deep Jaley’ misery because of the misunderstand- seems to have found the right role with featuring Imran Ashraf and Neelum Munir. ings created by her jealous sister-in-law. the right director for his next film. News Written by Qaisera Hayat and directed by Defamed by the sister-in-law and sus- is that he is in discussion for a Hindi Saima Waseem, this is a touching story of pected by her husband, Rida’s life turns remake of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill’, to a complicated relationship between Imran upside down and the rest is a twist. be directed by the wildly talented Anurag Kashyap. SRK will play the baddie Bill, the role Off Chanel Runway that originally David Carradine did with igi Hadid was forced to escort a prankster off the catwalk after spine-chilling coolness. After getting killed Gshe invaded the Chanel show at the Paris Fashion Week. The at the box office with ‘Zero’, here’s hoping 24-year-old model looked less than impressed as she marched Shah Rukh lives up to this opportunity. the impostor off the set after she got onto the runway dressed in a houndstooth two-piece at Grand Palais in France. PIA Discount The imposter, now known as Marie, describes herself as a come- dian and YouTube personality. She crawled onto the stage and posi- he limit on baggage weight puts every- tioned herself in the middle of the models, including Kaia Gerber, as Tone in a difficult spot. On pre-reserved they presented the fashion house’s spring 2020 collection. seat purchase, PIA offers more baggage al- Although she went unnoticed by the security guards, Gigi took lowance to passengers. The facility is avail- matters into her own hands as she stormed up to Marie, placed a able at many international and domestic firm hand on her shoulder and escorted her backstage. routes. Marie was rather impressed with her antics as she explained on her social media pages afterwards. ”You see, last week I did the Etam catwalk just like that because I’ve always wanted to walk the runway. I found it a bit low end so I decided to face the best runway, Chanel.”

Zeera Plus TVC your side through thick and thin and that’s exactly what Lu’s Zeera Plus’s says. Ahad he new TVC of Lu’s Zeera Plus has a and Sajal make a beautiful couple and are Ttagline that says, ‘Kuch rishtay bantay a great choice for the commercial. The hee ek doosray ke liye hain’. It features couple are also on the screen in ‘Yakeen ka Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly. The two play Safar’ and since then have announced their PIA seems to understand the dilemma the role of a couple sharing a cute banter. betrothal. and accepts excess weight in multiples of 5 Sajal is busy making tea for her on- kgs up from the time of buyng the ticket to screen spouse in the TVC and you hear the 4 hours before flight departure. This adds tagline at the end which says that some up to a 50% discount. The maximum bag- relations are only made for each other just gage limit is set according to the destina- like tea and Zeera Plus. tion. Now you can take an additional piece It is always good to have someone by for Toronto!

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 15 News Buzz news buzz

Zindagi Tamasha Laal armad Khoosat’s latest film ‘Zindagi Kabootar STamasha’ featuring Arif Hasan and Eman Best Film Suleman is showing at South Korea’s Busan fter becoming Pakistan’s entry to the International Film Festival, often considered the AOscars and earning Ahmed Ali Akbar most prestigious film festival in Asia. This is the a win at the Washington DC South Asian second Pakistani film, after Jami’s ‘Moor’, to be an official selection at the festival. The film’s trailer is already drawing interest and critical praise from viewers, since it revolves around issues of religious mores, media shaming and sexual iden- tities - issues not often dealt with in Pakistan’s film industry. Voice-Operated Wheelchair Lahore University of from a distance of 15 AManagement Sciences’ kilometres. The wheel- (LUMS) student has de- chair responds to the veloped a voice-controlled voice commands of the Film Festival, ‘Laal Kabootar’ has received electric wheelchair that can user and is able to turn the Best Feature Film title through TSAFF’s be maneuvered through a left or right or move for- Archana Soy Audience Choice Awards. smartphone application. ward and backwards. Tasveer claims to be one of USA’s Faaiz Arbab, a graduate of the elec- Arbab said he had largest South Asian film festivals and has trical engineering program at LUMS, the project in mind a mission to engage and educate the com- is the inventor and has named it when he was in the munity through thought-provoking films, ‘Gobee’. He developed this wheelchair in early years at university. He started working stories and issues from South Asia and its collaboration with the National Incubation on it a few years ago but did not feel it was Diaspora. Center in Lahore and AYEco. ready for use and needed more work. He The smartphone application for the decided to submit it to the NIC in Lahore PINE wheelchair has a ‘Call ‘n Go’ feature. based at LUMS, which provided him with According to the NIC, Lahore official web- the right environment and support to com- Motivates site, the user can summon the wheelchair plete his project. eople’s Incuba- Ption New Enter- prise (PINE) orga- Nobel Prize for Medicine nized an open forum for young entrepre- S researchers William Kaelin, Gregg neurs to encourage USemenza and Britain’s Peter Ratcliffe and inspire them. share the Nobel Prize for Medicine this year PINE is a business for discoveries on how cells sense and incubation initiative under the collaboration adapt to oxygen availability. Their research of Rehan Ateeq and Arif Osmani. This event has paved the way for promising new was held at the Osmani House supported by strategies to fight anaemia, cancer and Roots-Tesco Pakistan. many other diseases. The trio had identi- Program at the Johns Hopkins Institute for The discussion revolved around start-ups fied molecular machinery that regulates Cell Engineering. Ratcliffe is director of clini- and SMEs and how the ecosystem needs the activity of genes in response to varying cal research at the Francis Crick Institute in to be developed. While everyone seemed to levels of oxygen, which is central to a large London and director of the Target Discovery agree that there are a lot of opportunities and number of diseases. Institute in Oxford. areas that must be explored, there are chal- Kaelin works at the Howard Hughes The three will share the Nobel Prize lenges that new entrepreneurs face when Medical Institute in the US while Semenza sum of nine million Swedish kronor (about they try to enter the industry. Pine provides a is the director of the Vascular Research 914,000 US dollars or 833,000 euros). platform to young entrepreneurs.

16 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Cover Story

Kashmir dead-end or new opening? Kashmir is a long-haul campaign for Pakistan. There is so much more the country must do to win world attention to the cause.

Do media matter ? the world's attention on the atrocities being By Javed Jabbar One eloquent indicator of how limited and committed against the people of Kashmir by hile the UNGA speech by Prime superficial is global media coverage on Kashmir the Indian State, the use of conventional media Minister Imran Khan on 27th post-5th August 2019 is the fact that most and social media can be only one of a multi- September 2019 was both unusual reports in both leading print and electronic pronged approach to the future. The other Wand compelling for its being media around the world rarely refer to the hard components of how Pakistan is to deal with the extempore and for its pungency, it was not meant fact that India has violated a dozen resolutions situation arising after 5th August 2019 comprise to be a magic wand that instantly transformed or of the UN Security Council. Nor do most global factors that, in the limited space of this text, resolved the crisis. Nor was it meant to present media reports mention the huge number of may be partially listed but require individual and tangible solutions --- except to remind the world Indian armed forces deployed to suppress separate elaboration later, or elsewhere. that it owes a debt to the people of Kashmir Kashmir. Instead of citing the accurate, Components of strategy: who have been caged like --- or worse --- than approximate estimates of 500,000 troops A pivotal component of the strategy is animals, as well said by the Prime Minister. to now over 800,000 troops, most reports the consistent reiteration of the fundamental Seen and heard, remembered and mention only the recent "additional troops" of principle. That Pakistan is irrevocably committed impactful. Was the speech only one small step about 45,000 moved in just before or after 5th to the fulfillment of the right of self-determination forward --- or a giant leap ahead ? August 2019. The moral of the story is that, per for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The As we wait for time to reveal the answer se, mere increased coverage of Kashmir does “how” and the “when” that relate to this basic to that question, as of writing this text, there not mean more factual and more pertinent precept require continuous reflection and, have been notable gains for the case about coverage. whenever required, revision. Consideration Kashmir since the wretched actions by India on And as for volume and frequency of of one hard fact is unavoidable. Of the 5 veto 5th August 2019. Statements of concern have coverage being seen as benchmarks for the powers in the UN Security Council, Pakistan come from China, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia and imminence or the likelihood of positive change can rely only upon China to threaten to, or even some segments of the European Union, in an unresolved crisis, perhaps the classic actually use its veto in favour of Pakistan, or to UK and USA, as also yet another issuance by the case is that of Palestine. Whereas, the courage prevent any move against Pakistan. While this OIC Secretariat. There has been unprecedented and tenacity of the PLO and the people of is comforting, this is not enough to secure UN coverage by the global media. But it is not Palestine in general and over the past 40 years, intervention. For the foreseeable future, it is not anywhere close to the frequency and detail in particular, have ensured that even Western possible to visualize a new UNSC Resolution which the subject deserves. Disproportionately, global media take regular or occasional notice that calls for the conduct of a plebiscite in much more coverage is given to the protests of Israel's cruelty, frequent media coverage of Jammu and Kashmir under UN auspices. This in Hong Kong in order to embarrass China. the plight of the Palestinians has not made an does not mean that Pakistan should cease to BBC, clearly wanting to preserve and expand iota of difference to securing justice. Perversely campaign for its ultimate, ideal goal. It is only to its advertising revenues from India, insensitively --- increased media coverage of the suffering of ensure that we remain in a condition of reality- launches a series called "Worklife India" --- the Palestinian people has actually led to Israel check. even as the lock-down on the working lives of expanding its illegal settlements and its brazen After allowances made for the economic or 8 million Kashmiris continues unabated. The outright theft of Arab territories. strategic self-interest of States in maintaining insensitive indifference to Kashmir of leading While Pakistan should certainly formulate non-conflictual relations with a large country media in most countries is appalling and and implement a comprehensive, multi- like India, and thereby ignoring even the shameful. dimensional strategy to continuously focus humanitarian aspects of the Kashmir tragedy,

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Cover Story

there are also other factors that deter to conduct a global campaign for Kashmir that overseas countries. widespread global support for Pakistan's just stimulates decisive action. From somewhere near the bottom, we stand on Kashmir. India has already prepared fake episodes need to move several notches up by projecting Internal reform imperative: of terrorism which it will proclaim as being our several strengths --- even as we work First: unfortunate but undeniable, is Pakistan-linked in order to divert attention from overtime to reduce our many weaknesses. Pakistan's negative image. Acquired for its own brutalities. Any weakness on our part Like charity, change for the better begins at reasons good and bad, this is a bitter reality in permitting irresponsible elements to offer home. that needs to be changed for the better as the India material on a platter for exploitation will Competition for attention campaign for Kashmir goes on. seriously damage the case we present for the As we strive to reform ourselves in order Second: Pakistan's own inefficient, slow- rights of Kashmir. to invigorate global support to the people speed in meeting all FATF requirements. We Fifth: domestic political solidarity should of Kashmir, it is sobering but necessary to should have worked at hyper-speed to meet project a united front, particularly to India. remember that the struggle to keep the tragedy all criteria and swiftly end any scope for It is bizarre for Maulana Fazlur Rahman of Kashmir alive and central to the world's lingering suspicions and allegations. While to insist on a march titled "Azadi " against attention is an effort that has to compete with acknowledging several corrective actions the PTI government when that is exactly several other sources of on-going tension and taken in recent months,the mid-October 2019 the slogan energizing enslaved Muslims of conflict. These include: Yemen, Iran-Saudi evaluation retained Pakistan on the grey list Indian-occupied Kashmir. The parading of Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Kurds, Iraq, Turkey- till February 2020. This retention should spur uniformed JUI-F zealots brandishing sticks is Greece, China-South China Sea neighbours, emergency-level action and signal even greater a violation of the law against private militias . Brexit, refugees and migrants from the vigilance for the future, not complacency that It is distressing to witness how major political Mediterranean into Europe, illegal and legal allows a relapse. As a co-Chair of the Asian parties support this most inappropriately migration into the USA, Ukraine-Russia, North Committee, India works overtime to corner timed and named plan. It is curious as how Korea, Afghanistan, Palestine-Israel, Libya, Pakistan in FATF. the private TV channels are giving this divisive undermining of residential rights of 1.9 million Third: we must show zero tolerance for scheme disproportionate coverage, even with people in Assam, India: Rohingya refugees violent extremists and even verbally aggressive criticism of it . in Bangladesh-Myanmar, Venezuela, West, extremists. Neither category should be New public diplomacy Central and East Africa (Somalia), Venezuela, permitted to approach the LoC or conduct Pakistan needs to initiate and invest in a etc. militia activities anywhere in the country. It vigorous campaign of conventional as well This is apart from other critical issues should also not be allowed to circulate hate as innovative public diplomacy. This new such as climate change, drought, unseasonal material or use conventional and social media effort should use both media and non-media floods, hurricanes, rains, displacement of 65 for this purpose. We should comply with all instruments to project the cause of the right million people as a result of these phenomena UN-prescribed requirements about persons of self-determination and to mobilize public and human conflicts. and organizations blacklisted for terrorism. opinion across the world. Though this should There is plenty of work to do --- starting The country has paid too high a price for have happened several years ago, and with the building of a multi-party consensus the dubious, self-damaging thesis by which particularly so immediately after 5th August within our own country. Far from sight in extremists have been permitted to spout 2019 --- better late than never! October 2019, but worth an investment of rhetoric or conduct violence-linked activities To implement a truly notable campaign, statesmanship and vision. The onus is as much inside and outside our country. substantial financial resources will be required. on the Government as it is on the Opposition. Fourth: where we rightly hold India In view of the funding restraints faced by the But the Government has the larger share of responsible for perpetuating the oppression in Federal Government, it is unlikely to be able responsibility. Let the struggle for Kashmir be Kashmir, we in Pakistan also need candid self- to invest more than a fraction of the amount energized by authentic, not bargain-based criticism and implement extended self-reform. needed to make a campaign noticeable at a reconciliation. This internal redesign and reconstruction, time when the world faces multiple crises. For Let the conventional news media also though painful but unavoidable, will be a the first year alone, this writer estimates that conduct their own internal reform to replace protracted process spread over years. But an investment of about US$ 15 million to US$ the fostering of daily acrimony and hyper- action has to commence immediately if the 20 million are required to make a dent in the criticism with quiet, calm, constructive change is to become tangible in the months world's attention-span. The prosperous part of communication. and years ahead. There are already welcome the Pakistani diaspora and parts of Pakistan's signs that both the civil and military leadership own rich class should be inveigled upon to The writer is a former Senator and Federal are conscious of this need and are taking steps contribute. It is even worth considering the Minister and a member of in that direction. However, due to the baggage launch of special bonds to raise financing --- the oldest Pakistan-India carried from the past, complete coordination because each dollar spent will fetch manifold Track 2 Dialogue known and synchronization between intent and action returns! A simultaneous goal of this public as the Neemrana Initiative. need to be ensured. Such single-mindedness diplomacy campaign has to be the alteration www.javedjabbar.net alone will enhance our credibility and capacity for the better of Pakistan's negative image in

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Interview

SouthAsia: Considering the prevailing scenario, what are the options Pakistan is left with in Kashmir? Mushaal Mullick: Pakistan should come up with a consistent, full-fledged and all-encompassing policy on Kashmir. Devised for a minimum five- year period, the policy must be based on a holistic approach as merely a journalistic approach cannot grab world attention. To keep raising the Kashmir cause on international fora, there must be a dedicated and strategic Kashmir Cell, where all segments of society, especially the Kashmiris, who are the key stakeholders, must work in unison and speak as one voice to expose the brutalities being committed by the Indian security forces against the innocent people of Kashmir. The people of Azad Kashmir (AJK) and the Hurriyat leadership should be brought on board as, without actively involving them, it would be impossible to develop an all-inclusive Kashmir policy.

Q: Do you think Prime Minster Imran Khan’s speech at the United Nations will make any difference? A: At this time, it is very difficult to see any significant results coming from PM Imran Khan’s address at the UN. Honestly speaking, Pakistan has always supported us by raising the Kashmir issue at the UN, no matter whoever is heading the country, be it Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto, and the others. However, when Imran Khan raised the Kashmir issue at to the UN, the circumstances were extraordinary. The Indian government had unilaterally abrogated Articles 370 and 35-A, bifurcating the Kashmir Valley and depriving it of its special constitutional status. Since then, IOK was placed under curfew and the Indian Army resorted to extrajudicial killings to suppress the Kashmiris, while the top Kashmiri leadership was under arrest, including Yasin Malik, my husband. We need a very strong policy on Kashmir. No doubt, PM Imran Khan spoke at the UN straight from his heart, but mere speeches cannot win us freedom. A more practical approach is required in matters where concerns are very serious and when the case has already been placed in the UN General Assembly ‘We want everyone to own the Kashmir cause.’ Mushaal Hussein Mullick, the wife of detained Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, talks to SouthAsia in this exclusive interview.

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with some 12 resolutions passed by the 'Pakistan needs UN Security Council in favour of the rights of the Kashmiris. I believe Imran Khan to do something should have advocated those aspects in a more effective manner. Pakistan should more concrete demand for the appointment of a UN Global Ambassador on Kashmir as well as immediate de-militarization of IOK. and should go In his address at the UN, Imran Khan should have given a timeframe of an extra length 48 to 72 hours to the world leaders. He should have said that if the international to form and community was not going to send UN peacekeeping forces to Indian-occupied implement Kashmir under UN Article 47, he would not be able to stop almost 2.2 million policies that are people of Azad Kashmir from crossing the ceasefire line as they want to help result-oriented.' their Kashmiri brethren suffering from the brutalities of the Indian forces. He entire nation has not surrendered before policies that are result-oriented. Globally, should have mentioned that the Pakistan the Indian occupation. We, the Kashmiris, there are various think-tanks, lobbying government was under huge pressure have not made these sacrifices for any so- groups and strategists which can be from its people. These are the key points called peacemaking formulas or for any used to internationally project the plight that must be highlighted and brought to purported confidence-building measures. of the Kashmiris, particularly in the five the notice of the UN on an urgent basis. In We demand our right to self-determination permanent countries of the UN Security fact, there was a crisis-like situation when and will not accept anything less than an Council. Currently, many members of the the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front impartial and fair plebiscite to be held U.S. Congress and the U.K. Parliament, (JKLF) and others were protesting and under UN auspices. as well as people in the U.S., U.K. and marching towards the ceasefire line. The The Kashmiris are the main stakeholders many other European countries are situation demands robust policymaking and we know what we need. Besides the openly supporting the Kashmir cause. to save the Kashmiris who are dying from Pakistan government, we want everyone Besides this, the global media are giving Indian bullets. in the country to own the Kashmir cause, very powerful projection to our plight, including the opposition, mainstream exposing the Indian brutalities on air. Q: What best can be done in the given political parties and other institutions, Slowly and steadily, it is trickling down scenario? such as the judiciary, the army, the media, through the international media and the A: More effective measures need to be civil society, the business community global public is getting aware, which is a taken. The UN has special mechanism and the rest. Though some protests take very positive development. and procedures. They have special place on the Kashmir issue time to time, declarations on disappearances, right but Pakistani people have never been Q: Do you think that a full-scale to self determination, torture and the mobilized at the grass root level. Some war against India is an option for rest. There are various facets of the UN lip-service is paid on general forums but Pakistan? mechanism which need to be engaged due to lack of pressure from the public, A: India has waged a war on the ‘We want everyone because the world has been under the the Pakistan government has not been Kashmiris. They are occupiers and have illusion that Pakistan and India would go able to successfully form a well-defined, snatched all our fundamental rights. for bilateralism, something that has been long-term policy on Kashmir. Pakistan’s There is absolutely no political freedom to own the Kashmir cause.’ a spectacular failure. A 50-year period religious parties keep raising the Kashmir in Indian-held Kashmir. There is a deep happens to be quite a long time - it’s issue but a lot more effort is required to sense of claustrophobia among Kashmiris half a century and still we are not getting mobilize public support. as they find themselves being cut off, anywhere. completely defenceless and unaided. My message to the Pakistani government Q: Is Pakistan acting more aggressively If you compare this struggle with the is that the Kashmiri people will not buy at present compared to the past? struggle made by Mahatma Gandhi and any kind of dialogue with India as now A: In my opinion, Pakistan needs to Quaid-e-Azam, such a situation never they are coffin-clad, laying down their do something more concrete and should occurred for both these leaders. On the lives in millions for their freedom and the go an extra length to form and implement other hand, the leaders of the Kashmir

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Liberation Movement are badly treated and increase its control of a state already by the Indian authorities. Both Quaid-e- occupied over the last 50 years. India has Azam and Mahatma Gandhi had British always been the winner in the end. passports. However, the Kashmiri political What Pakistan needs to do is to leaders and the Hurriyat leadership are not engage the permanent five countries of allowed to have any travel documents. the UN, namely the United States, the My husband Yasin Malik is locked up UK, Russia, China and France, as well as in a death cell, despite the fact that he is other important member states and non- a peaceful person and is the most popular member states to make them realize that political leader of a legitimate struggle. Day the Kashmir dispute is not regional but a by day, Indian authorities are increasing global concern and it must be resolved pressure on him, because they regard him without any delay. The Kashmir issue is a as a major threat to them. On February 22, nuclear flashpoint and if the two nuclear the anniversary of my wedding with Yasin power states come to an exploding Malik, the Indian forces raided our house threshold, the disastrous effects would when there was no one at home except my spread all over the world. In fact, the mother-in-law. They searched through the settlement of the Kashmir issue is linked entire house, looking for things they were to the security of the world. Pakistan must interested in. Finally, they got away with a focus on winning international support, photo album of our wedding ceremony. not for any dialogue, but for the final This shows the disgusting mentality the settlement of the dispute. Indian forces have towards the Kashmiri people. Q: Do you think there could be a mutually-agreed solution? Q: Do you think that the US President’s A: The Kashmiri leadership and the mediation offer on Kashmir will produce public have always supported a peaceful any positive results? solution for the settlement of the dispute. A: I don’t think so. In fact, we cannot 'There is a But each time it is India that ditches and the just rely on one country to settle the long- price the Kashmiri people pay is enormous festering conflict. Many attempts have deep sense of in terms of the time lost. This is in addition been made in the past, but to no avail. claustrophobia to the torture and brutalities inflicted by the The recent example is the Lahore Accord Indian forces which shamelessly use rape that took place between Nawaz Sharif among Kashmiris as a weapon of war. and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Then General Imposed through the puppet Legislative Pervez Musharraf took the reins and as they find Assembly of IOK, the black laws such made some progress. At that time, there as the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities was definitely a third party intervention, themselves being Prevention Act (TADA), the Prevention of though it looked bilateral on the face of Terrorism Act (POTA), the Special Powers it. The former US president Bill Clinton cut off, completely Act, the Telegraph Act, etc., give complete played an instrumental role to resolve all immunity to the Indian forces and they legitimate issues peacefully, especially the defenceless cannot be persecuted. They enjoy the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Clinton called and unaided.' licence to kill with unconditional support on the Palestinian leadership and activists from the Indian State. The need of the hour to the White House and at that time he is to expose these facets internationally. also personally contacted the Kashmiri Q: Do Pakistan and India need to re- Particularly in the last two years, the leadership. In those days, Yasin Malik initiate bilateral talks to find a way- UN Human Rights Commissioner has was jailed in Jodhpur in India. Clinton got out? released some critical reports on the him out and sent him abroad for medical A: I think it’s quite the opposite. state of human rights in Indian-occupied treatment because of the torture he had As I said earlier, we have seen similar Kashmir. The UNHC has asked to set up suffered in the custody of the Indian police negotiations taking place in the past but an independent commission, which is the in 2001. The Bush administration also with no positive results. In the guise of highest form of protest coming from the followed the same policy on Kashmir, but bilateralism, India basically lingered on UN. Pakistan should demand the UN to things changed after that due to some with the status quo by using these talks as send its peacekeeping forces to IOK and known and unknown reasons. a time-gaining technique to tighten its grip the demand must be loud and clear.

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About Mushaal Mullick Mushaal Hussein Mullick is the wife of Yasin Malik, the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front. She is also the Chairperson of the Pakistan Peace and Culture Organization. She married Yasin Malik in February 2009. They have a daughter, Razia Malik. The couple have not met for the last 6 years. Mushaal has done her Bachelors in Economics from the London School of Economics and is an artist, poetess and a freedom fighter. The biggest goal of her life is to win freedom for the Kashmiri people from Indian occupation. Reproduced here is one of her poems and some paintings.

Voyage of the Heart By Mushaal Hussein Mullick Since we heard your merry voice, The lamp that lits you, how it haunts me what you Who knows when it will suddenly decease? whispered thy night of 22nd, The Voyage of life, when we exchanged our wedding Stoning alone may now suppress vows a decade ago, no more the wild unrest. Now the tyrant whips you with a single blow, Life is walking on cut glass And drags you by the hand cuff to such a low, Till the Shamadan flickers no more, To little Raziyah your final words, Yet the doorways to death cells, My daughter I am going afar , asylums, prisons, curfews cannot Yet she peeps restlessy thy subdue my manic state. window searching the stars, Mocks, Wails, Laments( laah ments), where Papa is hiding behind the moon? Teases, Illusions they say? Im afraid it’s the gallows of barrack no 7, Tihar Ask them, have they seen the sightless see….. Where no light descends, At the glance of Sun, A storm begins to grow, Nor sunlight creeps into iron walls, Who can but bury the sky under their eyes... Calamitous was thy night of Principles of Liberty are left for the soul less, severance, terrible beyond words, These cages lock the human flesh. I’d die with pain, had I to die that night, Let the human soul sing and caress. Oh Kashmir,when the vultures took you away, The Flag a mere cloth has marked their hearts. All your admirers left you astray, Who to call, who to listen, You gave a glimpse of heaven as they say, Majnu, Majnu and nothing else Another name for paradise, Mock her, steal her honour, stone her Our Hearts are bleeding, It is Beauty and the Empire of Beauty blood dripping from veins, from where poetry dwells. some brothers of Hitler are celebrating, Let the water of Dal seep you in blood parties on our soil so red, Like God’s Beauty falling on Beauty. thy rivers are red, In dreams Burhan I meet, with graves at every mile, my brother from another mother Oh my Kashmir. He says its same as my Kashmir, These roses, these blossoms are thy Heaven where I have reached, also the blood of the martyrs, Oh my Yasin, where have you gone? We may live or not Mushaal, Its been 5 months and 25 days, They will always blossom but never fossil… Cover Story

implosion Any Day The world has again put the Kashmir issue on the back-burner. There is no solution on the horizon and India is not willing to talk.

By Laura Schuurmans

fter more than seven decades of a simmering conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir Aregion, once again Indo-Pakistan relations have reached their lowest level after the two came close to war following the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019. As the security conditions between the two archrivals somewhat calmed down in the months that followed, the heat flared up again after India took a decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution in August 2019. India claimed that this decision was made to fight corruption, crack down on terrorism and give equal rights to Kashmiri women to purchase land in Kashmir in the event they married a non-Kashmiri. India also His family could not inform him earlier due to resolved. Emotions were obviously running believes this would bring more development the communication lockdown. high. After all, it was Indian Prime Minister into Kashmir. Be it a coincidence or not, Another Kashmiri friend of mine Jawaharlal Nehru who had brought the issue this decision was made shortly after U.S. uploaded his profile picture on his WhatsApp of Kashmir to the United Nations in January President Donald Trump in a controversial of a blindfolded and chained Kashmiri, ready 1948, offering a plebiscite to give the people move offered to mediate between the to die as an Indian soldier pointed a gun of Kashmir their democratic right to self- two nuclear powers. Imran Khan warmly towards his head. ‘You are free now’ a third determination. More than seventy years later, welcomed third party mediation, which person in the picture said. A third Kashmiri the Kashmir dispute has ended up in cold India has always vehemently opposed. India friend went as far as claiming that the Line of storage at the United Nations, where it is considered the U.S. President’s offer a mere Control dividing the disputed state between believed that the major powers are favouring flattering remark to please the Pakistani India and Pakistan had effectively lost its India for their economic interests, leaving the Prime Minister. value and had overnight been transformed people of Kashmir on their own. To calm down the tensions in the into a hard border. In a statement at the United Nations, disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir In an emotional speech at the UN India responded diplomatically, stating after stripping Kashmir of its special status, General Assembly, Pakistan Prime Minister that the inappropriate use of words and thousands of additional security forces Imran Khan did not hesitate to point a finger aggression of the Pakistan Prime Minister were brought into the region, curfew was at India and the RSS, the armed wing of the would only add fuel to the already burning imposed and the entire region was - and at BJP, of which the honourable Indian Prime fire. India clearly reminded Pakistan of its the time of writing still is - in communication Minister Narendra Modi is an offshoot, and appeasement of both terrorist organizations lockdown. A Kashmiri friend wrote to me compared him and the organization to Hitler and their individuals in Pakistan, the culprits heavy-heartedly that he felt that all they had and the Nazi Party. Khan also reminded the of the ongoing antagonism over Kashmir had been lost all of a sudden. He became international community that both nations are between the two nuclear powers. even more demoralized after receiving the nuclear armed. He asked whether the entire In an article published in the New York belated news that his beloved grandmother world wanted to see South Asia descend Times, the Indian Ambassador to the U.S. living in the Kashmir Valley had passed away. into a nuclear conflict if Kashmir was not stated that India would talk to Pakistan

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once it has become a ‘normal’ nation. He by a Taiwanese University. ‘This may give This has left Kashmir once again on its own. also reiterated that the Line of Control had you a balanced perspective’ he said, as he It seems that human rights matter provided remained intact. India also reminded Pakistan handed me the book. When, some months they suit a country’s political agenda. The of the atrocities it not only committed in East later, I was having a few drinks with the same million-dollar question we can ask others Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan gentleman, I asked him why his country did and ourselves as well, is how will Kashmir war, but also of the repression and human not support the Kashmiri freedom struggle be resolved? rights violations it has continued to commit where millions of Kashmiris were living under The UN Security Council Resolutions in Balochistan where some movements the shadow of the gun. I continued saying and Kashmir’s right to self-determination favour the creation of an independent nation. that Pakistan, in fact, was the only country have been put in cold storage. Seeing the Historically, the people of Balochistan simply in the world giving some support to the fire burn between India and Pakistan over wanted to accede to India instead of Pakistan people of Kashmir. He looked at me with an Kashmir may even suit some foreign powers during the partition of the British Raj in 1947. air of confidence and arrogance and stoically in satisfying their own geopolitical agenda in Today, some movements still feel that way. responded that he thought that Pakistan is the wider geostrategic and geo-economic Likewise, Hyderabad located in today’s India an Islamic terrorist-infested nation dominated context. The international community at large wanted to join Pakistan in 1947 but India by a dictatorial military establishment where obviously does not want to burn its hands on allegedly took it by force. he could not even buy a beer. Kashmir. Based on my humble experiences I followed developments on the Internet, He threw the question back at me cynically and more than a decade of research on and watched an interview between a western asking ‘why would anyone be interested Kashmir, talks can and probably will only start journalist and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the in peace in Kashmir?’ He then continued when there is sincerity from both the Indian United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi. I thought drinking his beer and changed the topic of and Pakistani top leadership to sit down she was sincere. She, however, was bluntly discussion as if the Kashmiris have no value around the negotiating table and move step interrupted when she expressed her grief and do not exist in this world. Human rights by step to normalize relations. This means over the ongoing human rights abuses and obviously did not matter to him. He probably that while on the one hand, Pakistan may oppression on the Indian side of Kashmir. had also forgotten about the discussion on need to take more rigorous steps to crack Instead, the journalist was quick to shift his China we had a few months earlier. Although down on its terrorist-sponsored activities, on questions to China and its lack of human his expressions were of a personal nature, the other, India should be willing to talk. rights. Pakistan, after all, has enjoyed all- what utterly shocked me were his heavily Any step towards normalization of Indo- weather friendship with China, where the politicized views by siding with the Uighurs Pakistan relations will undoubtedly improve Uighurs and Tibetans have allegedly been and Tibetans while having no interest in the overall security conditions in Kashmir living under the oppression of its communist- taking a tough stance to protect the human and the wider region. All that is needed is supported regime in Beijing. It was a smart rights of the Kashmiris. I may be wrong and a joint-political will of which the Vajpayee- attempt to divert the attention from Kashmir I hope I am but it did not take long for me Musharraf framework is one concrete to China’s oppression of its minorities. to conclude that his country, which is one example that worked and from which we Indian news channels as well, do not of the world’s leading exporters of weapons, can all learn lessons by keeping heads cool hesitate to point a finger at Pakistan’s silence carried more importance to penetrate into in one of the world’s most heated conflicts. against the Uighur Muslims and Tibetans in the Indian market than the life of a Kashmiri India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir China. Based on my own experiences and actually mattered. are left with a great challenge to bring about my work on Kashmir for more than a decade, Going back to Kashmir, which has a peaceful resolution to Kashmir for which I have also received blame for my alleged continued to be under lockdown since early the Kashmiris as well, will need to make biased views on China where I was a proud August, the international media has steadily considerable concessions. Both nations postgraduate student at Beijing University withdrawn attention from the disputed can move a step forward to start resolving for three years. I vividly recall discussions region. The ongoing demonstrations in Hong this issue, provided there is political will and with a European embassy official who Kong, on the other hand, have continued to sincerity from leaderships on both sides of repeatedly and aggressively accused me of receive headline news throughout the world. the Line of Control. my imbalanced views of China where, what he claimed, democratic values were absent About Laura Schuurmans due to the oppression in Tibet and Xinjiang The writer was a postgraduate researcher at the School of International province. Studies at Beijing University. She actively works on international security I was scolded on numerous occasions issues in the wider Asian region. She has published a number of articles and and encouraged to visit Taiwan and get a research papers. Her prime focus has been on the Kashmir conflict. She more balanced view of Mainland China. He has also participated in many seminars in Asia and Europe, including the even went so far as to give me a book written European Parliament in Brussels. She has been based in Jakarta for more than 20 years by a European PhD scholar on China’s naval and has actively witnessed the development of political Islam, which has added to her in- expansion based on research conducted depth understanding of international security issues involving religion.

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 25 Cover Story

All is Well India does not want to take the risk of the Muslim-majority population of Kashmir going with Pakistan, in case things come down to a plebiscite. So the country’s leadership is taking a monumental leap backwards.

By Cynthia Ritchie Pakistan, perhaps the most accurate had a chance to vote: become citizens of version of reality belongs to the Kashmiris. India or Pakistan. The vast majority of these ow that the crisis in Kashmir has However since the media clampdown voters were Muslims and over 99% voted captured global attention, it is several weeks ago, precious few Kashmiris to go with Pakistan. It is also important to important for those of us who’ve have been able to get their stories out to note that, according to some declassified Neither travelled in the region the masses. documents, prior to elections, the then- extensively and/or have detailed on-ground And many outsiders who fear the British Governor – who was said to have a knowledge, to continuously remind the world unknown have, frankly, found it easier to ‘soft corner’ for the Muslim population – was of the fundamentals of the Kashmir Crisis, turn a blind eye. This is thankfully changing recalled by Mountbatten [at the insistence so as to clear any additional confusion or though. of Nehru and Gandhi] on a mysterious ‘sick- attempts at obfuscation. In 1967, psychologist Thomas Stampfl leave’ – never to return. This maneuvering It can be difficult for anyone to invented a technique known as ‘flooding’ was an attempt to try and sway the vote. understand the cultural, religious and – exposing the patient to painful memories Despite the extensive political connivance military aspects of the region – much less with the goal of reintegrating their repressed of Nehru and Gandhi, and Mountbatten’s the multilayered, multi-generational geo- emotions with current awareness. In this favouritism towards India, the people voted politics of the nuclear flashpoint that is context, we will remind students of history to become Pakistani citizens. Kashmir. of the territorial disputes between India and Although the chronology of events in Political posturing wrapped in the Pakistan, decades ago, and the fact that – the subsequent decades remains bitterly flamboyant colours of a staged Bollywood despite India’s political machinations – the disputed, similar patterns can be seen production could easily distract the easily will of the people was to go with Pakistan, and inter-linked with Kashmir. Since the vulnerable. Modi’s House of Mirrors is as painful as this must have been for India. British Empire left, the epicentre of conflicts meant to distort reflections of reality; this Elaborating further, when partition has been seemingly centered around confusing situation makes it difficult for occurred in 1947, the people of the former metallurgical and waterways assets. The many to distinguish between truth and North West Frontier Province (now known Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the illusion with numerous, competing versions as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located along World Bank in 1960, was an agreement to of reality. Between India, Kashmir and the international border with Afghanistan), give control of the eastern rivers of India

26 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Cover Story

(the Beas, the Ravi, and the Sutlej), with period of time, they can decide for the Fascist Hindu Movement, which is the control of the western rivers (the Indus, the themselves how best to influence the dominant influence on the B.J.P. (Bharatiya Chenab and the Jhelum) to Pakistan. This governing bodies, (including the United Janata Party) today. agreement has, notably, resolved a number Nations Security Council) to enforce the During elections, Modi’s nationalist of disputes between India and Pakistan via Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination – as B.J.P. won a massive majority, yet that legal procedures, within the framework of guaranteed by the United Nations many massive majority was based on less than the treaty. decades ago. forty per cent of the vote. Again, the voices Coming back to the behavioural History, again, appears to be repeating representing the masses of over one billion technique of ‘Flooding’ as a method for itself: Pakistan is facing politically-oriented people are really nowhere to be seen. Today overcoming fears, since people naturally conflicts along the Afghanistan-Pakistan the BJP, comprising India’s President, Prime tend to fear the unknown, so one of the International Border and in Kashmir – both Minister, and leadership – all of whom are best ways for fear reduction is to educate of which have strong connections to India’s Hindus – are more interested in solidifying and enlighten them on a consistent basis. expansionist plans. Hindu Rule over the Muslim-majority India has its own economic In 1952, India’s first state of Kashmir, which is home to about struggles, with some states If ‘all is well’, Prime Minister, Pandit 7 million people. Since Modi suspended demanding independence; Jawaharlal Nehru (formerly autonomous rule in Kashmir, Gandhi’s acknowledgment of this why deny an Indian Independence ashes were stolen, statues vandalized, by the Indian Government activist) acknowledged, and photos defaced by some of the same requires courage and access to US “Kashmir is not the RSS-driven mentality that killed Gandhi in willingness to integrate property of India or the first place. repressed emotions of past Senator Chris Pakistan. It belongs to Yet, the Indian Government claims ‘all is experiences with current the Kashmiri people… we well’ in Kashmir – so much so that tourism awareness. Sweeping Van Hollen? have made it clear to the and businesses are said to be resuming. matters such as these leaders of the Kashmiri What would the more than 2,000 people, under the rug will not help the masses of people that we would ultimately abide by including mainstream political leaders people suffering – in India, Pakistan and the verdict of their plebiscite… we have locked up or under house arrest, say? It especially Kashmir. taken this issue to the United Nations and is likely the international community won’t As the saying goes: Knowledge is given our word as a peaceful solution; as know until the mobile, internet and phone Power. With all the challenges of the a great nation we cannot go back on it. services (that Modi’s government cut) are information age, the world is vastly more We have left [the] solution to the people of restored. informed as to the matter of Kashmir. Kashmir; and we are determined to abide If ‘all is well’, why deny access to US We mentioned early on that it’s easier by it.” Senator Chris Van Hollen? Van Hollen was (mentally) for people to turn a blind eye to However, India does not want a repeat visiting India on trade and other matters, things they don’t understand (fear). And a of NWFP elections – decades ago. India when he asked to visit Kashmir. Pakistan common tactic for any bully, be it a small does not want to risk the Muslim-majority later took Senators Van Hollen and Maggie child or one of the largest ‘democracies’ in population going with Pakistan, so they Hassan to Muzzafarabad, AJK, to speak the world, is to avoid third-party mediation have – for years – been populating parts to the people, and assess matters on the and, in India’s case, to try to exhaust the of Jammu with non-native Hindu residents. ground. defenders of Freedom of Expression, Why? In the event there ever is a plebiscite, Kashmir is seeing its third month in Freedom of Movement, and the defenders of the newer ‘residents’ will potentially throw lockdown. No foreign journalists have been the Kashmiris’ Right To Self Determination. the vote. Not really the ‘impartial plebiscite’, allowed by the Indian Government to report What are some of these techniques? that all parties agreed to, is it? in Kashmir since August 5. Propaganda machines populated by huge It is interesting to note that Nehru Why the smoke and mirrors, if all is truly centres of professional trolls; accounts and Gandhi worked closely together after well in Kashmir? traced to India and Afghanistan use insults partition, so many decades ago, yet the and hack personal information among their so-called modern day leadership has The writer is a freelance director, producer many intimidation tactics. taken a monumental leap backwards: no and communications consultant. She Why would a democracy allow such longer believing these UN Resolutions are lives in Islamabad and a massive disinformation campaign? Why relevant: No. 47 of April 1948, No. 51 of can be reached at would India not want third-party mediation June 1948 and August 1948, calling for cynthia.ritchie@ in this matter, if all is well? ceasefire followed by plebiscite in Kashmir. throughadifferentlens.org Because once the masses are Gandhi was assassinated by a member of consistently educated, over a sustained the RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh),

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 27 Region

Islamabad

By Nighat Kamal Aziz goodwill only? Winning Their visits to the cancer hospital, here is something about royalty an orphanage, a school and especially that transcends borders. Maybe a mosque appeared spontaneous and it is the “once upon a time” Hearts genuine. Clad in modest attire, both bare- T syndrome that we all enjoyed footed and with Kate covering her head as children. Stories of a prince charming, with a scarf, they displayed their respect married to a beautiful princess, winning and for people of a different religion and belief. hearts and minds with their endearing Watching them, effortlessly and behaviour, are irresistible to most. elegantly creating goodwill, one felt that But it is seldom that such stories are Minds all you need is a little bit of sensitivity and witnessed in real life. sincerity of purpose to create inter-faith Hence, the arrival of Prince William The visit of Prince William harmony and lessen the woes that the and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess world is facing. was like a breath of fresh air in the murky of Cambridge, was like They held no carrot or stick to the atmosphere of Pakistan, beset with national a breath of fresh air in people. They did not appear intimidating. and international dilemmas. For the people, They simply showed respect and weary of watching disturbing news most of the murky atmosphere of consideration for the people of Pakistan. the time, the visit of the young couple was Pakistan. Their visit was a reminder of Diana, a welcome distraction from the drudgery loved and respected by everyone here. portrayed by the media incessantly. at the National Monument situated on a The cap with a feather that she had worn The fact that they had themselves hillock overlooking the whole city. years ago during a visit to Chitral was worn initiated the desire to visit Pakistan, and How often is it that political figures visit by Kate now. She would have been proud that they made a conscious and sincere a country with the sole intention of creating of how her son and daughter-in-law - two effort to reach out to the public, was a young people - conducted themselves. By gesture that was not lost on the hosts. coincidence or intention, they took their Kate would have looked lovely in cue from how she had behaved during that whatever she wore but she chose to historic visit to Pakistan. wear the ‘shalwar kameez’ with a shawl While visiting a school in Islamabad, a .The national colour of Pakistan that girl told the Prince she was a great fan of she selected to wear when visiting the Lady Diana. William’s answer, “So was I”, Presidency and the Prime Minister, brought a lump to many throats. showed her respect for her host The local newspapers splashed stories country and her desire to please. of a Prince and Princess from a faraway Her modest and graceful dresses land, blending in with the locals, created a stir throughout Pakistan. wearing their attire, speaking a few The responsible designers were words of their language, respecting sought out by all channels. The their customs and conquering colours she donned, the violet hearts with their smiles. blue, the apple green, the light sky In this age of intrigues, selfish blue were instantly popular amongst motives and hypocrisy, this the locals. refreshing and endearing goodwill Accustomed to nothing less than visit, brought joy to the Pakistani limousines, Pakistanis were pleasantly people. surprised to witness the royal couple William and Kate looked almost unravelling their lithe bodies as they from another world – a world of alighted from the little rickshaw, innocence and sincerity. which was decorated with Pakistani truck art. The author is a Kate, glittering in a long dress freelance op-ed writer and the Prince resplendent in the for English newspapers. local dress of a buttoned down She is also an artist sherwani as they came to attend the and can be reached at reception hosted for them by Islamabad [email protected]

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Governance Crisis There are serious concerns over how the province of Punjab is being run

L ahore and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is in the eye of the storm.

By S. M. Hali affairs for a decade. Not only did the former him with the NAB. The case, however, was head honcho, Shahbaz Sharif, rule with an dropped in 2016. Buzdar joined PML (N) in he PTI-led Punjab government came to iron hand, he installed popular development 2013 and contested the 2013 elections but power amid high expectations. Better projects, albeit most were cosmetic and high failed to secure a seat. Prior to the 2018 employment opportunities, enhanced budget, which enabled the executioners to General Elections, he joined the Janoobi Tgovernance, agricultural loan availability siphon off a lion’s share. He also installed his Punjab Suba Mahaz, which merged with the and higher price realization for farm produce party’s devotees in the civil bureaucracy and PTI in May 2018. Buzdar was allocated a PTI were the top priorities of Punjab voters. local bodies. Resultantly, when the PTI took ticket to contest the 2018 general elections It seems, however, the provincial up the mantle of power, it faced multi-pronged from Constituency PP-286 (Dera Ghazi Khan- government's performance over these issues challenges. Their lack of experience in dealing II) and he won. has been below average. Let us briefly examine with matters of governance coupled with the In a surprise move, on 17 August 2018, the reasons for its shortcomings, the broad “go-slow” tactics adopted by the PML (N) Imran Khan nominated him as PTI's candidate avenues of failure and the recommended plan sympathizers in the civil bureaucracy, police for the office of Chief Minister of Punjab, for of action. and local government, was obvious. The which the PTI Chief received severe criticism, In fairness, PTI did not win an absolute situation aggravated when the “electables” especially since the post is of utmost majority in the July 2018 general elections who were brought on board from other importance to any political dispensation. both in the center as well as in the heartland of political dispensations or allies, who cast A shrewd and street-smart politician was Pakistan, Punjab. PTI had to cobble support of their lot with PTI to form the government, required to steer the province towards other parties to form a government. Even before demanded their proverbial pound of flesh. The development and thwart the machinations of the elections, it had to make compromises to milieu turned further bleak when a person with PML (N) stalwarts, who consider Punjab their attract “electables”, who jumped ship from limited experience and a chequered political fiefdom. Imran Khan may have considered the two main parties, PML (N) and PPP, in a career, Sardar Usman Buzdar was appointed Buzdar pliable and easier to control from the bid to climb the bandwagon and ride on the as Punjab Chief Minister. center. His selection may even have been rising tide of PTI’s possible victory and ascent The incumbent Chief Minister started biased to keep other strong contestants from to the throne. A number of these “electables” his political career by joining the PML (Q) in his own party at bay since the Punjab CM can had dubious track records and defied Imran 2001, being elected District Nazim of Taunsa be a threat to the centre, if he turns rogue. Khan’s strict regimen of honesty and integrity. Sharif, where he served until 2008. During Nevertheless, police officials and The second factor was that though the PML his unillustrous tenure as Nazim, he was bureaucrats loyal to PML (N) wreaked havoc (N) had been governing at the centre for five accused of making 300 bogus appointments, in Punjab and the CM’s weak grip over years but in Punjab it had been at the helm of for which an application was filed against governance exacerbated the milieu. Heinous

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 29 Region

crimes, committed by paedophiles, popping up now and again have shocked the nation, but their repetitive occurrences indicate poor control. Reality and Police reforms, which had been promised by

Imran Khan as well as Buzdar, have become a Kabul victim of political wrangling. There have been Rhetoric gruesome murders carried out by the police itself, of mentally deranged petty thieves, apparently Talking to the Taliban is the best and most viable innocent unarmed families slaughtered mistakenly option after nearly two decades of the U.S. and as terrorists and numerous cases of Punjab its allies trying to fight a war in Afghanistan. Police being involved in extra judicial killing, rape and other crimes. The custodians of the law have, By Major General (r) Inam Ul Haque however, considered themselves above the law and refuse to be reined in. The PTI government he air is filled with renewed optimism about Afghan peace. During the first had promised to bring in anti-torture legislation weekend of October 2019, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation, within one month. However, one year on, torture, Zalmay Khalilzad heading a 5-member US delegation, met with an 11- custodial killings, private torture cells and 'black Tmember Afghan delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar - the Taliban holes' internment centers continue to persist, chief negotiator - twice in Islamabad. It was their first contact after the Doha process causing pain and agony to the citizens. was scuttled after a tweet by President Trump in September 2019. The US embassy It is mysterious why the Prime Minister is described the meetings as “consultations follow(ing) discussions held between the persisting with Mr. Buzdar and has not sent him US and Pakistan during the UNGA.” The Pakistan Foreign office hoped the revived packing while numerous other cabinet members contact “would provide an opportunity to review the progress made under the US- have been shown the door for incompetence or Taliban peace talks… and discuss the possibilities of resuming the paused political failure to deliver the desired progress. settlement process...” In the development sector, unemployment, What led to the change of heart by President Trump? The analysis space is rife poverty, inflation and even sporadic cases of with speculations and assumptions. The list goes on like this... Prime Minister Imran corruption are rampant, which have a direct Khan was able to persuade President Trump for resumption of talks after discussing bearing on the Prime Minister’s credibility and Pakistan’s significant leverage over the Taliban Movement. The same might have been overall performance of the PTI. There have been conveyed by China, Russia and Europe. That Trump’s brinkmanship did not work with a murmurs of bad blood between the Punjab steadfast Taliban. That the social, psychological, political and human cost of the conflict Governor and the CM, which has hampered the is getting unbearable for the US with rampant suicides and PTSD among veterans. execution of essential development projects. That the war is causing significant economic hemorrhage. The solution lies in appointing a seasoned That the Taliban are on the offensive all over Afghanistan, politician at the helm of affairs in Punjab with a with US retaliations handle on the complicated situation. Mr. Buzdar increasingly going has been given ample opportunity to prove errant. Bombing himself but he has not come up to the task. The civilians tending Prime Minister had argued that Buzdar hailed farms, attending from an impoverished region in Southern Punjab, marriage parties was honest and upright and he would be able and funerals to address the issues of poverty alleviation and has already development of the province. Unfortunately, Mr. eroded the Buzdar has failed to even formulate a credible raison roadmap to end poverty and strengthen d’etre institutions. Apparently, a hard decision awaits the of the PM sooner than later.

The writer is a practicing journalist. He contributes to the print media, conducts a TV show and produces documentaries. He can be reached at [email protected]

30 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Region

conflict and its moral groundings. That the credence to this hypothesis. First, ISIS Afghan elections are over and so are the suddenly appeared on the Afghan scene worries of President Ashraf Ghani regarding shortly after it was defeated in Iraq and the Taliban’s opposition and obstruction. Syria. Second, ISIS easily and speedily That Afghanistan’s mineral, oil and gas, transit entrenched itself in the mountains of eastern trade and other economic potential is too Afghanistan despite the robust counter alluring for the US, the region and the world insurgency presence of the US and its to let this conflict continue in perpetuity. That Afghan allies. Third, the US decided to adopt the Indian factor played up in syncing the a ‘containment strategy’ against the ISIS in peace deal with the firming up of the Indian eastern Afghanistan despite its ‘counter- stranglehold in IOK after abrogation of Article insurgency strategy’ elsewhere. Fourth, the 370 of the Indian Constitution, ostensibly US Department of Defence and CIA have coordinated between the US and India. Zalmay Khalilzad publically differed on the IS potential in There are also speculations that the US Afghanistan; with CIA downgrading it and the has made inroads into the Taliban Movement election chances in the 2020 elections. Department of Defence considering it sizeable. and the non-conclusion of the deal has had Bringing an end to this politically unpopular The last point supports the idea about the the desired pressure on the Movement; war is too big a crown for any US President, ISIS being a creation of the CIA in addition to and that reviving the peace process and hence the feelers about the resumption of the orbaki militias. There is a very old Taliban re-negotiating the contentious issues of talks. This also explains opposition to the truism about the supposed American design ceasefire, forces’ withdrawal, intra-Afghan peace deal - within the US political spectrum, for this region, which goes like this; ‘Bahana dialogue and power-sharing might now be especially from Democrats, in league with Iran, thikana Afghanistan, nishana Pakistan’- advantageous to the US. And lastly, those elements within the Department of Defence, [the US pretext for presence in this region is opposing the deal within the US and Afghan CIA and the Afghan government, besides Iran, base is Afghanistan, and the ultimate governments have ‘realized’ that a ‘bad deal’ other spoilers – who have been dubbing the target is Pakistan]. is still better than ‘no deal’. peace process analogous to surrendering to So, typical to its character, Afghan peace Besides the afore-listed real or the Taliban. Anyone well-versed in US politics remains elusive and hostage to competing anticipated postulations, the fact of the knows that the domestic agenda dominates agendas and interests even among the US matter is that President Trump wants a decision-making, always and every time, and its allies. The obtaining situation is not closure on this longest war in US military sooner or later. what meets the eye and seems a concoction history ‘on US terms’; and not only fulfill a There is another theory that has traction in of deceit, hidden agendas, lack of trust, campaign promise, but also enhance re- Pakistan about the origin, aims/objectives and wider regional and international politics and is sponsorship of Da’ish or ISIS/IS. As per this beholden to the US. President Trump might formulation, ISIS is a US/CIA creation, planted have been forced by any combination of the in eastern Afghanistan (next to Pakistan) and rationales described above to ‘review and armed to ensure residual US influence in subsequently resume the peace process - as Afghanistan with or without a peace deal. other alternatives are arduous, painful and ISIS is one of the fallback positions of the uncertain. US deep state, besides the Orbaki Militias – As far as Islamabad is concerned, it created by the CIA’s Para Military Division in should adopt a ‘whole of the government’ 2001 to topple the then Taliban government approach while dealing with the US, that and to this day operating in Afghanistan includes not only the Special Representative outside the Afghan government’s ambit. Khalilzad but also the Departments of State That the deep state is not interested in total and Defence and the CIA. It should be mindful Afghan peace and complete withdrawal of of the internal dynamics of the US and Afghan US forces; and through the peace process, administrations and know that the Trump it has been able to secure permanent or administration may be having a limited shelf scheduled presence of the US military and life, given the impeachment inquiry. intelligence assets in Afghanistan - in return for the much-needed fiscal resources for The writer has an interest Afghan reconstruction and development. in International Relations This enduring US presence is aimed and Political Sociology. at keeping rising China and Pakistani He can be reached at nuclear capability in check. [email protected] There are four pointers lending

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 31 Region The Lost Citizens

ssam A human crisis of great proportions is brewing in the Indian state of A Assam. It will certainly have an impact on Indo-Bangladesh relations because popular sentiment there is hostile to India.

By Dr. Moonis Ahmar

ndia under the Modi regime is passing through an interesting but a dangerous phase. On the one hand, the BJP/Shiv ISena duo is making every effort to enforce ‘Hinduism’ in India by ridding the country of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, and at the same time the Muslim population in Assam is being deprived under the “National Registration Act” from franchise and citizenship. ‘Exclusion’ and not ‘Inclusion’ is the cor- India just stripped 1.9 million people of citi- and Pakistan who have lived in India for at nerstone of the Modi regime which has been zenship” by Makana Eyre in the September least six years. Amit Shah has been criticized recently reflected in a decision made by the 10, 2019 issue of The Nation that, Interna- heavily by those who term his proposed plan Central government to deprive millions of tional watchdogs, including the UN, Am- discriminatory and targeting Muslims. An Muslims of Assam from citizenship and at the nesty International, and the US Commission overwhelming majority of two million people same time grant non-Muslim migrant’s Indian on International Religious Freedom, among living in Assam who may be disenfranchised citizenship. others, have condemned the NRC update, are Muslims. And India has no treaty with In August, the issue of rendering millions which began in 2013. In the six years of the Bangladesh to deport those who, accord- of people in Assam stateless emerged. Ac- update process, roughly 33 million people in ing to the Indian government, have been liv- cording to reports, a list of citizens in the state Assam were required to prove they have valid ing in Assam illegally for long. Bangladesh is of Assam entitled National Register of Citizens roots in the state prior to March of 1971, the already grappling with more than one million (NRC) shortlisted two million residents out of date of the start of the Bangladesh War of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and is cer- 32 million who were to be deported because Independence when a large influx of migrants tainly not in a position to absorb more than of their origin in present day Bangladesh. The came to India, especially through Assam. two million people which India wants to de- NRC is perceived a well-crafted policy of the The government of Assam did not respond port to Bangladesh. Indian Central Government led by the BJP/ to multiple requests for comment, but it has The crisis of citizenship in Assam will have Shiv Sena to take advantage of the anti-mi- said that those left off the list did not make far-reaching consequences in India and be- grant movement in Assam since the 1980s. It a strong enough case for their Indian roots yond its borders because of three main rea- demanded that those who settled in Assam or tried to use fake documents. In a recent sons. First, if two million Muslims in Assam, following the March 1971 Pakistan military statement, the Indian Minister of Home Af- who are blamed by local nationalist groups to operation in the then East Pakistan against fairs, Amit Shah said the state would “provide have emigrated from the then East Pakistan the outlawed Awami League and Mukti Bahi- legal aid to the needy people amongst those in 1971, are disenfranchised, it will open a ni (freedom force), should leave and go back excluded from NRC.” Pandora’s Box and may destabilize India be- to their country of origin, i.e. Bangladesh. The Paradoxically, if the Indian government, cause this is not only the issue of Bengalis in list, which was issued by the NRC in August under the pressure of nationalist groups in Assam but there are another couple of million this year, asked those people whose names Assam, wants to deprive millions of local Bangladeshis living in Delhi, Mumbai and oth- were left off the list to apply within 60 days residents of their citizenship, it is planning er Indian cities who, in the last four decades, to a quasi-legal tribunal to decide about their to move a bill in the Indian parliament rec- emigrated and settled in India. Will the Modi citizenship. But those applying for a review ommending granting non-Muslim refugees regime also disenfranchise them and deport were asked to provide documentary evidence citizenship. The Indian Home Minister Amit them to Bangladesh? to prove their lineage as a bona fide resident Shah, who is also Secretary General of the Second, the policy to target Muslim on or before March 24, 1971, a day before BJP, said in a speech in Kolkata that his gov- migrants in India, while planning to accom- the launching of the military operation. ernment would give citizenship to non-Mus- modate non-Muslim refugees by giving them As rightly pointed out in an article, “Why lim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh citizenship, will cause communal schisms

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in India. And it is not only the question of the majority of seats but used its electoral What will be the policy position of the refugees from Bangladesh who have settled success to seek secession from Pakistan. Or, government of Bangladesh on the possible in India but Shiv Sena and other Hindu ex- the Nazi Socialist Party of Adolf Hitler which deportation of around 2 million stateless tremist groups want to convert Muslims and won the January 1933 elections but imposed people from Assam to Bangladesh? During Christians as Hindus. There are around 250 a dictatorship along with unleashing its policy the on-going tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh million Muslims and Christians in India. Can of anti-Semitism by liquidating Jews and oth- Hasina, one can observe a clear tilt in favour Hindu militant and radical organizations suc- er non-Aryan communities in Germany and of India. During her recent visit to New Delhi, ceed in converting such a large segment of the territories which came under its occupa- she may have discussed the matter with Na- the Indian population to Hinduism? tion since 1938. If BJP/Shiv Sena and RCSS rendra Modi. If Bangladesh refuses to accept Third, as far as Indian Muslims are con- want to follow Nazi Germany and transform 2 million people from Assam under NRC, cerned, like Muslim Kashmiris, they bear the India into an authoritarian state targeting non- what will be the response of India? Certainly, brunt of Hindu fascism. Hindu ultra-national- Hindus, this may be a pipe dream but it’s a the crisis involving stateless people of Assam ists groups like the Shiv Sena and RSS have dangerous plan that cannot be underesti- will have a fallout in Indo-Bangladesh rela- threatened Muslims that if they fail to convert mated. The implications of disenfranchising tions and popular sentiment in Bangladesh, as Hindus, they will be pushed to Pakistan as the Muslims will ultimately challenge the unity despite the Awami League-led government’s their loyalty is suspected. What is happening of the Indian state. tilt towards India, is hostile to India. Hence- in Assam under the cover of NRC is merely a Finally, the diversity of India is its plus forth, one needs to keep in mind the emerg- tip of the iceberg as the ultimate aim of BJP/ point and if the ultra-right wing Hindu nation- ing cleavages in Indo-Bangladesh relations in Shiv Sena and RSS is to cleanse India of non- alist parties and groups want to transform the backdrop of the lost citizens of Assam. Hindus. But this may also be wishful thinking their country into a Hindu state, this will chal- of those elements in India who managed to lenge the ethnic, cultural and lingual identi- The writer is Meritorious Professor of seek a majority in the April-May 2019 general ties of various communities which cannot be International Relations elections. After getting a popular mandate, transformed as a nation that merely follows and former Dean Faculty they want to use it to declare India as a Hindu the Hindu religion. By moving in that direction, of Social Sciences, state. It is just like the December 1970 election India will contradict its own state foundation University of Karachi. results in East Pakistan in which the Awami which was based on a secular, democratic He can be reached at League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, won and politically pluralist society. [email protected] Space

engaluru Militarization B Space weaponization implies deployment of weapons in outer space by sending weapons from the earth to destroy satellite capabilities of other states. tion, Indian Premier Modi claimed to have By Dr. Ahmed Saeed Minhas made India a space superpower after the ndia, on March 27, 2019, joined the elite successful execution of ‘Operation Shakti’ club of those space-faring nations that by successfully shooting down one of its have space weapons on their inventory. own working satellites in Low Earth Orbit IBefore the Indian test of Anti-Satellite (LEO). (ASAT) weapon, only the US, China, and The Indian Prime Minister’s initial claim Russia had this capability. It is indeed a of becoming a space superpower indicates milestone for Indian space expertise and the basic motivation behind the Indian act sufficiently demonstrates its prowess in of polluting outer space with thousands of outer space-related security. However, debris pieces while space is supposed to it is imperative to analyze whether the be the common heritage of mankind and Indian ASAT test was merely a technology whose Long Term Sustainability (LTS) has demonstration or had other motivations been a source of concern for those sec- leading to strategic repercussions. tions of the world community that are Albeit, the Indian side did try to exercise peace-loving. damage control efforts when out of jubila- The Indian scientific community’s selec-

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tion of the title for the ASAT test, i.e. ‘Op- gic balance in its favour so that to have an Treaties like Prevention of an Arms Race eration Shakti’ is a reminder of the titling upper edge to tilt the strategic deterrence in Outer Space (PAROS) or Prevention of of its first ever nuclear explosion back in balance towards its side. Third, India wants Placement of Weapons in Outer Space 1974. It was coded ‘Smiling Budha’. Both to be acknowledged as a technologically- (PPWT) must now be enacted. The Outer the tests were against norms and ethics. advanced state and win support of becom- Space Treaty, which is also known as the The two codes, i.e. for the nuclear explo- ing a permanent member of the Nuclear mother of space treaties, has to be amend- sion and ASAT tests were chosen delib- Suppliers Group (NSG). This would make it ed in order to clearly define space weapons erately by the Indian leadership to hedge a regime that regulates the export of all its categorization or at least forbid use of any behind Nehru’s portrayed soft face of India. higheend technologies, including nuclear kind of weapon in outer space. This would There was no reason for Buddha to smile and other strategic weapons. be unlike its current restricted domain of on diplaying a very destructive technology, Notwithstanding all this, peace-loving deployment of Weapons of Mass Destruc- i.e. nuclear weapons. In case of the ASAT idealists still prevail in India and resist the tion (WMD) on heavenly bodies only. capability too, there was hardly any reason country’s arms buildup. The Indian diplo- In a nutshell, India becoming an outer- to associate it with Shakti, i.e. Power, amid matic corps has been tasked to portray the space super power is detrimental to South the severe security implications for other country’s act of acquiring space weapons Asian peace and stability. Such technolo- space-faring nations and their assets in as weapons of peace. They forward the gies in the Indian strategic military inven- outer space. claim that with security measures in hand, tory with hardliners in the driving seat could The question also arises - how could for instance ASATs, rogue states will not make India more dismissive of peace. Its India become a space power in quick time? dare fiddle with costly outer space plat- arrogance will be further strengthened The simple answer is, through proliferation. forms. Indian diplomats, while speaking at and it wuld continue to avoid entering India has internationally acknowledged a the Arms Control forums, take positions into dialogue to settle outstanding territo- track record of diverting peaceful technolo- that the missiles and space weapons are to rial disputes. The Indo-Pakistan composite gies towards strategic weapons develop- maintain stability and peace through a po- dialogue process has been in a deadlock ment. India did its ‘Peaceful Nuclear Explo- sition of strength - a political and diplomatic since December 2012. India’s current act sion’ (PNE) in May 1974 by diverting nuclear position which the US diplomats also hold of abrogating Articles 370 and 35-A have technology acquired for peaceful purposes. while defending their arms buildup. been followed by a continued military siege Following a similar path, India exploited its However, the fact remains that the se- of Kashmir. This amply reflects Indian - ar access to advanced missile technologies curity of one state results in the insecurity for rogance that it has developed through a under the rubric of Missile Technology Con- its competitor. A security dilemma emerges wrong sense of security by acquiring nucle- trol Regime (MTCR), of which it became a and, as a result, the insecure state indulges ar and space weapons. full member in 2018 with the discriminated in the action-reaction syndrome, i.e. an The US and its allies have shown dis- support of the USA. The US, in order to arms race. One can infer from the argument crimination and have favoured India. This checkmate rising China, has put all global that India’s ASAT capability would introduce has further contributed to the already bleak security norms on the back burner and is a new kind of security-insecurity paradox in view of paradigms that conform to the making the mistake of creating a monster the South Asian strategic realm. Mearsheimer notion of anarchy based on which will soon ask for its power share from Pakistan, which has been subjected to real-politic. Big power politics are tragic the US. The US should be mindful that the strategic coercion by the Indian side, may because the anarchy of the international Indian test had even surprised the US for not sit idle to the evolving strategic threat. system requires states to seek dominance not knowing in advance about the Indian It is a responsible nuclear weapons state at one another’s expense. Space laws must intent of developing space weapons. and had never opted to even become a be made more stringent. They should be Why did India need to become a space nuclear power but was forced to do so. devoid of bias and not have loopholes so weapons-capable state?. It wanted to ac- Subsequently, it has been offering multiple that outer space weaponization can be complish its long-outstanding dream of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to discouraged. India needs to be prevented becoming a great power motivated by the India but in vain. from further advancing in developing its ca- Hindu-dominated mindset of Maha Bharat. Pakistan’s Space Vision-2047, under pability in space weapons. The choice real- The mindset further received strong trac- which Pakistan will be pursuing goals of ly lies with the big powers to opt for peace tion when the RSS-tainted Modi took over multiple space assets, has been put under or anarchy. the driving seat of hardliner and nationalist security risks after India developed its ASAT Bhartia Janata Party (BJP). The Modi gov- capability. Pakistan may not be developing The writer is a security and strategic issues ernment, from day one of its rule has be- its own ASAT capability but could surely re- analyst and faculty member lieved that only a militarily strong and eco- sort to speeding up its efforts to contain the at the Suffa University, nomically viable India could win the status trend of space weapons development. The Karachi. He can be reached of Great Power. Secondly, India, like any world community has to act fast to prevent at ahmedsaeedminhas81@ revisionist state, desires to pull the strate- outer space from being weaponized. yahoo.com

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the 9/11 attacks. The way those attacks were By Javed Ansari Kabul conducted, it has always seemed impossible ack in 2001, following the for independent aviation experts to accept 9/11 attacks in America, the that flying novices with minimal training on United States and its allies went much less sophisticated aircraft could have Bgunning for Osama bin Laden, An carried out precision suicide attacks flying the Al Qaeda leader, and his Afghan hosts, advanced aircraft. They zoomed in on the the Taliban, for having attacked mainland Twin Towers in New York or the Pentagon in America. They wanted to attack Afghanistan Washington D.C. like they had done several with all their military might because, in their Elusive practice runs on these targets before doing own wisdom, they had concluded that the actual thing. Both the North and South Osama bin Laden and the Al Qaeda were Towers in New York’s World Trade Centre behind the 9/11 attacks. The military force Goal were struck by Boeing 767s while a Boeing of the U.S., the world’s sole superpower 757 crashed into the Pentagon in Washing- with a highly advanced military machine, President Donald Trump ton DC. The same type of aircraft crashed and the crumbs thrown in by its allies, would like to be recognized in a field in Pennsylvania near Shanksville. spurred President George W. Bush, to term by history as a man of Now, these are advanced fly-by-wire planes the campaign as a ‘War on Terror’. Nineteen while, reportedly, the only jet aircraft the al- years later, at the cost of thousands of lives peace. He wants the U.S. leged attackers are said to have trained on (the US and its allies have had much less troops out of Afghanistan were simulators of much less sophisticated human casualties in the confrontation but because the war there is and older version aircraft. have spent trillions of dollars), there is no leading nowhere. While the U.S. air traffic picture at any clear winner. The US has not time of the day or night pres- been able to cow down the ents a sight of the main avia- Taliban and they are today tion hubs being over-crowd- said to be controlling some ed by aircraft, it is also true 55% percent of Afghan that more than one air traffic territory. First Hamid Karzai controller on the ground is and later Ashraf Ghani were following the movement of propped up as Presidents only a few aircraft assigned of Afghanistan by the U.S. to him or her in the seeming- and its friends but their ly crowded clusters of aircraft writs never extended much and giving them necessary beyond the capital Kabul. instructions. It would there- If power-sharing does fore be impossible for them occur with an Afghan gov- not to notice that four air- ernment and the Taliban, craft had deviated from their the latter would have to routes and were headed in abandon many of their old directions they had not filed and harsh practices of ruling their flight plans for. Afghanistan and will, for once, this would save the Americans all the pre- To avenge 9/11, the Tali- have a chance to join a coalition of prog- cious dollars they were simply wasting in ban, and especially their leader Osama bin ress and take Afghanistan towards an era of Afghanistan and not getting anywhere. He Laden, were declared pariahs by the U.S. peace and development that its people have would then have a convincing story to tell They were the targets of the War on Terror always been deprived of. If Afghanistan be- the American public and would thus have that the U.S. continued fighting and pump- comes a peaceful country and has a govern- better chances of winning the Presidential ing U.S. taxpayer money into for 19 years. ment that is accepted by its entire popula- elections again in 2020. In his excitement, This happened first under George Bush and tion, it will move into an era of prosperity. he probably forgot that the U.S. had initially then under Barack Obama’s watch. Sudden- This could also encourage other countries in worked very hard and had spent a great deal ly, after U.S. President Trump came into the the region to start commercially viable proj- all through the nineties before it got a chance saddle, he surveyed the situation and had a ects that bring stability to this part of Asia. to set foot on Afghan territory again, on the change of heart, probably under his ‘Ameri- President Donald Trump, in his bid to pretext of avenging the 9/11 attacks. ca First’ policy. He wanted the U.S. troops to get re-elected, had the bright idea that if he Interestingly, the Taliban have never cat- get out of Afghanistan so that he could tell could get U.S. troops out of Afghanistan, egorically admitted to having been behind his people that he was one president who

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 35 Region

would rather spend American money on the economy was tremendous. In the process, it Talks off. Trump may have been sincere in country’s peaceful objectives rather than on also became a beehive for all kinds of terror- ending the war in Afghanistan and the in- pointless wars being fought thousands of ists – a narrative that India still takes advan- volvement of the U.S and its allies in the im- miles away. He had realized that even after tage of to direct its enmity towards Pakistan. broglio. At the back of his mind must also killing Osama bin Laden at his hiding place in The fact that Afghanistan is a land-locked have been the fact that no mighty power the Pakistani city of Abbottabad, the Taliban country also means that all its trade is tran- had ever succeeded in cowing down the were multiplying their forces in Afghanistan sited through Pakistan’s Karachi port – and Afghans. They had earlier driven out the and the Ashraf Ghani/Abdullah Abdullah will be in future. British Empire and later the mighty Soviets. government was simply a puppet that could In the US-led Afghan Peace Talks, other For his part, he wanted to be recognized by not stand on its own two feet. regional nations, such as China and Russia, history as a peace-maker – and even con- In the long-term interest of a re-election, were also pulled into the equation. It was tend for the Nobel Peace Prize. After all, he started what were called ‘Peace Talks’ planned to bring in the Afghan govern- Barack Obama had won the prize too. It is with the Taliban after he became convinced ment later in the talks when everything had now clear that President Trump’s role as a that the only solution to bringing normalcy been settled with the Taliban. It was this man of peace is not an easy one. It is dif- to Afghanistan was talk and not war. Neigh- stage that the Peace Talks were leading to. ficult and complex and littered with thorns bouring Pakistan had suffered tremendous President Trump had even invited the Tali- of all kinds. The big question also is that losses due to America’s foray into Afghani- ban to a secret meeting at Camp David for is the US Deep State willing to exit from stan. Over some two decades, it first served the final round of the talks. This is when an Afghanistan altogether? as America’s ‘front-line’ state against the attack, reportedly engineered by the Tali- Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In return, all ban, occurred in Kabul in which 12 people The writer is Editor it got were over 300,000 Afghan refugees were killed, including an American and a of Southasia. He can plus the Kalashnikov and drug culture. It Romanian soldier. This was when President be reached at javed@ lost more than 70,000 military and civilian Trump, in his signature impulsive manner, southasia.com.pk lives during these years and the loss to its tweeted to call the entire process of Peace Decoding

Colombo Dangerous Trends It is strange that the Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero is being allowed to stir up hatred in Sri Lankan society as the principle of non-violence is central to Buddhist religious teachings.

By Dr. Muhammad Ali Ehsan

alagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero is well-known for his hardline views against the G Muslims. He was serving a six-year jail term for contempt of court and was also convicted and given a six month jail term for threatening the wife of a missing cartoonist. He was found guilty of criminally intimidating the wife of the missing cartoonist in the court in 2016. The monk famously leads the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) translated as the ‘Buddhist Power Force’. The importance of this six years jail-term was that the missing

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cartoonist was a great try they live in, facing the critic of the government threat of being Islamic mil- and the monk had created itants. The way forward is conditions and interrupted not to persecute the Mus- the court hearing in which lims or let loose on them the military intelligence was characters like Ganana- being accused of having sara, who only propagate abducted the cartoonist. and execute violence. It is Sri Lanka hardly ever to ensure that the rights of convicts Buddhist monks. the minorities are protect- The monks in fact repre- ed, that their lives, busi- sent the non-violent aspect nesses and properties are of Buddhist teachings and secured and they are pro- are considered as the role vided equal opportunities, models of peace. Not so along with the majority, to with Gnanasara who has live their lives with honour been continuously accused and dignity. of spreading hate against Fascism is an ideology the other faiths. It is in this of hate. In fact, it translates context that the presidential pardon seems more diverse, integrated and homogenous into ‘tyranny of majority’. All those who to have done a mockery of the principle with their presence and participation. want to impose their will on the people of justice and rule of law. His incarnation It is only a very small minority of Tam- are believers in fascism. If not fascist, their behind the bars meant that the law of ils who came from India as tree plantation acts like those of Gananasara, make them the land could not be violated and if you workers. The rest of the Tamils and Mus- racists. Such political and religious leaders were a propagator and facilitator of creat- lims in Sri Lanka have been there for centu- are the destroyers of a diverse and a plural- ing hatred between the majority Sinhalese ries as are the majority Sinhalese. With this ist society that can never be at peace with and the minority Muslim community of the deep-rooted history showcasing centuries itself. country, then you deserved to be punished old roots of the minorities in Sri Lanka, it It is generally believed that a conflict instead of being pardoned. is a great folly to pardon a war-mongering or dispute is guided by either of three fac- This is actually not just a problem in Sri monk who claims to re-create Sri Lanka by tors: fear, competition and glory. The Sri Lanka. Nationalism, populism, protection- ‘trying to go back to the country of Sin- Lankan government would do well to cor- ism and religiosity are new trends that are halese’ and vouches to ‘continue to fight rectly read the causes of this dispute. If it is being supported by populist leaders and until he corrects that’. based on the fear of the majority Sinhalese the governments that they lead. The cur- The government of Sri Lanka holds that the Muslim population is growing fast rent leadership in countries such as India, the responsibility to protect its minorities. and will become a power in its own right. Myanmar, Poland, Hungry, the Philippines, Gananasara plays a dangerous game and, The government in Sri Lanka needs to ad- Bangladesh, Turkey, etc. all show the resur- like some of the other populist leaders that dress this fear through logic and public gence of the rights of the majority and the cash in on the feeling of ‘resentment of information campaigns. If the persecution tendency of taking harsh actions against majority’, he is also spreading hate in a of the minorities is based on the feelings the immigrants or minorities. In the con- society that can fall apart under an uncon- of ‘Buddhist glory’, then it castes a deep text of Sri Lanka, it is strange that such a trolled spell of violence. Conducting the racist shadow on a society that needs to person can be allowed to stir up hatred politics of identity and utilizing religious be more tolerant in treating its minorities. in a society because the principle of non- ideology to undermine the status of mi- Only just and fair competition should guide violence is central to Buddhist religious norities can polarize and divide the society political rivalries. The onus to promote and teachings. on ethnic and religious lines. The sooner sustain such a culture lies squarely on the Gananasara only stirs up hatred when such leadership is prevented from doing shoulders of the government. he claims that the country was destroyed so, the better. because of the British colonists as the It is notable that Muslims in two Bud- The writer is a member of the Faculty of problems that the country faces today are dhist countries – Myanmar and Sri Lanka Contemporary Studies because of the ‘outsiders’. The term ‘out- - are being victimized and their rights at NDU, Islamabad. siders’ used by Gananasara is dangerous as trampled. The killing of the people and the He can be reached at the Tamils and the Muslims (who are be- forced exodus from their places of living is muhammadaliehsan1@ ing referred to as outsiders) are an integral a great reminder to the world that Mus- hotmail.com part of Sri Lankan society that becomes lims are persecuted regardless of the coun-

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 37 Region

By Sabria Chowdhury Balland

he quote here states an obvious and natural component and right, undoubtedly, the most important Tone in any republic. A curtailment or menace to this right negates everything democratic republics stand for. What we are seeing in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (the obvious irony in its name) is not only a negation of man’s innate right to liberty but a complete abuse of such a concept and the practice of it. Liberty must at all hazards be Gruesome violence on free thinkers, Dhaka supported. We have a right to speakers, political opponents and their it, derived from our Maker. But supporters has been the norm in Bangladesh if we had not, our fathers have for over a decade but has risen exponentially earned and bought it for us, at in recent years. Anyone who dares to speak up Second the expense of our ease, their unfavuorably about government policies is a estates, their pleasure and their target for persecution and death. Social media blood.” - John Adams, accounts are rigorously monitored and statuses Liberation? 2nd US President, 1765. or even likes on comments which question Sheikh Hasina’s government are targeted. that is exposed regarding its breaches of in December 2018. Bangladeshis were not This was manifested for the entire world democratic governance. allowed to vote and choose their government to witness with the brutal murder of Abrar The Facebook post which ultimately cost and exercise their constitutional rights. Thus, Fahad, a 21 year old engineering student at Abrar his life was made shortly after Sheikh Bangladeshis have every right to know on the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Hasina’s return from India at the beginning what grounds treaties, which are completely Technology, more commonly known as BUET, of October, a trip in which she and Narindra detrimental to their nation, were signed by an the most prestigious engineering university in Modi signed 7 treaties. In this post, Abrar unelected Prime Minister. Bangladesh. In his Facebook posts, he had expressed his critical views. He wrote about Student Wing of the Awami League shown support for the autonomy of Kashmir the issues of allowing India to use the Mongla The Bangladesh Chathra League (BCL), and against Indian oppression and human Port, withdrawing water from the Feni River the student wing of the Awami League, has rights abuses, like millions of people globally. and importing LPG from Bangladesh. The big been described as the ruling party’s ground However, this is considered a crime in present question mark here is: what did Bangladesh force, its goons. It is present in all violent riots day Bangladesh. get from these treaties which are only “bilateral or altercations with the general public. An At around the same time as the lockdown in name”? organization which is disreputable enough for in Kashmir, the Director General of the Rapid By definition, a bilateral agreement refers Bangladeshis to circulate petitions to have it Action Battalion (RAB), an organization to an agreement between parties or states enlisted as a terrorist organization, the BCL is described as “the elite anti-crime and anti- that aim to keep trade deficits to a minimum. indispensable to the Awami League and is not terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police,” Therefore, the question which Abrar and 163 going anywhere. The illicit nature of the BCL’s declared on national television that no protests million Bangladeshis wondered about was: how crimes was seen yet again in the merciless about the Kashmir lockdown will be tolerated do treaties which benefit only one party, in this and brutal beating which led to Abrar’s and will lead to arrests. Thus, Abrar was case, India, benefit Bangladesh? Furthermore, death. Difficult to fathom that the culprits undoubtedly already on the radar. how do treaties which tip the balance in favour were also engineering students at BUET and The Awami League does not just restrict of India even more than was already the case, had the highest test scores and impeccable itself to online activities of Bangladeshis. When benefit Bangladesh in any way? To take the grades in order to be admitted. How brilliant international analyses exposing the truth about point even further, how can a bilateral treaty students from very modest homes have Sheikh Hasina’s blatant authoritarianism results between two leaders be signed when one of been transformed into ruthless murderers for in her top diplomats to issue public responses them has not even been democratically elected the Awami League is yet another worrisome defending what is known to be false, we by the people? Does this point not nullify all factor for the society as a whole. During police know that the understanding of a democracy, agreements signed by unelected members of questioning, the perpetrators admitted to their freedom of thought and speech are wilfully parliament? The Bangladesh election, for lack crimes and unanimously stated that they were ignored. It is as though the Awami League of a better word, is widely known as a farcical following orders. is ready at all times with fire extinguishers to means in which Sheikh Hasina and her Awami The Legacy of Abrar Fahad negate and refute each and every fire of truth League forced themselves to power once again Abrar Fahad has become a hero and is

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known as the first martyr of the second liberation of Bangladesh from tyranny and the loss of sovereignty to India. With the eloquence of his words which led Shaking Up The to his death, he has sparked a revolution which will undoubtedly come to fruition. Moving Forward Status Quo The Awami League government was categorical in its position that although educational institutions Kathmandu Prime Minister Oli of Nepal is making compromises would be free to choose whether to ban the BCL or to stay in power and this includes shaking up the not, it would no be banned as a whole throughout the entire governance system, if required. country. What is even more shocking is the apathy displayed by the government in the aftermath of such By S. Mubashir Noor a heinous crime, committed by its student wing, for comments which were critical of its actions. No one li’s government in early May announced the “Guthi Bill” that irked Nepal’s condemned the BCL nor its actions, not a single Santana Hindu majority barely weeks after free speech defenders had member of the ruling party attended Abrar’s funeral risen up in arms over proposed media legislation that would slash press and not a single word of empathy was uttered, nor an Ofreedom in the country. address to the nation given. Pressured by a series of massive protest by the Newar community in the Yes, the traditional meeting of the victim’s families Kathmandu Valley, the government officially “withdrew” the bill from parliament in at Sheikh Hasina’s residence was called. The privacy late June without promising to permanently shelve it. of the victim’s family was not respected, judging from “Guthi” are a cross between religious trusts and socio-economic non-profits the amount of photos that were released. Financial that, for the most part, are privately owned by families. They organize the religious help and employment, if needed, was usually offered rituals and major cultural festivals across Nepal, funding them with revenue from to the families, as a matter of routine. Abrar’s mother, collective land that is tilled by local labour. who was understandably inconsolable, was told to They also invest in their communities and have historically been managed by the consider how Sheikh Hasina too lost her family. This autonomous “Guthi Sansthan” umbrella body. This tradition dates back centuries attitude of “enough about you, now let’s talk about me” that some claim is the very essence of Nepali society. has become a very common theme in Bangladeshi Yet behind the scenes, the 2000-strong Guthi of Nepal theoretically wield governance and the lack of empathy it demonstrates enormous political and economic influence from managing has not gone unnoticed to Bangladeshis. roughly 150,000 hectares of land, a primary factor of What value do economic growth figures have when production. This statistic is likely what piqued the NCP’s human lives are systematically exterminated due to interest in placing all public and private Guthi under the state sponsored violence? oversight of a federal agency. It is said that before handing Jesus over to the Unlike its beleaguered journalists, however, Nepal’s Jewish people which led to his crucifixion, the Roman 80 percent Hindu majority has the sheer numerical weight governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, washed his hands to force the government to retreat on religious matters, of and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.” In which the Guthi occupy a central role. distancing herself from all the murders, rapes, extra More vocal members of the 50,000-strong crowd that judicial killings, falsified election results and other picketed against the bill in Kathmandu a a few weeks ago atrocious crimes committed on behalf of latching on told local press they feared Guthi land would become to power, Sheikh Hasina resembles Pontius Pilate. She a “playground” for the corrupt ruling elite and their washes her hands off of any responsibilities of ensuring corporate cronies. They feared politicians would a democratic society, because she knows that in a parcel out land to win or retain favours at the democratic electoral process, no one in their right mind expense of Nepal’s cultural heritage. among Bangladeshi voters would willingly vote for the Government spokespersons had initially Awami League. defended the bill claiming the Guthi system was Given a choice, it is clear that the people of feudalistic and a key culprit in widening social Bangladesh will also wash their hands of the dictatorship inequality by concentrating the ownership and they have been subjected to for over a decade. management of land on such a vast scale in the hands of a few “Guthiyars.” The writer is a teacher, political Moreover, that the productivity of land columnist and member of held by the Guthi was highly inefficient the US Democratic Party. and geared only toward meeting local She can be reached at needs as opposed to providing for [email protected] all of Nepal. Consequently, without

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 39 Region

bringing the trusts under federal oversight, was slow to respond, if not oblivious, to local find themselves being ruled by a single alleviating poverty would forever remain a situations and challenges. political party that instinctively wields the state pipedream while the Guthiyars prospered in Federalism, the new state structure, apparatus to consolidate power in a way that the guise of philanthropy and tradition. meanwhile devolves power to local govern- reeks of tyranny. It is, in a sense, perpetuating Taking on religious orthodoxy is a self- ments who can then serve their constituents monarchy in the guise of elected leadership. destruct button for most politicians, but the more efficiently and in a transparent Oli’s critics also claim he aspires to NCP cannot afford to be complacent. While manner. This shakeup of the status quo imitate neighbour China’s method of state many in civil society have bemoaned the greatly appealed to the more marginalized management, specifically President Xi government’s penchant for successively communities of Nepal, especially those in Jinping’s increasingly authoritarian style. rolling out ill-thought legislation that targets the southern Terai region, who were unable Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has sensitive issues, the ruling party is simply to rule themselves despite being the regional deftly used religious nationalism to strengthen trying to fulfill campaign promises. majority. his grip on the top seat, and thereby forced It is worth noting that the NCP is radical Progress on secularism and corruption the media to align itself with his administration by nature. It emerged from the ashes of a has, however, yielded mixed results at best. or risk appearing unpatriotic. bloody Maoist insurgency that technically While preaching religious equality, the authors That said, the Nepali premier’s challenge ended in 2006, but in reality dragged on for of the 2015 constitution were sensitive to is to rebrand the communists, long portrayed another decade. Nepal’s Hindu majority and sizeable Buddhist as foreign agents bleeding the country, into After citizens rejected the plutocrats and minority and were therefore compelled unimpeachable patriots. And, to that end, it military dictators backed by the now defunct to include special protections for “religion may be necessary to embrace some potent monarchy, a new constitution emerged in and custom practiced from ancient times” totem of nationalism which is likely to be 2015 that promised greater socio-economic which plainly did not extend to Christians or ethno-religious in nature. equality. And an initially uncomfortable Muslims. While this may seem unthinkable today, alliance between the Maoists and mainstream Likewise, the fight against corruption power does strange things to people. Oli and communist politicians powered them to a has fared poorly given a deep-set culture of his NCP comrades will at some point be forced comprehensive victory in polls two years nepotism and kickbacks that afflicts the entire to decide on their threshold of compromise if later. bureaucratic chain. Substantive progress, for they desire to rule Nepal beyond 2022. The key NCP plank was campaigning that matter, will remain elusive until Nepal’s for federalism, secularism and uprooting economy climbs out of the doldrums. The writer is an Islamabad- corruption. The former Kingdom of Nepal Perhaps the more troubling question is based freelance journalist. He had been a unitary state where the central how the NCP’s super-majority win in the 2017 can be reached at government in Kathmandu ran the country polls has impacted Nepal’s political climate. [email protected] without local decision-making. Naturally, it Long used to fragile coalitions, citizens now Waiting for the Verdict The much awaited judgement on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir - yodhya

A Babri Masjid case will be very important for the future of India. If handled well, it could work for a better India.

By Meriam Sabih

n Wednesday, October 16, 2019, the verdict in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir - Babri Masjid case was Oreserved by the Supreme Court of India. It is expected to be announced in mid-November, just before the Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is set to retire. The case was the second longest consecutive hearing of the Indian Supreme Court, lasting 40 days. A five-judge Constitutional bench comprising senior judges heard the proceedings. Some

40 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Region

of the judges included Justice should be one where both sides Arvind Bobde, Justice NV are also seen and feel that they Ramana, Justice Chandrachud; are giving up something. In other they are to be future Chief words, it will be a judgement that Justices of India. will give both sides something to Each side on October 19, celebrate and to save face, while submitted written statements as sacrificing something in return. to what relief they were seeking. Is there a way both sides The Sunni Waqf Board has called can feel they have won without for the reconstruction of the dividing up the land which many Babri Masjid to its condition prior do not see as a viable solution? to December 6, 1992. The Ram conquest by Babar. Mughal Emperor Babar Such a deal may comprise a Janmabhoomi, Gopal Singh Vishard, Hindu is seen as a brutal foreign conqueror by trade-off of the Muslim side giving up that Mahasabha, and Nirmohi Akhara are asking some and, in this case, even the Lord Ram piece of land since it is a special place for for the Ram temple to be reconstructed and is party to the case as a young boy asking Hindus, which many have described as no part be divided or given to the Muslims. for his rights. a holy site like what Makkah would be Ram Lalla Virajman is asking for the entire The site has been at the center of much for the Muslims. In return they should be disputed land to be given to Ram Lalla and controversy. Riots in 1992 claimed the lives of compensated in many ways suitable and no part given to the Muslims or Nirmohi over 2,000 innocent people, mostly Muslims, just which should include financial restitution Akhara, a group of Hindu ascetics. The Shia when a mob of Hindu zealots destroyed the as well as the rebuilding and reconstruction Waqf Board has claimed to be the rightful Babri Masjid. Due compensation for lives and of various other Masjids in the area to better owners of the property and have asked for livelihoods lost should be provided for this. conditions than before. In return, the Hindu the land to be given to the Hindu parties. In In 1949, idols were placed inside the Masjid side should agree to let go of other disputed 2010, an Allahabad High Court had divided and Hindus were allowed to pray only once sites. In this way, both sides would have been the land into one part for Muslims and two a year. In 1986, the temple was unlocked made to give up some of what they want and parts for Hindus in a complex judgement so that Hindus could go regularly and not given compensation which they would be which allotted one part of the land to the only once a year. The BJP had politicized happy to receive. Another possible solution Sunni Waqf, one part to Ram Lalla, and one the issue when they decided to march to would be to build a Babri Masjid and Ram part to the Nirmohi Akhara. Ayodhya to free the mosque. Hardliners are Temple side by side but that may be looked Now the Supreme Court judgement to even now calling on the Modi government to upon as dividing the land once again. be announced is much awaited for various pass an ordinance for the early construction The Sunni Waqf Board, one of the key reasons. When the Indian Supreme Court of the Ram Temple but for now the Modi parties, can consider such a trade-off as part took up the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi government has called for the legal system of mediation as well. Mediation continued case, the case was to be treated ‘only as to run its course. while the hearings proceeded. A sealed a land dispute.’ But, far from just a pure The idea of how religion and secular envelope of the mediated settlement was property dispute, what is essentially also on society coincide is an issue India has given to the judges that not all had agreed trial are issues of religion, tradition, history, grappled with for some time. After the Shah upon yet but one that could nonetheless politics, minorities, archeology, and so Bano, case a legal milestone from 1978, be used to guide the Court. The Court will much more. The case has long brought out India grappled with how personal religious also be taking that into consideration. The emotions and passions which had lasted law would coincide with the constitution of much awaited judgement will certainly be over the decades. Inside the court were the land. India was also one of the first to very important for the future of India. It will be quotes from Allama Iqbal on the protection of ban Salman Rushdie’s book so as not to looked upon in history as an important turning minorities. Maps were torn up by the lawyer stir the emotions of its large Muslim minority point which, if handled well, can be for the representing Muslims after which the Chief population. Now it is at a turning point on betterment of India’s future or, if mishandled, Justice threatened to walk out. These are how to handle this dispute between the two can prove to foster further unrest. just some of the dramatic moments during religious communities. the 40 consecutive days of impassioned Article 142 gives the Supreme Court The writer has a Masters degree in Political hearings. the prerogative to do “complete justice” and Science. She is a freelance journalist and Will the final judgement by the Supreme even use innovation where the executive is has been contributing to Court of India resolve the conflict which failing. And it is important in this matter that Al Jazeera America. She is decades old? Hindus believe it to be not only should justice be done but it should can be reached at Meriam. the birthplace of Ram. It is believed that be seen to be done. The best judgement [email protected] or the original temple devoted to Ram was would be one which allows it to be a win-win twitter@meriamsabih destroyed and a Masjid built as part of the situation for both parties. At the same time, it

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 41 INnterneighbaourtional

Anatomy of an Attack The mid-September drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oilfield

T ehran is a serious affair that calls for careful thought.

By S.G. Jilanee

he September 14 drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oilfield was not an ordinary incident, because, TAbqaiq is the world’s largest petroleum processing plant. No wonder, the attack gave a serious jolt to the world’s oil market. Though, Saudi Arabia’s oilfields and pipelines have been targeted by rebels over the past year but never on such a large scale and causing such disruption. Responsibility for the assault was claimed by the Houthis of Yemen, with whom KSA has been at war since March 2015. Yet, Saudi Arabia began flogging its pet whipping boy, Iran, in a knee-jerk reaction. Later, though the Saudis scaled back their rhetoric blaming Tehran directly, instead of saying the attack was “unquestionably Pompeian pomposity, the US Secretary for Saudi Arabia. sponsored by Iran.” But, nobody paused of State, Mike Pompeo claimed, in the In fact, Saudi Arabia has invited trouble to ponder why Iran, with its back already immediate aftermath of the attack, that Iran on itself by going to war with the Houthis to the wall under maximum pressure from was responsible for the incident, in spite of since 2015, though they are, basically, the U.S., would undertake any reckless the fact that it was claimed by Yemen’s Yemen’s internal problem. adventure. Houthi rebel group. Pompeo arbitrarily Meanwhile, though, the U.S. Secretary Nonetheless, before the blame game, accused Iran of “an unprecedented attack of State Mike Pompeo tweeted: "Iran has the mother of all questions the Kingdom on the world’s energy supply,” without any now launched an unprecedented attack on and its patron, the U.S., must answer, is: evidence. the world's energy supply." And he added: how could the attack have happened? How, Referring to Pompeo’s bluster, Iran’s "There is no evidence the attacks came a handful of drones and cruise missiles foreign ministry spokesman Abbas from Yemen.” had slipped through the Saudi radar and Mousavi said that “such fruitless and In response, Iranian Foreign Minister devastated Riyadh’s oil processing plant, blind accusations and remarks are Javad Zarif accused Pompeo of engaging despite all those $18 million fighter planes incomprehensible and meaningless.” in deception. He wrote on twitter, "Having and $3 million a pop Patriot anti-aircraft Iranian officials have also warned that failed at 'max pressure', Secretary Pompeo missiles. Notably, the attack happened in US military assets in the region are within is turning to 'max deceit.' US & its clients spite of a $69 million defence budget, the range of its missiles. are stuck in Yemen because of illusion third highest spending of any country in the Iran’s President, Hassan Rouhani that weapon superiority will lead to military world — with a world-class air force and also urged the US to "cease this policy of victory. Blaming Iran won't end disaster." state-of-the-art anti-aircraft system. maximum pressure" in favour of "dialogue, The U.S. president also weighed Iran has denied being responsible and and logic and reason". in, rattling his sabre and saying, “[We] has warned any retaliatory attack targeting Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman are locked and loaded depending on it will result in an “all-out war.” Iranian Abbas Mousavi called Saudi accusations verification, but are waiting to hear from officials have also warned that US military “baseless,” adding that Iran supports the the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] as to who assets in the region are within range of its Houthis through “spiritual and political” they believe was the cause of this attack missiles. means. He added that “cease-fire and and under what terms we would proceed!” Yet, with typical American hubris and dialogue” was the only face-saving solution He did not indulge in any gung-ho rhetoric

42 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Neighbour

pointing the finger at Iran. Trump’s statement was quite reassuring, because, he said he was waiting to hear from Saudi Arabia as to who they suspect as the culprit, instead of accusing Iran straight away, like Pompeo. Trump did not mention Iran, but wrote on Twitter that he had “reason to believe that we know the culprit” behind the attacks on the Abqaiq facility. So, there the issue must rest until a thorough investigation reveals the real culprit. Yet, in any case it will hardly be possible to fix the blame squarely on Iran. But, no matter what, the Abqaiq attack calls for some serious thinking on the part of Saudi Arabia, since this incident was neither the first, nor would it be the last of its kind. More such attacks may happen in the future. Vilifying Iran every time such incident The Kingdom needs to realize that the occurs is no answer to the problem. In fact, key to its security lies in making peace The writer is a senior what is to be prevented at all costs is a with the Houthis. It should, therefore, political analyst and former slide in the situation from verbal exchange cease interfering in Yemen, to avoid any editor of SouthAsia. to an armed clash between Tehran and future Abqaiq-like attack by the Houthis in He can be reached at Riyadh. retaliation. [email protected]

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 43 Opinion Economic Warfare The China-United States trade relationship is beginning to decay, raising vital questions. The world is entering a period of new alliances and trading blocs. If China plays its cards right, the Asian Century is not far – under China’s leadership.

economic policy, China has, over the last piling up USDs and debt, through purchase By Sikandar Taimoor three decades, been able to ensure the of US treasuries, enabling the US to buy he struggle for wealth, dominance strengthening of its macroeconomic basics, Chinese products. This mutually beneficial and power has been shaping while tapping into lucrative markets such relationship has locked both the nations in country narratives for centuries, as those of the US. China’s growth can a state of interdependency. However, as Toften resulting in outcomes that significantly be attributed to the US as its we approach the end of the first quarter of go down as dark periods in human history. major trading partner over the last thirty the 21st century, this relationship that has Lessons learned from World War II replaced years. lasted 30 years, seems to be decaying with that struggle with economic warfare. USD-denominated debt offers the trade tensions between the two countries Countries now engage in maneuvering safest haven for Chinese forex reserves, escalating. China, that relied on US support their economic policies such as interest meaning that China offers loans to the to develop its growth, is now placed to rates, trade tariffs and national bonds US to buy Chinese goods. This makes it become the world’s largest economy. and currencies to achieve their national a mutually beneficial relationship, in which From this position of strength, if China agendas. This weaponization of economics China gets a huge market for its products begins to sell its holdings and buy Yuans, marks one of the modern world’s defining and the US benefits from the economical it would initiate a sell-off of the USD, hallmarks where increased globalization, prices of Chinese manufactured products. resulting in an avalanche effect that would interdependence and connectivity have Therefore, as long as China continues to initiate a conversion of USD-holdings added to the complex milieu of strategic have an export-driven economy with a into other currencies and assets across and diplomatic relations between countries. huge trade surplus with the US, it will keep global markets and eventually result in a Entire fields of study, such as the depreciating USD. Such leverage global political economy, have poses a vital question with emerged to testify to the growing regard to how China will use the importance of this phenomenon. accumulated USD-denominated Based on these dynamics, debt it currently holds from an perhaps the most influential and economic warfare standpoint far-reaching example of such as it can be used as a tool to modern-day economic warfare impact the USD exchange rate. is the ongoing rivalry between To determine how and when China and the United States. China will use this leverage, it A story of a fast-rising power, is important to understand how challenging the dominance and it is placed at the moment and decades-old supremacy of a why a depreciating USD is not unilateral superpower, primarily in their interest in the current through its economic might, circumstances. It could have the rise of China testifies to adverse implications, making the the strategic importance of timing of this move important. developing strong economies in As the largest holder of today’s world. By emphasizing a USD-denominated debt, a a pragmatic, adaptable and decreasing USD rate reduces yet more development-oriented the profit and the total value

44 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 International

The best possible way forward for China would be to A Nation in be patient and wait for the right time. Khartoum Transition After Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir was ousted of China’s holdings. A decreasing interest rate in a military coup d’état last April, economist Abdalla environment adds to capital gains on bond Hamdok brought in new hope for the country as its holdings and an appreciating Yuan at this new Prime Minister. stage could further hamper their GDP growth - repercussions that they are not prepared By Aneela Shahzad to handle in the medium term. China should wisely accept that it cannot win a trade war fter eight months of relentless protests in Sudan, a power-sharing with high debt, capital controls and US exports deal has finally been struck between the Transitional Military Council dependence. The best possible way forward and the Alliance for Freedom and Change - an umbrella group of for China would be to be patient and wait Athe protestors. The Sovereign Council thus formed, includes 5 TMC for the right time which would be when the members, 6 AFC nominated members while Abdalla Hamdok, who is a public capital gains on the current US-denominated administrator, will serve as the country’s 15th Prime Minister. debt have reached peak profitability and US Under Hamdok, there will be a 20-member cabinet, while the two ministries monetary policy executions are well underway. of interior and defence will be chosen by the TMC. The sovereign council will China’s transition into a market-driven, service- also be responsible for making a government and a 300-member legislative based economy has enabled it to act as a body. manufacturing hub across Asia. When the Yuan The question is, will Hamdok be able to bring in democratic reforms and is appreciating against the USD, China could pull the country out of its economic crisis - a crisis Sudan has faced under US start selling USD debt holdings and buy Yuans sanctions since 1997. Eventually when the sanctions were lifted in 2016, drastic to achieve its objectives. inflation hit the Sudanese economy that was deemed as part of IMF’s austerity The timing of these circumstances is project for the country. dependent on various developments as we In early February 2018, a wave of street demonstrations spread across major find ourselves in the last quarter of 2019. It is cities in Sudan against new austerity measures important to see how economic circumstances by President Omar al-Bashir at the behest of shape from this point onwards. It is important the IMF, wherein state subsidies for basic to note the pace at which the Federal Reserve commodities, including wheat and flour, were implements its expansionary monetary policy, removed; the currency was devalued to half; whether trade tensions between the two and public import of wheat was disallowed. superpowers further escalate or a deal takes This was added to the 2011 secession of place. China’s Belt & Road Initiative and its South Sudan which meant Sudan’s loss progress through South and Central Asia of 75% of its oil production fields, its would be key to determining the success of main source of revenue. All the country’s strategic vision. This is a struggle for wealth, dominance and power through economic warfare and, if successful, it could also lead to the USD being replaced as the global reserve currency and the making of a strong foundation for an Asian Century.

The writer is a fundamental and technical analyst on gold and dollar, with an academic background in international business, He can be reached at [email protected]

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 45 International

this resulted in a staggering accumulation of debt, stunted economic growth and destabilization of the social and political scene of the country. The protests were somewhat suppressed at that time, but news of starvation and shortages of medicine and basic supplies kept coming. Meanwhile, many youth and professionals began organizing their groups against the al- Bashir regime – and protest were reignited in December 2018. The protests were marked by the July Massacre in which 128 protesters were killed and many more injured. Now that a peace agreement has been implemented, many protestors feel that their revolution was hijacked by al- Bashir’s military setup, and that they have doubts the interim setup, which is being to Dr Hamdok’s ability to steer Sudan from the same abject conditions of a overseen by the TMC, will be allowed to towards democratic and civilian rule. The huge external debts; high inflation; low carry on the transition in a true democratic reason is that the military still holds veto salaries; high unemployment rates; rise of manner. The objectives power over decisions in poverty; and a shrinking economy – and of removing al-Bashir’s The objectives the country’s top body. from there to the colossal work of bringing junta and the formation of People like General a war-prone country together and putting a civilian government are of removing Hemedti still have de facto it on the path of nation-building. A work both unfulfilled as yet. The power in the council. He more mammoth in proportions when one road to economic stability al-Bashir’s is a former warlord of the considers the stakes and interventions of seems like being a long junta and the Janjaweed, that has been global stakeholders in the politics of the one. fighting in Darfur on behalf country. Within a week of formation of the government since The prospects of Hamdok’s success taking over power, 2003 and he is someone in fulfilling the aspirations of the pro- Abdalla Hamdok told the of a civilian who would not want a democracy protestors are not very bright, media that Sudan needed government strong justice system in but his failure may put the fate of over 40 $8 billion to rebuild its the country. million Sudanese again in the hands of a damaged economy – and are both A USAID 2019 corrupt junta that loves infighting, takes an additional $2bn of report has estimated bribes from global players and sells the foreign reserves deposits unfulfilled that 5.76 million people peace and prosperity of its people for in the next three months as yet. are facing severe levels small personal returns. So, Hamdok may to halt the fall in currency. of food insecurity, be a last chance for saving Sudan from The painful truth is especially in Khartoum, the dire poverty and economic standstill that Hamdok again has to fall back to the Red Sea, Blue Nile, White Nile, South that it has been mired in for the last four the US, the World Bank and the IMF for Kordofan, Kassala, Gedaref and Darfur decades. He is the one who can save help and for ending Sudan’s international states. Professor Hamid Eltigani, Head Sudan from the potential disintegration financial isolation. But this is not a surprise of the Department of Public Policy and that haunts it for being a pivot in regional as Hamdok, an economist, along with Administration at the American University conflicts. an illustrious international career, was in Cairo has warned of ‘the structural previously with the African Development problems of the country’s economy, The writer is a geopolitical Bank and on the UN Economic Commission related to a very weak production sector, analyst with interest in history, for Africa panel and is, thus, a favourite. the bankruptcy of most factories, a lack of philosophy and anthropology. Sara Abdeljalil, spokesperson of the liquidity, and almost no access to loans’ She can be reached at Sudan Professional Association said there in 2018. aneela.pathfinder@gmail. is a mixture of hope and fear with regard Sadly, Hamdok has to make a start com

46 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 International Freedom Flare-up The simmering struggle of the Papuans seems to

k arta be developing into a separatist movement. Ja protests since 15 August this year, when Indonesia’s Independence Day. The flag By S.G. Jilanee protests by Papuans were held across was damaged outside the building they he Free Papua Movement has several cities in Indonesia. They were lived. Meanwhile, it was also alleged that been fighting for independence joined by various Papuan student groups a mob had attacked the students verbally from Indonesia for 50 years, and the protests proceeded peacefully in and physically, yelling, "Monkeys, get T without any result. But, this time, Yogyakarta and Jakarta but authorities out." there is a difference, as a wave of protests dispersed them with force and arrested It was this racist (monkey) slur that by the Papuans, has swept across the some of them, igniting further tension. ignited a prairie fire of protests by the region. Nonetheless, it would be too A series of protests by Papuans Papuans. The protests involved thousands early at this stage to predict Indonesia’s in Indonesia, begun on 19 August, of participants. In fact, the Surabaya division. mainly took place across Indonesian incident became a flashpoint for the In fact, ever since Papua was formally Papua as a response to the arrest of demand of an independence referendum. annexed by Indonesia in 1969, a low- 43 Papuan students in Surabaya for In several places, the protests turned into intensity insurgency has simmered across allegedly disrespecting and damaging the general riots, resulting in the destruction of the region. There has been an eruption of Indonesian flag during the celebration of government buildings. Clashes between

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 47 International

violent protesters and police left more than several government buildings and a 30 people killed. shopping centre. On the morning of We don’t On 19 August, a crowd of around 30 August, violent protesters set fire to "several thousand" began protesting in the General Elections branch office in promise Manokwari, the capital of the West Papua Jayapura. province. The protest turned into a riot, in As protests spread outside the you Asia... which the local parliament building and regions of Papua and West Papua, pro- some private property was torched. independence protesters occupied the Some of the protesters were carrying provincial governor's buildings. just the the Morning Star flag, the old flag of the On 1 September, three Papuan students Netherlands New Guinea, used by the were shot in their university dormitories by South of it! West Papuan Separatist Movement, while pro-government militia groups. Evidence shouting pro-independence slogans. also emerged of Indonesian soldiers firing In Jayapura, the region's largest live rounds into nonviolent protesting city and the provincial capital of Papua, crowds, killing 6 to 8 demonstrators. hundreds of protesters forcefully took One student was reported to have down the Indonesian flag in front of the been killed during fresh protests on Governor’s office. September 23, with the Indonesian military Protests also occurred in the city of claiming that protesters had burned down Sorong. In response to the "monkey" a government office in Wamena. slur in Surabaya, some of the protesters On 19 August, President Joko Widodo dressed as monkeys. A mob threw rocks released a statement urging calm and at the airport's glass windows, damaging telling the Papuans that "it's OK to be the terminal building. Another torched the emotional, but it's better to be forgiving. city's prison, resulting in the escape of Patience is also better." many convicts. Simultaneously, the government Around 4,000-5,000 protesters announced thorough investigation into rallied in the mining town of Timika and the Surabaya incident that had ignited damaged a hotel. Further clashes between passions. It called for peaceful protests protesters and police occurred in front of and said that Papuans "should not be the parliament building, leading to dozens savage like those who spout racism." of arrests. But, the “monkey” slur has stuck. It Thousands of protesters also rallied in has deeply wounded the sentiments of the town of Fakfak on 21 August, and set the Papuans. As Papuan independence fire to a local market and office building, leader, Benny Wenda observed, the while blocking the road to the airport. incident in Surabaya had "lit the bonfire of Meanwhile, Papuan students in nearly 60 years of racism, discrimination Know the region inside out. Jakarta held a rally in front of the Ministry and torture of the people of West Papua Have SouthAsia Magazine of Home Affairs on 22 August, followed by Indonesia." by peaceful protests, with a "long march" Yet, the goal of independence still delivered to your doorstep in Sarmi Regency on 23 August and seems to be far, though not altogether out every month. pro-independence rallies in Semarang, of reach. If, they pursue their cause with For subscription details, Denpasar and some other cities the next the same tenacity as they have displayed please visit our website: day. so far, and sustain the momentum their www.southasia.com.pk Protests continued on 26 August, movement has gathered, it is possible they with the West Papuan flag being flown may achieve their goal of a “Free West by peaceful protesters in Deiyai Regency, Papua,” sooner than later. numbering 5,000 according to organizers, alongside simultaneous rallies in the Papuan The writer is a senior political analyst and former The Complete Magazine for the Region towns of Wamena, Panial, Yahukimo, and Dogiyai, in addition to off-Papua cities editor of SouthAsia. 20-C, Lane 12, off Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Phase II Extension, DHA, Karachi-75500. such as Makassar. The protest later grew He can be reached at Tel: +9221 35313821-24, Fax: +9221 35313832 to over 7,000 participants. [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cmc.com.pk On 29 August, protesters torched

48 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Feature

A Celebration of Erudition and the Written Word Islamabad

illumination and hope, and for economic challenges and the By Faizan Usmani this reason, at the 6th ILF, a country’s geopolitical positioning. he 6th Islamabad Literature Festival panel discussion took place Discussions were also held on (ILF) was held at the Margala Hotel in which took an in-depth look the educational issues of today Islamabad from 27 to 29 September. at the Kashmir conflict. The and the emerging classrooms TThe Festival was launched in 2013 violence and repression in of tomorrow. There were by Oxford University Press (OUP) and like the Indian-occupied Jammu and screenings of documentary films Karachi Literature Festival, which pioneered Kashmir has acquired new and sessions featuring the fine the trend of literature festivals in Pakistan, it dimensions over the past few arts, theatre, music, and satire. has also championed the battle against the months. The fundamental And, of course, there were forces of bigotry and repression that have rights of the people have sessions about novels, short threatened literary and cultural expression in been destroyed and there stories, poetry, book launches, the country. The ILF is not just an event but is continued and blatant book discussions, mushairas in Arshad Saeed Husain a social movement as it has been successful violation of their human rights. Managing Director, OUP Urdu and English and regional in spreading the light of knowledge, creativity, Free speech is being openly literature. and tolerance nationwide. suppressed and a process of ethnic cleansing The ILF is an important event as it has now The theme of the 6th ILF was ‘Focus against the Muslims has started in the state. come to occupy a distinctive position in the on Tomorrow: Reflecting on the Past.’ The Events like the ILF promote among people the cultural, educational, and literary landscape festival sought to explore new directions and desire to fight such tyranny with the power of of Pakistan. Like other cities of the country, emerging trends and to examine the impact the written word as well as through cultural Islamabad too vibrates with creative energy of social media and technology on literature, expression. They bring people together in a and cultural verve. Its beautiful location also books, publishing, reading, and thinking in mutual search for dialogue and discourse over makes it an ideal locale for literary, cultural, general. While the roots of events such as important issues. The power of prose and and creative inspiration to flourish and for the the ILF are steeped in Pakistan’s rich literary other forms of literature along with the creative formation of new ideas. heritage, the event also presents insights into arts, influence and shape new ideas, new At the Festival, there was immense the future to further explore new writings, new concepts, and new ways of looking at things interaction between the writers, intellectuals, trends, and new technologies and to provide and confronting the issues that surround us. and artists present. They represented original platforms to younger authors and scholars. It was heartening to see that at the 6th thoughts and endeavours that transcended Some right wing fascist movements Islamabad Literature Festival, scholarly and the barriers of language and cultural around the world have also raised their ugly creative minds gathered together to deliberate backgrounds. The diplomatic community in heads over the last few years and have on many topical issues. While there were the capital also participated in the ILF with attained positions of power and influence. many sessions on literary subjects, there great enthusiasm and was instrumental in In this backdrop, there is again a need for were also panel discussions on the current adding force to Pakistan’s effort to emerge prominently on the cultural map of the world and build for the country a soft image that it so richly deserves. The Islamabad Literature Festival amply conveyed that whereas people from diverse backgrounds may have entirely different opinions and outlooks, there is a platform where they can mingle freely and exchange thoughts and ideas in an inclusive and participatory manner to learn from each other. The 6th Islamabad Literature Festival, as in previous years, proved to be a celebration of erudition and the written word as it promoted a vital blend of ideas and concepts.

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 49 Feature

Dying in the

Quetta Darkness Balochistan is a province rich in minerals and other resources but the province’s people do not benefit from this wealth.

revenue to the provincial exchequer – and always keen to exploit them. The mine By Kelton High the mine owners, belonging to Balochistan owners employ labour illegally and do not anuary 2, 2019. Four miners burnt and other parts of Pakistan - make good follow even basic regulations in order to alive. A common occurrence in money. The coal mines only benefit the minimize their costs. The miners work with Balochistan. wealthy owners while the hardships of those outdated equipment and are not governed J The province of Balochistan is of who work in the mines never end. by any checks or protection protocols. great geo-strategic importance to Pakistan Most coal mine workers suffer from The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and possesses valuable natural resources respiratory diseases as well as liver and (CPEC) offers a distant hope. Perhaps there but it has suffered at the hands of serious kidney issues. Fundamental medical will come a time when basic standards for political and administrative negligence. The services are lacking in the mining areas as mining labour would improve in Balochistan most vulnerable stakeholders in this tragedy well as in urban centres like Quetta and Sibi. and there would be opportunities for are the coal mine workers. Employment opportunities in other sectors employment in other industries as well. It In less than one year, more than 200 in Balochistan are also limited as not much looks like that the media, the government coal miners are reported to have lost their progress has been made on the industrial and the people in general hardly consider lives and 300 more have faced grave front. Working conditions in coal mines Balochistan and its problems important injuries. Around 3 lakh labourers are are simply deplorable. Mining workers die enough. There is so much talk of economic employed in coal mines across Balochistan. almost every day in areas like Mach, Harnai, prosperity coming to Pakistan under CPEC, These miners have no other employment Sharig, Degari, Duki, Abegum, Ziarat, etc. of which the Gwadar Port is a central feature. opportunities. Working in mines affects their The mining accidents often go unreported The port is located on the coast of Mekran health as this is a very hazardous activity. or, if reports are made to the relevant in Balochistan and it is expected that once The labour federation has urged the authorities, the benefits never trickle down it gets going full throttle, it will bring great Balochistan authorities to treat the plight to the victims. In this situation, there is a dire wealth to the people of Pakistan. However, of miners as a serious issue that requires need to prevent the accidents, safeguard no talk is ever heard of prosperity and immediate legislation. However, there the social and economic well-being of the progress coming to Balochistan through is complete ignorance on part of the mine workers and take measures to ensure CPEC. government and the media also does not their safety and health. The Reko Diq copper deposit is also pay much attention. After all, the miners There are huge reserves of coal around located in Balochistan in the Chaghi district. are an underprivileged lot. Coal-mining, Quetta and in Harnai, Ziarat and Mach The economic advantages that could have however, does contribute substantial regions and greedy entrepreneurs are come to the people of Balochistan had

50 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Feature

In less than one year, more than 200 coal Classroom miners are reported k ana to have lost their lives ar

L Disaster and 300 more have Education is perhaps one area which has been pushed faced grave injuries. down the priority ladder in Sindh – and left there.

By Murtaza Talpur the copper deposit been exploited, were lost when a dispute arose between the Pakistan ducation is the constitutional right of all children from the age of five to Government and TCC, the company that 16. In Sindh, everyone is busy in getting their vested interests fulfilled was supposed to mine the copper and the and protecting their reputations while education of children is put on the accompanying gold deposits. Eventually, Eback-burner. Pakistan lost its legal battle against TCC in Sindh has now fallen far behind the world in terms of quality education, as the the International Court of Justice and is now demand for better schools is growing rapidly while the supply of good schools is required to cough up a penalty of some 6 billion just not keeping pace. It seems that neither the government nor the public seem dollars. There is now an impression that China interested. The funds allocated for improvement of education either multiply bank has agreed to develop the Reko Diq copper balances of high-ups or are spent paying salaries of teachers who are mostly mines. The possibility is that China will make dysfunctional. a bid to take over the Reko Diq project and A government school teacher mockingly said, “I have been teaching for offer to pay the penalty in return for a long-term decades and have seen education ministers, officers and different provincial lease and exclusive ownership rights. government come and go. They make promises to bring quality education but The people of Balochistan have been nothing happens.” deprived of other opportunities as well, such There is a government primary school in Andhalo in Union Council Luari Sharif as Saindak which is another copper mine of district Badin, where a single teacher is assigned to 150 students from class site in the same region and was developed 1 to 5. How can this teacher handle 150 students? There are thousands of such much before Reko Diq. The site is not very schools in Sindh but the government education department does not bother. They productive anymore. More industries could also do not have the capacity and skills to make the education system better. have been set up in Hub and Lasbela and more One parent said, “It is better not to send my children to school because there benefits should have accrued to the people of is no teacher and no education. I motivate my children to work with me in farming Balochistan from the gas that was discovered to earn a livelihood.” at Sui in 1954. The unfortunate part is this gas Statistics also give a miserable picture of Sindh’s overall education system. came to the city of Quetta only in 1983 while it greatly benefited other parts of Pakistan as a cheap and environment-friendly fuel both for domestic and industrial use. Why the miners of Balochistan are not given attention is because the coal mines in the province will be exhausted one day. When that happens, the coal-mining sector will become a part of history, the owners will find other investment realms – and the workers will either die of disease or continue to live a life of penury.

The writer is associated with Transparency International Pakistan as an Assistant Project Coordinator. He can be reached at [email protected]

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 51 Feature

According to the Pakistan Survey 2017- basis and 57.1% teachers on graduation buildings were built decades ago and have 2018, the male and female literacy rate in basis. Only 29.3% teachers for their not been repaired. They are decrepit and Sindh is 70% and 46%, respectively. There Masters education. cement blocks usually fall over students. 6 million children in Sindh out of school. Of the 42,000 public schools in the Sindh The government reportedly allocates There are 9,600 shelter-less schools in province, 39,000 schools are only limited to billions of rupees each year for education the province. It is more than an alarming providing primary-level education. but where the money goes is anybody’s disclosure that has caught everyone’s Students at the secondary level is much guess. In 2019-20, the allocation has eye that among 150,000 teachers in the higher than primary. Only 78.6% have been increased from Rs170.832 billion to province; only 9% are qualified enough drinking water facility though it is functional Rs178.618 billion. On the development or capable of teaching mathematics or in very few schools. Washrooms is a huge side, Rs15.15 billion have been allocated in science subjects. concern as only 45.7% of primary schools ADP 2019-20. Besides, in 2015, enrollment of class have washroom facilities and, because of The government needs to focus one was 19% and in 2016 and 2018 it this, the enrollment ratio of girl students is seriously on raising education standards remained stagnant at 18% which was less much smaller. For cognitive, emotional and and amenities in Sindh. There is also a than the previous years. Also, the second physical growth, sports play a significant need to implement new technology to and third standard enrollment deteriorated role but in Sindh, 47.1% schools do not change conventional modes of teaching at 18%. The enrollment of fourth standard have playgrounds and those that have and learning. Regular coordination and declined 6 percent from 2015 and 2016 and such grounds do not have sports material communication between parents and was 10%. The enrollment from six to tenth and physical education teachers. teachers also needs to be strengthened. standards has remained 6%. Moreover, A proper security system is not provided in 2015, three year old children admitted in any public school in Sindh as 26.2% The writer works in the were 71% and in 2016 and 2018 it was the of these schools do not have boundary development sector. He can same. walls. More than 23,000 out of 42,383 be reached at murtazatalpur@ It is shocking to know that 1.7% of government schools are also functioning hotmail.com teachers are selected only on Matriculation without electricity and only 734 schools basis, 11.1% teachers on intermediate have libraries. In the remote areas, school

c h i Fighting

Kara World Hunger The Dawoodi Bohras are committed to abolishing hunger on World Food Day – and everyday.

By Maryam Sadriwala

s a community, the Dawoodi Bohras take food very seriously. It’s not just the unique manner in Awhich they relish food, gathered in groups of eight around a thaal. It’s not merely the fact that they begin and end their meal with a pinch of salt or that they enjoy dessert first. It’s not just their distinctive set of dishes which find their origin in Arabia, India or Yemen which makes their culinary habits stand out. Rather, the reverence and significance they attach to food stems from a deep rooted tradition initiated by their leaders

52 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Feature

who take the problem of world food is prepared every single hunger very seriously. day, the kitchen is cleaned in The Dawoodi Bohras are and out with warm and cold perhaps the only community in water. Provisions meet the the world where a community food safety standards and kitchen by the name of Faiz ul a menu committee makes Mawaid ul Burhaniyah provides sure that a balanced, healthy, food to 93,410 households recommended proportion of worldwide, including 7709 food, including meat, chicken, homes in Pakistan alone. pulses and vegetables, as per World Food Day is one the season and climate, are of the occasions when the prepared through the week.” community joins the global She reveals that families society at large to play its part receive a ‘thaali’ as per their in something it truly believes family member count and in and which it works towards when someone is travelling every single day -- that is, to Through the year, every they inform their area kitchen make zero hunger a reality, office to discontinue the thaali reflecting the pledge made community member plays for their travel period to avoid by the Food and Agriculture food wastage. Organization and joining hands his/her role in putting The Dana (grain) with the United Nations to Committee is another make healthy and sustainable an end to hunger. organization in which food accessible to everyone. dedicated volunteers This year too, on 16th October 2019 Al Madrasa tus Saifiyah tul Burhaniyah, endeavour to painstakingly go and collect and for the rest of the week, the Dawoodi Haidry campus, one of the 22 branches of leftover food after every event, be it religious Bohra community kitchens in Karachi, set a chain of community-led schools spread or social, and distribute it in an organized up a series of camps and food banks which across the globe, set up a food bank manner to the needy in a solicitous way. distributed provisions to local charities and where students collected non-perishable Even in major events which may result in the needy. items and distributed them to those in congregations of 100, 000 in one place, the Community administered schools in the need in the Azam Old Homes and Aaghosh community has been lauded for achieving city participated in a series of activities that Trust Shelter Home. The students were zero wastage. encouraged a healthy diet, food sharing moved beyond measure when they met Referring to the recent Moharram and brainstormed ideas to attain zero children, as young as them, who could not congregation which took place in Colombo, hunger. Badri High School held an activity eat till their hearts content. Furthermore, Sri Lanka, in September 2019, Ramla of persuasive poster-making, brochure- nutritionists were invited to conduct an mentions how the good leftover food was making and pamphlets, exhorting people to interactive talk on ‘How to make healthy, carefully packed in boxes and given to the share food and lend a hand to the hungry. affordable and sustainable diet for all’. needy; leftovers were separated and fed With project-based learning as their prime Like his predecessor, His Holiness the to animals and other waste used to make pedagogy, students sat in circles like they late Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, compost. do around a thaal, sharing their lunch boxes the 53rd Dai al Mutlaq, His Holiness Dr. Through the year, every community with each other and invited the teachers to Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin guides us to member plays his/her role in putting an sit with them. They also lovingly prepared a feed anyone who may be hungry. When end to hunger which is a problem faced by plate of food for each peon and maid in the hunger is appeased, a spontaneous prayer a staggering 820 million people around the school and offered it to them with respect. arises from the bowels of the one who has world. The community’s food initiatives are “We want to teach the students been fed. a micro version of what the FAO wishes to that even a single individual can make a “It is this prayer that is precious; it is achieve - zero hunger and the accessibility difference in this fight to abolish hunger. We this prayer that alleviates our hardships. of nutritious sustenance to one and all. want to make them realize that by sharing Our reward is a believer’s prayer,” says your plate of food, or giving leftovers to the Fatema who actively participates in making The writer is co-author of the book 'A deserving, or doing something as simple rotis in the community kitchen. History of Dawn' and is actively involved as ordering smaller portions can help Ramla Shabbir, one of the women in the field of education. She can be feed another mouth,” says Sh. Hashim overlooking the community kitchen in reached at [email protected] Saifuddin, principal of Badri High School. Shabbirabad, says, “To ensure that hygienic

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 53 Feature

Quest for

L ahore Creative Juice

Chairman), Fouad Husain (CEO, Group M) By Syeda Areeba Rasheed and Seema Jaffer (CEO and Creative Director, osting AdAsia for the second time is Bond Advertising). The speakers are expected to include no doubt a tremendous achievement Asad-ur-Rehman is Chairman of the Lord William Hague (former UK Secretary of Hfor Pakistan. It will be held again in content and speakers committee and is State), Randi Zuckerberg (founder & CEO, Lahore, from December 3 to 5. It is unfortunate working with Ali Rez (Regional Creative Zuckerberg Media), Richard Quest (chief though that advertising in the country has not Director for Middle East & Pakistan, BBDO). business correspondent, CNN), Peter Draper made much progress over the years. It is the There is also a special advisory committee (former marketing director, Manchester creativity of the advertising message that which includes Hameed Haroon (CEO, DAWN attracts the consumer’s attention to a product Media Group), Javed Jabbar (head of the and makes it stand out in the competition. A organising committee of the 1989 edition) and lot of thinking goes behind the making of an Jamshed Qureshi (founding member of the advertisement, whatever the medium. This is PAA). Since PAA is organising it, all member Lord William Hague Randi Zuckerberg Richard Quest not happening in Pakistan anymore. advertising agencies are participating along The country has come a long way since with leaders from the client side, such as United), Sir Martin Sorrell (founder, WPP plc), 1989 when it hosted AdAsia for the first time. EBM, Coca-Cola, Nishat, MCB and others. Fernando Machado (global CMO, Burger The event is held every two years by the Asian Designer Shahzad Nawaz is the creative King), Tom Goodwin (head of innovation, Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) consultant for AdAsia’19. He has designed Zenith Media), William Dalrymple (historian and each time the venue is a different Asian the logo which depicts a peacock rendered and author), Tay Guan Hin (creative change country. in truck art. The inspiration behind the logo catalyst, APAC Global Advisory), Tasuharu Lahore has probably been chosen again was the tradition of eastern calligraphic arts Sasaki (executive creative director, Dentsu because it is a culturally-rich city and will in which animals and birds are drawn with Network), Atifa Silk (brand director, Campaign more effectively promote the soft image of alphabets. The logo features the Pakistani – Asia), Zainab Salbi (humanitarian, author Pakistan. This will be the 31st edition of the truck art colour palette and represents the and media host), Musharaf Hai (managing conference. diversity and harmony of the Asian continent, director, L'Oreal Pakistan), Hameed Haroon The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. celebrating the beauty and spirituality of (CEO, Dawn Media Group), Javed Jabbar Imran Khan will open the conference at the different Asian cultures. The logo has, for the (media expert), Seema Kamil (president historic Hazuri Bagh where an especially first time, been made in the national language and CEO, UBL), Taher Khan (founder and commissioned musical play ‘Lahore, of the host country - Urdu. It is also a tribute chairman, Interflow Communications), Ali Rez Lahore Ae’ is to be performed. The play is to the AFAA as the 15 feathers of the peacock (regional CD, Middle East & Pakistan, BBDO a collaboration by Pakistan’s top actors, represent the fifteen members of AFAA, along Worldwide), Shazia Syed (CEO, Unilever directors and choreographers. Other cultural with their respective country flags. Pakistan Foods Limited), Dr Zeelaf Munir activities include a Gala Night at the historical The theme for this year’s AdAsia is (managing director and CEO, EBM), Waseem Asif Jha Haveli, a Sufi Night in the Walled ‘Celebrasion’ – a celebration of advertising Akram (former cricketer, coach and cricket City and a farewell closing dinner at the and creativity in Asia. This means that the commentator) and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy Governor’s House, which will be attended billions of people who live in Asia share (film-maker), etc. by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi. common interests, likes and joys and are The list of people who will attend AdAsia Arif Lohar might also perform at one of the connected digitally. The theme reflects this 2019 is impressive – and they will certainly events. spirit. From advertising to creativity and have a lot to talk about on the subject. Let’s There will be a Macau Night as well from entrepreneurship and leadership to the hope the event will serve to bring the creative where the next host country, Macau, will be changing global dynamics, everything will be juice in Pakistan’s advertising mind back to introduced for AdAsia 2021. Asian at AdAsia 2019. a boil. Sarmad Ali is the Chairman of the Some 800 delegates will attend AdAsia organizing committee of AdAsia 2019 while 2019. They will come from as diverse The writer is a member of the Sohail Kissat is the Vice Chairman. The countries and cultures as South Korea, staff. She writes on political, managing committee has professionals Taiwan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, international and social like Ali Mandvivala who is the official host Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, issues. She can be reached for AdAsia’19, Jawwad Humayun (former Macau, etc. at [email protected]

54 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Feature

k a Tensions in Diversity ha

D Religious tensions exist below the surface in Bangladesh which is predominantly a Muslim country.

By Samia Shah

angladesh emerged on the map of the world in 1971 on the basis of Bengali nationalism that Badvocates harmony between various sections of the Bengali nation without any regard to their religion, caste and creed. The Bengali nationalists who led the freedom movement were ardent supporters of secularism. The colour of the liberation movement was very much secular in its outlook but the spectre of divide along religious lines started haunting the Bengali nation soon after its creation. A few years after independence, the founder of the nation, Shaikh Mujib ur Rehman, along with most of his family members, was one fifth in 1971 and today this religious groups that included secularists and assassinated. This was not the death of the minority is one tenth of the population of minorities among its targets. The remnants pioneer of the newly-created state but also more than 150 million people. The daily of these groups even established contacts of the secular values of the country. Hindu reported that the Hindus comprised with Al Qaeda and ISIS setting, up their Soon after, the ruling elite started 22 percent in East Pakistan in 1951, 14 branches in the secular state. exploiting religion for political purposes, percent in 1974 and 8.4 percent in 2011. The 1990s is also remembered as a removing secularism as a state principle Hindus complain that they were deliberately decade of rising religious tension. In the in 1977 and declaring Islam as the state under-numbered. aftermath of Babri Mosque's demolition, religion in 1988, disregarding the demands Some ascribe this reduction to the the country's Hindus faced the brunt with of the Hindus to repeal such amendments. trend among the Bengali Hindus who, they fanatical mobs attacking Hindu properties, Unfortunately, they were following the assert, left the country for greener pastures businesses and religious worshipping footsteps of their tormentors who oppressed or shifted to Indian Bengal to get better places. Taslima Nasrin has chronicled them before the independence of the country. marriage matches for their daughters. But these incidents in her famous book Lajja. The pernicious tentacles of the religious right critics believe the reality is much bitter and The terrorist attacks of 9/11 further fueled started gripping the entire society. Jamaat sad. The discrimination against the minority militancy which in some ways also affected e Islami and other religious outfits seized always existed at some level but the tension the security of minorities in the country upon this opportunity, indoctrinating the between Muslim and Hindu extremist over but the victory of Shaikh Hasina Wajid and Bengali youth and propagating religious and the issue of the Babri Mosque further fueled the subsequent war crimes tribunal acted sectarian ideas on a massive scale through the anti-Hindu feelings. Fanatical bands as a catalyst. The treatment of Rohingya various educational and other institutions. seized upon this opportunity by attacking Muslims also strengthened the narrative Now, the past bastion of secularism houses Hindu homes, businesses and temples. The of radical elements who vented their one of the biggest religious gatherings of book by feminist author Taslima Nasrin in the anger against various sections of Bengali an ultra-conservative religious preaching 1990s further infuriated the radical elements society, including the minorities. In 2013, group that spreads retrogressive ideas, who used religion for political purposes. the goons of Jamaat e Islami destroyed advocating limited rights for women and The rising religiosity not only provided 1500 houses of the Hindus in 20 districts religious minorities. an opportunity to religious political parties besides vandalizing 50 temples. Attacks on The rising religiosity created immense to exploit religion but it also prompted the Christians, Ahmedis, Buddhists and other difficulties for Bengali Hindus, Christians Bengali veterans of the Afghan war to form religious minorities were also reported in the and other religious minorities. The Hindus various militant groups like the Harkat-ul last ten years. constituted one third of erstwhile East Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh and Jamiat e It is not only the JI that is accused of Pakistan in 1947, which was reduced to Mujahideen Bangladesh and their splinter attacking minorities; in some cases local

SOUTHASIA • November 2019 55 Feature

Ethnic and religious minorities are the A Lop-sided most persecuted and wat oppressed people S Approach in Bangladesh. The West pounced upon the shooting of a schoolgirl in Swat simply to support its anti- terrorism narrative. In the process, they went a leaders of the Awami League have also been little too far in glorifying just one girl while scores accused of orchestrating such assaults. of others also suffered but were never recognized. According to the International Religion Freedom Report 2018 of the US government, in one By Muhammad Atif Ilyas attack on the Ahmedis in 2016, 80 armed members of the Muslim community in Jamalpur arl Jung, the Swedish psychoanalyst, and founder of analytical District attacked members of the Ahmadiyya psychology states that ‘a complex can be imagined as a knot of Muslim community at an Ahmadiyya mosque, unconscious feelings, memories and perceptions organized around injuring 22 Ahmadis. The report also talked Ca common theme such as power or status’. This common theme about the condition of the 70 Santal Christian varies from situation to situation and can be applied to multiple developments families who were victims of attacks, arson across the world. In the same vein, this piece will look to argue that the idea of and gunshot wounds allegedly involving local Malala serves to satisfy complexes on two fronts. One is the Western front and authorities and law enforcement agencies in the other is the Pakistan front. Together, I call it the Malala complex. 2016. Let’s get two things very clear right from the outset. Firstly, not all Pakistanis The same report also gives details of the hate Malala. In fact, according to Pew Survey in 2014, 30 percent of respondents discrimination that minorities face in property gave favourable views about Malala and only 20 percent dismissed her as a mattera. It claims that the Hindus had filed legitimate hero. Secondly, as Asad Hashim states, hatred is rarely stupid as it thousands of property restitution cases but the is informed by ideology and politics and in, the process, the object of hatred handover of these properties turned out to be becomes irrelevant. In fact, the pertinent question becomes ‘Why do a section extremely slow. Hindus and other minorities of Pakistanis hate Malala? complain about land confiscation. Community The answer to this question can be posited on two ingrained complexes leader, advocate Rana Dasgupta blamed the which are inherently connected; lack of social mobility and innocent victimization. Vested Property Act as the root of the land Talking about social mobility, a 2015 study by Oxfam and Lahore University of confiscation epidemic. He claims five million Management Sciences states that ’40 percent of the Pakistani children in the Hindus - almost 40 percent of Hindu households lowest economic quintile are expected to remain there for the rest of their lives. in Bangladesh - lost 2.6 million acres of land Therefore, in the face of social stagnancy, when the masses saw Malala escalating since independence. Around 10 million Hindus on the social ladder so rapidly, and that too without any visible reason or career, have already left Bangladesh since 1964, suspicions started to stew and the broth was spoiled with rotten ingredients like meaning some 632 Hindu people on average jealousy and conspiracy theories. The adversaries of Malala often come up with have been forced to leave the country every stale arguments like ‘Why only Malala?’ that reek of jealousy, skepticism or may day due to law-induced discrimination. The be sheer helplessness but desperation and misery leads to damning measures. National Human Rights Commission of the Talking about the second complex, it is understandable that when the country has aptly summarized the state of masses neither have the agency nor the resources to change their conditions, minorities in its 2017 report which said, " Ethnic they start dwelling on ideas like innocent victimization and conspiracy theories and religious minorities are the most persecuted that take the matter out of their own hands, therefore relieving them of any and oppressed people in Bangladesh. The responsibility and making them feel better about themselves. Therefore, when minorities have been consistently denied their Pakistani masses, the champions of conspiracy theories, the believers of a rights and evicted from their own land." foreign hand, saw the United States and the West massively glorifying a girl from Swat and they failed to pinpoint the rational reasons behind it, they resorted to The writer is a freelance their sole consoler, ‘conspiracy theories’. contributor and If we think about it, this whole exercise is not about Malala, it is about the can be reached at distrust Pakistanis have about the West because they believe that the West is [email protected] always selfish and has its own agenda behind each of its actions. Although, Pakistanis might cry foul to the referee more often than required and they go

56 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Feature

to unreasonable extents to state that the 430 representatives appeared. Therefore, Malala shooting was staged, but the truth of it became crystal clear that the Americans the matter is that at least in case of Malala, were not glorifying those who survived US actions can be reasonably argued to be terrorist attacks in general. In fact they only biased and selfish. glorified people who were oppressed by Even after flooding around $2.4 trillion those who they thought were terrorists and dollars on the supposed ‘war on terror’, who furthered their own agenda. the US has only heard labels like ‘terrorists It is rather sad that both fronts have in uniform’ internationally, as their backers milked the Malala story left, right and have slimmed over the years, and they center, and in their reluctance to identify are absolutely eager for some vindication. their own complexes, they have forgotten Therefore, it must not be surprising a simple fact that behind this ‘story’, exists that the Malala story corroborated the a girl of minor age, who raised her voice for United States’ vindication complex, as women education in a hostile environment the perpetrators were the Taliban. In and who battled through a horrendous act the process, the US and the West went of violence. too far and awarded her with the Nobel You can bash the idea of Malala all Peace Prize and further validated what you want, but you cannot bash Malala the Pakistanis had already sketched out. the girl, who is simply trying to live her life This glorification was never about the girl normally and work for the good of mankind who survived a barbaric terrorist attack; it under the burdening canopy of self-serving was about lionizing thousands of Western agendas and high powered complexes. soldiers fighting against a force that the West labelled as evil. The writer is a teacher, American hypocrisy further came to a vocational engineer the fore when Nabeela Rehman, a mere and a development nine years old Afghani girl, devastated commentator. He by American drones, came to the US to can be reached at present her case with her father, and at [email protected] the congressional hearing, only five out of Around Town

Another Burger Joint

amous for offering America’s number one fries, Boardwalk opened its doors in Pakistan with the launch of an outlet at the Jinnah Super, College Road, F-7 Markaz in the heart of FIslamabad. Boardwalk came into being when in the summer of 1980 brothers Dave and Fran DiFerdi- nando were strolling down the world-famous Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. They, like many other vacationers, had been there as children and would come every summer to enjoy the rides and the legendary fries. They had an idea to make those famous fries accessible to everyone around the country, not just those at the beach. They opened the first Boardwalk Fries in White Marsh Mall, a shop- ping mall in White Marsh Maryland, in 1981 and by 1987 they had franchises from coast to coast. These fries were cooked many times with a special recipe, lightly salted, served piping hot and made to order. As time passed, custom- ers began asking for a burger to go with their famous Boardwalk Fries. This could be a fresh product - a never frozen, hand- made burger that was prepared every morn- ing and made to order. Hence, the Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes was born. The new eatery in Islamabad has a tender, inviting roadside view that would be perfect to put you in an urban vacation frame of mind. The sights, sounds and especially the taste from the world’s delicious Boardwalk Fries, juicy and made-to-order burgers and creamy shakes, have your hunger covered. J. Expands

(J Dot) has opened a new and ing Pakistan’s cultural heritage, The store bigger store at Karachi’s Clifton chain has expanded to more than 100 J.Dolmen Mall. outlets nationwide, plus 20 outlets in the With 4,200 sq. feet, the store stocks UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the clothing for men, women and kids as well UAE and Qatar. as accessories, fragrances and cosmetics. How the chain portrays a positive cul- The original J. store was established in tural image of Pakistan in not clear. 2002 with the unique philosophy of reviv-

58 SOUTHASIA • November 2019 Reviews

Book

Interpretation of Jihad in South Asia Understanding Jihad

By Professor Arshad Syed Karim Dar ul Herb and Dar ul Islam for more than a century. n contemporary world politics, the chang- Jihad is a part of doing good and stop- ing meanings of jihad and its interpreta- ping evil. It is the desire to live in peace and Book Title : Interpretation of Jihad in South tion through the Quran and Sunnah have harmony with the world. The modern day Asia: An Intellectual History Ialmost deviated from the actual meaning interpretation of jihad is not in consonance Author : Tariq Rehman and are narrated based on the own under- with the classical interpretation that pro- Publisher : Oxford University Press (OUP) standing of the persons dealing with the sen- motes militancy. Pages : 323 pp. sitive subject. This is how narrative evolves in In Pakistani society, the narrative of jihad ISBN : 9780190701833 response to historical, social and other pres- is penetrated by social service under social sures and how it is used to promote jihad. and financial pressures. The organizations in- lives. He mentions how Muslims were bru- The constant interpretation of different schol- volved in militant activism use this huge gap tally killed by the Mongol conqueror Halaku ars on the subject has ultimately established of haves and havenots and their disconnec- Khan. Qutb’s work was inspired by Maulana the prescribed narratives which are used ap- tion with the true guideline and interpretation Moudoodi’s modern jihadiyya doctrine. propriately at the time of necessity and for of religion. In the 1970s, the political situation in political gains. The concept of jihad is used in The author further discusses the history Egypt changed. The youth were frustrated as South Asia to evolve hostility through misun- of jihad or how it is traced in Middle Eastern they had no jobs and there were no improve- derstanding of the concept. movements in modern times. Francois Bugat ment in the infrastructure. When Anwar Sa- The book Interpretation of Jihad in South divided the Arab response to colonialism in dat recognized Israel the situation worsened Asia by Tariq Rehman is based on lines that three phases in which he said Arabs always and the people who were radical minded be- are within the discipline of the history of resent Westerners and rescinded Western- came more active. Sadat Abd-al-Salon Foroj ideas. It has a connection with intellectual ization. Their people always criticized them murdered Anwar Sadat. He advocated the framework, impact of modernity and interac- for following Western norms and culture idea of extremism in the name of jihad. Foroj tion of political forces with cultural trends. and getting influenced by them. The author quoted the Hadith and claimed that this was The book is in fact a very thought-pro- also mentions how Muslims were affected all in the Shariah. voking endeavour on jihad and the way it has around the world through ethnic cleansing Foroj only accepted those traditions affected society and militant movements, us- and facing conflicts and issues in the name that emphasized aggressive warfare while ing this idiom in the contemporary context of jihad. Under these circumstances, a group dismissing those that defined jihad as an and answers raised by different scholars at emerged called the neo-Khawarij. endeavour leading to spiritual or moral excel- different times either in history or in a con- The author also discusses Muhammad- lence as the greatest jihad is basically self- temporary scenario such as internal criticism ul-Banna, who is a political theorist and improvement. in the Islamic tradition. emphasizes that Muslims are the ones who The author also discusses suicide at- According to the book, modernity is a have been chosen for jihad. He also empha- tacks and how they are responsible for way of thinking and a belief in progress. The sizes on that kind of jihad that is permitted by the deaths of many innocent people. The new and changing dynamics of the society, the state or declared by the state. He points countries that have suffered the most are instead of only modernity, take a holistic ap- out the importance of jihad in the particular Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Bosnia, proach and must use multiple tools to re- sense when non-Muslims become the cus- Palestine, etc. Some important radicals are place the hegemonic version of modernity todians of the land of Muslims. They thus Abdullah Yousuf Azam, Osama bin Laden conceived many years back. Modernity is acquire supremacy and hegemony. Then the and Ayman-al-Zawahiri. Their radical views secularized in the West but in South Asia, Muslims have a responsibility to declare jihad reached Pakistan, especially when the Af- it is spiritual. The contemporary construc- against them. After the death of al-Banna ghan War began and Arab fighters came to tion of modernity is not related to the clas- Sayyid Qutb, Muhammad-ul-Banna contin- Pakistan and transferred their views. sical teaching of Islam. It is actually a reality ued his teachings. He believed that people To sum up, jihad does not exist in its that pertains to modernity with enlightment, are not free and they live in ignorance and original form and is thus made to look nega- naturalism and egalitarianism. The historical in a kind of system that has to be abolished. tive. The real purpose of jihad is not visible interpretation of Shah Waliullah and his son He said that people who are not living under in the contemporary world anymore. In this Shah Abdul Aziz have great influence on the teachings of Islam and are not obeying backdrop, Interpretation of Jihad in South Indian Islam and Muslims, divided between Islamic rules are facing difficulties in their Asia is a must read.

SOUTHASIA • October 2019 59 Reviews

Book

Revisiting Islam: The Reformist Thought of Wahiduddin Khan Reformation Horizons

By Khalid Hussain Mir of reformative thought and admirable scholar- ship of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan towards evival and reform in Islam rep- various Islamic sciences. The book attempts resents a continuation of the to classify and summarize the religious thought prophetic mission to implement of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, expressed in Rthe religion and to perceive the his over 200 works on the different aspects Title: Revisiting Islam: The Reformist worsening conditions of the Muslims. Reform and themes of Islam. Thought of Wahiduddin Khan and revival have both internal and external The author has made an effort to present Author : Dr Muhammad Rafique Anjum Awan dimensions and both should be approached an overview of the history of revival and reform Publisher : Adam Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi simultaneously. Revival of the Muslim Ummah in Islam and offers an account of the earlier ISBN : 978-81-7435-772-4 is seen as a total way towards the establish- revivalists with their response to modern chal- ment of a new society based on the laws of lenges and changes. While highlighting the contemporary Islamic thought. On his Peace Shariah, while renewal is a mandatory tool for challenges faced by the Muslim world, the Theory, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan has been the Islamization of all aspects of life. Islamic re- author quotes Shireen T. Hunter who has said awarded with a number of prestigious awards vival doesn’t mean compromising with the un- that “Historically, reform movements in the Is- around the world including Demiurgus Peace Islamic, nor does it mean preparing for new lamic World have emerged in response to two International Award, National Amity Award blends of Islam and non-Islam, but it means challenges or in combination of them such as and Padma Bhushan. and demands cleaning Islam from all the un- external threats especially foreign conquest There always remain possibilities of con- Islamic elements or presenting them in their and departure from moral and religious ob- tradiction among scholars and everyone at- original pure form. servance, often followed by a period of overall tempts to make clarify his arguments and In English literature significant writing has decline of Muslim societies”. notions. In “Critique of Maulana Wahiduddin been done by many Muslims scholars over According to the author, “The revelation of Khan”, the author deals with criticism of the the past few decades on the theme of revival the Quran, as embodied in the figure of the Maulana’s works made by different scholars and reform both in the subcontinent as well Prophet (PBUH), intervened to mend, resolve, around the globe. The author highlights the as in other parts of the world. Dr. Rafique An- and reform that disorder which was prevalent views of the Maulana’s opponents taking into jum (b. 1962), a well-known linguist, poet and in the society” and “the concept of reform in account the counter-arguments of the Maula- a doctor of medicine and philosophy, besides Islam therefore means that reform in the sense na and making a fair assessment of both the being a multifaceted litterateur, has earned of application of Islam in society, revitalizing the viewpoints. recognition for his creative, analytical and criti- Muslim community and making an endeavour According to the author “Maulana Wa- cal literary works. to return to the path of Islam afresh”. hiduddin Khan has divided the Muslim re- He is working at present as an assistant Under “Islamic Thought in India in Early sponse movements to western dominance in professor of Islamic Studies and coordinator 20th Century”, the author has shown the de- four categories: independence movements, of the Centre for Research in Gojri, Pahari and clining background scenario of Islamic political conservative movements, revivalist move- Kashmiri languages (CRGPKL) in the school and intellectual thought of the early 20th cen- ments and reconstruction or positivism” (p. of Islamic Studies & Languages at BGSB tury and the approaches and efforts of Indian 201). The author further says that “Maulana University, Rajouri. Dr. Anjum has extensively Muslim scholars like Sir Syed, Mohammad Wahiduddin Khan analyzed the causes of written on the fields of his expertise. Some of Iqbal, Shibli Nomani, Maulana Maududi, Ali Muslim decline and could very well visualize his significant works include: Sunehri Tareekh Miyan Nadwi, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan and the future situation” (p. 279) and “He has made (2000); Gojri-English Dictionary (2004); Anjum others who worked to regenerate the intellec- monumental efforts to resolve a universal and Shanasi (Biography, 2007); Gojri-Urdu Diction- tual hegemony of Muslims in their times. profound dilemma-‘the conflict between sci- ary (2008); Gojri-Kashmiri Dictionary (2018); The author has also presented a brief ac- ence and religion’.” (p.281) Zanbeel on Poetry (2018). count of some prominent contemporaries of Instead of being rigid, Dr. Rafique Anjum The book under review, which is titled Maulana Wahiduddin Khan like Badiuzzaman has adopted a balanced approach and has re- “Revisiting Islam: The Reformist Thought of Nursi, Maulana Maududi, Ali Miyan Nadwi, alistically presented the Maulana’s thoughts as Wahiduddin Khan” is divided into seven main Fazlur Rahman and others. In “Contribution reflected in his works. This makes his research chapters. It begins with a foreword by Prof. of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan to The Modern worthy and deserves appreciation. One hopes Akhtar ul Wasey, followed by an introduction Islamic Thought” there is a detailed introduc- the work will be beneficial and serve as an up- which is very informative as it provides the gist tion of some of his selected works related to dated source of information for scholars.

60 SOUTHASIA • October 2019 Reviews

Film IT Ends A Haunting Sequel

By Syeda Areeba Rasheed

Twenty-seven year ago, seven adolescents who called themselves the ‘Losers Club’ escaped the vil- Tlainous grasp and defeated the murderous clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). The Losers Club made Pennywise go back to whatever parallel dimension it came from. In the last moments of the first ‘IT’, they made an oath to return if the evil resurfaced. ‘If it ever comes back, we’ll come back too’. The moment reaffirmed their friendship and the bond they shared over the summer. Much like the first instalment of the film, ‘IT: Chapter Two’ reminds us of how good Stephen King and this goes on throughout the film. there any murders? Were children disappear- is at whatever he does. Director Andy Muschietti and screenwrit- ing during the time? Do the sewers smell only The film starts with a quick recap of the er Gary Dauberman have set great intros for of roses? Depriving us of answers, Muschietti summer of 1989, with voiceover from the the cast. Muschietti especially makes some opens the film with an attack which makes adult Mike (Isaiah Mustafa) who says, ‘Some- amazing transitions that are smooth and in- us question, was it the sheer evil of this at- times, we are what we wish we could forget.’ ventive as every person depicts their char- tack that brought Pennywise back or did the Of all, only Mike remains in his hometown acter from the first instalment of the film in a clown somehow cause the incident? working at a library where he searches the remarkable way, making ‘IT Ends’ a master- Muschietti recognizes the value of closure monster’s origins and finds ways to defeat it, piece. Bill Hader’s performance, in particular, and closure is what ‘IT’ is all about: You start should it ever return. Now people are again is the highlight as he shows his perfect comic something as kids and then life happens. It’s disappearing in Derry, Maine and this assures timing as well as his deep dramatic chops. as if he’s daring you to come back and see Mike that Pennywise is back. He calls the rest Pennywise, however, remains the same with how much worse it can get. Either way, direc- of the Losers Club to come back and face his oblong skull, fearful eyes and shark-like tor Andy Muschietti has gone for it with this the otherworldly creature, as they had done grin. Skarsgård as Pennywise very cleverly sequel to his 2017 smashing hit ‘IT’, taking in their childhood. manages to be both terrifying and hilarious. big swings and giving both muscularity and The Losers Club reconnects at a Chinese He is the iconic villain that will haunt people elegance to his craft. restaurant and recalls the memories of the for ages. Credit also goes to the hair and ‘IT’ explores childhood fears with the first past that still haunt them. Bill (James McA- wardrobe team for an uncanny job in match- film but the sequel steps things up as there are voy) is now a novelist whose latest book is ing the kids’ earlier look with the grown-ups. now years of trauma for Pennywise to poke being adapted into a film, Richie (Bill Hader) is There are some spectacular scenes in at. From unsettling background spine-chillers a hard-drinking stand-up comic who’s as bit- the film like a number of ominous red bal- to full-force fright mare, the creature design ter as ever, Eddie (James Ransone) remains a loons floating across a New England summer is extremely inventive with the sole purpose neurotic hypochondriac, Stanley (Andy Bean) sky and the startlingly graphic nature of their of scaring you. There is more meanness to lives in terror of his childhood nightmare re- execution. There is a scene where the group his tapping into the Losers’ troubles and their turning, Beverly (Jessica Chastain) who had individually confronts their inner fears and in- nightmarish excursions feel much more rel- a controlling and abusive relationship with her securities whilst conveying both their weak- evant to the story. Pennywise preys on these father, now has an equally toxic husband while nesses and the power that Pennywise still personal demons in ways that are much more Ben (Jay Ryan) is a wealthy architect who still maintains over them in adulthood. This part elemental than before. He knows what scares has a crush on Beverly even after three de- of the film particularly devolves into a simple these characters, even as adults. It’s the stuff cades. But before uniting them, the film ini- jump-scare fest. of nightmares, even when you’re wide awake tially shows a brutal and bone-crunching ho- The film lacks details as to how Derry has in broad daylight. He is much more violent, mophobic attack that will leave you shaking been in the absence of the Losers Club. Were more overtly involved in it all.

SOUTHASIA • October 2019 61 Reviews

Film Rambo: Last Blood Revenge Saga

By Faizan Usmani a remote town in Arizona. He is living with Maria Beltran, his old friend, and Gabriela, Beltran’s y name is Rambo, John granddaughter. One day, Gizelle, a friend of Ga- Rambo, the cockroach killer.’ briela, informs Gabriela that her biological father, The famous line belongs Miguel, is alive and is living a solitary life some- ‘Mto Afzal Khan, a Pakistani where in Mexico. TV and film actor whose first appearance ina Gabriela and Gizelle decide to go to Mexico PTV drama serial ‘Guest House’ in 1992 made to meet Miguel and they do it quite secretly, de- him famous at a stroke, chiefly by virtue of his spite the fact that both Rambo and Maria are resemblance to Sylvester Stallone, an American not in favour of this idea as it could land them home and takes care of him until he recovers actor who happens to be the protagonist of the in some unforeseen trouble. However, Gabriele from the injuries. To him, she introduces herself ‘Rambo’ film series. is desperate to meet her father to know the as an independent journalist whose sister was In the action genre, Rambo is recognized as reason why he left her and her mother in the kidnapped and murdered a few years earlier, one of the most influential film sequels of all time. lurch nearly a couple of decades earlier. Gizelle allegedly by the Martinez brothers. After his re- Particularly for those who were born or raised and Gabriela go to Mexico and successfully find covery, Rambo re-starts his mission by raiding a during the 1980s and 1990s, Rambo happens Miguel, who is miserably ill and seems to be liv- brothel, where he finds a drugged Gabriela lying to be the most entertaining name that is remem- ing his last days in a cluttered apartment. Miguel in a pitiable state. He takes her home back to bered for its action-packed performance, full says he always wanted to lead a lone life and Bowie, but she dies in the middle of the journey of adventure, aggression, suspense, chases, left Gabriele and her mother because he had no from the forced overdose administered by the escapes and, of course, ruthless violence. Re- interest in living with them. cartel. leased in 1982, ‘First Blood,’ was the first film of Feeling sad and dejected, Gabriela goes Bent out of shape, Rambo sends Maria the Rambo franchise and until now four more in- to a local pub with Gizelle to have some relief away from the home, rigs the horse ranch with stalments of the series have been released. from the painful shock. The story takes a sud- booby-traps, and returns to Mexico to find Vic- A fictional character, John James Rambo den twist when the enforcers of a Mexican car- tor Martinez with the help of Carmen. She ini- is an American Vietnam War veteran plagued tel kidnap a drugged Gabriela and take her to tially shows some hesitation, but finally agrees by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He some unknown place. to help out Rambo who seems to be on a killing first appeared in the 1972 novel ‘First Blood’ by When Rambo is informed about Gabriela’s spree to avenge Gabriela’s death. David Morrell and the novel was turned into a kidnapping, he immediately leaves for Mexico Raiding Victor’s home, Rambo decapitates blockbuster film in 1982 by Ted Kotcheff. and interrogates Gizelle and Miguel about Ga- his head and kills his several bodyguards in The latest and probably the last sequel, briela’s possible whereabouts. Led by Gizelle, one go. Hugo Martinez attacks Rambo’s ranch ‘Rambo: Last Blood’ has recently been released. Rambo visits the pub where from Gabriela was to avenge his brother’s brutal murder, but he, It is directed by Adrian Grunberg and co-written kidnapped and comes across El Flaco, a mid- along with his group of hit-man, ends up falling by Matthew Cirulnick and Sylvester Stallone. dle-aged man who last spoke to Gabriela. After victim to the rigged traps. The film’s happy end- The film featrures Paz Vega (as Carmen Del- a bitter exchange of words and nasty blows, he ing is too scary to viewers when Rambo muti- gado), Sergio Peris-Mencheta (as Hugo Marti- leads Rambo to Gabriela’s location, but Car- lates Hugo, ripping his heart out. nez), Adriana Barraza (as Maria Beltran),Yvette men Delgado, a mysterious woman at the pub, The gory revenge saga comes to an end Monreal (as Gabriela), Pascacio Lopez (as El follows Rambo throughout the hunt. when Rambo, in his trademark style, saddles Flaco), Joaquín Cosío (as Don Manuel) and Os- Before reaching Gabriela, Rambo confronts up his horse, raises his cowboy hat and rides car Jaenada (as Victor Martinez). the armed members of the Mexican cartel, led off into the sunset, while promising himself to In this latest film, Rambo embarks on a new by Victor Martinez and Hugo Martinez. They continue fighting as for him it is the only way mission when he travels from Arizona to Mexico beat Rambo to the point of unconsciousness, that helps him keep the memories of his loved to rescue and bring his adopted daughter Ga- take his driving licence as well as a photo of ones alive. briela home. Gabriela. Victor recognizes her and decides As is rightly suggested by the film’s title, Some eleven years after his Burma mis- to mistreat her further to inflict more pain on ‘Rambo: Last Blood’ looks to be and must be sion, as the story goes, John Rambo is living a Rambo. the last blood spree by Sylvester Stallone in his peaceful life in his father’s horse ranch in Bowie, Carmen Delgado takes Rambo to her 47-year long acting career being Rambo.

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