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Telling Pakistanis the truth

Published: December 5, 2011

The writer is a lawyer and political commentator based in London ayesha.khan@tribune.com.pk

One of the worst things successive governments in Pakistan have done is to deny their people the truth. Although this has been more common during dictatorships, democratic dispensations have not been far behind in deceiving the public. The recent brutal and seemingly senseless attack by Nato force at Salala, once again raises several questions about the US-Pakistan relationship. In retaliation, among other things, Pakistan has asked the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase. It has also been brought to our attention that the airbase was leased to the UAE back in 1992, under the watch of a PML-N government. What were the terms of this lease? Did the lease allow the UAE to sublet the airbase to a third party without the consent of the host country? Is it appropriate to lease an airbase to a foreign country regardless of whether it is being used to fly drones or hunt birds? Did the elected parliament ever debate such questions? Or was the base leased in a secret deal?

A lack of transparency plagued the war on terror during Musharraf’s time. Instead of taking people into confidence on the nature of the threat from both the Taliban and the Americans, the Musharraf government played a double game. As a result, neither the Americans, nor the Taliban, nor the Pakistani people were satisfied. When the PPP government took over in 2008, it was a rough position for them to be in, but while one hoped that a democratic government would work towards building that much needed public consensus, Zardari instead reneged on promises to restore the judges wrongly deposed off by Musharraf. As a result, he alienated both the PML-N, a large opposition party that could have helped build the required public opinion, as well as large sections of the intelligentsia and civil society. The crucial time lost by dilly-dallying on the judges’ issue strengthened extremist forces and Pakistan lost valuable time in correcting the wrongs of a dictator.

With the public in the dark, a lack of consolidated opinion and extremist forces on the advantage, the Zardari coalition government hobbled along lopsided. Somewhere along the line, however, the Americans decided that they were being deceived and that it was payback time. Americans do, after all, have a vindictive streak. A number of incidents followed in which the primary American objective was to humiliate Pakistan. Raymond Davis, the May 2 OBL raid, memogate (planting Mansoor Ijaz to create further divisions between Pakistan’s civilian and military apparatus could be a potential American ploy) and now Salala. Barring Salala, in all three of the other three cases, our establishment, assisted by sections of the media and opposition, played right into the hands of the Americans.

In the meantime, middle-class urban Pakistanis, accustomed to being deceived and hence prone to thinking the worst of their own government, take the humiliation personally. With rising anti-Americanism, the arena is open to demagogues looking to exploit that sentiment. Enter Imran Khan. He offers easy solutions that appeal to a people on the edge and humiliated by a supposed ally. Ironically, however, if his policies are ever implemented, the very middle class that supports Imran would be the hardest hit economically. Iran stood up to America, goes the argument and it does not dare attack Iran. But is that really true?

Twice in November, Iranian nuclear facilities were targeted. The Iranian government’s response has been worse than that of the Pakistani government. Fearing humiliation among its people, Iran denied that the Isfahan attack took place, but satellite imagery confirmed that a blast rocked Isfahan’s uranium enrichment facility. A few weeks ago, in Tehran, a blast killed 30 members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, including General Hassan Moghadam, the head of the Iranian missile defence programme. Iran claimed that the explosion occurred as a result of testing new weapons, but Israeli sources say otherwise. To top it off, already reeling under economic sanctions, a new set of measures targeting Iran’s oil industry have been taken by the US and the European Union, banning foreign firms from doing business with the Iranian central bank. Perusing a large sampling of the WikiLeaks cables, it was instructive that 75 per cent of them revolved around how the US could make Iran economically unviable.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2011.

Reader Comments (53)

  • Nadir
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:03PM

    We have become used to playing the victim, and it suits the interests of the powers that be that we remain perpetually in fear. Truth? Never, propoganda yes. Supposedly, we are showing the US whoose who by shutting down a base that they probably sparingly used in the recent past. If they really wanted to “look into their eyes” they would stop US planes flying through Pakistani airspace. But this whole circus is not to show America that we are soverign, but to appease a nationalistic public who can be whipped up into a frenzy depending on what the media thinks is a worthy cause. Those who have killed 30000 odd Pakistanis dont capture the public imagination.

    Recommend23

  • Parvez
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:07PM

    …..and who will tell the people the truth ??

    Recommend11

  • Asif
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:08PM

    Iran does stand up to the US and the rest.Those attacks on their facilities were terrorist attacks by Mossad. It was wise not to respond because Israel will just deny it. After that, they arrested many spies. Iran also shot down a US drone.

    Pakistan needs to cut all ties with the US, or downgrade to an absolute minimum.

    The US war is the only reason there is no peace in the region. It needs to be over, and Pakistan needs to stop supporting it, and demand a complete end.

    Imran Khan is the only option, and he has no corruption to his name. The propaganda against him is put forward by the pro-US pakistani elite who are out of touch with the mainstream.

    Kayani needs to heed Imran’s demands. Downgrade ties.

    Afghanistan needs its independence, and US needs to go.

    Recommend9

  • faraz
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:24PM

    Army uses anti Americanism in the public to demand concessions from US. In reality, they know their limitations. All this rhetoric will die down in few weeks; US will release some money that would be used for repayment of IMF loans starting February next year, NATO supply lines will resume, and Zardari would be held responsible for beghairti.

    After recent confirmation that Shamsi base was being used to carry out drone attacks, Imran should now organize dharna in front of GHQ

    Recommend35

  • Ali Akbar
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:27PM

    Ayesha, the anti-American sentiment has been present for some time in Pakistan. And it does create political space (what you call a vacuum) for Imran Khan and other religious parties. How that space is exploited is a long debate. But I don’t understand why you have cited Iran as an example. What was your point? Are you trying to say that a country doesn’t have a right to formulate its foreign policy independently, keeping its best interests at the forefront? Should the U.S have a say in everything that goes on the region? How is a nuclear Israel safer than a nuclear Iran? I would rather be poor and live (or die) with pride than beg for aid and live like a slave.

    p.s: Imran Khan goes on like a parrot about ending corruption (read – leakages from the economy) and establishing a tax base and increasing compliance. That is how most countries raise revenue to provide basic services and infrastructure. I am sure the ‘middle class’ will be happy to pay taxes if they can become genuine stakeholders in society.

    Recommend10

  • Raza
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:39PM

    So Ms Ayesha what is your solution to this problem?

    Recommend8

  • Abbas from the US
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:40PM

    And Pakistan could be made to pay as well.

    The Iranian Central Bank could be sanctioned if the resolution unanimously passed by the US Senate three days ago is implemented, which calls for the punishment of any commercial bank that conducts financial transfers to (the CentralBank of Iran).

    The US administration opposes the move and may not enforce it as policy because of the fact that the result would be of taking of more than two million barrels of crude oil off the market and putting significant pressure on crude oil prices. However if the US economy was in better shape, Iran could have been brought to its knees.

    In Pakistan’s case there are several options available to the US administration, and none of them appear to bode good either for the Pakistani economy or for the Pakistani military establishment. The Pakistan Military Establishment is engaging in a high stakes gambling possiblity and could possibly come out with some gains, but the possiblity also lies in the fact there could be economic as well as political destablization.

    Recommend8

  • Kung
    Dec 5, 2011 - 11:44PM

    How much do were u paid to rise this. It’s simple. America pays us $20 m to do it’s dirty work. We loose $60m in process and 40,000 Pakistanis.

    Recommend6

  • Shahbaz Asif Tahir
    Dec 6, 2011 - 12:00AM

    Imran’s policies once implemented, Inshallah will bring relief
    to the middle class, who are sufferring from the policies of nepotism, and
    favoritism. Imran’s views on this fake war, to which Pakistan has been
    forcefully subjected to, are consistent, and out of his sincere well wishes,
    for Muslims, and Pakistan. How ever for people who have their own agenda,
    and are finding it hard to cover their anger, over Imran’s rising popularity,they can
    find many excuses of irrelevance.

    Recommend5

  • Samir
    Dec 6, 2011 - 12:14AM

    But Maam what would Pakistan be without lies?
    We lied to minorities in 1947 telling them they would be safe in our land. That has not turned out to be true as their percentage of the population has gone from 15% to 3%.
    We lied to our people telling them India started all four wars against us when in fact it started none.
    We lied to the world in saying that we didn’t have any role in supporting terrorists yet OBL was hiding in our back yard and the Haqqani group is supported by the ISI.Recommend72

  • Bravo
    Dec 6, 2011 - 12:26AM

    have you even studied IK policies or you just listened to the propaganda? Can you explain how IK policies if implemented will hit the middle class?

    Recommend9

  • Dec 6, 2011 - 12:39AM

    well !…ii personally tink that truth sould be told ,but what after that,where the hell is this government will hide

    Recommend3

  • Arindom
    Dec 6, 2011 - 12:43AM

    What is the article about? It started with the premise that dictatorships lying to the people and hence democracies couldnot change? You never said why? You peppered the article with examples some of which can’t hold. It will be a stretch of the imagination that Davis episode was pre-planned from end-to-end like a movie!! The the article instead of analysing hypothesis it raised at the outset then completely lost track. Between Imran Khan’s prospects and Irans nuclear weapons program and it’s economy, it blundered on blindlessly until finally finding solace on familiar ground – anti-Americanism.Recommend8

  • rational_thinker
    Dec 6, 2011 - 12:47AM

    planting Mansoor Ijaz to create further divisions between Pakistan’s civilian and military apparatus could be a potential American ploy..
    did I miss something or is it just another day in the life of graduates from ZaidHamid school.. From the day the scandal broke out, I have been reading in newspapers that Haqqani was the most pro-US man in country’s leadership.. if thats true, what exactly would US gain by having him fired from teh ambassador position?Recommend15

  • pmbm
    Dec 6, 2011 - 1:35AM

    Writer seems to have impressive resources about attacks in Iran.

    Recommend3

  • Mirza
    Dec 6, 2011 - 1:47AM

    I was the strong supporter of “independent” judiciary. The PPP PM did first thing even when Mush was president. He released the judges and their families.
    On their part the judges have been releasing all the terrorists and dragging their feet even on Qadri’s case. There are cases languishing in the SC for decades including murder and constitutional appeals. However, this PCO SC leaves everything and pounces on the political cases especially targeting the PPP leadership. It now appears that Gen Mush and army were right in throwing these judges in detention. They have a long history of cooperating subversive and extermist forces and opposing the elected govts.

    Recommend50

  • Babloo
    Dec 6, 2011 - 2:47AM

    Truth cannot be told because it expose the million lies told in past 60 years. So in supreme national interest more lies will have to be told. Under such circumstances, under the doctrine of necessity, telling truth may be an act of treason. I will have to ask the honorable SC about it.

    Recommend28

  • A Fahran
    Dec 6, 2011 - 3:12AM

    Nothing will change until rulers and citizens place religion in the background and keep mullahs in check. Nothing will change until then.

    Recommend24

  • numbersnumbers
    Dec 6, 2011 - 4:27AM

    SO you say that “A number of incidents followed in which the primary American objective was to humiliate Pakistan. (The May 2 Osama bin Laden Raid)!

    Wow, I always thought that the AMERICAN objective was to KILL OBL with extreme prejudice (double tap to the chest and one to the head) and gather as much intelligence (laptops, thumb drives, cd discs, hard drives, paperwork ete etc) as possible!

    PRIOR to May 2, it is obvious that the PAKISTANI objective was to provide OBL with a safe and secure retreat in Abbotobad, from where he could direct his terrorist forces! After all, what are useful Pakistani “friends” like OBL for!

    And what ever happened to that “Abbotabad Investigation”, which turned into a joke of how Pakistan’s “soverignty” was violated, rather than what OBL was doing sheltered in Abbotabad FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS, and by which government agency????

    Recommend9

  • Jack Brown
    Dec 6, 2011 - 5:24AM

    @Author: “Americans do, after all, have a vindictive streak. A number of incidents followed in which the primary American objective was to humiliate Pakistan.”

    Do you really below this statement? How do you reconcile living in the west with your beliefs?
    You sound exactly like one of the conspiracy theory believers who live in Pakistan. Blind leading the blind!

    Recommend13

  • Dec 6, 2011 - 6:19AM

    Ironically, however, if his policies are ever implemented, the very middle class that supports Imran would be the hardest hit economically

    The only class to be hit by PTI’s economic policies is the upper class (the upper 10%). And frankly they can go to hell for all I (the middle-class) care!

    Recommend3

  • Mirza
    Dec 6, 2011 - 6:53AM

    “Telling Pakistanis the truth”. What a novel idea? Let us start with the following:
    Officially release Humood Rehman Report about the atrocities and surrender in East Pakistan.
    Kargil fiasco
    Presence of OBL in an army base while we have been telling the world he is not in Pakistan.
    The wealth of Ayub, Zia families while they were salaried govt servants.
    The role of ISI in subverting each and every elected govt in Pakistan.
    The SC judges who have always sided with the generals committing treason.
    Mehran Base failure
    Exporting and selling nuclear technology to rouge nations.
    And the list goes on and on. But starting with this would suffice. Media is also quiet on these issues. For them an unsigned piece of paper written by an American is more important than all the above to talk about.

    Recommend44

  • N
    Dec 6, 2011 - 7:25AM

    Give hope a chance by writing in Urdu. English media – matters little.

    Recommend7

  • Karl Marx
    Dec 6, 2011 - 8:17AM

    All these PTI ghairatmand people say that they would prefer to be poor and live in hunger rather than allow violations of Pakistani sovereignty. This ghairat brigade should keep in mind that it is their full stomach talking. Once the same people go hungry for a few days and see how it is to be poor and destitute they will be more than willing to trade their ghairat for a piece of bread.

    Talk is cheap!

    Recommend17

  • Feroz
    Dec 6, 2011 - 9:58AM

    When the entire World was telling Pakistan that OBL is in your country please get him, no one listened. While the world knew the truth and waited for the right time to establish it, for citizens it was a conspiracy and a fake sovereignty issue. Today the World knows that Pakistan is hosting Haqqani and the Quetta Shura beside assorted State Assets(non state actors) who have in reality killed over 35000 citizens and numerous others in neighboring countries. Let me repeat that Pakistani Muslims have slaughtered 35000 fellow citizens – but it is very strange that the enemy is India, America and Israel in whatever order.
    To live in delusion is fine as long as the rights of neighbors is not infringed. No country can have its citizens go into neighboring countries to create violence and then welcome and fete them – sovereignty is non existent. When the belief is in Muslim Ummah and not a nation state the picture becomes very blurred.
    Let me repeat that Muslims have killed more Muslims in Pakistan and Afghanistan over the last 10 years than have been killed all over the World by Kafirs.
    Please decide with a clear head who the ENEMY is, whose war it is and who is hosting these MURDERERS !Recommend26

  • wonderer
    Dec 6, 2011 - 11:10AM

    It takes COURAGE to be truthful. Pakistan has not even been truthful in what it teaches its children in schools. It is high time Pakistan faced the truth; for truth can not be hidden for ever, and starting with the killing of OBL it has started coming out. The truth about the recent NATO attack may yet surprise and startle everyone.

    Listen to your famous historian, Ayesha Jalal on Radio-Open-Source and Najam Sethi on Youtube to see the truth about Pakistan’s history and about the wars with India.

    Those who can not face the truth can not obviously learn from past mistakes.

    Recommend12

  • Truth Teller
    Dec 6, 2011 - 5:09PM

    Let them stay in their world & keep blaming for their self created problems on CIA, RAW & MOSSAD.Recommend7

  • Meekal Ahmed
    Dec 6, 2011 - 6:01PM

    @Mirza:

    What about the truth in BB’s murder case? Who killed Shahnawaz Bhutto? Murtaza Bhutto?

    The list is endless.

    America has a vindictive streak? Hmmm. Even the worm turns.

    Please don’t give Iran as an example. Iran has OIL and gas. We have a single-commodity economy based on cotton.

    If IK is serious about fixing the budget, the mother of all our evils, he will have to TAX and tax everyone and every sector. Lets us see how that plays out since no government, democratic or dictator, has been able to tax fairly in 64 years. Our tax-GDP ratio was a resounding 8.6% in 2010-11 and is unlikely to go up this year. It was 8% of GDP fifty years ago.

    Recommend12

  • Babloo
    Dec 6, 2011 - 6:22PM

    @Mirza, you have made a great point. The judiciary in Pakistan is clearly pro-Jihadi and pro-other subversive elements that do not believe in the democratic process.

    Recommend18

  • Iron hand
    Dec 6, 2011 - 7:23PM

    @Feroz: Bullseye!

    Recommend8

  • hamza khan
    Dec 6, 2011 - 9:03PM

    musharraf syndrome? amazing that he finds his way into every article. the mans been gone for 3 years. his government was much better, more transparent than this excuse for a government. president musharraf presented himself in front of the media regularly. gave updates, took them into confidence. what has the democratic guardians of pakistan done? nothing.

    Recommend2

  • Mirza
    Dec 6, 2011 - 9:23PM

    @Meekal Ahmed:
    Yes sir, and the list goes on and on. The cases you have mentioned may take some time to decide as they never “really” got started. I mentioned the ones which are already decided and there are no doubt about them. Thanks and regards,
    Mirza

    Recommend10

  • Dec 6, 2011 - 10:21PM

    whats new in ur article. all u talked about is already in public knowledge. for god sake, put some analysis thing in ur articles so that people can get some food for thought.Recommend3

  • Abbas from the US
    Dec 7, 2011 - 12:33AM

    @Meekal Ahmed:

    Correction Pakistan’s Tax to GDP ratio is about 10.2 compared with 8.6 for Bangladesh and India at 17.7. However Income tax as a percentage of overall GDP is at 2% and even India suffers from the inablity to widen the income tax as an overall percentage of the GDP at 3.2%.
    The need is to widen the tax base by including the income from Agriculture in the immediate step which unfortunately Imran khan cannot produce a parliamentary majority with electable candidates without falling back to support within the agragarian constituencies.

    Please see this list of coountries as percentage of GDP

    http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pakistan%20tax%20to%20gdp%20ratio&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FListofcountriesbytaxrevenueaspercentageof_GDP&ei=FWveTozINcfi0QHK2YXABw&usg=AFQjCNF0CjoKjgLZ3Iy4PybUrafN9ahTWg

    Recommend6

  • Shahbaz Asif Tahir
    Dec 7, 2011 - 1:01AM

    @Feroz:

    Your analysis is clear cut nonsense. Either you are an Indian, or some one
    from Pakistan’s own liberal baighairat brigade. Go and get yourself some help.

    Recommend2

  • Nadeem Anwar
    Dec 7, 2011 - 1:57AM

    The role of ISI in subverting each and every elected govt in Pakistan. *emphasized textBecouse today the World knows that Pakistan is hosting Haqqani and the Quetta Shura beside assorted State Assets(non state actors) who have in reality killed over 35000 citizens and numerous others in neighboring countries. Let me repeat that Pakistani Muslims have slaughtered 35000 fellow citizens – but it is very strange that the enemy is India, America and Israel in whatever order.
    To live in delusion is fine as long as the rights of neighbors is not infringed. No country can have its citizens go into neighboring countries to create violence and then welcome and fete them – sovereignty is non existent. When the belief is in Muslim Ummah and not a nation state the picture becomes very blurred.*

    Recommend8

  • PoorPeace!
    Dec 7, 2011 - 3:52AM

    @Shahbaz Asif Tahir:
    Instead of Feroz its you who I think needs help. Can you mention why you find his analysis nonsensical? Perhaps because its truth which you are not capable of listening.

    If you have so much ghairat then why do you people keep begging in front of EU for trade concessions nad IMF for loans?

    Recommend11

  • Cynical
    Dec 7, 2011 - 3:58AM

    One needs to have a matching stomach to digest the truth.Till then…….!

    Recommend6

  • Shahbaz Asif Tahir
    Dec 7, 2011 - 4:47AM

    @PoorPeace!:

    Who ever you may be, I do not need to clarify any further. If you do not wish to
    accept the reality, yourself, then perhaps get help. Pakistan has lost $70 billion, and
    35,000 killed not because they are fighting amongst themselves. I hope this is not
    rocket science. All of us Alhamdullilah have ghairat, unlike the baighairat PPP, and PMLN,
    who have looted and plundered the country, and dragged it to its present plight. Let me
    assure you, we need honest, sincere, people, who fear Allah Subhana, to rule Pakistan.
    Not the present pathetic thieves, who have inflicted Pakistan, with such failures, that it is
    hard to even know where to start. Wake up who ever you may be.

    Recommend4

  • Abdul Khan
    Dec 7, 2011 - 6:14AM

    You forgot to mention the Iranians busted an American CIA ring, and arrested 47 American spies, and downed a U.S drone and now have aceess to America’s stealth technology. You also forgot to mention how Iranian’s have gained control of Southern Iraq etc. Not to mention Pakistan is not Iran, Pakistan has 200 Million people and a nuclear arsenal of 100 or more. You also failed to mention how countries like Libya which peacefully surrendered to the west, were torn to shreds instantly.Recommend3

  • ZULKIFUL
    Dec 7, 2011 - 10:26AM

    In my opinion the basic reason of all this situation is ” CRITICAL ROLE” of USA in the politics of Pakistan from that day when Mr.Liaqat Ali khan accepted the invitation lettre of USA’s president instead of Russian’s till the date. We have to change the situation by electing the real representatives of public,who should be very honest and peteriotic from any off the political , religious , rightist or leftist parties

    Recommend2

  • ZULKIFUL
    Dec 7, 2011 - 10:35AM

    But how can we change all this horrible condition?? We have to take some initiatives from ourselves. Critising the government,political parties and politcians is very easy and even the right thing but it is not the solution..

    Recommend2

  • Nanggdharangg
    Dec 7, 2011 - 11:45AM

    @ Raza : It’s not Ayesha’s job to provide ‘solutions’.That’s why we elect govt.’s into office.
    As usual, a very well-written piece Ayesha ! Great job !

    Recommend6

  • antanu
    Dec 7, 2011 - 4:36PM

    Same….age old overly awed sentiments with US…fine…if you think what is going on is wrong…just suggest some solutions.

    Recommend1

  • One God for every one
    Dec 7, 2011 - 5:24PM

    @Truth Teller:

    And also Allah.

    Recommend2

  • PoorPeace!
    Dec 7, 2011 - 5:50PM

    @Shahbaz Asif Tahir:

    By any stretch of imagination it is not possible that you have lost 35000 people. If you add the number since 9/11. What you are saying is that you have lost 1000 people per year which untrue because in the initial 3-4 years Pakistan was relatively peaceful and most attacks were happening on Western forces and not Pakistanis. If I take 2006 as the year since when terrorists decided to turn against their masters then according to you, you have lost 16-17 people every day. Can’t be true.

    Again, you mention you have lost $70 billion in this war of terror but there is no proof of that too. Not to mention that atleast $60 billion was provided by US alone. I am sure if tomorrow it is revealed that US has provided $100 billion then you people will jack up your loses to something above $100 billion too.

    In any case its your war so you are bound to suffer some casualities. US created a beast which you so fondly nurtured. Now it has come back to bite you. Gud luck!

    Recommend5

  • Javaad Ali
    Dec 7, 2011 - 7:12PM

    Shimsi Airstrip was NEVER EVER EVER leased by ANY government of Pakistan to ANYBODY. It was built by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi for their use for hunting in an un-inhabited and un-used tract of land with the permission of the Pakistan Government. It was NOT LEASED by the UAE to the US. Rather the Pakistan government allowed to US to use it from around December 2001 onwards. The Government of Pakistan MAY have informed the UAE Royal family about this decision and as formal courtesy perhaps MAYBE even sought their “No-objection”

    Recommend2

  • Dec 7, 2011 - 9:46PM

    By killing Iran’s top Nuclear man Israel / USA has only strengthened its resolve to fight it out, rather than hide it out like Pakistan. Iran is facing unprecedented economic problems but its leadership is resolved and very harsh on America. And so are its people. They love their country and they are likely to give America a tough time, if it ever decides to go to war. And that would be a tragedy of our world.

    I hope our lameduck government realizes that the future of Pakistan and its people lies in defending Pakistan itself. By continuously lying to public, as is wont of this government, they are only betraying our trust more and more.

    Recommend

  • observer
    Dec 7, 2011 - 10:35PM

    You mean the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Like…..

    A. Pakistan is not necessarily God’s most favourite country.
    B. The world is not really conspiring against Pakistan.
    C. Minorities have rights.
    D. Qadri is a murderer and so are the LeJ,LeT types.
    E. Pakistan did not win all the wars.Recommend3

  • Shahbaz Asif Tahir
    Dec 7, 2011 - 11:21PM

    @PoorPeace!:

    The figure of $70 billion that Pakistan has suffered was quoted, by no
    other than your NRO tainted President, in his articles. This was stated by several
    other competent analysts who appear on private TV channels. The number of 35,000
    casualties, is a well established fact, of which nearly 4000 are military, and police
    officials. This is an unbearable pain for us. I do not need to waste my time debating
    with people like you, while all this suffering is unbearable and painful.
    Either you are ignorant, or need serious help. Decide for yourself.

    Recommend2

  • Grace
    Dec 7, 2011 - 11:55PM

    @observer: That’s right- the whole truth and nothing but- this also applies to you Indians like:

    1/ India is not necessarily Bhagwan’s favorite country
    2/The world really cares whether India can catch up to the development of China
    3/Low caste Hindus and minorities have equal rights in India
    4/India sends RAW agents from the lackeys in Afghanistan to harm innocent Pakistanis.
    5/India managed to win 1971 only because Pakistan was involved in a civil war and India took advantage of a situation they created and made Pak fight with one hand tied behind its back. As for 1965, Rannof Kutch War and 1947, Pakistan gave better than it received and the PAF was more than a match for India.

    Recommend

  • You Said It
    Dec 8, 2011 - 1:21AM

    @Grace:
    I agree with the first half of what you said, but I doubt if you appreciate the irony in your comments:

    1/ India is not necessarily Bhagwan’s favorite country
    Are you saying that Bhagwan is different than Allah? If so, India has to be his/her favorite since, let’s face it, it’s the only predominantly Hindu country. But if you say they are the same, I agree, but then — oh my — you subscribe to our secular, all-religions-are-equal ideology.

    2/The world really cares whether India can catch up to the development of China
    Agree the world doesn’t, but India does care, and that’s her 1st priority. What’s yours?

    3/Low caste Hindus and minorities have equal rights in India
    I didn’t even know anybody disagrees with this. In fact, its the first thing in the Preamble to the Indian constitution. Now remind me, what does the Pak constitution say for minorities?

    4/India sends RAW agents from the lackeys in Afghanistan to harm innocent Pakistanis.
    So you say, but to quote Pakistan’s permanent refrain, “where’s the evidence?”

    5/India managed to win 1971 only because Pakistan was involved in a civil war and India took advantage of a situation they created and made Pak fight with one hand tied behind its back. As for 1965, Rannof Kutch War and 1947, Pakistan gave better than it received and the PAF was more than a match for India.
    Hmm… the official Pak account is that Bengalis loved Pak and would never have left had it not been for the war. You need to make up your mind on whether there was a civil war going on or not — if yes, then you are saying that the Bengalis wanted no part of Pak…

    Recommend4

  • Dec 14, 2011 - 7:31AM

    Yes, I agree Pakistani Government is denying their people the truth.

    Recommend

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