Terrorism - Articles

The US led War against terrorism and the role-played by Pakistan, continued to be a major source of criticism against the government, especially after the attack on a madrassa inside Pakistan by the US forces fighting against the al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

Towards the end of December 2002, according to Maj. Gen. Rashid Qureshi, “during an operation carried out by US troops, a bomb fell near the Durand Line in Pakistani territory.” (Dawn, 03 January 2003) This incident evoked several responses inside Pakistan, as it was later found that, the US used “F-16 aircraft to drop the 500-pound laser guided bomb.” (Dawn, 5 January 2003) While the military regime tried to defuse the situation, by ordering into an enquiry, many believed that it was a calculated attack by the US on a madrassa in the South Wazirisitan Agency.

The Provincial Assembly of the NWFP, Dawn reported, (02 Janaury 2003) “unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the US aircraft attack on a Madressah in South Waziristan Agency and demanded of the federal government to register a strong protest with the US government in this regard.”

Daily Times, in its editorial, (“Fallout of a border incident,” 03 January 2003) commented, “such incidents are bound to take place during such operations. American troops operating in Eastern Afghanistan are supposed to be working in “cooperation” with Pakistan and a firefight like the one that happened on the border should not take place. Therefore a more thorough going briefing is required on both sides of the border where patrolling is going on. Our troops are justified in guarding the border strictly and American patrols on the other side should know and respect our concerns.” The Nation, in its editorial, (“Border incident,” 02 January 2003) noted, “The US is unaware of the traditions and customs of the tribal people inhabiting areas across the Durand Line. Its actions are, therefore, leading to a situation where Islamabad might be obliged to face the consequences of Washington's indiscretions. While the Bush Administration might succeed in achieving its goal, Pakistan may again be left holding the baby. It is time the country's leadership gave priority to national interests and stopped catering to the whims of the sole superpower, especially when its intentions are less than friendly. The latest spurt of venom from the US's 'strategic ally', Mr Vajpayee, should leave us in no doubt that the US is merely using Pakistan.”

 Shireen Mazari, commenting on the same issue, wrote (“Increasing cost of cooperation with the US,” The News, 8 January 2003) “all these incidents merely show the need for Pakistan to do a reality check regarding its relationship with the US - not only at the strategic level but also at the operational level. After all, operationally, the US still needs Pakistan's support to pursue its goals in Afghanistan. Yet, the costs for Pakistan are becoming ever greater especially with the US forces feeling they can run riot in Pakistan - especially along the Durand Line.”

The Nation, in its editorial, (“US crosses the limit,” 8 January 2003) condemning the US actions observed, “Our reluctance to resist open violations of our sovereign right could only be explained by sheer haplessness. It exposes the hollowness of our claim that no outside force would be allowed to operate within our borders. ISPR chief Maj-Gen Rashid Qureshi's observation that we played the South Waziristan bombing up out of all proportion only reflects his own lack of appreciation of the seriousness of the matter.”

Abid Ullah Jan, warned (“Pakistan: Next on US menu,” The Nation, 10 January 2003) that “a closer look reveals that there is no area in which Pakistan has not been attacked and forced to subjugate since then. The bombing shows the opening of Pakistan chapter in the ‘war on terrorism’.“

Wajid Shamsul Hasan, writing on Pakistan-US joint efforts against terrorism, observed, (“In a no-man’s land,” The News, 02 January 2003) “Pakistan has become an American fiefdom. Air and military bases are sitting in our midst as mocking birds. FBI agents are running amok arresting Pakistanis. Its nuclear programme is under constant threat of demolition and its worthy scientists are being treated with suspicion to please Washington. This despicable situation demands a serious reflection on the state of affairs following the total failure of Islamabad's foreign policy and letting Americans come "to stay in Pakistan for quite some time". Pakistan has come to be everything that the United States needs to achieve its geo-political and free-market objectives in the region.”

However, not everybody was critical of the role played by the US. For example, Iffat Malik, observed, (Will it be a happy or fearful 2003,” Dawn, 5 January 2003) “If the war against terror (to date predominantly a war against Islam) is to be ended, political leaders like Mubarak and Arafat and ideological/militant leaders like bin Laden will have to abandon the dangerous course on which they have so far steered the Muslim world. Democracy, freedom, transparency, growth and moderation from within the 'ummah' are a major key to its salvation.”