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Pakistan is Winning Its War on Terror
Until a few years ago, Pakistan was one of the most dangerous countries on earth. The tribal areas in the north were infested by the Taleban, whose bases stretched to within 100 miles of the capital, Islamabad. Western intelligence agencies feared that the Taleban could seize one of the country’s nuclear installations, then hold the world to ransom. Large parts of the country elsewhere were lawless or terrorised by armed groups. It would be foolish to claim that Pakistan’s security problems are over. But something extraordinary and unexpected has certainly happened. Since it fails to fit the established narrative of Pakistan as a dangerous nation, it’s gone unacknowledged in the West. Violence has not just dropped a bit. It is down by three quarters in the last two years. The country is safer than at any point since George W. Bush launched his war on terror 15 years ago. The change can be dated to a special cabinet meeting called by prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Karachi in September 2013. At this meeting Sharif called an end to Pakistan’s culture of violence. Parts of Karachi, a teeming city of more than 20 million on the Arabian Sea, had been a war zone for decades. All the main political parties employed paramilitary wings and some formed alliances with terror groups including al-Qaeda. The Taleban had long treasured a secure basis in Karachi, as had religious terror groups. That was a conventional crime industry specialising in kidnap, drug smuggling and extortion (every business had to pay protection money to gangs). Pakistan’s politicians tolerated this. Pervez Musharraf, the army chief and president, was often accused of allowing the armed wing of Karachi’s largest political party, MQM, to operate with complete impunity. This policy continued under Musharraf’s civilian successor, Asif Zardari, whose Pakistan’s People’s Party governed Karachi in coalition with MQM from 2008 to 2012. Five years ago we walked around gangster-infested Liyari town in Karachi’s...
Kabul Deplores Exclusion from Trilateral Meeting
Russia, China and Pakistan meet in Moscow to discuss "growing ISIL threat" in Afghanistan - the third in a series. Government officials in Kabul have reacted with dismay to a trilateral meeting in Moscow involving Pakistan, China and Russia to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The gathering in the Russian capital - the third in a series of consultations between Russia, China and Pakistan that have so far excluded Afghanistan - is likely to deepen worries that the government in Kabul is being sidelined in negotiations over the country's future. Ahmad Shekib Mostaghni, Afghanistan's foreign affairs ministry spokesperson, said the government was not optimistic about the outcome of Tuesday's meeting. "Even if such talks are organised with a good will, it cannot yield any substantial results because no one from the Afghan side is there to brief the participants about the latest ground realities," Mostaghni said. He said meetings without the presence of Afghan government officials will not represent a real picture of the situation. For their part, the representatives from Russia, China and Pakistan at the Moscow meeting said the influence of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group was growing in Afghanistan and that the security situation there was deteriorating. They also agreed to invite the Afghan government to such talks in the future, the Russian foreign ministry said. "[The three countries] expressed particular concern about the rising activity in the country of extremist groups including the Afghan branch of IS," Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokesperson, said referring to ISIL, also known as ISIS. She said the three countries agreed on a "flexible approach to remove certain figures from sanctions lists, as part of efforts to foster a peaceful dialogue between Kabul and the Taliban movement". Responding to the developments, Fawzia Koofi, an Afghan parliament member, said Pakistan should convince the Taliban to come to the negotiating table "so that...
Afghanistan Funds Abusive Militias as US Military 'Ignores' Situation, Officials Say
The US military and the CIA are turning a blind eye as Afghanistan’s spy agency spends foreign donor money on militias which are committing human rights abuses that help destabilise the fragile country, according to local and western officials. The Afghan national directorate of security (NDS) arms strongmen ostensibly to fight the Taliban and other militants. But some militia leaders use their new power to fight local turf wars, including against elected government officials, rather than insurgents. One such commander, Perim Qul, in the northern province of Takhar, has received about $85,000 (£70,000) to arm 500 men. However, he allegedly spends part of that money on a private prison where he beats and extorts local people. His men have even ambushed and killed a local politician. One evening in July, Perim Qul’s men detained a man named Najib as he was relaxing outside the hotel he owns. After several days’ beating, Najib said he would acquiesce to their demands for cash and asked for a phone to request the $3,000 they demanded. Instead, he called police, who rescued him. Najib sent photos of his bruised back and legs to the provincial prosecutor, and got one of his tormentors arrested. “I have no enmity with Perim Qul. I am just a simple hotel owner,” Najib said. That kind of justice, though minor, is rare in Rustaq district. Qul, a 55-year-old war veteran with no official title, has been running Rustaq like a fiefdom for over a decade. Local residents say he has opposed any attempt – including by the government – to assert authority there. To pay his men, he allegedly coerces civilians. So when the Afghan government last year approved Qul’s request to enrol in its anti-Taliban militia program, many local people were concerned. Hundreds protested outside the district government building. Contemporary western security reports obtained by the Guardian warned that reinforcing Qul’s militia could add to violence, crime and territorial rivalries. Qul got money for...
Afghanistan Funds Abusive Militias as US Military ‘Ignores’ Situation, Officials Say
The US military and the CIA are turning a blind eye as Afghanistan’s spy agency spends foreign donor money on militias which are committing human rights abuses that help destabilise the fragile country, according to local and western officials. The Afghan national directorate of security (NDS) arms strongmen ostensibly to fight the Taliban and other militants. But some militia leaders use their new power to fight local turf wars, including against elected government officials, rather than insurgents. One such commander, Perim Qul, in the northern province of Takhar, has received about $85,000 (£70,000) to arm 500 men. However, he allegedly spends part of that money on a private prison where he beats and extorts local people. His men have even ambushed and killed a local politician. One evening in July, Perim Qul’s men detained a man named Najib as he was relaxing outside the hotel he owns. After several days’ beating, Najib said he would acquiesce to their demands for cash and asked for a phone to request the $3,000 they demanded. Instead, he called police, who rescued him. Najib sent photos of his bruised back and legs to the provincial prosecutor, and got one of his tormentors arrested. “I have no enmity with Perim Qul. I am just a simple hotel owner,” Najib said. That kind of justice, though minor, is rare in Rustaq district. Qul, a 55-year-old war veteran with no official title, has been running Rustaq like a fiefdom for over a decade. Local residents say he has opposed any attempt – including by the government – to assert authority there. To pay his men, he allegedly coerces civilians. So when the Afghan government last year approved Qul’s request to enrol in its anti-Taliban militia program, many local people were concerned. Hundreds protested outside the district government building. Contemporary western security reports obtained by the Guardian warned that reinforcing Qul’s militia could add to violence, crime and territorial rivalries. Qul got money for...
Geo-Politics and Afghanistan
A new regional dynamism on peace and conflict led by Russia and China has emerged. With the presence of armed groups and the emergence of new terrorist bands such as Daesh there, Afghanistan remains at the core of these new developments. The third session of a trilateral “working group” comprising Russia, China and Pakistan held on December 27 in Moscow also underscores what is playing out in the region. Following the rare meeting, the group announced that Kabul will be invited to participate in future meetings on the threat posed by Islamic State (IS) militants in Afghanistan. The decision appeared to be a response to Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shekib Mostaghani who, in a note of disapproval, had asserted that “regardless of the good intentions of the participants, the Moscow talks would not help the situation in Afghanistan.” In a joint statement the three nations also reiterated their interest in facilitating peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban. The most striking in the statement was the collective “particular concern” over “increased activities of extremist groups including the IS (Daesh) affiliates in the embattled country.” A cursory look as to what is driving the new developments and guiding the Moscow-Beijing-Islamabad consultations entails some worrying as well as encouraging realities. Firstly, the stalemate on ground in Afghanistan, with 2016 having been the bloodiest year in over a decade of conflict between Taliban insurgents and Kabul. Secondly, the realisation that only a regionally-led and coordinated solution might work following failure of international, US-led efforts to normalise Afghanistan. This might also result in the cooption of Iran, one of the two strategic neighbours of Afghanistan, into the dialogue, which should serve as a big facilitating factor. Third, the birth of Daesh, which most regional players view with extreme skepticism, resonated also by Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of Russia to the...
KP Police Reforms Instrumental in Crime-Control, DPO Charsadda
The KP Police is reforming itself rapidly but the public at-large are unaware of these reforms. The endeavors aim to improve public service; reforming the ‘thana culture’ and removing the political influence over the police. One of the significant outcomes of police reforms is 60 to 70% decline in terrorist activities and up to 40% reduction of crimes in the area. The improvement in the law and order has helped police concentrate on improving its public service. As part of the accountability mechanisms established in KP Police, the recruitment process is being carried out in a transparent manner; through NTS and the promotion system has been linked with performance. The SHOs are accountable to Village and Neighborhood Councils, DSPs are accountable to Tehsil Councils and DPOs are answerable to District Councils. These were the remarks made by Mr. Sohail Khalid, DPO Charsadda during a public forum on police reforms at District Council Hall, Charsadda. Mr. Fahad Azam, District Nazim, Charsadda, Mr. Musawar Shah, Naib Nazim, Charsadda, Mr. Qasim Ali Khan, Opposition Leader, District Assembly and Haji Riaz, District Councilor and JI leader also spoke on the occasion. The event was participated well by the members of community with diverse backgrounds including lawyers, local government representatives, media, academia and youth representatives. The forum was part of the project “Ulasi Police” an awareness and advocacy campaign undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) – as part of USAID Small Grants and Ambassadors’ Fund Program – to strengthen the rule of law in KP province by promoting and disseminating the significant police reforms aimed at incorporating local communities’ policing needs and international human rights standards. The endeavor aims to tackle the trust deficit between the public and police, help KP police become an accountable and community-focused police force. The DPO Charsadda said that the most prominent feature of KP...
Statement by Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, on the Situation in Afghanistan
Dateline: United Nations Security Council, 7844th meeting, December 19, 2016. “We are following the security situation in Afghanistan very carefully. We are concerned by the fact that it has sharply worsened; especially in the north of the country, where recently the Taliban have become increasingly active. Eliminating the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Mansoor, has strengthened the influence of irreconcilable radicals which only compounds the current situation in the country. The recent attacks by fighters against the American military base in Bagram and the German Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif are very sharp examples of this. We support the course of the Government of Afghanistan to achieve national reconciliation. We stand ready to help in moving the negotiating process forward, including through a flexible approach to the possible easing of the sanctions regime by Committee 1988, if this does not run counter to the national interests of Afghanistan. We took into account the fact that the peace agreement was signed between the Government of Afghanistan and the Hekmatyar party. A lot depends on how this will be implemented in practice. The main goal of the national reconciliation process is to involve the Taliban in the peace process and, so far, this goal has not been attained and the four party contact group format has not arrived at a breakthrough. Unfortunately, the main goals the international military contingents had for themselves in the last 15 years are still unresolved. This refers to the previous NATO international security assistance force in Afghanistan which led the country and this also applies to the current Resolute Support Mission. We would especially like to underscore that only the Afghan security forces can provide for the stabilization of the military and the political situation in their country, and that is why we are providing them with multi-dimensional support. The Ministry of the Internal Affairs of Russia has provided ten thousand...
Sabawoon Showcase: Role of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Preventing Corruption
December 26, 2016, Peshawar: The latest episode of Sabawoon[1], flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), was about the role of NAB and Provincial Accountability Commission (PAC) in controlling corruption and prompting accountability. The program reviewed the role of NAB and PAC, complaints systems in NAB and PAC, political interference in NAB, and public responsibility in eradicating corruption. The program also highlighted the plea-bargain, voluntary returns, and national accountability ordinance. It was aired under the theme of Jarga Marrakka (debate and council). Mr. Khitab Gul, Deputy Director NAB Peshawar, and Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, Resident Editor Daily Jang Peshawar, took part as the studio guests. A radio report shed light on the performance of NAB since its foundation. Five callers participated live in the show. They urged the government to make NAB fully independent and powerful for the sake of a corruption-free country. Mr. Gul said: “Public support is direly needed to inform authorities about the culprits so as to prevent corruption in the county.” Mr. Malik said: “As long as there is no proper legislation to make NAB and other anticorruption institutions free of political interference, corruption cannot be eliminated.” Sabawoon airs Monday through Thursday on FM-101.5 Peshawar & DI Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. [1] Sabawoon is a flagship radio program by CRSS in the KP/FATA region, designed to highlight local issues, and promote fundamental global values such as women’s rights, rule of law, equal citizenry, democracy, governance and accountability. It airs four times a week, under four themes. On Monday, Jarga Marrakka covers current affairs and issues, coupled with government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Semi Jaaj gives a holistic regional overview of the most important stories across the length and breadth of KP/FATA. On Wednesday, Jwandai Jazbey covers issues most important to...
Sabawoon Showcase: The Effects of Militancy on Fine Arts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
December 22, 2016, Peshawar: The latest episode of Sabawoon[1], flagship radio program of Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), was about the effects of terrorism and militancy on fine arts. The program overviewed artists in KP, fine arts in time of war, fine arts in KP universities, and its revival after the war-on-terror. The program was aired under the theme of Ranra (light). Two Peshawar based young artists, Mr. Afaan Gul and Mr. Asim Khan, participated as the studio guests. A radio report shared the views of experts about the progress and development of fine arts in KP in the post-militancy era and the opportunities available both at national and international level. Five callers took part live in the show. They highlighted the importance of arts and artists in presenting the prevailing situations. Mr. Asim Khan discussed the negative impacts of militancy on the field of fine arts. He was of the view that the current situation was relatively conducive to the revival of fine arts. Sabawoon airs Monday through Thursday on FM-101.5 Peshawar & DI Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. [1] Sabawoon is a flagship radio program by CRSS in the KP/FATA region, designed to highlight local issues, and promote fundamental global values such as women’s rights, rule of law, equal citizenry, democracy, governance and accountability. It airs four times a week, under four themes. On Monday, Jarga Marrakka covers current affairs and issues, coupled with government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Semi Jaaj gives a holistic regional overview of the most important stories across the length and breadth of KP/FATA. On Wednesday, Jwandai Jazbey covers issues most important to youth, students and females. Finally, on Thursday, Ranra covers social issues that have a cultural angle and/or impact.
Russia, Partners Say Kabul Welcome at Future Talks on Afghan Security
Russia, China and Pakistan bowed to Afghan complaints Tuesday, announcing after talks in Moscow that Kabul will be invited to participate in future meetings on the threat posed by Islamic State militants in Afghanistan. Afghan officials had objected to being left out of the three-way talks in the Russian capital, ostensibly held to discuss "the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan." The three nations also said they were interested in facilitating peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. The long-running Taliban insurgency poses by far the greater threat to Afghanistan, whose forces have been on the defensive for the past year. But members of the so-called Islamic State group have been trying to establish a foothold in Afghanistan, in some cases fighting directly with the Taliban. Participants in Tuesday's meeting said it was the third session of their trilateral "working group" on Afghanistan. In a joint statement released by Pakistan after the talks, they expressed "particular concern" over "increased activities of the extremist groups including the ISIL (Daesh) affiliates in the country." ISIL is another acronym for IS. The statement said Beijing, Islamabad and Moscow had agreed to continue their consultations in an expanded format and would welcome the participation of Afghanistan. The group previously suggested it might include Iran in future talks. "The participants agreed to continue their efforts towards further facilitating the Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan according to the known principles of reintegration of the armed opposition into peaceful life," the statement said. Hours before the Moscow meeting, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shekib Mostaghani said that regardless of the good intentions of the participants, the Moscow talks would not help the situation in Afghanistan, where government forces have been battling Taliban insurgents for 15 years. The joint statement...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.