Rokhan Reflections

Progress and Religion in Afghanistan

2010-11-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

Progress is the output of free inquiry. Unless you can inquire things and their nature freely you cannot discover new phenomena or invent new things or develop new technology.

Free inquiry requires the absence of fear. If you are afraid to ask a question or question anything which is being asked then you cannot think freely. Similarly social, religious or political pressures also confine and restrain free thinking. Hence a free environment is necessary to think freely and to explore the nature of life and universe.

Believing is a type of assumption. When theologicians argue that religion open new vistas of thought by "believing" in the things unseen they might be partially correct as there is no harm to assume something and proceed with the assumption. However they are not correct when they say you should not reject the assumption [belief] if it is not verifiable or falsifiable.

The repercussions of refusing to reject non verifiable or falsifiable assumptions have been devastating. Despite the fact that Afghans have been free in the political sense since their political consciousness came into existence, they were always under the influence of clergy and their restrictions and constraints that were not compatible with scientific methodology. The clergy discouraged any free inquiry into the causes of physical phenomena which could have implications on their self conceived dogmas, creeds or vested interests.

How less is it realized that the essence of progress, development and prosperity is not just learning science but creating science. It is not just using technology but also creating technology by which a society can move forward to a more technologically advanced level. It is not just sufficient to earn one’s living by honest means but also creating new modes of earning which will sustain our society.

We need food to survive biologically but we need creativity to survive technologically. if we just use technology and do not create it then we will just reduce to becoming a consumer society and become a parasite. The basic weapon for the survival of a state is her ability to create techniques, technology, methodologies and sciences to achieve a respectable status in the international community.

In short the first step to progress is to think freely and even if one has to believe in a certain concept of life and universe, it should be by argument and not by birth. That way the society will not only have tolerance on socio-political level but also will encourage free thinking and criticism which will open new vistas of probability for the discovery of new ideas, sciences, techniques and methodologies.

Religion is mainly a private affair based on certain dogmas, creeds, rituals, customs, traditions and morals having some points of intersection with cultures of third world countries in particular and hence should be respected. However it neither can nor should interfere into the collective politico-economic affairs of the state which are more related to the means of capital production and its distribution and hence determine whether a nation is qualified to pass the litmus test for development or not. The whole idea of development is in reference to the collective [politico-economic] aspects of social life and religion being more an individualistic affair has least to do with science of development.

Afghanistan has progressed to a good extent during the past few years though this progress is not sufficient as this is a post war interim period for the war ravaged country. Having said that I agree with the concern that religion has been exploited for political purposes especially during the US-Russian war fought on Afghan soil. It is also a fact that Afghanistan was a power to reckon with before that war which proves that Afghans are an enterprising nation but was used for imperialist designs with the help of religion which has been their weakness. Moreover their monarchs in the past are to blame as they did not give a clear scientific vision to the nation so they could accept the challenges of the modern scientific age. The only way out from the abyss of tribalism for Afghanistan and other third world countries is to promote science and technology and as it will pave the way for a techno-creative culture which in turn will put the under developed countries on the road to progress and prosperity.

Critique of Afpak Unification

2010-10-29T02:13:00.001-07:00

Ansari recently wrote an article proposing the wishful idea Afpak unification. This idea was originally proposed by Abidullah Jan. However nations have not been uniting in history based on religion and if they do this unification is not long lasting. A more feasible scenario which seems to be coming into existence is that the Pashtuns of Pakistan would unite with their Brethren in Afghanistan after liberating themselves from the clutches of an exploitative army-with-a-state called Pakistan. Abul Kalam Azad had remarked in "India wins Freedom”, about the bleak future of Pakistan.

Uniting based on religion was a weak idea and will remain to be weak while uniting based on common ancestry, race, customs, traditions, language, history and culture coupled with politico-economic interests is a solid basis for unification.

Pakistan might not survive and the Punjabis of Punjab on Pakistani side might think to unite with East Punjab and the Sindhis with their brethren in India.

India with Pakistan [minus Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan] amalgamated into it can still be a strong and respectable neighbor of Afghanistan and this might become inevitable with the passage of time due to the compulsive forces of history. Similarly South India [old Tamil Nado] might also become a separate Country in the future.

Having said that there is nothing wrong if different ethnic, religious or sectarian groups get united in a state however for that a system of socio economic justice and equal rights for all is necessary failing which even such a republic may not survive. This has already happened in Pakistan which could not ensure basic human rights to Bengalis, Pashtuns and Baluch in the past 63 years and hence it is destined to face the music for this state level injustice.

Kidnapping of VC Peshawar University

2010-10-29T02:06:00.000-07:00

I have this apprehension that the 3 years extension in tenure of Kayani is not a good omen for Pakhtoons as the terrorist activites might commence again. He has been the ISI chief and now the army chief and being a Punjabi , he would do everything to strengthen the terrorist wing of army called the taliban and the intelligence agencies to further destroy Pakhtunkhwa and target kill nation-loving nationalist personalities or capable people who might be potential threat to the Punjabi military hegemony.

The process of Pakhtun devastation will start again. We can expect more bombs in "Provincial institutions" in Pakhtunkhwa [It is interesting to note that army and air force bases are least affected in Pakhtunkhwa as are other "federal institutions"].We should expect more kidnapping , maligning , target killing and bombs in Pakhtunkhwa.

There is no other solution to have a safe ,peaceful and bright future for Pakhtuns in Pakistan other than to stand for their rights and strive for their freedom from the clutches of Pakistani tyrrany.

Proposal for the Establishment of SAP Partner Academy in Afghanistan

2010-10-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

1.Objective
To establish an authorized sap partner academy in Afghanistan

2.Introduction of sap r/3
Sap: the world's no. 1 erp solution
Sap: the world's 3rd largest software vendor
22 million lines of code written in proprietary language abap/4
14 million plus users
29,800 plus customers in more than 120 countries
1500 plus partners
26 industry solutions
12 GB to 3 TB database size
8,000 db tables
Average total cost of ownership (tco) : usd 120,000
3.Benefits of becoming sap education partner
Access and exposure to sap's customer base
Access to our partner-only portals for product,
Marketing and sales.
Sales and marketing assistance
Technical support
Participation in sap events

4. Implication of becoming sap education partner
Affiliation with the third largest vendor in the world
Acquiring international corporate profile by offering training delivery services in the no. 1 business application software in the world.
First choice for Afghanistan,
Northern Pakistan and central Asian republics
Corporate lead in the local market
Pioneering step for opening the door to industrialization in Afghanistan

5. Proposed plan of action to become sap education partner
Making a strategic decision based on feasibility report and market research of relevant professionals
Allocating budget for the project
Forming a steering committee comprising of:
1. Chairman / executive = [mandatory]
2. Manager operations = [mandatory]
3. technical/functional consultants/professionals as per requirement of sap AG Germany/sap regional office. = [optional]

6. Guidelines for sap prospective education partner
Any company of reputed corporate profile can become sap education partners in these three areas:

a. education delivery partner:
These partners provide local, multi-country, or alternative delivery capability in their area of sap expertise.
They must meet sap's criteria for competence and quality.
They must have the necessary infrastructure to deliver and support sap instructor-led classes.

b. end-user performance support partner:
These partners sell and deliver end-user training and performance support solutions to sap customers.
They must meet sap's criteria for competence and quality, and they must be recognized as market and thought leaders in end-user education.
These partners must also have the necessary financial and human resources to meet customers' needs and to maximize business opportunities.
c. specialist expertise partner:
These partners strengthen sap's education solution and competitive advantage by providing specialist services or products in their area of expertise – for example, e-learning, content development, or human performance improvement.
They are recognized as market leaders and work collaboratively with sap to provide best-of-breed products, tools, methodologies, and services.
They must have the appropriate infrastructure and sap expertise to support their activities.
7. Criteria to become sap education delivery partner:
To qualify as an education partner, you must meet the criteria for the partnership level in which you are participating.
The following table lists guidelines for sap education partners, which will help identify the criteria relevant to your level (source: http://www.sap.com)

8. Basic criteria for education partnership
Sap approval process = [local training manager, local managing director, or local sap alliance manager]
ability to execute on agreed business plan – including industry perception and position, delivery capability, support infrastructure, resources, marketing, market share, and sales and lead generation = [high]
Investment in sap partnership – such as development, marketing, unique complementary offerings, and joint solutions as per business plan = [medium]
Value to partner's business – impact measured by a combination of revenue contribution, strategic importance, and market share = [high]
Value to sap's business – impact measured by a combination of revenue contribution, strategic importance, and market share = [high]
value to customer – impact measured by a combination of market perception of product or service (for example, best of breed), added value, compliance with existing solutions, and fulfillment of customer needs = [high]
a business plan – developed and agreed upon by the partner and local training manager = [required]
a service level agreement – negotiated and agreed upon by the partner and local training manager = [required]
joint development of new opportunities – including the development of new and existing products and services in order to enter new markets or substantially expand existing markets = [optional]
In-depth knowledge and expertise in sap's solutions, tools, and methodologies – both sap- and education-specific = [optional]
Sap key reference customers in some cases, a proven track record in the specialization that forms the basis of the partnership can be substituted = [at least three]
Organizational integrity – including a positive market image and perception and industry-recognized track record in delivering education = [high]
Culture and value fit = [high]
Development plan for educating internal employees on sap skills = [required]

Additional criteria for education delivery partner
Number of certified instructors – determined by courses delivered for sap all instructors must be certified in the relevant solution area = [all]
Instructors must pass an sap screening sap reserves the right to screen all instructors screening criteria is available from the local training manager = [required]
Quality of customer evaluation history = [high]
Comply with sap quality standards – including technical infrastructure requirements, methodologies, resources, and evaluation benchmarks = [required]

Additional criteria for end-user performance support partner
Education-related core business = [required]
Multi-language delivery capability = [required]
Expertise delivering solutions for an entire organization, not just a business division = [required]
Willing to position and sell sap end-user solutions and tools = [required]
Number and type of qualified instructors – determined by the product or service offered, sap certification, and relevant industry expertise = [country-specific]

Additional criteria for specialist expertise partner
Number and type of qualified instructors – determined by the product or service, sap certification, and relevant industry expertise = [country-specific]
Comply with sap quality standards – including technical infrastructure requirements, methodologies, resources, and evaluation benchmarks = [required]

9. Commitments by the partner academy
the following table lists the partner commitments:

Partner commitment --------------------- [requirement]
Sponsorship = [executive level]
Partner management = [single point of contact]
Commitment period = [at least one year]
Joint vision and engagement strategy for agreed upon customer segments = [required]
Joint business planning and execution = [required]
Lead generation = [proactive or supportive]
Market development fund = [country-specific]
Established escalation management = [required]
Sap right to audit: compliance with partnership conditions = [required]
Sap right to audit: financial status = [required]
10. Commitments by sap
The following table lists the sap’s commitments:
Sap commitment --------------------- [requirement]
Sponsorship = [local managing director]
Partner management = [local training manager with local partner management]
Commitment period = [at least one year]
Joint vision and engagement strategy on agreed upon customer segments = [required]
Joint business planning and execution = [required]
Lead generation = [supportive] market development fund = [country-specific]
Established escalation management = [required]
Sap system access = [depends on area of cooperation]
Partner logo usage rights – following guidelines in the sap partner branding guide in the sap partner portal = [required]
Participation in sap service marketplace = [required] – with same conditions applied to all three partner areas
11. Targets and metrics
The following table lists targets and metrics for education partners:
targets and metrics ---------- [requirement]

Goals and objectives in business plan = [required]
Service-level agreement = [required]
Key performance indicators – including revenue profitability, market share, reference customers, customer satisfactions, compliance to standards, r&d commitment, and course evaluations = [required]
Customer satisfaction = [required]
Project status and escalations – for development projects = [required]
Regular status meetings = [required]
Knowledge sharing – when mutually beneficial = [required]
Compliance with ongoing, mutual business objectives = [required]
Continuous value generation for sap and partner = [required]
Ongoing education – current and planned – for internal employees = [required]
Satisfaction and feedback from sap field operations in the relevant country = [required]

Recommendation:
It is recommended that the partner academy under consideration should presently apply to become education delivery partner. After the successful launching and establishment of sap education partner academy, it may also apply to become end user support partner and specialist expertise partner.

The Sceince of Development

2010-10-29T01:54:00.000-07:00

Development is an organic process. If we segregate the legs and hands from the rest of the body then neither hands nor legs grow. Hence the secret of life lies in a system. Those factors which contribute to the disruption of a system are also responsible for the disintegration of life. Society is also like an organic whole so it is not possible to segregate various sections of a society and expect development. The growth of a society has the same relationship with its institutions as body has with its different parts.

The departmentalization of a society into various sections is a natural proces. The existence of govt, administration, justice, industry, trade, commerce, finance, law, defence, education etc is but a natural means of growth in a society. The key to the growth and development of a society is the balanced relationship between the production , its distribution and their organic relationship with the society.

If the bond between the creative trends and productive initiatives gets broken and there is no fresh blood provided to the body of a societal organism then what comes out of it is called corruption, disintegration and chaos. Segregating one institution of a society from others results in the destruction of that institution. For example if the infrastructure of a rural area is developed without focusing on the means of production then what really happens is that the roads give access of imported vehicles to the rural areas, the electricity facilitates the use of western imported electronic products and imported agricultural machinery finds a new market in the rural areas. Hence it is necessary to let a society grow in a natural way by strengthening the urban rural relationship in which rural areas acts a source of raw material and labor supply to the industries and factories of urban areas so that indigenous industry is established and consequently society grows in natural way without being exploited by foreign corporations. With the import of such products the liabilities of a country increases pushing the country into a quagmire of foreign debts. Consequently to return the loans the country loses its resources and hence gets poorer and less sovereign.

Development is a science. A nation which does not comply with its laws gets stagnant, exploited and destroyed. The leading capitalist countries of the world that have monopolized development science are labeling resource less nations to be unfit for development. Most African nations have been declared incapable for development. The countries and nations who are losing control of their financial institutions are being declared incompetent for development by global capital. Those who are not in a bargaining position are also being declared as incompetent. A nation can become competent for Development by the following methods:
Economic patriotism, Indigenous planning of science, industry and technology, Increasing Intellectual property, Social discipline, Resistance against imperialist planning, and defending your industries, abilities, productive capabilities and markets against the ruthless forces of monopolies. It is criminal negligence to show weakness in the global capital market but it is a crime to accept this weakness and not strive to acquire more capital to fight against the cruel forces of global economic domination of the wealthier nations.

[Inspired from: A.Ali]

How to get rid of Punjab's slavery? - 2

2010-10-29T01:45:00.001-07:00

I agree that Afghanistan has been working to raise the Pakhtunistan issue but put yourself in Afghanistan’s shoes. If a major part of your homeland were sacrificed at the altar of imperialist design and your nation were divided by unfair means what would have been your reaction? It is like today Sindh gets separated from Pakistan due to the MQM's concerns over their identity and rights with the collaboration of UK to use Karachi as a port like Singapore and with the help of the Sindhi nationalists who have no agenda of progress for the people of the land except to agitate them. Would you not try to weaken the new state so that it re merges again with what would have been the remaining Pakistan? This reaction would have even been justified despite the fact that you were not native Sindhi. Imagine now Afghanistan whose one arm [Pakhtunkhwa] was cut as a result of creation of Pakistan.

I understand one has a reverence for a territory which in your case is Pakistan but you should know that a homogeneous group [e.g a nation] , even if it has versatile ideological groups within it, cannot be kept apart for long. It will ultimately re unite. Hence you will see that with the passage of time all nations will ask for their right of self determination and freedom even if that is not in their economic interest in some cases. It is like your brother who is living as a servant in someone else's house despite being economically well off still does not enjoy what is called freedom missing which he won’t know what life is all about. A person would be better off being poor but free than being rich but slave.

The creation of Pakistan was done with the same argument which is now being refuted by those who are in the power corridors of Pakistan and have hijacked the future of four major nationalities living in Pakistan. They got separated from India for which they used the argument of creating a new country with Muslim majority population but now they are not ready to accept the same argument in much more strength because the three major nations have been exploited for 63 years economically,politically,culturally and historically despite all being Muslims.

The ideological status which was promised [ISLAMIC IDEOLOGICAL STATE] to the people could not be achieved due to its impracticality and unrealistic expectations by the people of Pakistan from such a system. Even whatever peace and harmony was there between the various sects has also been lost.

If that agenda was shunned after realizing its impracticality and an effort was made to make Pakistan a true federation with a few port folios with the centre and the federating units were given provincial autonomy and basic civil rights were assured through constitution then atleast that would have been acceptable as a minimum. Moreover if democracy was given a chance then it also might have made Pakistan acceptable to a realistic extent. But none of the reasons for which a state is formed or sustained could be achieved for the various nations or federating units in Pakistan in the past 63 years, hence the very purpose for the existence or creation or sustenance of state has to be questioned.

No wonder Pakistan is facing an intrinsic contradiction from within itself and not from its so called enemies as it can neither become a so called Islamic state thinking about which will make it isolated in the world community like Iran [which is surviving atleast due to its economic bone and due to the fact it is atleast one nation from historic, linguistic and ethnic aspects]. On the other hand any effort to secularise Pakistan will make it a living hell due to the false expectations which have been indoctrinated to the people of Pakistan for the last 63 years.

The result is that the nations living in Pakistan have to seriously think about their future before it is too late.

How to get rid of Punjab's Slavery? - 1

2010-10-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

The causes which you have mentioned are basically the reasons for the backwardness of Pakhtuns in Afghanistan not for the slavery of Pakhtuns in Pakhtunkhwa. In Pakhtunkhwa there is no tribalism as such except in FATA to an extent. The arguments which osho have mentioned is an attempt probably out of sincerity to make Pakhtuns feel good in their current status which at the most is a catharsis for their long term miseries but defintely not a solution to their major problem .

On another level you both of you are basically justifying the slavery of Pakhtuns by trying to convince them intellectually. I am sure both of you would be successful people on individual level but you are trying to generalise the same for the whole Pakhtun nation unconsciously forgetting the fact that it is not any genetic handicap if Pakhtuns are not able to compete in the cut throat national and international markets but their political alienation and economic deprivation by the state due to which they are not able to exploit their faculties to come at par with the rest of the nations.

The Cause of unrest in Karachi

2010-10-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

It is a wrong diagnosis to blame Politics as the sole cause of unrest in Karachi. A mentality which is the product of cold war and military rule glamorises and glorifies army as the panacea for all the ills of Pakistani society. The case is exactly the opposite. MQM was created by the military dictator General Zia to counteract the popular support of Poeple's Party which was the brain child of his political rival Bhutto who for the first time gave a voice to the common masses of Pakistan and hence intiated a dangeorus trend for the army which was and still is the defacto ruling junta of Pakistan.

Politics is the only means to resolve the causes of unrest. Being a product of military mind, the interests of MQM are in conflict with Pashtuns who believe in being treated on egalitarian basis despite their poverty and low social status. The conflict of interest is due to better education and skills of the demographically strong Mahajirs vis a vis literally illiterate Pakthun masses.

The illiteracy is due to low social profile ,which is due to poverty ,which in turn is due to mass exodus of Pakhtuns from their own homeland. The reason of their exodus is the lack of opportunities in their land. The lack of opportunities is due to the lack of industrial base and civil rights in Pakhtunkhwa. The reason of the lack of industrial base is due to indifference by state towards Pakhtuns affairs in the form of Punjab centered and anti Pakhtuns Policies of the ruling elite. So the moment Pakhtuns win real freedom and autonomy over their land and resources the cycle of miseries will reverse and Pakhtuns will see the revival of their lost glory.

Iran's Role in Afghanistan

2010-10-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

The theocratic nature of Iran has put it into a win win situation. The permutations and combination matrix shows us that if the ISAF forces kill a Taliban, it is another sunni [anti shia] subtracted from their enemy list. If a Taliban kills an ISAF soldier, it is another non muslim [hence enemy] subtracted from their list.
If ISAF kills a Pashtun in occupied Pakhtunkhwa via drone attack for example, it is the same scenario. If Pakistan's ISI kills an Afghan it is the same scenario again. If Afghanistan or US pressurises Pakistan, they consider it weakness of a Sunni state hence their enemy. If Pakistan pressurises Afghanistan , the result is again the same. They raise their eyebrows if an Afghan shia or Pakistani Shia is killed but then this is the sacrifice which these Shia Afghans or Shia Pakistanis are born for according to them.

There is only one thing which ring bells in their minds. When Afghans prefer their national interests over the individual interests of shia ,sunni, muslim ,non muslim etc, then the reality and real face of the Iranians [as well as non-Iranians] gets revealed and unveiled.

My view was reference to Iran's interest in Afghaistan not US interest in Afghanistan. US and the world have now realised that the real source of unrest in the region is Pakistan. Things will change with expedited speed in Pakistan in near future as a proof od this realisation.

Media

2010-10-29T01:36:00.001-07:00

Media was the 4th pillar of the state but is fastly becoming the strategic organ of a state's war for her national interests. Hence it is unrealistic to expect any positive news about Afghanistan in the media of Afghanistan's enemies. If there are no news about the positive developments in Afghanistan then this is something which the Afghan media has to think about seriously. Media war is the cry of the day for a state.

Afghan National Army

2010-10-29T01:35:00.001-07:00

If Afghans are one of the invincible and the bravest nation in the world , then the logical consequence of this premise should be that Afghan army should be the best in the world. If it is not it means :

1) that War is a skill and the institution which conducts war should should be skillfull too in addition to be brave and courageous

2) that Technology is lacking as you cannot fight a war without technology [weapons and ammunition]

3) that Discipline needs improvement as it transforms courage, skill and technology into an effective and fruitful force.

Peshawar

2010-10-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Despite being state-of-the-art Shopping Moll DEANS could not attain the popularity it deserved. My analysis is that the marketing campaign of DEANS Shopping Moll was given to a Punjab based marketing group which ran a failed marketing campaign due to unknown reasons. The Moll is yet to attract a reasonable clientele as compared to the investment in it. The victimization of Peshawar via detonating bombs by the intelligence agencies to give a wrong picture to the world for pocketing dollars is another reason for the fall of business activities in Peshawar.

The concept of Khyber safari has transformed into suffering in Khyber due to security interests of army in the tribal belt.

Islamia College has been Islamized according to Pakistanised standards. You will see a long "Sherwani" as if ISLAMIA COLLEGE is a factory to manufacture Mohammad Ali Jinnahs. I had the unpleasant experience of doing my bachelors from Islamia College too.

The identity of Khyber gate along with Pakistani flag is a reminder for Pakhtuns that there is no Durand line issue and you need to be loyal servants of Pakistan because Afghanistan will soon cease to exist as it is planned to be the fifth province of Pakistan.

The picture of the stadium with rolling wheels and stuff is called ARMY STADIUM and Col Sher Khan Stadium which means that if you accept the slavery of Punjab you will get these type of awards.

The Peshawar Museum is a reminiscence of the old Peshawar museum when it used to have antiques of Gandhara age and very precious statues and coins etc. Now they are all shifted to Punjab leaving some artificial jewelry and stuff to tell the visitors that slaves do not deserve to enjoy the relics of their glorious past as it gives them an inspiration for freedom.

The humungous and splendid state Bank building shows that it is the most important building which the ruling elite is interested in as it accumulates the squeezed blood in material form.

The Sunehri Masjid and Masjid Mahabat Khan are glorified as the activities therein helps to sustain and support the imperialism of the oppressors making the visitors inert and un productive for their nation hence the buildings are amazingly glorious and attractive.

The M1 despite being named M-1 [ONE] was the last to be constructed in the list of Nawaz Sharif - the Punjab based wanna be amir ul momineen of Punjabis.

The dress code of the FC resembles that of waiters and Gate keepers in the British era contrary to the glamorous dress code of Pakistan army as the majority of it is from Punjab. The dress of FC seems to be that of some scheduled caste among the other forces of Pakistan so they can be easily distinguished.

The city university is in the middle of Peshawar city where inhaling fresh oxygen is considered a privilege not a basic right as people usually inhale some complicated mixture of various toxic gases.

An assesment of Afpak situation - 3

2010-10-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

I appreciate your inputs about Loy Afghanistan and get motivation by the idea that I am doing my part ,in my capacity , as well as supporting the people and the party who are thinking on the same lines.

About who am I and what I stand for, is not much important. I am just a political worker like hundreds and thousands of others who support PKMAP ideologically and have sympathies for ANP if they improve their agenda from a pro-establishment Pakistani party to pro Pashtun/Afghan political party. I have the same political goals and targets as that of PKMAP and being an IT professional and student of Politics academically, I have my views about issues of national importance for Afghans. My views about religion ,if any, are purely of personal nature and are tertiary in importance because political goals top the priority list.

I hope it answers your query to a reasonable extent.

I meant I am a political worker and stand for the same ideology as the party which I support [PKMAP] or sympathise [ANP].

If Mullah Omar comes to me and talks about his political ambitions and they coincide with mine ,trust me I dont care what his name or religeous sect is. Failing those pre requisites , he will just be my guest as per standards of Pakhtunwali.

By the way I have been visited by people of cadre belonging to the institution involved in the mentorship of Mullah Omar in a disguised form and I treated them as I cited above after extracting data of my interest.
I love the ethnicity of Mullah Omar but hate his role as canon fodder in Afghan Politics.

I hate what his ethnicity loves because that love has brought the slavery of Punjab and leadership of Arabs for Afghans in the name of love. Afghans have now either become slaves or followers. They have lost the urge for being the masters and leaders.

A cadre of Taliban's "mentors" visited me to make it more simple for you to comprehend.

The esteemed leader of Khorasaan is an average student of Pakistan's ISI stooge Col Imam who is again there in Afghanistan to safeguard the interests of Punjab by indoctrinating you and your leaders with all these ISI made Youtube videos. Do you want the whole Afghan nation to gather on Colonel Imam's interpretation of Islam which converges to the upper hand of Pakistan in Afghan affairs?

P.S: Please do not post any video. I know this technology can make a video where Bush will be giving a "faseeh and baleegh" lecture in arabic on "tawhid fil wajood".

An assessment of the Afpak situation - 2

2010-10-29T01:25:00.000-07:00

I know the accusations on Karzai and they might be true though the source which you have mentioned is multiplied by zero when it comes to statistics about Taliban or other who are near and dear to you. However my view is that everyone is innocent unless proved guilty. Having said that to be honest I meant to say that EVEN if all such accusationa re true about Karzai or his relatives, I still call it a realistic start not an ideal one.
In real world that too in a tribal soceity like that of Afghanistan ,this is not a big deal. In Arabic they say" Aamalukum Ummalukum".

Neither is there an Islamic state in today's world nor do I see one in the future not that I have any ideological grudge towards Islam , Muslims or Arabs but due to the reason that the world has become much complicated and I dont see religion as the basis of a state practically.

About Loy Afghanistan, my sympathies, my humble input, struggle or support in any form is for the idea and I would love to know how our times is the right time for realising that dream.

If your profiling instint gets relief or satisfaction by calling me atheist or anything else which could be a legitimate cause of public hatred for me then let it be however just to keep the record straight, I am skeptic and doubt any one's understanding of anything unless I get a rational and covincing argument from him or her.

An assessment of Apak situation - 1

2010-10-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

Karzai should be considered as a realistic start towards a more sovereign Afghanistan capable of facing the challenges of the modern age , keeping in view the tribal nomenclature of the Afghan polity aiming at an Afghanistan independent of foreign imposed ideals exported to Afghanistan to safeguard their own vested interests both from muslim and non muslims entities and states. There is no harm in having mutually dependent goals based on national interests without falling into the trap of courtesy based on muslim brotherhood which is a slogan used to safeguard one's vested interests in the International affairs , ignoring their otherwise autocratic , aristocratic or theocratic nature.

The result of NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan will not be different from the USSR's withdrawal ,if the current endevour by the "Karzai regime" towards making Afghanistan a republic is either sabotaged [according to the wishes of Afghanistan's neighbours] or halted by Taliban.

It is , therefore ,suggested that the local Afghans who sincerely believe that they have the manifesto to lead Afghanistan towards a bright future should form a legitimate political party and present their manifesto to the Afghan masses using peaceful means so that the political process with all its weaknesses and handicaps should continue and get improved. Any other effort will result in breaking another covenant inked at Makka by Afghan religeous political parties but broken by them in the very next hour of their visit as history has witnessed.

Aiming at Loy Afghanisatan in political sense or making Afghanistan the center or a part of global caliphate in the religeous sense are higher ideals which depend upon the pre requisite of a politico-economically strong Afghanistan which is an uphill task itself and serius efforts are needed in terms of improving the development indicators and rescuing Afghanistan and its people from the tentacles of backwadness and misery surrounding them.

An assessment of Afpak siutation

2010-10-29T01:21:00.000-07:00

Abu Bakr and Omar were not Mullahs. Omar was a talented administrator and a man of substance even before embracing Islam. Hence the prayer of Muhammad for one of the Omars to embrace Islam and then his saying:

" Khayarukum fil Jahilia Khayarukum fil Islam"

Guerilla war is also not possible without Planning and hitting when the iron is hot plus weapons. Both the war with Russia and now fighting ISAF were with the help of ISI and CIA not with the help of God.

Neither Russians nor ISAF are invaders. This is ISI propaganda. USSR came on the invitation of the communist regime and ISAF has the backing of UN.

The capitalists used negative propaganda against the communist regime to put a halt to the reforms. They used clergy for that dirty job.

Now ISI again is using Mullah Omar to offer resistance to ISAF so that their mission fails and Afghanistan falls prey to civil war and hence all the warring factions becomes dependent on Pakistan and Pakistan can dictate whatever she wants to passionate Mujahids like you who are ever ready to die for safeguarding Punjabi interests in the name of Islam.

Note this and ignore this to satisfy your ego but when it happens to Afghans then try to remember what I said to you.
Wawra aw mana ye ma.

My Predictions

2010-10-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

I do not believe that the Pashtuns of Pakhtunkhwa are sellouts, only the pro establishment and pro Punjab among them are. Yes they are enslaved but they do not realise their slavery. I agree it is an insult for them hence they should support the freedom struggle along with others for freedom of Pashtuns of Pashtunkhwa paving the way for Loy Afghanistan.

If by Pashtunism you mean Pashtun nationalism then I have already given my view about it in my post.

Pakistan is our country but not our motherland [watan]. Countries are bound to change but motherland do not. Though debatable it might be for you, but the westren part of INDUS mainly belongs to Afghanistan and poeple of the same ethnic and cultural origin cannot be segregated geographically for long.

It is my prediction that Pashtuns of Pakistan and Afghaistan are destined to get united. It will be unfortunate if they lose their non-Pashtun brothers [projected as enemies by the enemies of Afghanistan] who are and have been part of Afghanistan now but the political realities and hostilities as well as historic ties will keep them together with Pashtuns of Afghanistan.

I also envision that even the Sindhis of Pakistan will merge with those in Inida as will the Punjabis of Pakistan with eastren Punjab. The Bengalis in India will also merge their brethren in Bangla Desh. Another major divide which I see is the division of North and South India. South India will become another country called Tamil Nado.

Political Divide in the AFPAK

2010-10-29T01:12:00.000-07:00

The political divide is not digital in nature as politics itself is a normative science and hence there are grey areas which need to be identified. One of the misconceptions I observe is that there is an inability to differentiate between academic reality and political reality.

The populace in Afpak have Wahabist Islamist, Pan Islamist, Pashtun Nationalists, Afghan Nationalists, and Pakistani Nationalists.

The Wahabi Islamists version believes in the interpretation of Abdul Wahab about religion. Their political ideas support Kingship or autocracy under the authority of some Ameer ul Momineen. For them Afghanistan, Pakistan, Pashtuns, non Pashtuns are immaterial. I call it academic or utopian stance about the politics of the Afpak.

The Pan Islamist version is more sophisticated version of Islamists who present some socio-politico-economic model too. However it is also a utopian idea based on their collective nostalgia and has roots in their faith due to the optimistic interpretation of a couple of injunctions in Quran and Sunnah. It is a global autocracy with powers resting in the hands of a Khalifa for the whole Muslim world.

Pashtun Nationalists’ view is not in accordance with the political realities on ground. It is partly beneficial in case it is used to win freedom for the Pashtuns of occupied Pakhtunkhwa however it is fatal to use the same concept in case of Afghanistan because it is already a Pashtun majority state and unitary in nature contrary to the federation of Pakistan. However Pashtun nationalists’ emphasis on Pashto to enrich its literary, cultural and academic base is justified.

Afghan nationalists’ view, in my opinion, is in concurrence with the essence of practical as well as long term politics for multiple reasons. It does not compromise the majority and influential role of Pashtuns, it gives due regard to the literary and historical role of non Pashtuns and bind them in a bond for a progressive future of Afghanistan, it ensures tolerance towards the religious and ethnic differences of other Afghans and it is the only way to survive in a challenging neighborhood of India, China, Pakistan and Iran and other central Asian states. It is only by evolving as Afghan nation “in the Political sense” that not only Pashto and Pashtuns can be safeguarded but also can Afghanistan claim its occupied territory from Pakistan through peaceful means using recognized means of resolving bilateral issues between states and in worst case scenario can even assert it via other means.

The Pakistani nationalism is just territorial in nature and though hard might the non Punjabis strive for it and be loyal to it, the result will be in vain not because their efforts would be fruitless but due to the reason that the very nature and foundation of Pakistan has intrinsic contradictions which have to be removed before it becomes a respectable state in the world community.

Warokay Haji and Lway Haji

2010-10-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Pakhtuns have forgotten their "Kaaba". They feel pride in visiting Makka multiple times and still could not make sense out of it for a single time. We have "warokay haji" and "lway haji" in Pakthuns. They compete in number of pilgrimages too wasting a lot of money which can otherwise be used for development projects in Pakhtunkhwa. They spend this money to a govt which uses the same money to exploit the Pakhtun labor and devoid them of basic human rights. Even the Islamic faith says Hajj has to be once in a life time. Scientifically all the myths about Hajj and Makka narrated by the clergy to the innocent masses have zero standing.

There is nothing special about visiting a certain building which is a historic place for a great Arab revolutionary who gave a leading role to his nation,if a Pakhtun pilgrim does not come back with a view to struggle for the freedom of his nation from the clutches of tyranny and injustice.

Pakhtuns and Power Politics

2010-10-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Power Politics will never be fruitful for Pakhtuns in Pakistan for the following reasons:
1) That Power Politics needs majority which Pakhtuns will never attain in Pakistan.
2) That Power Politics has reduced to a business which if adopted by Pakhtuns leaders or parties will be catastrophic to the Pakhtun national cause of national freedom.
3) That power politics in the form of parliamentary politics is just a civilized form of grabbing the resources of other nations living in Pakistan by the civil, feudal and military elite of Punjab.
4) That the real problem of Pakistan can be solved by making constitutional amendments to give max authority to the nations over their historical lands and resources and their due share in power to run their affairs in the form of provincial autonomy.
5) History has proved that it is the technique of acting as a pressure group and struggling for freedom that a nation can achieve its rights to live a better life and this cannot be achieved via power politics.

The Afpak Debate

2010-10-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

This is a dialogue between a Pakistani [PK] friend and myself [AF].It discusses the Pak-Afghan-India relations from a critical perspective

Pir Rokhan
-------------------------

PK: Anyway, you tell me, in this discourse, you seem to be representative of India and not Pakhtuns. And if that is the case, I have to call the person a stupid man as he was asking an Indian representative.

I mean there are so many questions which none of the Indians can justify.So how can you defend Indian outrageous stance on various issues, particularly Kashmir.

AF: This is a typical Pakistani/Punjabi plea which you guys use against anyone who unleashes the fake foundations of your military empire. I represent Afghan/Pashtun point of view [hence called myself AF] not Indian. The Pakistanis are so obsessed with India phobia that anything which is near to fair they term it Indian. The discussion is about different points of views. World need to know how we [Afghans/Pashtuns] feel about both India and Pakistan both. As a matter of history, for Afghans both Indians and Pakistanis minus Afghans are the same stocks.

As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, it is same type of issue as Durand line. Who runs away and who stays is decided on arguments not claims.
------------------------

PK:I really don’t know you are from which country and represent which one but as far as Afghans are concerned, let me share with you that we have two representatives of Afghanistan here with us (UK). One of them is Uzbek while other is Afghan/Pakhtun. They initially went to India and got visa for UK from India. Pakhtun representative didn’t like his government this policy for being so declined towards India.
As far as Kashmir is concern, so don’t try to defend the indefensible, even their foreign policy expert cant do that.

Now coming over to the role of India in destruction of Pukhtunland. Please go and check about Uzbek terrorists working in FATA. They are proper trained terrorists, carrying same kind of laptops and maps of Pakhtun areas with them. They are involved in most of terrorist activities inside Pukhtunland. They have not carried out a single terrorist attack in Punjab, their main target is Pukhtunland. I hope you know who are they? They are supported by Northern Alliance and India
So just imagine how Indians are loyal to Pakhtuns.

AF: Whether its Uzbeks from Uzbekistan or Tajiks from Tajikistan or Arabs or others all were brought by ISI.Hence the real culprit is ISI not them. A single bird cant fly without the knowledge of the PA and so much has been happening in FATA.How is it logically possible without state sponsorship? India is the friend of Afghans and Pakhtuns both and is much more reliable and useful than the occupation forces of Pakistan. This is a historic fact. After the balkanisation of Pakistan, India being the next candidate for super power has to be kept in good books of Pakhtun.The filthy Punjabi Muslims and their bootlickers are of no use to Pakhtuns.
------------------------

PK:ISI and CIA brought them for USSR and now India is using them against Pakhtuns. If India really wants to take revenge of Kashmir they could use them in Punjab as well but India is using them in Pukhtunland. And here great Pakhtuns are calling India Pakhtun friend. If that is friendship, then we don’t need such friends.As I already mentioned India is only engaged to kill Pakhtuns and that is why she has opened so many consulates particularly near Pakistan so as to use these criminal Uzbeks/Tajiks against Pakhtuns in Pakistan.

AF:There is no justification what so ever why India will use anyone against Pakhtuns. Pakhtuns are by nature rebellius.They have a history of saying no to dictation, invasion and oppression. There are already freedom sentiments among Pakhtuns and the incapable military and civil beaurucracy is helping Pakhtuns and Baluch to yearn more for freedom with every passing day. The govt in Pakhtunkhwa has a history of freedom against British imperialism along with the seniors of Congress.

The Taliban on Pakistani side are against the state hence already in sync correctly with what the oppressed nations in Pakistan want. Why on earth then will India do all these things? However there are credible evidences which I can produce that India is involved in the bombings in Punjab and Sind. It is a natural reaction of what Pakistan has been doing. So blame your agencies not India. Your agencies have been involved in Political conspiracies against elected govt instead of doing their job to safeguard the country from foreign elements.
------------------------

PK:Pakhtuns have killed many Indians not only in Kashmir but also in all Pak-India wars. Pakistan has always supported Pakhtun domination in Afghanistan while India has always supported Northern Alliance. So there is a history of rivalry between Pakhtuns and Indians. So far I never came a across a single Uzbek ever involved in any kind of bombing in Punjab, they are only killing Pakhtuns. I don’t know from where you can bring the evidences. If you hate Pakistan, its OK, but don’t try to make enemies of Pakhtuns (Indians) our friends

AF:Pakhtuns might have killed them when they were a part of Pakistan army as a pat of their duty not as a national antagonism. Pakistan supports Pakhtuns in Afghanistan only in case when the Pashtuns play the role of ISI puppets like that of Taliban. Pakistan has no sympathies with Pashtuns otherwise It woud not kill them indiscriminately in Pakistan itself.

Northern alliance is against the titular role of Kabul hence it is a bone of contention for Pakistan. I also haven’t seen a single Uzbek involved in killing of Pashtuns, always its Pakistani agencies who are involved in the killing of Pakhtuns.Only ISPR sees Uzbeks or Tajiks of Afghanistan in the suicide bombs. No other independent media says anything about them. The ones who might be involved are from the Islamic movement of Uzbekistan or other such terrorism.
Well its always a good diplomatic practice and better foreign relation policy even to convert foes into friends, if they are foes at all.
------------------------

PK: Pakistan demanded for Pakhtun domination in Afghanistan at a time when Taliban government was overthrown by US, Gulbadin Hikmatyar had already turned against Pakistan, and then you tell whom Pakistan was referring to while asking for Pakhtun domination. In my view every country of the world desires to have a friendly neighbouring country. Pakhtuns of Afghanistan due to their cemented relations with Pakhtuns of Pakistan is always a viable option for Pakistan. So even if Pakistan supported Pakhtuns of Afghanistan for its own interest even then it’s OK.

Please go to Waziristan and ask about Uzbeks, they will tell who are they and who all are supporting them, there is no media in Waziristan, so you can get first hand knowledge from the local people.

AF: Converting enemy into friends is a good diplomatic step indeed if the enemy is not Indian. You cannot trust them man. It is India which has stalled the progress of all SAARC nations due its adamant behaviour on some core issues with all SAARC countries particularly Pakistan.

Gulbadin has never been against Pakistan. Pakistan has no right to install a friendly or otherwise govt, it is the right of the Afghans. This is what is infiltration, intervention and interference into others affairs. Desiring doesn’t mean interfering.

The cemented relation is aimed at strategic depth not at benefitting Pakhtuns.If it was welfare, Pakistan would not have destroyed Afghanistan and would not have massacred Pakhtuns in Pakhtunkhwa.For Waziristan please hear the sentiments of the wazirs about Pakistan in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkiHcw1LMsk

India phobia is the central axis of Pakistan military and even the foundation of Pakistan. But it is too late you cannot keep Pakistan together anymore by India phobia. India is far ahead of Pakistan in tech and other sectors. Military strength has no relevance due to nuclear teeth of both countries.
------------------------

PK: I only talked of Pakistan desire of having friendly neighbour and not of intervention. Those who were talking of strategic depth or any interference are now hiding their faces.

With its growing economy and size, India should also change its behaviour, if India call itself a regional power, it should act accordingly, it should resolve all outstanding issues with its neighbours. I am sure all SAARC countries will recognize India as regional power and will also support her in getting a permanent seat in Security Council.

AF: In diplomatic language this is what you say and not what you do. You talk about desire for friendly relationship and practically treat Afghanistan as a fifth province, though those days are gone now.Pakistan army has massacred Pakhtuns in these operations in Pakhtunkhwa, in the name of Taliban whom they neither can nor will kill or destroy as Taliban is the strategic asset of paki military.India is a regional power already and has issues only with China - a power of her class and calibre, which will get resolved with time.

For Pakhtuns, the Durand line issue is more important than Kashmir issue. I support the third option of an independent Kashmir, though practically it good for Kashmir to become a part of India as it will become a part of next super power than being a small state whose economy is based on tourism.

Pakhtunkhwa, once it gets freedom and has not merged with Afghanistan, could also get into a confederation with India. It will boost Pakhtunkhwa with accelerated pace in terms of development as Indian human resource is the most efficient one and this is my practical experience here in the Middle East.
------------------------

PK: I am sure none on this God earth can reply to it. Thousands of army personnel have been killed by Taliban’s along with even more number of innocent Pakhtuns and you are saying that Army is killing Pakhtuns. In turf of reality, Army is sacrificing its people for its own citizens (Pakhtuns)

AF: You can fool the world with this propaganda not those who have suffered at the hands of your army and will take revenge for the innocent lives of their kith and kin. Swat operation was a drama by the forces to restore their rapport which they lost in the CJ Iftikhar case which itself was a drama which turned into a reality because the CJ had the suffix Chowdhry with his name.
------------------------

PK: Even Nepal can call herself a Regional Power and that will not make her a regional power, unless region recognizes her power.

AF: How can, for example, Pakistan recognise India as a power. The whole state foundation and organogram of the army with a state and its illegitimate empire is based on India phobia. However I was referring to the status of India more in terms of development indicators and less in terms of diplomatic front.
------------------------

PK: As per UN Resolution, India is bound to grant the people of Kashmir the right of self-determination. Now its up to Kashmir is what they want.

AF: I have told you that though a third option of Independent Kashmir is always there and might be a solution to the so called issue however ,Kashmir will be better off with an ancient civilisation than to be with a 40 years old state carved out of an artificial amalgam of revengeful British long terms political strategy coupled with the fear of the Punjabi capitalist class.
------------------------

PK: India and Superpower, man what’s wrong, I hope you don’t offer your prayer (facing) towards India.

AF: I said India is a candidate. It is just my assessment as I have seen Indian minds behind the grooming economies of the developed countries and the growth rate associated thereof. You need to go out of Lahore and observe it for you. My kibla might not be India as I refrain from glamorising Arab Ideals in an alien language however what your folks should be concerned about is that the world might turn their face to India with high probabilistic certainty in the future.
------------------------

PK; So you only want to change the master from Punjabis to Indians

AF: Pakhtuns genetic code lacks the combination and permutation of those alphabets which turn out to accept a "master” in the remotest sense. However the scope of my analysis was purely circumcised by the domain of I.R and philosophy of history without any offence to the feelings of those who are good at transforming their wishes into words.
------------------------
PK: As far as your remarks about India are concerned, you may be correct as far as one side of the story is concern but I have also shown you the other side.

AF: The fact is that when you belong to a third world community and society and you are a Christian then you are called 'Churray' even if you are less black than the more colored man of America.The same is true for Muslims.If you are "Ajami" then your religion and muslimhood does not matter.You are still looked down upon.This is very common in Middle east and most common in the cradle of Islam- Saudi Arabia.

On the other hand,if you are non muslim and have a green card ,for example, you become more important.The people of the third world are under the false impression that just by changing their religion they would earn respect of the comity of nations.This is absolute misconception.It is only by owning yourself, history, culture, language which results in a genuine progress and properity that you earn respect in the league of nations.The same is true for the Pashtuns in Pakistan.

No matter how sincerely you serve other nations and sacrifice your life for their glory,they would not respect you for your talent or abilties but for serving and glamourising them.The question is not whether we should or should not claim our rights due to serving the military-owned Pakisatn or serving Punjab,the real question for Pakhtuns is whether we here to glamourise other nations ,serve them and serve their interests and accept their superiority?

My opinion is that no matter what happenes,I am not going to submit to the superiority of another nation.Nor am I going to waste my life in glorifying Arabs or Punjabis or Indians or any other nation except my own.It does not, however, mean that I do not know or will not appreciate any quality or contribution made by any person of any other nation.Slavery ,whether it is mental ,physical,social,or politic-economic ,is simply unacceptible to me.
------------------------

Analysis of Political Situation in Pakhtunkhwa

2010-10-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Let me present how I analyse the current catastrophic situation in a mathematical form.
1) What is going on in Pakhtunkhwa is a part of the US strategy to destabilise the northern belt touching China - the future target of American imperial hegemony.
2) Pakistan being a friend of China and having nuclear teeth is a heel of Achilles for the US.
3) The trade route of China through Pakistan to the hot waters via Gwadar has to be blocked and make China starve for Oil.
4) In order to control Pakistan, the Ideal situation is that it should be in the hands of army as it is easy to handle a Pakistani general than to invest in buying the loyalties of politicians.
5) The recent events especially the Lawyer's movement and criticism of military by pro democracy politicians and nationalists coupled with the intellectual’s efforts like the revealing of books like Ayesha Siddiqa's Military Inc plus the open hand to media made a real bad name to the army and military institutions.
6) Hence it was difficult for the army to regain the reigns of power back in Pakistan; hence something had to be done in order to achieve that.
7) The army and US which have the relationship of subject and master, had to plan the Swat operation.
8) Puppets like TTP and others were projected to world media while they were the military people who were aided by the US and Pakistan army to take control of the Pakhtunland in the garb of religion. Some thousand rag tag bare footed primitive mullahs neither have the balls nor the brains to launch such an organised operation without the aid and master plan of Pentagon through Pakistan army.
9) These Taliban criminals who were all US backed Pakistan army criminals were encouraged to terrorise people and take control of the Pakhtunland.
10) Media projected them as a threat to the integrity and nuclear capability of Pakistan and the terrorist activities which were done by them with the help of Pakistan military and backed by US dollars made the people hate them hence indirectly creating a soft corner for the army.
11) As a result of increased "successful" operations by army and increasing the terrorist activities by the US financed and army backed Taliban, the situation is made more and more grave day by day. The presence of US Black water to take care of the nuclear assets will be justified soon.
12) The logical consequence of this well organised and well planned effort is paving the way for the military rule. The glorification of army is a part of it.
13) Once army is in power, which is most probable in the very near future, the US will have defacto power to work on its agenda.
14) The next step will be the control of China. US might change the geographical boundaries of the area and start supporting Azad Baluchistan to take care of Gwadar.

I hope this will clarify the big picture.

ANP and Federation

2010-10-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Objection:
The grandson of Bacha Khan is presently enjoying the top political protocol. He is also the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee. What else?
Response:
This was preceded by an attack on his life in Walibagh and followed by the targeted killing of his party men and ANP workers.
This is a common misconception by the loyalists who are screwed royally by those in the higher echelons of power corridors that even oxygen which the Army dominated banana state Pakistan given to Pakhtuns is a charity for them. While the fact is that Pakistan being projected as a de jure federation infact has not a single inch of its own land and it is on the contrary the provinces which should surrender a certain necessary percentage of their revenue to the centre for running its business instead of provinces begging for every single penny.

Comments on Values of Modern Nation State

2010-10-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Concerns:

1) Nobody is advocating making atheism mandatory, but a certain tolerance of the heretic can not only be taught but is mandatory for any kind of progress. You don’t need every one to be an atheist, such a society will not last 2 minutes. But tolerance of the heretic is required and without it all the wahabi money in the world can’t buy you any progress.
2) And this is exactly the time to talk about it; another chance may not come our way for another 100 years.
3) And as far as Punjabi progress is concerned. I don’t want such progress that requires the exploitation of other human beings while keeping a severe internal conflict of identity vis a vis another Punjabi. The psychological strive of a Sikh and Muslim Punjabi mixing together does not bother me.
4) And as far as asfandyar going to Kaaba, well he did get 32 mills from the wahabis for the swat mullah deal and what did that get us.
5) A lot of people confuse the deep religious flavor of our society with some divine privilege. In reality it is deep fear. What keep a girl from having an affair is not divine locks on her chastity but the fear of death. The heretic keeps a low voice for the same reason. The mother keeps praying as she has lost other children to simple diarrhea, only decades of good solid medicine will relieve her memory of fear. The farmer, the driver, the father, brother, everyone lives with that fears and fears alone. Take the fear out and it won’t last a minute.

Response:

1) This is a known fact that tolerance, secularism, democracy and humanism are all the products of technological evolution. Any underdeveloped society has to take the help of metaphysical ideas which exist in the form of religion in an organised form. Your point is asking for the fruits of a change and not asking for the change itself. It is like asking a matriculate to appreciate the research of a doctor in Philosophy.
2) No particular instance of time can convert wishful thinking into a reality. It is the stage of technological evolution which determines the circumstances required for a change in a society. The summary is bringing a change in the technological conditions of a society and you will see the required change in the behavior of people because technology creates its own values. We are just suffering from the value system of agrarian cum medieval age both of which had their own value systems viz feudalism and sectarianism (or call it religious chauvinism)
3) The progress at the cost of exploitation is condemnable but the deprivation due to laziness and lamenting nature is more condemnable. If a villager from Jhelum can become a Nobel laureate why can’t a educated well off Pakhtun from Peshawar achieve the same? Pakhtuns are deprived of resources and facilities no doubt but the resourceful have also done nothing great except opting to escape from the bitter realities of their homeland and preferring an individualistic life. They have ego powerful enough to give the heed of a deaf ear to the genuine problems of their own nation due to which they excelled individually and on the contrary possess a conversant and big mouth to their own motheland which depicts a picture of miseries and deprivation.

Political Freedom and Science

2010-10-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

The current confused state of affairs is due to two situations.

1) The Pakhtuns of Pakistan are practically in the same status as the Muslims of India. Both have blood relations across the border but have politically antagonistic and socio-cultural bonds.

2) The sudden onslaught of modern technology and the information revolution has taken Pakhtuns aback.

In today's world, learning implies earning. Learning is subject to opportunities and Pakhtuns have least of them.

Secondly the chances of earning by mere physical labour have just ethical or moral value. It has lost its value in terms of social status, power and influence which Pakhtuns, being people living in tribal and agrarian age technology, are used to.

Hence it is political freedom and acquiring modern technology after learning science that will bring Pakhtuns at par with the rest of the world otherwise they are a ready made prey to all those nations who know the zeitgeist of the contemporary age.