Regionalism vs Globalism. Is Regionalism a Threat to Globalization

 We live in a boundary-less global world where the barriers are diminishing owing to the mutual interdependence of states, and of course the technological advancements. However, the whole concept of globalization does have its fair share of limitations as well. In response to these faults, we have also witnessed a rise of new form of regionalism which has offset the weaknesses of the globalization in political, socioeconomic and cultural spheres, and how it can be viewed as a building block for a globalized world rather than a threat

Globalization is a product of increased interaction and mutual interdependence between different people, companies and even governmental and inter-governmental organizations – sharing a similar vision and goals. The growth fosters an increased penetration among economies which results in transnational issues like political, environmental, financial and economic issues which the state is indirectly a part of. The concept of globalization has faced serious criticism for it lacking a strong regulation in the worldly order and favoring only selective players and burdening everyone else with transnational problems.

On the contrary side, initially the whole concept of regionalism was somewhat vague. Regions cannot be solely confined on the basis of their territories whereas regions aren’t confined to geographical units but also extend to increased cooperation in specific areas like socio-economic factors, mutual concern for security and economic cooperation. The older version of regionalism was build on the narrative of cooperative hegemony resulting in a bipolarity of the world. However with time, regionalism was redefined and reintegrated with a narrative which was based on multipolarity giving a multidimensional approach and not only being confined to security, and economic cooperation among states, but also extends to other areas like environmental, sociocultural, trade, and other social issues. It also allows the non-state actors to actively participate in a specific level of global system promoting inclusion.

As far as economic cooperation is concerned, regionalism has been a powerful tool in economically empowering member-states through regional trade agreements, intensifying competition slowly by giving local industries fair share of time to adjust, lessening the trade

barriers among them, A classic example is that of European Union, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Economic policies cannot be violated by other members and they cannot impose sanctions on the other member states. Members states face least influence from external influences. On the contrary, in globalization, global organizational institutions like World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) propel liberalization of markets, and imposing restrictions on government to freely pursue their macroeconomic policies without any external influence. Globalized markets have high amount of uncertainty and risks involved as capital can be disinvested/or invested again quickly and the states might lose influence over economic development, and control over exchange, and consequently hold over economy.

Therefore, having regional pacts with the hegemonic powers reaps more benefits for smaller member states rather than hegemonic controlled free markets. It is not only areas dealing with flawed economic policies with external influence, but also other political and security concerns which globalization fails to address. The merits of regionalism are not restricted to economic cooperation through creation of RTAs, but effectively addresses concerns and struggles to bring a positive change in the global worldly order.

Globalization is somewhat selective rather than being inclusive protecting the vested interests of stronger states only, and make less developed states scapegoats in the hands of neo-liberalist values. Therefore, it led to regional organizations becoming more popular as they are specifically directed towards addressing the local issues and preventing external foreign influence. For instance, the reason for formulating Organization of African Unity (OAU) was to safeguard it African members by the hands of being manipulated by foreign invaders (something which globalization advocates). Despite the establishment of global organizational institutions, a deaf ear was turned to Somalian Crisis, and Rwandan Genocide. The formation of OAU has resulted in significant decline in interstate wars, and peace negotiations are being held in Sudan.

It is not just pertinent security matters which globalization has failed to address, but it has also failed in enforcement of a multilateral political legislation in the global system. For instance, Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change Conference came up with stringent regulations in a world where pollution has been made transnational by globalization. The state has no control over the residents health raising questions over the legitimacy of the government. Exposure to multicultural influences results in states losing control over external relations of societies. Standardization

through education, language, and in some cases, values, have received a great backlash as it threatens the cultural values.

As a response to cultural globalization, interstate and sub state regionalism has emerged to preserve cultural attributes by placing increasing in distinct cultural identity and the concept of regionalist parties. For instance, Parti Quebecois Bloc have retained the cultural values of Quebec as it is the only French speaking region in America. We have also witnessed Cultural regionalization in European based North America., Sub Saharan Africa, Northeast Asia and even Latin America preserving shared cultural values over shared global identity.

Globalization’s limitations have been offset by Regionalism’s strengths. However, that does not mean that the world is moving away from global unity and regionalism poses a threat to the global world order. New regionalism is a world order concept which builds upon globalization. Regionalism does advocate a regional identity over global identity, but could not replace the system in which it exists. Multilateral institutions hold regulations over the regional institutions, making it difficult for international multilateral systems and globalization to be abolished. Moreover, the fruits of regionalism have had positive impact rather than negative. For instance, European Union has initiated formal interrogational talks with East Asian countries, and held Asia-European Meetings – promoting cooperation, economic and political stability through regionalism.

Hence, Regionalism is building bloc of achieving global peace, and could act as a supplement to globalization and creation of a cohesive global order rather than posing threat to it.

BREXIT - Is European Union at the brink of disintegration?

 

UK and the European Union has been heavily dependent on each other regarding trade relations and strategic defense, but lately there has been a complex interplay of different factors which acted as a catalyst behind UK’s decision to exit the European Union (EU).

The rising Euroscepticism is one of the driving forces which led to the outpouring of the votes in favor of Brexit. In fact, the growing populism was one of the major reasons which led to a referendum in the UK in the first place. Euroscepticism dates to the time when Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of UK, had been in power and clearly implied that the ‘UK is only linked to European Union and not combined.’ This ideology was further strengthened when citizens of UK started discrediting the effectiveness of EU over its flawed immigration and border control policies. EU was backlashed for enforcing regulations upon the member states without even analyzing the additional costs which were being incurred. Moreover, the decision-making authority rested in the hands of bureaucracy not even residing in the UK and oblivious to the trends and concerns which the public was raising. To take advantage of the situation, the Eurosceptic politicians were shaping anti-EU opinion in the minds of the citizens by enlightening them of the opportunity costs of investing their budget in the national health care instead of EU. Consequently, his had provoked anti EU sentiments among the masses.

The perceived threat of losing sovereignty and national identity also contributed in the decision to vote out. As per the public opinion, the public was more affiliated with Britain than EU, and had persuaded that they should exercise stringent border controls in order to tackle the migration crisis. To add fuel to the fire, Euroseptic members had supported Brexit and justified their stance by expressing their opinion that sharing political powers with the European Union had posed a serious threat to the sovereignty, and the dire need of hour is to put a restraint on the rapid immigration.

In addition to this, the older age group in Britain had their own insecurities as they felt alienated due to the boundry-less region. They were somewhat socially conservative and heavily criticized immigration policies of the union of grounds that it was having an adverse effect on the economy, and due to an increase in a diverse and skilled work force, the demand for local labor was comparatively low. Moreover, the financial crunch due to euro crisis reflected EU’s poor performance. Furthermore, people who voted in favor of Brexit, being less educated, did not have a sound knowledge of the economic repercussions which were to follow after Brexit.

Therefore, there were multifaceted which contributed in the Brexit, and led to people vote in favor of it.

Britain leaving the European Union did pose a threat to the European Union in a sense that there was an increase trend of populist narrative in the region posing a serious threat on the dominant position of EU, and resulting in an increase in the ideological differences. The passport free movement across the member states of EU had lessened a strong check and balance on the internal movement. Moreover, the union failed to devise a strategy to deal with migrants.

To exacerbate things further, increase political pressure was put on countries like Germany, Poland and Hungary to put a restraint on the immigration, and Brexit was viewed to have a spillover effect in the region and the Sword of Damocles lays on the European Union as it might disintegrate if the anti-migration and populist narratives are strengthened. EU had already suffered the loss of its biggest military power, but we can also not undermine the role of Brexit in being a blessing in disguise for the European union - unifying the member states instead of dividing them and disintegrating the European Union. Member states have witnessed the economic and social repercussions of Brexit which Britain has been facing since Brexit and have no intention to leave the Union. Moreover, after Britain’s exit, France and Germany one of the most influential member states, and less influential member states cannot afford to oppose them. Brexit has brought all of the member states on one page regarding pertinent matters like defense, mitigating conflicts with Russia, and competing against global players like China and India by capturing the global market, enhancing collective security, and striving towards the fulfillment of the objectives laid down by the EU.

Therefore, European Union is not on the brink of disintegration rather maintains its dominant position in the region. However, it should not allow the EU to be content with its working and must bring reforms which could help tackle the growing populist, and antimigration narratives and mitigating anti-EU sentiments among the member states to prevent another exit.

EU must delegate decision making authority to member states in economic matters to ensure democratic legitimacy and allow discretion to the members in such matters instead of interfering in them. Moreover, it must have inclusive policies, and acknowledge and respect the cultural differences among the member states instead of aiming to unify them as one. The union must also not only keep itself informed of the changing trends and public opinion, but should also respect it and address the concerns instead of going against them and digging its own grave by sowing hatred among the masses for ignorance. The Union must also devise policies which strengthen the economic and financial position of weaker member states. It is also advised that the European Union devises a sound plan of action to dampen the migration crisis by keeping a strong check and balance over the border controls.

Contrary to the popular notion, the European is not at a brink of disintegration, and has continued to maintain its established hegemony. The member states of the Union have witnessed the repercussions and challenges which the Britain is facing, after its exit, and would think twice before taking such a drastic step. Several contributing factors like threat to sovereignty, economic challenges, growing Euroscepticism, flawed migration policies of the EU propelled Brexit, but Brexit has been a blessing in disguise for the European Union by uniting the member states rather than dividing them, but measures must be taken by the European Union in the shape of structural reforms which could prevent another exit and deter the threat of disintegration.

The Imperative Role of Pakistan Armed Forces in countering terrorism.

I hail from a family which to date, proudly, serves the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

The War on Terror referred as Global War on Terrorism is a military campaign which was launched by the government of USA  worldwide after the famous September 11 attacks in the U.S. on year 2001. After the 11 September 2001 attacks, earlier President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf made alliance with the U.S. against the Taliban government in Afghanistan after an ultimatum which was given by then U.S. President George W. Bush. President Musharraf approved to give the U.S. the use of three airbases for the ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’ (OEF) . Pakistan along with United States are partners in establishing peace in the region.

During year 2004, the Pakistan Army launched a famous campaign in the FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas] prominent Waziristan region, sending 80,000 troops. The objective of the conflict was to remove the al-Qaeda and Taliban militants from the area.

The government of Pakistan had announced that fighting terrorism would be the top priority agenda, and turned out to be a front line state in the operational tools of OEF Operation Enduring Freedom which was US government response to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Pakistan instantly separated itself from the Taliban rule in Afghanistan and it was then decided that it would be a part of the global coalition led by the United States. Ever since, Pakistan has retained an obvious stance on the famous War On Terror. Pakistani government has prohibited and condemned all types of terrorism and its presence in any corner of world. Islamabad authorities have stressed on the foremost need for a broad, and a clear definition of terrorism. Outright rejection about the  myth of Islamic terrorism, Pakistan has been a firm believer in clear difference between terrorist activities and the legitimate struggle of the publics for their essential right to self-determination. The government of Pakistan has formalized a military approach to root out the native and the international militants who have hideouts in the tribal areas in the surrounding area of Pakistan and Afghan borders. The security forces of the country have directed plenty of minor military operations to destroy the militant groups who are inhabited in the tribal areas of the country as the prominent part of its strategy to counter terrorism. The army of Pakistan has conducted more than 251 major and 735 minor operations contributing in the war on terror from September 11 to 2012.

Counter terrorism Operations from 2004-2009

Militants were fumed on learning Pakistan’s stance on War of Terror. Pakistan army was under their radar in January 2004 when rockets were fired on army camps from three sides in ‘Wana’ The militants launched rockets on the army camps situated in the village of Bajaur which is in South Waziristan. An army check-post which was in ‘Shulama’ had to face a great damage and the situation was made worst. The operation was launched by the army of Pakistan in retaliation of the attack on the camps. Additionally, the worsening of security situation forced Pakistan army to start the biggest “search-and-destroy” movement which is also known as the “Operation Kalosha’’ the major objective of this operation was to clear the area from these terrorists. The operation had continued for about thirteen days. However, it failed to dislocate the foreign terrorists which was something assured by the Pakistan army. Eight soldiers of Pakistan army were martyred. During the mission more than fifty militants were executed but on the army side four soldiers sacrificed their lives and about twelve were seriously injured.

However, there was no end to the newly born terrorism which was spreading throughout the country. The Lal Masjid siege was the lethal battle between the Pakistan army and the homegrown militants after Pakistan had formed partnership with the United States after the famous 9/11 attacks. The leaders of Al Qaeda were quick to respond seeking revenge Ghazi was termed as a “hero of Islam” in an audio message Osama bin Laden and launched an all-out war against the military. The Lal Masjid itself was secured of the worst of the fighting but the entrance hall was set to fire and pieces of brickwork were blown from the minars, which were used as a vantage point by the gunmen. The resistance was certainly beyond the expectations of the army.

President Musharraf, then President, instructed to initiate a military operation against the scholars and maulvis of the mosque in response to increasing criminal actions, weakening and challenging the summons of the local government. The Laal Masjid administration had flushed out the extremists hold up in the compound.

The terrorist groups then reacted by unlashing the trend of suicide attacks against army of Pakistan in different areas which had by then successfully created an atmosphere of fear, fright and chaos in country as well as its capital, Islamabad.

 The prominent Taliban commander Maulvi Abdul Khaliq Haqani said in his speech on July 21, 2007,

 “Mujahideen of the north and south Waziristan agencies will avenge the martyred brothers, sisters and sons. Praise be to Allah, Mujahideen have launched activities and have been conducting guerilla and suicide attacks against the army and paramilitary forces. They will take revenge of the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa operation’’

Prearranged the Ghazi Forces, Abdul Rashid’s supporters have been guilty for being master minds or the most atrocious terrorist attacks. The ferocious end of the dead heat had resulted in more than hundred militants dead, and in the attack, 11 army officers were martyred. It marked a noteworthy period in Pakistan’s fight against Islamic aggressiveness.

This operation was referred as Operation Sunrise and it was the first major action of the government against the terrorism after 1947.

Six months later, on 14^th December, 2007, forty terrorist leaders, commanding about 40,000 militant troops, assembled in South Waziristan in order to form a combined front under the name  Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) It promised to take vengeance of the death of a prominent leader Abdul Rashid. In 2008, the Taliban were almost in control of seven Federally administered Tribal Areas agencies and had successfully spread their influence in a big part of Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa.

One noteworthy fact about the military action on the red mosque is- the day the army of Pakistan had planned an action against the terrorists, Talibaan organizations were the first to give reactions. Thousands of Talibaan supporters came out & blocked the famous Karakoram highway, situated among Pakistan and China. This opposition evidently tells that Talibaan had involvement in the Lal Masjid incident.

Pakistan faced a major security threat because Talibans took control of the agencies in FATA. This called for need for measures which gave birth to Operation Sher Dil which was launched the in Bajaur Agenc from Aug 2008 to Feb 2009. It contributed in bloodshed of thousands of Taliban militants and the elimination of a large amount of the local people who were in the battle zones. This showdown of the Pakistan Army and Talibaan militants and minor groups in the FATA in the year 2008 had resulted in the death of  3,067 individuals

Furthermore, in 2009 May, Pakistan army initiated the Operation Rah e Rast in order to evacuate the parts of Swat and kill leading militants such as Maulana Fazal ullah, Muslim Khan, Sufi Mohammad and Bait ullah Mahsood. For operational purposes, Swat was distributed into North Swat, and South Swat. Three divisions were used for the operation under which 52,000 troops took part. In addition to this, two wings of Frontier Corps forces were deployed in this operation. Armed forces had used military aircrafts, jets, military helicopters gunships, artillery constituting of 130-mm range field gun batteries, and the corps of infantry progressed to hit the militants. The assault military helicopters were used for the clearance of Mingora. Up to two hundred oppressors were killed daily which resulted in the armed forces successfully gaining control of urban region of Swat.

After successfully gaining control over Swat, Pakistan security forces had then launched the ‘Operation Koh-e-Sufaid’ on the 4^th of July 2011 in Kurram agency against the terrorists of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan. The terrorist group had took control over the Thal-Parachinar route, which connects the Kurram agency to Peshawar. Pakistan army had continued the ‘operation White Mountain’ with about 4000 troops including a heavy artillery and strong air power. Pakistan military forces then claimed to recapture the Khyber agency and were responsible for the clearance done in area of Tirah valley.

After the decline of the Talibaani regime, members of TTP had fled to Northern border region of Afghan and Pak, an area which was under little control of Pakistan Army. US also supported Pakistan. With the help of the air support and logistics coming from them, Pakistan Army chad killed many al-Qaeda operative and held them as captives.

Impact of Terrorism Operations on Pakistan

Pakistan had suffered a total loss of 45 billion dollars because of the military operations after 9/11 to 2009 and a rough estimated 70 billion dollars constituting thousands of  the civilians and military personnels lives till December 2012 .It had a negative effect on the overall economy of Pakistan as it caused huge withdrawal of external speculation, capital, end of commercial enterprises in clash areas, loss in the tourism sector and agricultural field. This was not all as the industries decreased in fares. Pakistan has suffered a tragic death toll because of violence and instability in the nation. The time frame from the year 2001 to the year 2011 had observed developing several setbacks. The security operations led to notable effect on Pakistans security such as ongoing terrorist happenings had increased within country. Since Pakistan took part in the global union against terrorism as a non NATO ally in 2001, it had to face several complications, uncertain state of decision making, instability in socio-economic sector, the drone warfare and its domestic effects, back down of Pakistan’s economy specially poverty, unemployment, inflation, energy and power crisis along with inadequate security measures as the  Durand Line was a weak border, access of terrorists and jihadi culture into the neighbors of Pakistan had tarnished the regional and global image of the country. The regional neighbors of the country and the international community had serious concerns over the expansion of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan and al-Qaeda which had sympathy inside Pakistan.

Counter terrorism Operations after 2009

On the 8^th of June 2014, ten terrorists armed with suicide vests, programmed weapons, rocket launcher, and grenades had attacked the famous airport in Karachi known as Jinnah International Airport. 36 people were killed, consisting of 10 attackers, along with 18 wounded. The terrorist organization (TTP) had in the beginning, claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the state media, the attackers were immigrants of Uzbekistan belonging to Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which is Al Qaeda-linked terrorist organization that works with TTP closely. The terrorist group had later confirmed the attack to be joint operations executed with the help of IMU, who solely admitted supplying recruits for the attack.

After the horrendous attack on the Karachi Airport, Pakistan Army led aerial strikes on the terrorist hideouts in the federally administered tribal areas (FATA) and also included the border of Afghanistan . On the 10^th of June, the security forces of Pakistan had carried out aerial strikes in Tirah Valley which is situated in Khyber Agency in the next to the Afghanistan border, in which nine terrorist hideouts were destroyed and a minimum of 25 terrorists were killed. The aerial strikes were led in the wake of the attack, and were an extension lead of a movement of the Pakistan Army operations against terrorists being conducted from the past months. The region was thought to be a shelter for several anti-state terrorists and foreign militants from Central Asia. According to the defence analysts, the airport attack may drive Islamabad to put current peace talks with terrorists on rest and lead an all-out military offensive in tribal areas of North Waziristan including the Afghanistan border. A Pakistani security official, had given a statement in press where he said "the army is ready for an operation. It now all depends on the government to make a decision." At least 25 terrorists were killed on the 10^th of June, including foreign militants. On the 11^th of June, the Pakistan Army decided to intensify air strikes on thw terrorists hideouts resulting in an official conference of leading military commanders at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. On 12^th Of June, two drone attacks had killed Afghan, Uzbek and some local terrorists.

Furthermore, on 15^th of June, the Pakistan Army had increased air strikes in the North Waziristan and blown-up eight foreign terrorist hideouts with a minimum of 105 insurgents killed, majorly Uzbeks, and those associated to the airport attack in Karachi and some foreign militants. According to military sources, a prominent mastermind of attack and Uzbek commander Abu AbdurRehman Almani , was also killed in that operation.

The following military responses resulted in Operation Zarb-e-Azab, a comprehensive operation by the Pakistan Armed Forces against the terrorists in North Waziristan. Above 30,000 Pakistani soldiers had participated in the operation which was initiated in the wake of horrendous attack on the International Jinnah Airport in Karachi. On the 15^th of June, the Pakistan Army formally announced the commencement of Operation Zarb-e-Azab in the North Waziristan, a military policy directing to flush out international and local terrorists present in the area of North Waziristan.

 Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesperson Major-General Asim Bajwa released in a press statement publically in which he said:

 "Using North Waziristan as a base, these terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting our national life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property. In addition, the valiant armed forces have been tasked to eradicate these terrorists regardless of hue and color, along with their sanctuaries. With the help of support of the entire country, along with in coordination with other state institutions and Law Enforcement Agencies  these enemies of the state will be denied space anywhere across Pakistan’(Reference: dawn news)

 Operation Zarb-e-Azab, directing a combined military attack conducted by the Pakistan Army against several terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, TTP, For the first time, the Pakistan Army implemented a military approach called "Seek, Destroy, Clear, Hold." The vision was to seek the target. Once they were found, they would be destroyed. When they were destroyed, the infrastructure, bodies and the weapons would also be cleared and the area would be held both during this time till completion in order to ensure security after operation and the infrastructure and rehabilitation of area. On the 3rd of April, the government of Pakistan had declared a victory and the end of the operation after the clearance of 640 square km in Shawaal valley, killing more than 250 militants.

Terrorist Attacks in retaliation of Operations by Pakistan Armed Forces

The terrorist organization (Jamaat ul Ahrar), which was recently under sanctions by the UNSC (UN Security council), had targeted government officials, children, minorities, and civilians. It is respected to understand the nature of terrorism and Pakistan’s rigorous response to address it in the move of recent statements which were made by the US President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of not doing enough in regards of countering terrorism.

On 9^th of August 2016, a suicide bombing targeting lawyers had killed 70 and injured 26 people in Civil Hospital of Quetta. The attack which left many ids stranded and families in depression was claimed by Abdul Wali, known as Omar Khorasani who is the founder of the terrorist organization. It has been targeting on youngsters, schools, colleges, minorities, doctor’s facilities and courts within Pakistan.

The terrorist organization has claimed responsibility regarding a few other destructive attacks too. In 2015, it attacked admirers in a Youhanabad church in Lahore. In 2016, it focused on pure kids on Easter by shelling the Children’s Park Lahore and furthermore besieged locale courts in Shabqadar and Charsadda. The twin bombings in Muhammad Agency on 7th November 2014, slaughtering six and the suicide bombarding on 2nd November killing 60 individuals and arming more than 100 was additionally asserted by the Jamaat ul Ahrar terrorist group. A significant number of its individuals, now apprehended, have possessed up to numerous subversive exercises inside Pakistan.

The driving force of these assaults in Khorasani – a metalworker from Fata who joined the TTP in 2007 and later shaped a fragment gathering. In August 2014 his association alongside Ahrarul Hind joined to frame the terrorist organization. It worked from Muhammad Agency of Fata where Khorasani turned into the primary ‘Ameer’ of the terrorist association.

The military task Zarb-Azb was forced to wipe out the terrorists and their dens. Therefore, the JuA was tossed out of Fata just to be moved in Lal Pur, Nangarhar territory of Afghanistan. From that point forward, it has been arranging psychological oppressor assaults and working from Afghanistan.

To counter the terrorist organization of Jamaat ul Ahrar and other terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, three generous advances have been taken. One, Pakistan armed force has propelled a few military activities. Two, the Pakistani authorities have shared the data on fear-based oppressor associations and their places of refuge inside Afghanistan with the Afghan specialists. Three, considering Pakistan’s purposeful endeavors, the UN Security Council has forced sanctions to fight terrorism.

Some of their biggest attacks included the failed attempts by 10 attackers to intrude into the two military airbases in Quetta on the night of August 14-15, 2014, the unsuccessful plan to hijack a naval ship at the Karachi seaport, the suicide bombing at Wagah border town, the attacks on churches and imambargahs in Lahore, and the high-profile bombings in Peshawar, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Shikarpur.

However, the militants were unable to maintain the momentum and intensity of their attacks. Rather, some of their attacks deprived them of whatever little public support they still enjoyed and led to a tougher response by the government against them. One such attack took place on December 16, 2014 on the Army Public School, Peshawar and resulted in the deaths of 145 persons, including 132 schoolchildren.

Terrorist organizations didn’t even spare the blooming flowers, and launched an atrocious attack on the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar on the December 14th 2016.  It was the day that saw the most cold-hearted crime committed by devil’s advocate on earth and a day that will be remembered in times to come for the most cowardly massacre. Six gunmen who were associated with the Tehrik-i-Talibaan (TTP) had propelled a terrorist assault on the Army Public School in morning at 10:30 am. The terrorists were foreign militants, constituting of a Chechen, two Afghans, and three Arabs. They arrived in the school, started firing on the school staff and innocent children, killing more than 149 people which included 132 schoolchildren, ranging between eight to eighteen years, earning it the ranking of world's 4^th deadliest school massacre.

Soon, a rescue operation was propelled by the Special Services Group (SSG) special forces of the Pakistan Army's, who had killed all six terrorists and successfully rescued 960 people. The attack had a lot of causalities. More than 150 people were martyred, and most of them were school children who died. Many were injured. Mournful reactions had started pouring from all the corners of the country which had revealed how inhumane and how barbaric this massacre was. 

The attack on the Army Public  School Peshawar on  December 16,  2014 was remained brutal and  a  turning  point  in  Pakistan’s  terrorism  policy  as  well. Following this ruthless attack, a national agreement was made to deal with these militant organizations with iron hand along with started implementing reprimands. The objective to launch an inclusive operation against  international and  local  terrorists  who  are  hiding  in  sanctuaries in areas of North Waziristan.

On the 16^th of December, the National Action plan had also been drafted in the wake of the Army Public School Peshawar attack to formulate a strategy to counter terrorism. In order to implement this strategy, a parliamentary committee was formed that evaluate the circumstances after the APS tragedy and to shed light over the necessary laws as well as amendments in link to terrorism. From this time forth, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution provided with a twenty-point National Action Plan for the elimination of terrorism from the soil of Pakistan.

Immediately after the atrocious school attack, the military operation had fastened and intense air-strikes on militant hideouts were carried out on a massive level. During one of the airstrikes which were carried out by the joint efforts of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in collaboration with the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps, Tehrik-i-Talibaan Pakistan (TTP) faithful commander chief Maulana Fazal ullah had narrowly escaped an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strike on the 25^th of November. A significant progress was also witnessed on Dec 17, when Pakistan Air Force’s military aircrafts F-16s and JF-17 thunder jets blew-up the terrorist hideouts in the Tirah Valley as they targeted  57 terrorists.  In addition to this, twenty other aerial bombing operations were also conducted using the dynamic targeting approach.

An an unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV) strike targeted and had killed five alleged militants in the area of  North Waziristan on  the  20^th of Dec. Additionally, an estimate of 21 Tehrik e Talibaan Pakistan (TTP) terrorists were also killed by the Pakistan  Aviation Corps and PAF assaults in the Khyber Agency while they were struggling to escape from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Army’s avengement to the terrorist attacks and its success

When Operation   Zarb e Azab had completed one and a half years, impressive successes were achieved, and the last pockets which were close to the Pakistan and Afghanistan border had been cleared. Terrorist was hit where it hurt the most. They were broken and the overall structure had been dismantled. Connection with their hideouts had  been significantly disrupted. Intelligence based Operations (IBOs) had them busted  and the remaining of the hideouts. 3,400 terrorists had been killed along with 837 hideouts were destroyed where they had been seeking refuge and launching attacks. Since the last18 months, more than 13,200 IBOs have been successfully carried out all across Pakistan , in which 183 terrorists were killed whereas  2,193 of terrorist were arrested. IBOs are still taking place in the country.  Moreover, 488 officers and brave men of the Pakistan Army, from the Frontier Corps, Northern Light Infantry, Baluch Regiment and Rangers Sindh were killed and 1,914 had been injured in Operation Zarb-e-Azb.  A total 11 military courts took place. 142 cases have been referred to the military courts in which 55 cases have been given verdict, 87 cases are still in the process, and 31 terrorists have been convicted. In July 2017, then Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif paid a visit to the the military's forward areas near the Afghanistan border in the North Waziristan.  He had also been briefed about the overall progress and the upcoming plans for the Operation Zarb-e-Azab. Raheel Sharif had also visited areas of South Waziristan and Wana agencies. It was stated that the Pakistan army had just completed the initial preparations for the final phase of operations. In the vicinity of  Shawal valley, peaks had been cleared marking the last phase of the Zarb e azab . On the 3rd of April, the Pakistani government claimed victory and the completion of the operation after the clearance of 640 square kilometers in Shawaal valley, after killing some 250 terrorists.

Speaking to officers and men in Shawal Valley upon successful completion of operation, the Army Chief said:

“Standing shoulder to shoulder with us, the entire nation highly values the sacrifices being rendered in this fight against terrorism.”

Then chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif also said:

‘It's a matter of great privilege and honor to be commanding such an accomplished and battle hardened Army, We will not stop unless we achieve our end objective of a terror free Pakistan’

Officials reported that around 4,000 terrorists had been killed and tons of explosives bombs had been found in parts of  Miranshah, and other areas. The operation had forced an estimate of one million civilians to leave their native homes, and take refuge in the settled areas of Pakistan. The return of the families which had been displaced to their homes is still under progress.

The PICSS study revealed that the average terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, are the places which have been most affected by the decade-long battle, fell significantly after operation Zarb-e-Azb. The attacks per month in Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa had declined by 75 per cent from  49 to 12 percent . In adjacent areas of Fata, the assaults were reduced from 31 to 16 percent. The PICSS stated that Zarb-e-Azab also had a positive impact on the security condition of Karachi and  Punjab, where the search operation conducted by the Rangers and Sindh Police was advanced.

Operation Zarb-e-Azab had  not only played a role in improving the overall security situation in Pakistan, but also led to serious attacks on the unity of the TTP terrorist organization which split into at least three major categories once the military action was propelled. Though the TTP suffered differences in the beginning, it is true that the terrorists later began coming close to each other by resolving their own internal disputes among each  other. The terrorists too tried to resolve these disputes against the biggest threat they faced just like the local government, armed forces, civil society others coming together to counter extremism and the terrorism from country.

The results which the military produced were impressive. The figures included killing of 2,763 terrorists, with 837 terrorists hideouts smashed and  explosives worth 253 tonnes had been  recovered.  In addition to this, 347 army officers along with soldiers were stated to be martyred giving the ultimate sacrifice of their sacred lives.

After the success of operation  Zarb e Azab, the terrorist group known as Jamaat-ul-Ahrar had then launched Operation Ghazi  along with several suicide attacks across Pakistan. According to media, Jammat-ul-Ahrar had claimed the responsibility of these terror attacks which took place and  the terrorists were furious on avenging  Abdul Rashid Ghazi's death who had been shot dead by the  Pakistan army in red mosque during Operation Sunrise. Almost immediately, Pakistan army's ISPR had then announced that they would be launching Operation Rad-ul-Fasad.

Zarb-e-Azb was succeeded by Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad which commenced on the 22nd if February 2017, resulting a reappearance in terrorist incidents. The operation had the prime motive of eradicating terrorism, and joining the gains of the previous held Operation  Zarb-e-Azab which was earlier launched as joint military offensive in 2014. It also ensured the security of the borders of Pakistan. The operation was well received by armed forces of Pakistan Air Force, (PAF) Pakistan Navy (PN) Pakistan Police and other Civil Armed Forces which actively participated  in this operation which was organized  under the Ministry of Interior. The National Action Plan was then also followed as a trademark of operation of Rad ul Fasaad.

Armed forces of Pakistan had paid a lot of sacrifices in the war against terror and were successful in restoring peace in Federally Administered Tribal Areas along with other neighboring areas. The National Action Plan had been formulized under consent of the political parties in order to eradicate terrorism from the soil of Pakistan. Every individual was obliged to show national unity to tackle the challenges which Pakistan faced. The country wanted peace along with stability in Afghanistan.

Even though incidents of terrorism have significantly reduced if we compare it to a decade ago, In 2017, numerous attacks took place such as suicide bombings along wih cross-border attacks due to which many officers of army had lost their lives.

Pakistan Army had sacrificed its bravest cream of officers and soldiers in these terrorist assaults within the country and externally from Afghanistan during anti-terrorist operations.

In the same way, the civilian law enforcement agencies such as police had also witnessed this brunt of terrorism, as quite a lot of junior officials had been shot dead in Karachi and several of top level officers had sacrificed their lives due to the suicide attacks which took place in Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa.

Pakistan has successfully countered terrorism in the region with a war which entered Pakistan from the 2,611 kilometer poorly operated Pak-Afghan border when United States had led alliance forces which were responsible for the military operations which  were launched in Afghanistan against terrorist group of Al Qaeda. However, no well-structured sanctuaries, are present for finding these terrorists. Operation Raddul Fasaad, a massive intelligence-based operation is still in progress.

Aftermath of this operation has significantly decreased violence which had spread all across the country. 2.7 million Afghan refugees who were residing in the country have converted into peaceful refugees, so there is a need to start deporting them to their home country.

Currently there are more than 200,000 troops of Pakistan Army which are set up in Federally Administered Tribal Areas as well as the border with Afghanistan and the deployment will remain in spite of successes with in country as threat continues to exist in Afghanistan owing to lack of capacity of Afghan military forces.

In order to maintain its success, Pakistan Army is currently fencing the whole 2,611-km length of its border with Afghanistan and building new check posts along the border to limit access of terrorists in the free cross-border movement.

Furthermore, on the 25th of November 2017, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s Special Forces took part in combined exercise to counter-terrorism ‘Al-Shehab II” in Riyadh. The exercise lasted for two weeks ending on 10^th December. Pakistani commission constituted of 68 officers and soldiers of Special Services Group (SSG) participating in this exercise. The objective of the Pak-Saudi joint exercise was to help participating troops from each side to gain knowledge from each other’s experiences in the field of counter-terrorism and build up bilateral cooperation among the two forces.

Pakistan Army has not only taken kinetic operations, but also started major socio-economic development projects in the cleared areas of country which is intended to carrying a forward relative stability to ensure peace. Pakistan Army has also played an imperative role in ensuring the overall progress and achievement of projects related to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The leadership of Pakistan Army is currently utilizing all the influence and power  it has  on the stakeholder, as well as the politicians along with civil servants, who are taking part in this campaign for the development of infrastructure and utilization of energy to make our country economically stronger as well eradicating terrorism.  

Several military activities, for example, Operation Zarb-e-Azab and Operation Rad-ul Fasaad have impressively reduced the terrorist’s attacks as well as the capacity of the psychological oppressors to assault Pakistanis.

The Former Chief of Army Staff , Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. M. Nawaz Sharif, and all the leading political forces of Pakistan had taken a united verdict to eradicate terrorism from the pure soil of Pakistan. The successful Operation Zarb-e-Azb, and the army public school comeback had broken the strength of terrorists even though their hideouts are still not under the radar at the moment. ISPR  of  Pakistan  Army had released figures,  after  every  year,  weighing  up  the endeavors  of  Operation  Zarb-e-Azab,  comparatively  there  is  peace  and tranquility  in several cities  which  were  previously  under  a  severe  terrorist target for the most part of FATA.

The yearly security report of Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies have shown that fear occurrences have reduced from the number 2,555 in year 2013 to 749 in year 2016, which had a drastic fall from thousands just to hundreds. People who had faced injury were 6,932 in 2013 and fell to 1,956 in year 2016, In addition to this, the causalities had also reduced from 4,725 in 2013 to 1,887 in year 2016. The ongoing Operation Khyber-4 has in addition fixed the hold on the psychological oppressors who have been working close to Afghan fringe.

In addition to this, Pakistan Army has successfully fought the world's biggest war on counter terrorism with a total deployment which exceeds 202,000 soldiers in the federally administered tribal areas of Pakistan (FATA). Pakistan also provides intelligence with above 70 countries" and has also sacrificed a total of 75,000 innocent civilians and 6000 soldiers who had been succumbed to terrorism.

We must acknowledge the countless efforts of Pakistan Armed Forces especially Pakistan Army as well as the civilian law enforcing agencies such as Police and the government work which led to Pakistan eliminating the marks of terrorism from the land. Pakistan has made a lot of sacrifices in this war waged against terrorism. The current advancements in Pakistan’s war against terrorism has been set as a benchmark for not only the provincial nations, but the world. Despite the fact Pakistan is successfully fighting the fear-based oppressors residing on the pure soil, it also expects the Afghan powers, Nato and US to do the same in Afghanistan. It is vital not only for Pakistan, but also the different nations which should struggle to defeat the regular enemy and defeat terrorism making this world a safer place to live in. 

Who are we?

Who are we? Bunch of vague silhouettes, but inside, emptiness. We are deprived of inner peace and end up putting on masks to conceal our inner dark selves. Now lets examine the outer mask; sugar, spice and everything nice. But inside? as dark as an eclipse. Why at some of our happiest of times, do we feel empty? Because we lack a lot. We lack faith. We lack the energy it takes to be happy and get rid of our insecurities about how life would treat us in the near future. Why cant we savor in the moment and live like there is no tomorrow instead of living in vain? We have our insides as vague as shadows. Uncertainty resides within us. Yet we manage to look just fine from the outside by keeping ourselves masked by different characters with shades of grey which even we are oblivious to. 

Empty from within, involuntarily participating in this collective madness of society; insanity prevails us on the inside. We set our voyages to in the search of happiness; yet we search it in all the wrong places. In reality, our happiness is inside our own selves. All we need is a little faith to trigger it. Once it is truly triggered, we would not be dependant on these masks, we wear, to look content from the outside. We would achieve purity of heart, peace of mind and all it takes to satisfy our innerselves. Even when the slightest tinge of satisfaction begins to reside with in us, our inner dark, empty selves would fade away.

Ashura (10th Muharram) : Celebration or Lamentation?

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The month holds a great significance to Muslims all around the world.

Ashura is an important day for both sects, Shias & Sunnis, of Islam. While Shia Muslims consider “Muharram” to be a sorrowful occassion, commemorating the tragic incident of Karbala and the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), Sunni Muslims observe it as a festival and look at “Ashura” as a happy day, though the religious aspect remain intact. Sunnis keep a fast on Ashura, following the sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) Usually, Sunni Muslims are recommended to fast either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or on the 10th and 11th of Muharram.

Some Authentic Aḥadis Regarding Ashura

Hazrat Aisha (razī Allāhu anhā) said, “The people of Quraysh used to fast on the day of Ashūra in the pre-Islamic days. When the Messenger of Allah(pbuh) migrated to Madīnah, he observed this fast and commanded others to observe it. But when fasting during the month of Ramazan was made obligatory he left the [fast of] Ashura (i.e. it was no longer obligatory); so whosoever wished to observe this fast, did so, and whosoever wished to leave it, did so.”

Abu Musa al-Ashari (razī Allāhu anhu) said, “The day of Ashura was one that the Jews respected and treated as a day of festival. The Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) instructed us: ‘You should also observe fast on this day.’

Humayd b.Abd ar-Raḥman narrated that he heard Muaāwiyah b. Abu Sufyan (razī Allāhu anhumā) say, while delivering a sermon on the pulpit on the day of Āshūra in the year he came for Hajj, “People of Madīnah, where are your scholars? I heard the Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) say: ‘This is the day ofĀshūra. Allāh has not made fasting on this day compulsory on you, but I am fasting. So whosoever wishes to observe the fast from amongst you, should do so, and whoever does not wish to observe it, may do so.’”

Ibn Abbas (razī Allāhu anhu) said: “When the Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) came to Madīnah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of `Āshūra. He asked: ‘What is this [that you are doing]?’ They replied: ‘This is a righteous day. On this day Allāh saved the Israelites from their enemies, and so Moses, on this day, observed a fast.’ The Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘I have a greater right on Moses (alayhis salām) than you.’ So, he observed the fast [on that day] and ordered the Muslims to also fast.’

Ar-Rabi b. Muawaz (razī Allāhu anhā) said: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) sent an envoy to the village of the Anṣar in the morning of the day of `Āshūra announcing: ‘Whoever has eaten something should not eat but complete the fast, and whoever is observing the fast should complete it.’” She further said: “Since then we fasted regularly on that day and also make our sons fast. We used to make toys of wool for the boys and if anyone of them cried for food, we would give them these [toys] until it was time to break the fast.”

Abd Allāh b. Umar (razī Allāhu anhu) narrated: “The Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) observed the fast on the day of Āshūra and ordered others to also fast. When fasting during Ramaḍān was made compulsory, he left it.”Abd Allāh would not fast on this day unless it coincided with his [normal days of] fasting.

Ibn Abbas (razī Allāhu anhumā) narrated: “I do not know the Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) singling out any days for fasting, and considering it more excellent than another, except for this day [the day of `Āshūra] and that month – meaning the month of Ramaḍān.”

Abu Qatada al-Ansari (razī Allāhu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting three days every month and [fasting] the whole [month] of Ramazān every year is a perpetual fast. The fast of the day of Arafah, [I consider it to] expiate the sins of the preceding and the coming year. The fast of the day ofĀshūra, [I consider it to] expiate the sins of the preceding year.”

Ibn Abbas (razī Allahu anhumā) narrated that when the Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) fasted on the day of Ashura and commanded that it be observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: “Messenger of Allāh (pbuh), it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem.” Thereupon the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the next year comes, Allah willing, we will observe fast on the ninth.” The Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) died before the advent of the next year.

Abu Musa (razī Allāhu anhu) narrated that the people of Khaybar, most of whom were Jews, observed the fast on the day of Ashūra and treated it as a festive day. Their women would wear ornaments and beautiful dresses. The Messenger of Allāh (pbuh) said: “You (only) observe fast on this day

 As Muharram approaches, Shia Muslims put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a color of mourning. During the entire 10 day period, they keep themselves away from music and all joyous events (e.g. weddings) that can distract them in anyway from the sorrowful remembrance of that day. During each of the first nine days of Muharram, "Majalis" (assemblies) are held where Shia orators vividly depict the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party. Mainstream Shia Muslims fast until the evening. On "Ashura", devoted Muslims assemble and go out in large processions. They parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. Some Shia sects observe Ashura by beating themselves with chains in public, cutting themselves with knives and sharp objects and holding mournful public processions. This is an expression of their grief on the death of their favourite leader Hussain, considered to be the representative of Allah. (But no Shiite scholar affirms any extreme behavior that harms the body and Shia leaders consider such acts as "Haram", or forbidden.) It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain", wailing loudly. Generally a white horse is beautifully decorated and included in the procession. It serves to bring back the memory of the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Husain after his martyrdom. Drinking posts are also set up temporarily by the Shia community where water and juices are served to all, free of charge.

The Holy Prophet (S) said:

قال النبيُّ (ص):

يا فاطمة كلُّ عينٍ باكية يوم القيامة إلاَّ عينٌ بكَت على مُصاب الحُسين (ع) فإنها ضاحِكة مُستبشرة بنعيم الجنة

O' Fatimah! Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgment except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Husayn (A.S.) for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of Paradise.

Bihar al‑Anwar, vol. 44 pg. 193.

The Holy Prophet (S) (said to H. Fatimah (A.S.)):

قال النبيُّ (ص):

فإذا كان القيامة تشفعين أنتِ لِلنساء وأنا أشفعُ لِلرجال وكلُ مَ، بكىَ مِنهُم على مُصاب الحُسين أخذنا بيَده وأدخلناه الجنة.

On the Day of Judgment, you shall intercede for the ladies and I shall intercede for the men; every person who has wept over the tragedy of Husayn (A.S.), we shall take him by the hand and lead him into Paradise.

Bihar al‑Anwar vol. 94 pg. 192,

 Images of men and small boys slashing themselves with razors or knives, allowing their blood to run freely over their bodies is common among some of the extreme Shias. One should not physically harm themselves by beating as it’s strictly prohibited in Islam. Allah has more right to your bodies than you have on them! To carry out these acts especially on this Day of Ashura is a Bid’ah (a bad innovation in Islam)

Imam Malik says “He who introduces an innovation (Bid’ah) in Islam, regarding it as something good has claimed that Muḥammad (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has betrayed his trust to deliver the message. As Allah says: ‘Today have I completed your Deen (religion)’. Whatever was not part of the Deen during the time of the Prophet cannot be considered as part of the Deen during the time of the Prophet cannot be considered as part of the Deen today.

The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) (Raziyallahu-Anhu) was indeed a great tragedy but Islam is not a religion of perpetual mourning. As Muslims, we should respect Muharram, express sorrow and commemorate the tragic incident of Karbala, but there are better ways of doing that! Are you doing any good to Imam Hussain by beating yourself up? Are you doing any good to yourself? I personally believe there is no harm in expressing grief on the death of our beloved Imam Hussain (AS) but having love for Hazrat Imam Hussain (Radhiyallahu-Anhu) does not necessarily mean that his blessed name should be lamented upon especially when he gained the status of a Shaheed (Martyr), but instead one should convey sawaab (reward) to him and donate on his behalf for the pleasure of Allah (on Allah’s name) so that reward can reach him rather than beating our selves and harming our bodies, because we’ll be earning no good by doing that. 

May Allah guide us all to the right path. Ameen.

Contentment...

“For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.”                                     

  - John Steinbeck

Life is like a roller coaster full of ups and downs; but it is an individual's choice to either scream or enjoy the ride. Things may be headed up or headed down but that doesn't mean you live your life with hate in your heart. Pessimism is inherent in human nature. Being a typical pessimist, I used to crib about my life every now and then. While consoling me, my friend told me that sadness and happiness run parallel to each other. When one takes a rest, the other one tends to take up the slack. If we're not sad, we won't be cognizant of the true essence of happiness and vice versa. 

In order to attain contentment, one needs to disapprove of the notion that it is an if/then proposition.

Example : If…I get the job,  if he loves me,  if I stop feeling anxious, if my health gets better (insert your own if )........……only then I'll feel contended.

You can only attain contentment if you look for it within yourself.

Positive thoughts lead to positive emotions. A change in thinking can be a big step up the ladder. Happiness is within our reach, without due thought of how badly life is treating us. One should always look on the bright side of life and be obliged for what they have. Even when I'm having trouble dealing with life and people disappoint me or I let myself down, for whatsoever reason, I make an effort to see all the spaces, places, and people for which or whom I am grateful. Gratitude does not come naturally to people but it is the surest path to happiness and satisfaction.

Contentment is not when everything turns out exactly how we want or plan but a full-hearted, unreserved embrace of life—exactly as it is. You will experience sadness and loss and suffering in life. There is no guarantee or protection against pain. But if you practice gratitude and self-compassion and properly invest in your identity, you will create a default state of happiness that will support all the difficulties and failures along the way; helping you attain contentment.