President Musharraf’s visit to US, his speech at the UN, address to the Jewish Council and meetings with world leaders was a unique occasion and equally significant endeavor for mutual understanding in the time of uncertainty. His interactions with the followers of other religions in a bid to project Islam in its true spirit have helped remove misperceptions. “The major monotheistic religions of the world – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – share a common heritage and converge on the multiplicity of universal values. Yet today our great religions which should be a source of hope, tolerance and peace are seen to be pitted against each other.” He said “Jews and Muslims have more similarities in their faith and culture. The oneness of God is common to both Islam and Judaism. The Muslim greeting Asslam-o-Alaikum is akin to Jewish greeting Shalom, which also means peace.” In Talmud it has been said that killing one innocent person is like the murder of humanity and saving one innocent person is like saving humanity.” The identical words appear in the Holy Quran.
President Pervez Musharraf signified other similarities as well. According to the Holy Quran and our Holy Prophet (PBUH) Jews and Christians are the people of the Book, belonging to the same spiritual traditions. The history of interaction between the Islamic and Jewish communities is rich and long. This includes the shining examples of Jewish communities coexisting in harmony within Islamic society of Cordova, Baghdad, Istanbul and Bokhara, contributing the rich mosaic of culture and traditions. President Musharraf also condemned the joint suffering of Muslims and Jews through the history. “Indeed over the centuries Jewish communities and Islamic societies from Central Asia to Spain have not only lived together but also suffered together.”
He said in his point of view all these illustrations were clear proof to the West about Islam and its similarities with Judaism. As killing of one person is a killing of humanity and saving of one person is a saving of humanity in Judaism, Islam also has the same feeling. It does not teach militancy, terrorism, intimidation and butchery of innocent people but to save the life of people. All these commitments improve the image of Islam in the eyes of world and especially to the West.
He also highlighted the reasons of the gulf which has been created between Muslim and Jewish communities. Bloodiest centuries in human history, marked by world wars, genocide and world deportations in which millions perished are the reasons of hostility and violence. It was also in this brutal century that other people suffered their great tragedies. He said the Palestinians, Kashmiris, Bosnians and Rwandese, we must not forget but we must forgive. He tinted the common host of world challenges like, political, social and environmental. One of the most pervasive threats we confront is international terrorism. The world today is in the grip of terror. Terrorism threatens to destabilize all modern societies. It is anti progressed. It must be rejected. It cannot be conned for any reason or cause.
In my point of view that’s his very good description to the leader of the world that the people of Pakistan are suffered from terrorism. We continue to suffer because of extremism in our region. We are making contribution to the fight against terrorism. Pakistan is participating in international action against international terrorism through police and military action, intelligence sharing and measures to curb terrorism financing. In my point of view, it will improve Pakistan image as it is not a terrorist state but a terrorism curbing state.
He also said that “I believe we cannot limit ourselves to fire fighting and local action against individual and groups. We should look for the deeper causes of this malaise and for motivation that drive individual to extreme irrational behavior to commit act of terrorism.” That’s a good point which demanding the world leaders attentions because without knowing the causes of any thing we are not able to do their treatment and method of healing them. In my point of view addressing the root causes is reality to achieve the sure recipe of success. Whenever west do not addressed the root causes of terrorism they will not be able to curb the terrorism. Through aggressive means they are themselves involve in terrorism as killing the innocent people. These antagonistic actions make the people more aggressive and against them. In this process despite to curb the terrorism, they are increase violent activities. Military action and use of force is not ultimate solution of malaise. As president said that
“Military action or use of force against the terrorist today is not itself the ultimate solution to the malaise. It merely buys us time to implement profound policies to eliminate the phenomena.” He emphasized that world leader must change the course of events instead of merely reacting to a series of catastrophic events such 9/11 and 7/7. “We must adopt separate short term and long-term strategies to address terrorism and extremism. Long term strategies have been implemented at three tiers: the global level, the Muslim world level and the national level in the concerned countries.”
During the all period of time in US he always tried to show the world that today Pakistan is perhaps the only country which is actively confronting and addressing the issue of terrorism and extremism through well considered and comprehensive separate strategies.
He also terminated the misperception of West about Islam that Islam and other civilizations did not have their conflict basis in history. He tries to show the world that Islam is a peaceful religion and there is no militancy in Islam. As he said that “there are tendencies to associate Islam with terrorism and even suggestions that this great religion of tolerance, compassion and peace somehow denies espousal of these universal values. To my mind this is a hate campaign. The postulated clash between civilizations specifically, between Islam and the west has not basis in history. Civilizations have grown and prospered through out history, influencing, interacting with and enriching each other. In today’s dynamic world we need more then ever before to foster understanding and harmony among societies.”
In my point of view Islam does not has any clash with any other civilizations through out the history. It is good idea to open the debate among the all conflicting civilizations especially between the Western and Islamic civilization to understand to each other. This is a best way to build a bridge in gap and to remove the misperception.
The opportunities provided to the president Musharraf on the eve of United Nations Summit has been made use of fineness and vigorous by the President as it did not only highlighted Pakistan’s concern’s but also to offset the negative impression created in the world about the Muslim world. As he said “however it is a fact most of those who suffer in the consequences of terrorist acts are Muslim.” He not only focus on Kashmir rather also Palestine and Iraq issue. He highlighted that Kashmir is source of tension and conflict in the region. He requested to the international community specially the West and USA to ensure the peaceful resolution of the disputes. He also seized the opportunity to have a tête-à-tête with his American counterpart Goerge Bush and to reiterate his demand that India should take step to reduce troops from specific areas in occupied Kashmir namely Baramula and Kupwara. He also taken up Islamabad desire to seek American cooperation in the area of nuclear energy on the same pattern as it is embarking on cooperation with India.
In the case of Palestine, he said it is heart of trouble in Middle East. Without establishing the independent Palestine state Israel would not able to assure the security. It will extinguish the anger and frustration that motivates resort the violence and extremism. He also said that we cannot build the relation with Israel until Palestinian independent state is establish because our people have great sincerity with Palestinian people.
He also has been in focus that the weapons of mass destruction do not fall in the hand of terrorist. Both proliferation and perpetual possession of nuclear weapons pose an unacceptable global damage, hence his stresses on evolving a new consensus to achieve disarmament and non-proliferation. He also stressed on the need to make UNO a standing authority that it would be able to send fact-finding missions to the conflicting areas.
He also drew world leaders attention to the increasing cleavage between the developed and developing world and emphasized the need for ensuring the equality on every global issue ranging from nuclear to economics is appropriate as these inequalities have grounds friction among states and created misunderstanding among their people.
In my point of view Musharraf’s strategy of enlightened moderation is a best method to counter extremism and terrorism as he highlighted in his addresses. Some people are mis-propagating this strategy as westernization. It is not westernization rather modern Islamic picture which really Islam is. To register the Madaris and change their curriculum is a good step toward educational reforms because in olden time there were also Madaris but they teach not only Deeni Taleem but also teach Medical, Mathematics, Philosophy and other subjects. In our Islamic education there are also define two kind of knowledge. As Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) stated that “There are two kinds of knowledge e.g. Knowledge of Deen and other is Knowledge of medical and others.” Molana Roomi is a Madaris educated but a much sound minded man as he learnt other knowledge also.
According to all speeches and addresses of President to UNO and world Jewry, Musharraf had used all the opportunities excellent and confidently to improve the image of Islam as well as Pakistan in this intricate time of future’s history as world is mis-propagating it. He has great visions in his mind as he discussed the Palestine and Kashmir issues. He once again facilitated to re-project Pakistan as energetic, concerned partner in the global society and its position cannot be turn in international relations what so ever efforts made by its ill-wishers and enemies.

Triangle of distrust
Sarah A Hashmi

The South Asian region has always faced power imbalance. The main contributor of this stress was once the USSR and now no other than our very own neighbor. The lust for ultimate power has blinded it to an extent that it has resorted to annihilate common man in the name of campaign against terrorism and religious extremism. This is because India has got “license to kill” due to strong international backing. Though the peace process is very much going on, yet New Delhi tries to project Paksitan as “rogue state” and “exporter of terrorism”. Manmohan Singh in the beginning of this year claimed the irreversibility of the “peace process”. Ironically speaking we are prone to such claims and statements because every time they end up hopelessly. The fact behind the veil is that policies without implementation are nothing more than a carcass.
The scenario of peace process attracted the whole world when the Pakistani and Indian leadership showed their concern on certain joint ventures including gas pipeline project, Kashmir issue and Baghliar Dam. Regarding Kashmir, famous columnist M. B. Naqvi in his article on July 27, 2005 commented that, “the over reliance of US on India has led to deligitimization of freedom struggle of Kashmir”. But as soon as our neighbor entered agreements with the godfather, it shifted stances within no time towards issues concerning Pakistan, leading to a bit change in Washington’s South Asia defense policy.
The historical perspectives are enough to prove that even after 58 years of independence our existence is still a thorny bed for others. “Kashmir is the bone of contention”. Indian condemnation towards UN resolutions is the main hurdle in this respect. World wails against terrorism when a person like Daniel Pearl is murdered but no one even whispers when Indian army troops brutally murder innocent Kashmiris leaving their families in ultimate despair and wretchedness. There are several instances when we could have turned the issue in our favor but negligence and carefree attitude on part of India exhausted any effort made by Pakistan.
The deep-rooted and long term strategic prospect unveils another aspect, firstly, if issue of Kashmir ends up on Kashmir becoming a free state, even then we will be on the winning edge. Being a Muslim territory they have a lot of relatives in Pakistan and the desire to be one with them will also lead to the chance of Pak-Kashmir unification. Secondly, such a unity will lead to surge in other Indian Muslims that the unfair decision taken by British lords at the time of separation can be reverted. This will lead to insurgency and the whole composite of Indian state will be strewn.
The issue of Baghliar Dam that was being discussed for peace talks is yet another dimension of violating “Indus Water Treaty”. Officials from World Bank were also involved when this treaty was signed. But no one takes any action as the superpower has given subsidiary powers to India as a token of friendship. If this dam is constructed, Pakistan will have to face the most dreadful results. If built as planned India would be able to stop or release water at the time of its choosing – either to cause drought or pose flood threat. If Baghliar is built, Pakistan might lose the River Chenab to multiply our miseries.
The most important aspect of Pak-India peace talks is the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project that may help stabilize the economy as well as strategic relationship between the three regional countries. Tactically, this project will provide South Asia the only opportunity of having access to India’s industrial sector. The pipelines passing through Pakistan can strategically help Islamabad get surety of safeguarding the countries interests, water and other accords between the two countries. India’s bid to devastate Pakistan’s agriculture can be reciprocated with their industrial suffering.
The recent pact between the US and India has given New Delhi the status of “time tested friend”of the US. C. Raja Mohan, in his article on July 27, 2005, dubbed this affiliation as a “tectonic shift in geo-politics”. All this happened due to unusual inclination of Bush government to New Delhi, avoiding all restrictions with respect to 1998 nuclear blasts. The recent inequity can be felt by the fact that India has been offered to have weapon of mass destruction while its nuclear programme running side by side. Contrary to that Manmohan condemned Pakistan, saying “we have seen in our neighborhood reckless proliferation in disregard of all international obligations”. This indicated one of the most drastic shifts in America’s nuclear policy in the last thirty years.
The recent alliance between the two power-obsessed nations was probably meant to achieve an atrocious target of acquiring an ability to demolish China as it has emerged with a potential of being the next superpower. During the cold war period Pakistan proved to be the strongest ally of USA. Yet it is impossible to use Pakistan against China due to their ever growing friendly relationship. Therefore, the US considers India its “natural ally” who can be trusted in playing its role on Washington’s diktats.
The modern times demand clear explanations of dealings and expressions particularly in the case of recent war of terrorism and its reaction to the Muslim world. Pakistan being the first nuclear power in the Muslim world is passing through very tough time as the world at large is pressuring Islamabad to dismantle the institution of madrassas. The famous Shakespearean dictum, “Look like a flower, but be a serpent under it” goes well for international politics that knows no morality. The recent movement in defense strategy leads to constant shifting of stances, frequent change sin evil troupes and sycophant friends like India that support the global crusade in order to bulldoze Muslim sates like Pakistan for their vested interests.

New initiatives in SAARC
Sobia Nisar

Pakistan would present new proposals and initiatives in the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit being held in Bangladesh in November this year to make the organization more effective and vibrant. This was stated by Pakistani Premier Shaukat Aziz, who is also the Chairman of SAARC. Pakistan is committed to extend full cooperation and assistance to the members of the SAARC for achieving the goals of development. Although the people living in the SAARC region had the potential but there is a need to utilize it in a better and organized way. The Pakistan Action Plan to implement SAARC Social Charter was a significant milestone in the short history of SAARC. The Charter would accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development besides reducing poverty in the region as well as promoting welfare of the people through improvement in quality of life. It would also help to provide opportunities to all individuals to realize their full potential and underscore the commitment of Pakistan to work together with member states for the welfare and well-being of one-fifth of humanity living in South Asia. Pakistan’s commitment and devotion to implement SAARC Social Charter is in right direction and would provide strength to other regional partners as well. Appreciating the goals set in the Charter, PM Shaukat Aziz said that Pakistan would make all out efforts to meet and exceed these goals with a view to improve the living standard of the people in the country. The Pakistan Plan of Action articulates response to the SAARC Social Charter and it would focus on developing and maintaining social infrastructure, environment, socio-economic development etc.
The SAARC should be made more active to ensure progress and prosperity in the region for the benefit of one-fifth of the world population. The SAARC Secretariat should be broadened so that it could play an important role in promoting harmony, cooperation and assistance among the member states. The SAARC Secretariat needs more manpower to carry out programmes in an effective manner. Similarly, the SAARC Charter also needs to be modified. The SAARC Charter should also include the security-related issues hampering the peace and prosperity of the South Asian region for a long time.
Nations in South Asia share cultural, historic and social traditions and it is natural for them to join hands to address the economic and social needs of their peoples through the interaction of ideas, values and philosophies. However, there is an ample need to address the security-related bilateral issues in the SAARC Charter. At the moment, there is no such provision whereas, it should have been so as the SAARC provides the best forum whereby all the South Asian states gather at one point for the collective development of the region. The political, territorial disputes and water issues engulfing the South Asian countries should be discussed at priority.
The absence of discussion regarding security related bilateral issues in the SAARC Charter is mainly due to the ‘big brother’ India who does not want to discuss any other issue rather than the economic one in the SAARC summit. India aspires to become a regional economic giant. For this reason, India aims to derive maximum economic benefits from SAARC members. Having territorial, water and political disputes with all of its neighbouring states, India is not ready to utilize the forum for resolution of these conflicts.
It is high time India should realize the trouble it is creating by not solving bilateral disputes with its neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Bhutan, and Pakistan. Instead of implementing hegemony in the region and avoiding the settlement of border/ river disputes with its neighbours, Indian government should be wise and bold enough to come on table talks with all of her neighbouring states. India should not hesitate to negotiate outstanding disputes with SAARC members in the on-coming summit in November. Indian government should broaden up its perspective and adopt a flexible approach in this regard. In fact, the SAARC charter should include the discussion of bilateral issues between its member countries as it can provide an opportunity and suitable forum for resolution of bilateral disputes and achieving peace in South Asia.