Our neighbour Pakistan is on the brink of collapse

[Agni5000]

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No serious astrological or analytical skills were required to predict an angry, desperate and violent terror attack after Operation Geronimo. The questions that should really be intriguing us are the choice of target and the enormous damage that the attackers inflicted, more so when al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban, as a first response to the news of Osama bin Laden’skilling, had threatened savage revenge.

First, the choice of target: the Mehran naval base which was home to the Pakistani navy’s PC3 Orions. Among others, two messages stand out. One, the perpetrators do not approve of the Pakistani army’s relationship with the Americans. The second was symbolic and a reiteration of the Pakistan Taliban’s reach and brute power. There could be a third purpose: to deflect suspicion from the top brass of the army.

As a matter of fact, the series of intermittent terrorist attacks on the military allow them to profess that “we ourselves are the victims, so how could we be having anything to do with the terrorists?” It could be argued, not without reason, that this horrendous charade has been necessary to keep the tap of US aid flowing and generally keep the world somewhat deluded.
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The aftermath of Operation Geronimo exposed another theatre of pretense in Pakistan. The most telling illustration was the speech given by Pakistan PM Gilani in parliament; after all, military speech writing has a distinctive style. An Indian army colleague accurately remarked that the Pakistani army staff officer who wrote the script did an excellent job.

Clearly Zardari, Gilani and the cabinet have no authority whatsoever; they are just puppets, with Kayani and his henchmen calling all the shots.

The process of radicalisation of Pakistan and its military that began around 1971 is now fast approaching the point of implosion. Till a while ago, observers hoped that the military would eventually succeed in stemming the tide of extremism and that the game of using militant groups as strategic assets was somewhat justified. This issue now merits a closer look.

What perhaps began as tolerant accommodation has now possibly morphed into a deadly ideological alliance. The two now seem to be working in tandem to convert Pakistan into a militant Islamic state that propagates jihad and also possesses nuclear bombs.

If this were not true how does one explain the military’s inability to put a lid on the Taliban? The Pakistani army is not any rag tag outfit. It is highly professional and disciplined. If the army decides, it can effectively, erode the Taliban’s hold. Again, the ISI is largely officered by the Pakistani army. Postings to the ISI are controlled by the army. Given these parameters, it is difficult to accept the Pakistani army’s inability to rein in the ISI.

And what of Pakistani society? The reaction to the murders of Salman Taseer, the governor of Punjab, Shahbaz Bhatt, a federal minister, who raised their voices against the blasphemy laws and the reporter Syed Saleem Shahzad, who had been exposing the ISI links with the Taliban, tells all. The evidence of the nation going horribly wrong could not be more obvious when people rallied to honour the killer of Salman Taseer.Some urgent treatment appears imperative before Pakistan collapses.

Redemption lies in the hands of the people of Pakistan. The need of the hour is a JP-type national movement. We can sense the worry and apprehensions. Snowballing of these voices into a critical mass is what we should be wishing and supporting.
How should India respond to the developments in Pakistan?

We should prepare for the ‘worst case scenario’ but do all we can to avert it. Among some specifics, the first is to get our guard up and keep it there. Despite our vigil and high levels of alert a terror attack may still happen. Politically and diplomatically, the PM’s initiatives cannot be faulted.

Simultaneously, we must use all the soft power to convey to the people of Pakistan that we wish them well and would like to do all we can to live in peace and harmony. We must also firmly convey not only to Pakistan but also to our friends elsewhere that the line of control in Kashmir is not negotiable.

Our neighbour Pakistan is on the brink of collapse - India - DNA

[third eye]

The contents of the article seem not far from truth

The title is misleading.

[Ajaxpaul]

Title is misleading, hopefully better leaders come out these chaos. Chaos tends to clean up society.

[OrionHunter]

Is Pakistan really on the brink of collapse? Probably not! The problem is that many a time a mountain is made out of a mole hill. One murder there and the conspiracy theorists get to work invoking all kind of bizarre stories to make it look as though Pakistan is is on the edge of disaster. Yes, there have been a number of instances of suicide blasts that have taken a horrendous toll on life and property.

But there's another side that's not even given any importance. Recently, my cousin had gone to Pakistan on a business trip. I asked him how it was considering all the negative news emanating from there of late. I was pleasantly surprised when he told be that the morale of the Pakistanis was as high as ever! There was little or no sign of all the turmoil as gleefully reported in the Indian press.

He was treated as an honored guest wherever he went (Not that he was at Ambani's level as yet!). The markets were overflowing with happy shoppers like any city in India. He was taken to the famous Old Anarkali bazaar in Lahore where he was treated to some delicious kababs. The owner refused to take any money saying that he was an honored Indian guest! He even packed some for him to gorge on later!

Most residents it seems are relatively insulated from the worst of Pakistan's problems, with the violence generally occurring over the horizon in the area near the Afghan border. They are proud of its free, open atmosphere, its tolerance, sense of fun and vibrant street life.

Pakistan doesn’t seem like it is on the precipice as reflected in most Indian and foreign media especially those so called ‘experts’ on Pakistani affairs. Yes, there are problems, but which country doesn’t have them? It may be more in Pakistan, but the atmosphere in general and the vibrant street life is far from the end-of-the-road scenarios that Pakistan baiters here would like us to believe.

Cheers!

[Emran]

yes since the creation of Pakistan...You guyx are claiming that Pakistan ix Collapsing...But WHat HAppened??? With the grace of ALLAH ALmighty we came out victorious everytime...We survived before n we will survive again!

PAKISTAN PAINDABAD

[LEGENDARY WARRIOR]

Just need an honest and patriotic leader. After this Pakistan will not only survive but will also be prosperous and powerful. .

[chops3d]

indian wet dreams, the so called collapsing pakistan freed indians from somali pirates, the so called biggest democracy cant even take care of its citizens

BS, loads of bullshitt and propaganda

there are indian hands on training terrorists from all corners of pakistan

[krash]

Just need an honest and patriotic leader. After this Pakistan will not only survive but will also be prosperous and powerful. .

Nope sir. Im sorry but I would have to disagree. We need an ethically and otherwise honest, sincere and patriotic populous.........Then the leaders will be dealt with automatically.

[LEGENDARY WARRIOR]

Nope sir. Im sorry but I would have to disagree. We need an ethically and otherwise honest, sincere and patriotic populous.........Then the leaders will be dealt with automatically.

and from where will this mass come from. We need an honest leader (like Jinnah) who can unite us. A role model, behind whom we can walk. .

[Black Widow]

indian wet dreams, the so called collapsing pakistan freed indians from somali pirates, the so called biggest democracy cant even take care of its citizens

BS, loads of bullshitt and propaganda

there are indian hands on training terrorists from all corners of pakistan

Look at the situation all around you, Don't you feel something is seriously wrong???

People are believing in God more than themselves,They believe that allah is almighty ruler of pakistan and he will fix it.. Allah help those who like to help themself...

Current Pakistani Govt is on track, they are doing good job. With the help of USA they will clear all maggots and then they will improve the society.. I am hopeful .. The process will be derailed only if some insane general topple the people elected government..

Pakistan is not brink of collapse, its already collapsed, Now it is rising from ash... Musharraf era was the time when Pakistan collapsed.

[Areesh]

No serious astrological or analytical skills were required to predict an angry, desperate and violent terror attack after Operation Geronimo. The questions that should really be intriguing us are the choice of target and the enormous damage that the attackers inflicted, more so when al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban, as a first response to the news of Osama bin Laden’skilling, had threatened savage revenge.

First, the choice of target: the Mehran naval base which was home to the Pakistani navy’s PC3 Orions. Among others, two messages stand out. One, the perpetrators do not approve of the Pakistani army’s relationship with the Americans. The second was symbolic and a reiteration of the Pakistan Taliban’s reach and brute power. There could be a third purpose: to deflect suspicion from the top brass of the army.

As a matter of fact, the series of intermittent terrorist attacks on the military allow them to profess that “we ourselves are the victims, so how could we be having anything to do with the terrorists?” It could be argued, not without reason, that this horrendous charade has been necessary to keep the tap of US aid flowing and generally keep the world somewhat deluded.
Article continues below the advertisement...

The aftermath of Operation Geronimo exposed another theatre of pretense in Pakistan. The most telling illustration was the speech given by Pakistan PM Gilani in parliament; after all, military speech writing has a distinctive style. An Indian army colleague accurately remarked that the Pakistani army staff officer who wrote the script did an excellent job.

Clearly Zardari, Gilani and the cabinet have no authority whatsoever; they are just puppets, with Kayani and his henchmen calling all the shots.

The process of radicalisation of Pakistan and its military that began around 1971 is now fast approaching the point of implosion. Till a while ago, observers hoped that the military would eventually succeed in stemming the tide of extremism and that the game of using militant groups as strategic assets was somewhat justified. This issue now merits a closer look.

What perhaps began as tolerant accommodation has now possibly morphed into a deadly ideological alliance. The two now seem to be working in tandem to convert Pakistan into a militant Islamic state that propagates jihad and also possesses nuclear bombs.

If this were not true how does one explain the military’s inability to put a lid on the Taliban? The Pakistani army is not any rag tag outfit. It is highly professional and disciplined. If the army decides, it can effectively, erode the Taliban’s hold. Again, the ISI is largely officered by the Pakistani army. Postings to the ISI are controlled by the army. Given these parameters, it is difficult to accept the Pakistani army’s inability to rein in the ISI.

And what of Pakistani society? The reaction to the murders of Salman Taseer, the governor of Punjab, Shahbaz Bhatt, a federal minister, who raised their voices against the blasphemy laws and the reporter Syed Saleem Shahzad, who had been exposing the ISI links with the Taliban, tells all. The evidence of the nation going horribly wrong could not be more obvious when people rallied to honour the killer of Salman Taseer.Some urgent treatment appears imperative before Pakistan collapses.

Redemption lies in the hands of the people of Pakistan. The need of the hour is a JP-type national movement. We can sense the worry and apprehensions. Snowballing of these voices into a critical mass is what we should be wishing and supporting.
How should India respond to the developments in Pakistan?

We should prepare for the ‘worst case scenario’ but do all we can to avert it. Among some specifics, the first is to get our guard up and keep it there. Despite our vigil and high levels of alert a terror attack may still happen. Politically and diplomatically, the PM’s initiatives cannot be faulted.

Simultaneously, we must use all the soft power to convey to the people of Pakistan that we wish them well and would like to do all we can to live in peace and harmony. We must also firmly convey not only to Pakistan but also to our friends elsewhere that the line of control in Kashmir is not negotiable.

Our neighbour Pakistan is on the brink of collapse - India - DNA

Looks like someone from the BR forum has done a good job in writing this article. Keep it up.

[chops3d]

Look at the situation all around you, Don't you feel something is seriously wrong???

People are believing in God more than themselves,They believe that allah is almighty ruler of pakistan and he will fix it.. Allah help those who like to help themself...

Current Pakistani Govt is on track, they are doing good job. With the help of USA they will clear all maggots and then they will improve the society.. I am hopeful .. The process will be derailed only if some insane general topple the people elected government..

Pakistan is not brink of collapse, its already collapsed, Now it is rising from ash... Musharraf era was the time when Pakistan collapsed.

yes pakistan is collapsed, now go and feed the hungry if you care more about people, and stop wasting time posting garbage

[mautkimaut]

Wrong Title.

Pakistan as a nation is not collapsing but it is true that civil society needs to start a revolution to bring change in the system

[Black Widow]

yes pakistan is collapsed, now go and feed the hungry if you care more about people, and stop wasting time posting garbage

Stop selective reading, not all indians are anti Pakistan... Hope you could have read "Pakistan is rising, "

[Oscar]

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Stop selective reading, not all indians are anti Pakistan... Hope you could have read "Pakistan is rising, "

Not all.. but the representation here is biased towards the negative side.
and vice versa..
Not all Pakistani's are blood thristy for India or America..
but some nutjobs here leave no stone unturned to give that impression.

And since places like these are the points of interaction.. they provide the first impression.