The fact that Hoti, an ANP guy acknowledges a foreign hand - is a big step and it shows the gravity of the problem. Which foreign hand is sabotaging the peace bids? India? America? I’d like to say Afghanistan but on its own its nothing. There must be a real problem within the area for an ANP guy to admit it and India, IF behind it, must have changed policy from supporting the left-wing secular Pakhtun nationalist movements to ISI’s pets.
People do advocate bombing FATA, letting the Americans loose on these people in FATA but the only people who are suffering are the innocent.
says military operation to go on
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
by Khalid Kheshgi
PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti has said the war on militancy was necessary not only for the survival of the Pakhtuns but also for the whole country, adding there were solid proofs of the involvement of international elements in the ongoing insurgency on our soil.
Speaking as chief guest on the concluding day of a two-day workshop on “Streamlining Fata”, Hoti said though the hub of insurgency was stated to be in the tribal areas but it had now spread to the whole country where all the major cities were under the threat of terrorism.
“Neither the tribesmen nor Pakhtuns are terrorists but they are the ultimate victims of terrorism on their own soil,” the chief minister said and added “we have to tell the world that tribesmen want peace and stability in the region.”
Dwelling at length on how terrorism and militancy entered Pakistan and Afghanistan, Hoti linked it to the time when tribal traditional system and decades-old administrative structure in Fata was disturbed by encouraging extremist and militant organisations in the tribal areas.
“Unfortunately, the tribal areas and its people were used for the vested interest and the whole area was turned into a lab in the past for carrying out experiments,” he said and added the past rulers produced such beasts that could not be controlled by the present government easily.
“Had the rulers extinguished the fire (of insurgency) in Waziristan in time, it might not have engulfed the whole NWFP and rest of the country” he added.
The chief minister, while appreciating the consultative process of the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation for taking into account the tribesmen in the proposed reforms about tribal areas, said his government and party were also in favour of the changes in political and administrative structure in Fata with the consent of local tribesmen. He said tribesmen should be given equal fundamental and legal rights like rest of Pakistan.
About the government approach to militancy, Hoti said political process and negotiations were the only means to resolve any crisis and the use of force and military operations are last resort. He said the ongoing operation against militants would continue till restoration of peace.
“It is a bitter reality that we have been confronted with the elements who are shattering the peace on our soil,” he added.
However, the chief minister said he was not a rigid person and would show flexibility if the “insurgents” accepted the government writ. “If they (insurgents) take one step for reconciliation, I will move 10 steps for striking a truce,” he added.
The chief minister said our government had struck peace agreements with the Taliban in Swat but unfortunately those efforts and offers were spoiled.
Hoti was also optimistic about the upcoming Pak-Afghan Jirga in Islamabad and said sincere efforts should be made to bring about peace and stability in the region as a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was a must for peace in the tribal areas and other parts of the country.
Earlier, director of Benazir Democracy Institute and former senator Farhatullah Baber said the PPP-led government wanted changes and reforms in the Frontier Crimes Regulation and administrative system in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Baber eulogized the stance of the Awami National Party on militancy and terrorism and said the nationalist leaders were suffering for their bold stand on terrorism.
^^ The problem is there for sure, but You should write the full name of the person in the title, like Ameer H. Hoti, as i thought by HOTI u mean our Information Minister...:)
As you said, foreign hands can be anyone who is alien in the region. That means NATO members, India, etc.
But you must then see which foreign hand really moves and directs Taliban. The answer goes straight to Wahabi charities based on the Gulf and in Saudi Arabia.
These “charities” are not only spreading terror in FATA and afghanistan, they are also supporting Wahabi cause of death in many other countries. In fact now the Wahabis have come home to Saudi Arabi.
Just read the news. Saudi Arabia is putting 1000’s of terrorists and terror sympathizers on trial.
^ Why would they sabotage it when they are arresting and prosecuting terrorists at their own home?
There is a difference between Saudi government and Saudi based charities.
Some and not all Saudi based Charities support Al Qaida and thus are the common enemies of Saudi government and Pakistani government.
These charities and their leaders are sabotaging peace treaties in FATA and elsewhere. These charities were supporting insurgency in Iraq. But Iraqis got wiser and kicked them out. I wish Pakistanis were at least as wise as some Iraqis and kick out chamchas of these charities from Pakistan too.
Only when Saudi charity funded menace (and Iran funded Shia charities to a lesser extent) are kicked out of Pakistan, we would have peace.
There is a difference between Saudi government and Saudi based charities.
Some and not all Saudi based Charities support Al Qaida and thus are the common enemies of Saudi government and Pakistani government.
These charities and their leaders are sabotaging peace treaties in FATA and elsewhere. These charities were supporting insurgency in Iraq. But Iraqis got wiser and kicked them out. I wish Pakistanis were at least as wise as some Iraqis and kick out chamchas of these charities from Pakistan too.
Only when Saudi charity funded menace (and Iran funded Shia charities to a lesser extent) are kicked out of Pakistan, we would have peace.
Taliban, madrassas and so called "Wahabi Islam" were receiving direct funding from Saudi govt (thru charities in Pakistan). Can you tell me names of some Saudi charities which are "private" and not controlled-monitored by Saudi govt? I for one can't believe there can be any institution/charity-org which is not under govt's danda.
Foreign hand is everywhere. Benazir proved the MQM terrorists were trained by India, and plenty of evidence exists with Baluch insurgents as well as the present crisis. Doesnt make a difference because we'd be complaining to the same people who are backing these foriegn powers.
Accept the fact that your beloved America is very repsonsible for the mess in Pakistan. Wake up and smell the coffee - nearly every person within FATA and NWFP are suspicious of India and USA Involvement.
When Hoti says that he means Saudi Arab, Al-Qaueda (which is international in character), Russia, and possibly Iran. NATO, US, etc. is UN sanctioned force that is there to bring stability to the region.
Accept the fact that your beloved America is very repsonsible for the mess in Pakistan. Wake up and smell the coffee - nearly every person within FATA and NWFP are suspicious of India and USA Involvement.
That is wrong. They are actually against those forces who have given terrorists sanctuaries.