3 questions we want to ask Pakistan now
So, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has made it very clear — he is all for peace. He doesn’t want his soil to be used for ‘dehshat gardi’.
We believe him. But before that, we have a few questions.
Why is Maulana Masood Azhar making weekly addresses?
At a time when the video of IAF pilot Captain Abhinandan was doing the rounds, social media was abuzz about another clip. This one, an audio clip, has purportedly been released by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terror organisation which was proscribed since 2002.
Apparently, this audio clip, originating from the soil of Pakistan itself, crossed the border and reached the Kashmir Valley. There are conflicting reports of who was addressing those hearing the audio — Masood Azhar himself or his brother. But apparently, Masood Azhar has assured his cadre that he is safe.
This is not the first time. Masood Azhar releases weekly addresses on several issues, including the construction of Ram Mandir, etc. During the recent tension, Masood Azhar apparently slammed the Pakistan government for its feeble response.
So, can you please explain who empowers a terrorist to issue weekly addresses, to slam the government, to threaten the neighbouring country?
And this has been a routine since 2014 when Masood Azhar made a comeback in Pakistani discourse. He reportedly addressed thousands of his supporters in a well-organised Muzaffarabad rally by phone. Pakistani media apprehended the mainstreaming of Masood Azhar the same way Hafiz Saeed was brought under the wing of whoever and whatever takes the final call in Pakistan.
Well, that has happened. Daily Pakistan feels the urge to report what Masood Azhar was doing when the Pulwama terror attack took place.
He was apparently busy writing his book.
Sure.
Who is behind the Institute of Strategy and Communication?
According to an India Today report, a journalism school, run by the terrorist group Jamaat-ud-Dawa under the leadership of Hafiz Saeed, is operating right in the heart of Lahore.
Saifullah Khalid and Hafiz Abdul Rauf visit the institute regularly — Saifullah is the president of Hafiz Saeed’s political party, Milli Muslim League.
It may be noted that the Pakistan Election Commission denied recognising the MML as a political party before the 2018 elections — but that didn’t stop Hafiz Saeed’s people from contesting. The candidates were fielded under the banner of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), a dormant political party already registered with the commission.
Hafiz Abdul Rauf heads Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), a charity organisation run by JuD.
Now, after the Pulwama attack, the Pakistani government banned both JuD and FIF again.
Dear Imran Khan, we can’t believe that you are so naïve as to believe that they have been wiped away from the face of Pakistan.
According to Pakistani dailies, they have simply changed their names to Al Madina and Aisar Foundation now.
Yes, terror is the Hydra you don’t believe thrives on Pakistani soil.
Why can't you see what everyone else can?
Who gives permission to JeM rallies in Pakistan?
On every February 5, Pakistan observes 'Kashmir Solidarity Day'. The day goes back a long way in history. In 1990, the day was proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of the Jamat-e-Islami party. A year later, then-PM Nawaz Sharif called for observing a strike. That tradition of Pakistani politicians bashing India on the day has continued.
That's your politics. But who gives permission to Jaish to take out these rallies in Pakistan cities? Reports say hints were even given of the Pulwama attack in precisely such rallies this February 5.
Old Pakistan never had an answer to these questions.
Naya Pakistan must have.
Also Read: Where is Masood Azhar?