By Afshain Afzal

WASHINGTON, 23 January 2021, (TON): The latest revelation by the former acting US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller did not surprise anyone claiming that when he took the office in November 2020, he had three goals: “No Major War, No Military Coup and No Troops on the Street.” All these orders were also earlier passed by the Commander of Chief of US Forces, President Donald Trump but pressure from the “War Veterans” and members of “LGBT community” reversed orders including, “No Major War, No Military Coup and No Troops on the Street.”

On 3 September 2019, US President Donald Trump tweeted that he believed Democrats initiating an impeachment inquiry were staging a coup but the impeachment inquiry is a baked-in process of the government, not a tool of hostile takeover. On 28 August 2020, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley ensured Congress that US military will not play a role in November’s election and won’t help settle any disputes if the results are contested.  General Milley said, the Constitution and the laws of the US will govern elections and “in the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections, by law US Courts and the US Congress are required to resolve any dispute and not the US military.”

We should not forget that six month ahead of Election 2020, Biden said pointing towards Pentagon, "I promise you, I am absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch." If we recall, President Donald Trump had tweeted that transgender people would no longer be allowed to serve in the military, as the armed forces needed to focus on decisive and overwhelming victory and in the same context in January 2019 the US Supreme Court allowed the Pentagon’s transgender limits to take effect, which were implemented in April 2019. But Joe Biden promised to reverse everything to make USA most attractive place for unnatural crimes and sins.  

Meanwhile, the Department of Defence officials claim that they are not allowed to speak about the policy being followed US military; however, it is unusual and illegitimate. Not many people in the government departments speak openly about President Trump but at least one person, on the condition of anonymity, said “he is not free man in Florida resort”. Supporters of President Trump said, “Trump’s second trial scheduled to begin on 8 February 2021, is a treacherous drama to blame innocent with the help of handful of paid-witnesses.” One wonders, it seem true that President Trump might have not stopped his supporters from protesting at Capitol Hill but can these less than half a dozen witnesses take oath on Bible that President directly ordered them to play foul that led to deaths of innocents. The witnesses are naming secret service personnel to have asked them to play havoc but why do not they name them?

The other day, US Army National Guard’s helicopter, UH-60 was carrying heavy loads and personnel crashed in Mendon, approximately 20 miles south of Rochester in Monroe County. It is not yet clear what caused the crash but indirect indications revealed that a sabotage attempt cannot be ruled out. The National Guard and Federal Aviation branch are investigating the cause of the crash as sabotage attempt is being suspected. Meanwhile, 102nd Military Police Battalion HQ in Auburn deployed on support security operations in Washington since Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony claimed that there is a feeling of uncertainty and suspicion amongst the Army personnel as anything may happen anytime. Sources quoting Pentagon said US troops will remain deployed upto April 2021 and may be longer. The developments suggest that game is not over and may take an ugly turn anytime.

NEW DELHI, 15 January 2021, (TON): Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali arrived here on yesterday on a three-day visit to India. Pradeep Kumar is schedule to attend the India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting in which boundary dispute between India and Nepal will be discussed with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said Nepal will get back every inch of its territory. If we recall a border row triggered last year after Indian forces refused to withdraw from Nepalese territory and Kathmandu was forced to publish a new political map that showed the three Nepalese territories; Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh which were illegally occupied by India as its own territories. The joint commission is the highest mechanism between the two countries to discuss the entire gamut various issues relating to bilateral relations.

The sixth joint commission meeting was held today on Friday "to discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including territorial dispute, trade, transit, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture and other others".  

UNITED NATIONS, 5 January 2021, (TON):  At a flag ceremony on Monday India took its place on UN Security Council important decision-making body. On the occasion India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti pledged that India would “not shy away from raising our voice against the common enemies of humanity like terrorism,” He said, “We will use our tenure to bring human-centric and inclusive solutions to matters of international peace and security. India will be a voice for the developing world.” He added, “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), we stand united as one, bound by our ethos of democracy, pluralism and commitment to fundamental rights.”

The 15-member Council has ten non-permanent elected members and five permanent members, who have veto powers. India officially assumed its role in the Council on 1 January 2021 but as due to holidays the first session was held on 4 January. India was elected last June to its two-year tenure on the Council.

 While India is striving for its strong commitment to reformed multilateralism in the UN and quest for permanent seat in a reformed UN system, it own human rights record is poor inside India as well as sometimes outside, when assigned international role as UN observers and police force.

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JAMMU AND KASHMIR , 3 January 2021, (TON): Indian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat along with Indian Army Chief paid Saturday a visit to prime strategic Air Bases in the Western Air Command and 14 Corps Headquarters. All Corps and Divisional Commanders of the respective commands were also present there. CDS was briefed about the existing security situation at Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and border with Bangladesh.  He was also briefed about the new Indian Air Force Base near Leh, where foreign personnel are also based; emphasizing that India has strategic edge over Pakistan in terms of fighter squadrons. On the occasion General Rawat took stock of Regular Army, Special Frontier Force (SFF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in the forward posts.

General Rawat was briefed about operational readiness of Indian Airforce Forces elements at  Srinagar, Bhatinda, Halwara, Leh Thoise, Nyoma , Nimu, Chabua, Tezpur, Hashimara and Ambala as well as Army Aviation and Air Defence setups. There are reports that briefing included general layout of site selection for deployment of launcher of Agni – II and Agni – III missiles. During the briefing General Rawat said “Our Electronic Warfare Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) setups in freezing winter are there to deter eye on Pakistan, Bangladesh and China to deter Pakistan-trained terrorists which are threat to India,” He said, “India and Pakistan go to war over Kashmir or a there has to be a continuous pro-active approach for the adversary to realize the costs of supporting a proxy war,” He added, “Nothing can deter the Indian Armed Forces from remaining steadfast in their call to duty.”

Meanwhile, an officer from 3341 Missile Group operating Agni missiles informed pointing on map, on the condition of anonymity, “India’s missile forces are located closer to Pakistan than China at Kamptee and Pune in Western India, Secunderabad in Central India, and Rajasthan in North-Western India,” He also said, “We have already issued launchers and stocks since early July last year to respective formations but these are not for imposing war.”

General Rawat would visit several other key bases on Sunday to gain first-hand experience of the security scenario, from where both China and Pakistan can be targeted. He was informed that most of locations are currently in the grip of a severe cold due to heavy snow with temperatures dropping below zero hence the weather conditions may hinder prolong operations. It has been reported the visit is to boost the morale of personnel deployed who are normally withdrawn during winters.

By Hassan Ali

The Dukhatr e Kashmir Asiya Andrabi and the founding leader of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of Nation) remains the most popular leader of Kashmir’s freedom struggle. She is renowned for the women mobilizing in Jammu and Kashmir fought against the illegal occupation of the Indian forces.

Since her inception of struggle she faces jailed and house arrest. Asiya Andrabi and her two associates jailed by the court, allegedly work against the forceful occupation of Indian army in Jammu and Kashmir. She commenced the pro-Islamic and Pro-Pakistan ideology in the region that the people of valley struggling for the annexation of Kashmir with Pakistan. Her motives in her single statement is following

               “We have sacrificed 80,000 martyrs and we are ready to sacrifice more”

The diversity of her life explains her struggle in the different walks of the life. She openly announced the social work and welfare of the women’s as well.  In 2006 the Dukhtaran-e-Millat claimed to have 500 active members in Kashmir. The political movement of Asyisa Indarabi proliferate the empowerment of valley women’s in the struggle of freedom.

After the death of Burhan wani men and women’s took streets and protest against the Killing of Burhan Wani. The protest and rallies highly leaded by Asyia Andrabi, over the six months women participated in the protest in the leadership of Asyia Andrabi.  She also stood against the Sexual Violence and impunity in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In 2018 she condemned and demonstrates the protest against the rape and killing of eight year old child in the Kathua district. The colleges female students raise the voice against the aggression in the result security forces of India imprisoned Asyia Indrabi in Anantnag. She dedicated her life for the cause of her land and her people which are facing detentions bear the funerals on the shoulders of Kashmiris and rape of the women’s.

 On the Srinagar day vocal voice of the struggle of the Jammu and Kashmir categorical shows his love and affection with Muslims of Pakistan. She stated that

“We have gathered here, despite challenging times, to express our unity with our holy land (Pakistan) and convey to the world that Kashmiri Muslims want to live and die with the Muslims of Pakistan” and during her statement she waving the flag of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Indian police register a case  Asyia Indrabi on chanting the slogans of Pakistan. As geography shows that Kashmir is the natural part of the Pakistan and the two nation theory which is highly supported by the Asyia Indrabi.

“My children saw father only behind the bars,” Asiya narrates.

After the tiring struggle, Asyia Indrabi have still hope and firm believe that one day Jammu and Kashmir will became the part of Pakistan and kick back the invaders and forceful forces. In her several speeches she mentioned that they can kill us but not our aspirations of the freedom because history already witnessed, ideology can only replace by another ideology not by the killing of people.

Her effort for the women empowerment in the valley is remarkable. Women’s are the equal part of the struggle in Jammu and Kashmir. She always motivated for the Islamic values and traditions regarding women within the framework of Islamic laws. For the efforts and endless struggle of freedom and illegal occupation of Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir which resulted, imprisonment and hindrances in her life.

In recent developments, Delhi court ordered framing of charges against Asiya Andrabi and her two associates. The case relates to support of Pakistan and raise the vocal voice against the Indian forces. Special Judge Parveen Singh ordered putting Andrabi and her associates on trial for various offences punishable under IPC and stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Asiya Andrabi was chief of the Dukhtaran-e-Milat also forcefully banned in Jammu and Kashmir.Pakistan always morally support the leaders and people of Jammu and Kashmir.

By Afshain Afzal

The Government of United States of America is negotiating with Afghan nationals since long to ensure safe withdrawal of US troops and peace in Afghanistan. These Afghans, who are participating in the peace-talks, were referred as terrorists from over two decades.  Due to the same perception the US and allied forces including NATO troops killed over 1.6 million Afghan nationals; unarmed men, women and children on the suspicion of maintaining links with Taliban and A Qaida. Now Washington says Taliban are not terrorists. Interestingly, in a recent statement from US Department of Justice, Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said, “We understand that Pakistani authorities are taking steps to ensure that Omar Sheikh remains in custody while the Supreme Court appeal seeking to reinstate his conviction continues. The separate judicial rulings reversing his conviction and ordering his release are an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.”

For a minute if we do not consider Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen’s statement as American interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs and also overlook US’ mistrust on Pakistan’s judicial system, it is worth appreciation that same US Department of Justice failed to award death penalty to Khalid Sheikh Mohammad also referred in US as “KSM”, who is prisoner in US jail since decades. “Why he has not been hanged or killed in a drone attack?” is a good question but US might feel shy in pronouncing that Khalid Sheikh Mohammad has totally denied any of his role in 9/11 attacks and has blamed US intelligence agencies for using third degree methods which left no option for him but to confess. The US’ judiciary thrashed the American interrogators and case is still pending to declare Khalid Sheikh Mohammad as a free man.

US Department of Justice said, “We remain grateful for the Pakistani government’s actions to appeal such rulings to ensure that he and his co-defendants are held accountable. If, however, those efforts do not succeed, the United States stands ready to take custody of Omar Sheikh to stand trial here.  We cannot allow him to evade justice for his role in Daniel Pearl’s abduction and murder.” One wonders Ministry of Law and Justice in Islamabad might also like to ask the same question to Washington and express Pakistan’s readiness to take custody of Khalid Sheikh Mohammad if efforts do not succeed.

By Afshain Afzal

The 25th day of December bears great significance. It is a day of blessings as birthday of our holy prophet Hazrat Essa Rohallah Alhe-e-Salam (Jesus Christ) falls on the very day.  The birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali, the founder of Pakistan also falls on the same day. Thus for the Pakistanis and Muslims around the world the day bears special significance. It is unfortunate that despite the fact that Pakistan is an ideological state where the supreme authority is that of Allah and the supreme law is that of Al Quran, some factions still talk about secularism. No doubt, these elements are not loyal to Pakistan. They are in fact playing in the hands of the enemies of Pakistan who never accepted the great partition of 1947. Quaid-e-Azam made it abundantly clear, which is also evident from his speeches and addresses that he wanted Pakistan to be an Islamic state where rule of Quran is to be enforced and where there is no room for Seculars, Imperialists and Capitalists. Thus In his speech at the Frontier Muslim League Conference on 21 November 1945 Quaid-e-Azam said, “We have to fight a double-edged battle, one against the Hindu Congress and the other against British Imperialists, both of them being Capitalists. The Muslims demand Pakistan where they could rule according to their own code of life and according to their own cultural growth, traditions, and Islamic Laws.” Similarly in a message to N.W.F.P Muslim Students Federation, in April 1943, he said, “You have asked me to give you a message. What message can I give you? We have got the great message in the Al Quran for our guidance and enlightenment.”

Quaid-e-Azam wanted Pakistan to follow Al Quran as a general code of the Muslims in every department of life, collectively and individually. He was of the view that Al Quran regulates religious, social, civil, commercial, military, judicial, criminal penal code and every other aspect. Thus in his Eid message to the nation in 1945, Quaid-e-Azam said, “every Muslim knows that the injections of the Al Quran are not confined to religious and moral duties. He said, “From the Atlantic to the Ganges”, says Gibbon, “the Al Quran is acknowledged as the fundamental code, not of theology but of civil and criminal jurisprudence, and the laws which regulate the actions and the properties of mankind are regulated by the immutable sanctions of the Will of Allah”. He said that everyone, except those who are ignorant, knows that the Al Quran is the general code of the Muslims. A religious, social, civil, commercial, military, judicial, criminal penal code; it regulates everything from the ceremonies of religion to those of daily life; from the salvation of the soul to the health of the body; from morality to crime, from punishment here to that in the life to come and our Prophet (Sal Allah Ho Alhe Wasallam) has enjoined on us that every Muslim should possess a copy of the Al Quran and be his own priest. Therefore, Islam is not confined to the spiritual tenets and doctrines and rituals and ceremonies. It is a complete code regulating the whole Muslim Society in every department of life, collective and individually.”

During his Presidential Address delivered at the Annual Session of the All-India Muslim League, Delhi on 24 April 1943, Quaid-e-Azam said, “Here, I should like to give a warning to the landlords and Capitalists who have flourished at our expense by a system which is so vicious, which is so wicked and which makes them so selfish that it is difficult to reason with them. The exploitation of the masses has gone into their blood. They have forgotten the lessons of Islam. Greed and selfishness have made these people subordinate to the interests of others in order to fatten themselves. It is true we are not in power today. You go anywhere to the countryside. I have visited villages. There are millions and millions of our people who hardly get one meal a day. Are these civilizations aim Pakistan. Do you visualize that millions have been exploited and cannot get one meal a day. If that is the idea of Pakistan, I would not have it. If they are wise they will have to adjust themselves to the new modern conditions of life. If they won’t, God helps them: we shall not help them.” In a Broadcast talk to the people of the United States of America, recorded in February 1948, Quaid-e-Azam said “The Constitution of Pakistan has yet to be framed by the Pakistan Constituent Assembly. I do not know what the ultimate shape of this constitution is going to be, but I am sure that it will be of a democratic type, embodying the essential principles of Islam. Today, they are as applicable in actual life as they were 1,300 years ago. Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice and fair-play to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framer of future constitution of Pakistan. In any case, Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests with a divine mission”. There had been extensive debate over Quaid-e-Azam’s statement “Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic state to be ruled by priests”

There should be no confusion in anybody’s mind about what Quaid-e-Azam meant as he had already explained it during the Allahabad session of the All-India Muslim League in 1942, when he was asked as to what type of state Pakistan would be. Quaid-e-Azam replied: “It will be an Islamic state on the pattern of the Medina state with human rights, liberalism, democracy and complete tolerance and freedom of conscience to all citizens without any distinction of colour, creed, language, and race as granted by the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Christians, Jews, idol worshippers and all others. Justice, brotherhood, liberty, equality and fraternity will reign supreme.” Ironically, despite the passage of 64 years to our independence, still there are many Pakistanis who are confused that what Pakistan stands for. One wonders if the destiny of Pakistan was to be a secular state on the lines of today’s India, why the people of Pakistan and Muslims of India had to give so many sacrifices as All India National Congress and Hindu majority were ready to grant complete autonomy to Pakistan under the Indian union. But this was not acceptable to   the Muslims.

We have before us Quaid-e-Azam’s Presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on 11 August 1947, as guiding principles, which he placed before us as major problems that the new state of Pakistan had to encounter. These problems are still there which need immediate attention by our Parliament. In the words of Quaid-e-Azam these include; 1) Maintenance of law and order so that the life and property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the state, 2) Put down bribery and corruption with an iron hand, 3) black-marketing should be very severely punished, because they undermine the entire system of control and regulation of food-stuffs and essential commodities and cause wholesale starvation and want, and even death, 4) evil of nepotism and jobbery must be crushed relentlessly, 5) There are people who do not agree with the division of India and the partition of Punjab and Bengal but now that it has been accepted, it is the duty of everyone of us to be loyally abide by it and honourably act according to the agreement which is now final and binding on all. Pakistani nation has still time to follow the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam in true letter and spirit so that we emerge as a true Islamic state on the map of the world.