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Much water—most of it black—has flowed under the bridge ever since the Pakistani media started educating their viewers on the mercenary contractor Blackwater and its many clones. By now it is clear that the US relies on contractors like Haliburton, Blackwater, Xe International and others to provide 'security' and 'training' services that include intelligence, surveillance, target identification and illumination, use of weapons, explosives, extraction operations, subversion, sabotage and elimination of selected personnel. It is also clear that mercenaries of all nationalities are hired and 'host' country organizations and personnel are used to give an acceptable 'face' to the broad range of activities by these 'specialists'. Most of this information has been culled from US sources where there is domestic concern stemming from ethical and financial concerns. There is confirmation of some stories by the media like hiring of hundreds of houses in Islamabad and special security measures as well as involvement of local firms like Inter Risk that now stands exposed for illegal activities but there is no clear statement from the government backed by statistics and proof. Till that happens there will continue to be speculation based on misinformation.
If, as is being made out, there has been clandestine penetration of Pakistan and the departments responsible are silent for some reason then the question is being asked that -- who will confront these elements and force them to leave? The answer is not hard to guess but the result will be chaos and that is leading to the next question that-- is internal chaos the environment required to do what these people are in Pakistan to do? The fact that there is also confirmation of massive embassy and consulates' expansion plans adds fuel to the speculation about motives and intentions. Again a factual report by the government would clear the air---in the absence of such a report questions will continue to be asked and debated in the media.
It is in this environment of hostility and suspicion that the conditions in the Kerry-Luger Bill are being debated. It is as if these conditions have been just discovered and this is because no preparatory work was done to explain the conditions—if that was at all possible. Now there are those who are attacking the bill and those who are defending it—the defense is half-hearted and lacks credibility. The requirement is that only the ministry concerned should put out reasoned factual information and not rely on shrill political voices to shout down critics. At stake is the future of the US-Pakistan relationship. India's approval of the condition makes matters worse because the perception is that anything that India approves of is bound to be against Pakistan's interests!
An unfortunate and totally unnecessary 'us' and 'them' grouping is being created. 'Us' being those in favor of the US interests in relation to Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, the war on terror, Islam and nuclear proliferation even at the cost of Pakistan's sovereignty if US support and aid continues unabated. 'Them' being those who are 'dragging their feet on relations with India', hedging their options on the western border because of Indian inroads into Afghanistan and support of subversion in Baluchistan and an overall identification of Pakistan's interests even if they are not in line with US interests. In an unstable and politically charged atmosphere and with increasing social pressures such a divide if not checked can have serious consequences especially if the major political groupings move towards confrontation forcing institutions like the judiciary and military and the religious lobby to choose sides. The need is for the government to take steps to gain credibility and focus on governance and for all to seriously move to establish political stability. This is not the time for infighting—this is the time to come together and be on the same page so that differences cannot be exploited to create divides. Pakistan is fortunate that today it has democracy, an elected government and institutions that are strengthening themselves and the country by focusing on their own jobs---it would be unfortunate if they are distracted in other directions.
Ghalib Sultan
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