PAIN AND DESPAIR OF OVERSEAS WORKERS

The pain and despair of Overseas Workers By: Tarique Khan Javed President,  Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum.                         Dated 05 Jan 2010               While relatives and nation rejoice at the remittances sent by Overseas Pakistanis (OP), they can not even imagine, the pain and despair OP endure everyday of their stay outside! Up to 90% of Pakistanis working in the Gulf for example are classified as Labourers and they are forced to live in sub human conditions. Living in crowded quarters housing up to 12 person per room and working 12 hours shifts outside in temperature up to 50c often fainting and dyeing. They have no rights, their passports are taken away and they can not go anywhere without sponsor’s permission. They are not allowed to go on strike even if not paid for months and thus starving. Their meagre income of under   DH 1000 per month is often not enough to pay off the large sum they spend to get there; even over years. Among these workers the condition of Taxi Drivers is better. Although, they also work 12 hours shift they earn up to DH 2,000pm and live in their accommodation, sharing room with 4 to 6 compatriots. Some illegal strikes in UAE and Qatar during 2005 and 6 and ILO pressure have brought some relief in UAE and Qatar but else where the status quo is maintained. Chances of getting permanent residence or citizenship, seems very remote and the no human right group raises this issue effectively on World Forum.  Grief of loneliness and waste of life:Overseas Pakistanis earn from USD 250, by labourers and up to USD 10,000 by top Executives, per month in the Gulf. Only 3 to 4 % live with their immediate families and are the lucky ones; rest pass time in distress and endure pain of isolation and separation from dear ones. Even highly paid Executives living in lavish houses are as sad as their low paid compatriots, if they live alone for what ever reason. The waste of their youth and chance to be happy can not be compensated by the 3 to 4 times higher earning in the distant land. In the end, all Overseas workers are net losers although to a casual observer they look like the most successful lot. The extended absence from their families leads to losing control and bonding with the family members. Upon returning many OP face strange behaviour by the dear ones and feel unwanted and unwelcome. In extreme cases, they lose their families altogether for whom they had originally gone abroad. An unending pain:The sacrifice which the Overseas Pakistanis are making since 1970s, for their families and nation could have ended by now, if we had policies like that followed by South Korea, for example; In 1970s large number of South Koreans came to work in the Oil rich Middle Eastern countries. S. Korean Cos won most of the road and other infra structure building contracts from Pakistani and Indian Cos. Thus providing lot of well paying jobs to their serving and ex service nationals. The prime objective of these Cos under government guidance was to provide income to their nationals and channel a bulk of that in national saving schemes. The terms of employment mandated that only 50% of the monthly salary will go the worker and his family while rest invested in equity funds investing in national cos only. The huge investment thus generated helped the country become 5th largest economy of the World and all S. Korean were able to return home by 1980s. In 1984, the Oil prices dropped to USD 8-10 level and S.Korea started to produce a surplus in its external trade. It was able to repay its huge debt of USD 40 billion with ease. Now, it sits on a huge surplus and is a large investor in US and European market. Mistaken priorities and its results:Instead of following the two gaps model which we pioneered and Asian tigers like S.Korea followed prospered. We fixed wrong and untimely priorities of capturing Kashmir and even Delhi by force, redistribution of meagre wealth accumulated by 1972, nationalising even schools, ginning and flour mills. We lost East Pakistan instead of getting Srinager and Delhi and massive management failures destroyed the economy and forced a large number of Pakistan to go abroad to feed their children. This was followed by our becoming tools in the fight between USA and Soviet Union during 1979 and 1988 period. As civil war erupted following Soviet withdrawal we took advantage and captured Afghanistan with the help of Taliban. This back fired when USA resolved to send Pakistan to “Stone ages” following 9/11. We begged forgiveness on both knees and agreed to do all that US demand to avoid the terrible fate, which looked straight in our eyes. Blunder after blunder has brought us where we are and the heaviest price for all these follies is paid by the Overseas Pakistanis. Instead of selling our labour and hard work we are forced to sell our people in the form of overseas workers and perform military duties for Western forces often against our own oppressed people. Bonanza of USD one trillion!! Some 6 to 8 million Overseas Pakistanis send home USD 8 billion officially and perhaps equal amount through “Hawala”, annually. This has sustained the immediate families and nation at large avoiding default situation given the huge imbalance in our external trading account. It pains a lot when one realises that Overseas Pakistanis are sitting on accumulated wealth of USD 1000 billion while, Nation begs for USD 5-10 billion from so called Friends of Pakistan and IMF. If conditions of S. Korea had prevailed there was no reason why all Overseas Pakistan had not returned by 2010. Pakistan has one of the best range of climate, balanced society and agriculture land. Why settle and invest elsewhere when your country happens to be the best option? Pakistanis as a whole and Pakhtoon in particular have a strong inclination towards their religion, culture and traditions and only settle elsewhere with lot of pain and regret. They can only weep and lament at the plight of their country and its poor people accused of all the wrong in the world. Even if they want to return despite all these, their families refuse making them helpless or leading to break up of the family itself. The democratic government has the chance to set the priorities right and make way for the return of bulk of the Overseas Pakistanis ushering in a transformation of unprecedented scale.  As a nation, we are most competitive and have excelled in all fields whether, it be top class lending Banker earning in excess of USD 10,000 pm or as labourer earning USD 300 pm. We have proved to be the best and employee of choice. There is no reason why we can not excel in our country, if we manage to bring the work here instead of going to the work abroad. Six Economic free zones needed:After S.Korea the example of communist China is before us. They agreed to allow unbridled capitalism within a Communist one party state to help their people find well paying jobs. The Leaders like Deng Zu Ping did not make it a matter of pride that they give in to the demands of the time to lay down their communist principles to help their people find jobs. We want our leaders like President Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Altaf Hussain to do the same and let the nation have at least six Free Trade Zones. In which the 11 or so government agencies and departments do not bother job providers and they get all their needs fulfilled by on Agency managing the free trade zone. The bureaucrats will oppose this proposal as they will loose chance to make money, but this is were the national leadership should intervene and do what is good for the nation at large and not worry about the small vested interest. Our three leading national leaders have closely looked into the eyes of death, during their past extended ordeals. Therefore, they may embrace the destiny and make a name in history and do what is good for the nation, without worrying much.  Let us return please!We plead that the national leadership should allow us to return and in return we will not only bring our USD one trillion wealth but also our knowledge, our extended experience and connection to attract jobs in our country instead of going to the job. Even, if earn less we prefer to be in our country and with our dear ones given a choice. We wish that the torment through which we in our generation passed is not repeated by our next generation. We also wish that the general injustice in the country due to unfair land distribution, not leasing of Katchi Abadies in towns, inflation, regressive tax policies, very slow legal system and brutal police attitude are also revised to bring general justice and  harmony  in the society. The end of injustice combined with enough well paying jobs will lead to a compassionate and peaceful society with minimal violence as already achieved in economically developed nations. This will facilitate return of Overseas Pakistanis

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Four days in Paradise-Chitral

Four days in Paradise

By Tarique Khan Javed,

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

Dated 1^st June 2012

I have seen lot of the World’s tourist attraction, yet I was not ready for the beauty of Upper Dir and Chitral.

Upper DIR a V shaped valley:

To attend the annual Spring Festival in Kalash Valley held every year on 15^th  and 16^th May, I traveled by road from Islamabad on the night of 13^th May.  When I woke from my slumber before down some where near Upper  Dir the sound of roaring water puzzled me. In the darkness I could not see the river passing below the road but the sound on water crashing against huge boulders and the bank at an amazing speed was fearful and pleasing at the same-time. As the first light shown the Paradise revealed it self! The high road was passing through a narrow “V” shape valley gradually rising. Number of snow capped Mountains became visible amid blast of greenery of alpine trees. Small step farms on both banks of the river spoke of the hard work and determination of inhabitants to eke a living out of narrow and sharply sliding mountain sides. Making small retaining walls to contain the water sliding from mountain tops and using that to water small farms, made me think how lucky farmer of the plain are compared to these hardy farmers of narrow valleys. The small bridges across the ferocious but not so broad river were witness to the courage and ingenuity of the mountain dwellers.

The freshness of air coming after touching the snow caps and alpine trees and its fragrance was enchanting and made me forget all my worries. As we drove towards the towering Lowari Mountains attaining height of 11,000 feet, the scenery kept becoming more impressive. By now large number of water falls were gushing on both side of the river. In number of places large body of snow had slipped from top to the road. People at some point were collecting the snow on trucks to be sold in the valley below.

Near the Lowari Tunnel we stopped for breakfast in a small restaurant located in small space created by a huge water fall. The scene beats explanation and description. The power of water and how it cuts most stubborn stone was well displayed here. A walk to the huge waterfall was a very pleasant exercise.

Lowari Tunnel:

Reaching the Lowari pass some 6,000 above sea level was an unforgettable experience. As we negotiated a turn the tunnel, through the huge snow capped mountain become visible. It looked like a hole in a solid wall. The 9 Km long Tunnel still under construction is being used. It lacks the exhaust system which is a must for a tunnel of this length. It is also not covered by a ceiling and drainage system to take care of water sipping through the cracks of a mountain covered by large body of snow all year round. The road surface is rough. The proper road can only be made after the drainage system is available. The sturdiness of Pakistanis is best displayed here. We have not only been able to cut this vital hole to link an isolated region with rest of Pakistan but using it a condition, that no other Nation would dare. The tunnel is being built by a Co called SUMBA, reportedly a Chinese Co.

We managed to get to the other side in just 20 mins, whereas it takes about 3 hours to pass over the 11,000 feet Lowari pass. In the center of the tunnel, I felt breathlessness but other passengers had no issue.

A view of snowcapped mountains and green broad valley on the other side of the tunnel was a dream come true. As we came out an “Upgraded Paradise” greeted us. The multiple water falls and streams fed by mountain caps of Lowari and related mountains cut the road at a number of spot which were not easy to pass.

DORASH Town:

From this point the road winded down towards ‘Dorash” the first town of 60km long Chitral valley.

Near Dorash the lowest point of Valley river coming down from South or the Lowari mountains and other rivers coming from North headed by 17,000 tall Trichumir mountain meet and turn westward towards Afghanistan through an narrow pass. This substantial water body later joins the KABUL River which enters Pakistan near Peshawar.  The water collected in Chitral is said to be the most important tributary of KABUL River, which is responsible for creation of the Peshawar valley the Bread basket of KP.

Dorash is a small town with a number of  tourist hotels and a bazaar. Clean shaved and well dressed inhabitants are very different from other mountain regions of Pakistan. Many prefer western dress and speak fluent URDU and Basic English. It took sometime for me to adjust to this pleasant surprise. The town seems to have reliable electricity, good drainage, schools run by Government and NGO, Health care system shared by government and NGO. People looked well of with good houses.

AYUN Town:

Twenty two KM from DORASH we came across the broadest part of the valley which housed the Town of AYUN. Here the river has created a large plain as it has been changing it course. The valley next to the river is intensely farmed. Above the valley stepped farms abound. Small retaining walls supply water for the farms up on the mountain slopes.

CHITRAL Town:

Some 20km further up lies the center of Chitral, the Town of Chitral. Smaller than AYUN, but still a broad valley, with hinterland of extended valley towards GHARAM CHASHMA and Afghanistan.

Chitral is dominated by massive and beautiful all year round snow capped 17,000 ft high Trichumir Mountain.

Chitral is the District head quarter and was capital of Chitral when a local ruler called Mahathir use to Rule and from whom the Britishers took control in 19^th century. It houses the palace of Mahathir, the Royal Mosque built in 1920, Polo Ground and number of impressive hotels like the Trichumir, Pamir etc. Located next to the river and facing the Trichumir they all offer great sights. The rooms in these prime hotels are priced between Rs. 1,500 and 3,500 and are worth it.

I reached on 14^th  at around 3pm and decided to rest and enjoy the view from my hotel. The diner at night comprising Chapli Kabab and Karahi was delicious.

Spring festival at Bombarate on 15^th and 16^th May.

On 15^th I joined hands with three hotel mates who were also heading to Kalash for the festival. After a tour of the Chitral town which to my surprise had ATMs and branches of 6 Banks, we hired a station wagon for BUMBARATE, the center of KALASH valley. We had to travel back to AYUN to go to Kalash.

Across the river and beyond the AYUN town lay the road to KALSH valley. The 30 KM road passing over large mountains is not paved and is basic.

The center of KALSH valley- village of  BOMBORATE  which quite is close to the Afghanistan, is where the main Spring festival is held every year. It attracts a large number of Pakistani and Foreign tourists. The valley has some 250 small hotels including PTDC’s.    

The Taliban threat:

Taliban had warned this ancient festival should not be celebrated this year or they will blow it up. Therefore a huge Military, FC and police presence confronted us as we turned towards AYUN. Check point after check point was quite annoying and gave a bad taste in our mouth. The looming danger however also made the adreline flow more freely. After the last check post were out details were registered and token fee of Rs 20 was charged we were finally heading towards BOMBARATE village were festival is held on 15^th and 16^th May. The road to the other side went ROMAN village were the festival is held on 14^th and 15^th May.

After many twist and turns and some amazing sights we reached a wood and stone Tower by the river which was a holy site for the KALASH people. The Tower it is believed prevents bad spirits travel further towards populated areas. As the populated villages came by we could see stepped farming on both side of River Kalash.

The festival on 15^th May:

We checked in Benazir Hotel located next to PTDC hotel. After lunch we walked for a hour to reach the festival site after passing through the village of Boni. Heavily surrounded by the Military and police the site on top of a small hill next to rolling rice farms was a welcome break from the general dullness of Pakistan. The shaded dancing hall was full of colorfully dressed Girls, women and elderly ladies wearing their black based long dress with three level of embroidery designs in contrasting colors of Red, Yellow, Green, Purple etc. A broad belt gives shape and contour to their medium sized and generally slim bodies. On their head all wear a round cap attached to a long gear which come down near waist. The rich and elderly women wear an additional expensive colorful cap over the regular cap. These caps are covered by sea shell of different design and are quite expensive. The overall impact of the dress is very elegant and exclusive. The dress has become the symbol of Kalash people and a Liberal, tolerant and Happy Pakistan.

The men wear normal shalwar but sport a expensive cap with feathers on top, many wear colourful broad belt across their shoulders and waist. 

At around 4 pm the traditional dancing gathered momentum as drum beat got stronger and stronger. Women formed their group and men their own. Putting one hand over the shoulder and on at the wrest of the adjourning dancer the Group moved sideways giving a special twist to their waist line which gives an exotic touch to the otherwise benign and simple dance. Men form the own semi circles and go round and round around the floor. Suddenly, however they started to bang upfront with the women circles, preceded by a deafening warning shout. A group of mostly elderly men continually sang some religious songs supported by two different types of drums. The women also sang a strange rhyme while dancing which had an intoxicating effect. The dancing went on till 6pm when Authorities stopped it.

The festival on 16^th May:

Next morning on 16^th May, from 7am on wards small children started beating their drums attracting small girls to come and dance in their localities. By 8.30 am a substantial crowd gathered at PTDC’s lawn and dancing started in earnest. Most foreign tourist were staying at PTDC so the media also arrived their and dancing in rather free format continued till 10am when processions from lower valleys started to arrive and this crowd also joined them to go to the main festival ground. Small processions from different villages kept joining the main processions till the reached the festival venue by 1pm. The priests at the venue prayed for a longtime. By 3pm a large number of dancers went in into full frenzy and a wild dancing session started. The energy on 16^th was much more than on previous day. Media men and foreign and local tourists were in such large numbers, those getting a seat become a problem. By 4.30pm mixed dancing started whereby girls and boys formed common semi circles and banged against each other with full forces amidst load cries. The merry making went on till 6pm when it was stopped by Authorities.     

The day after:

Exhausted by full days activities we slept early that day. It rained most of the night and thus the next morning was most beautiful with clouds embarrassing the green mountains al around. Light drizzle continued till after noon but it could not deter us from walking upto village of KARKUL were the main community hall and grave yard of Kalash is located. It was un uphill walk on slippery mud road so the walk was not easy. The grave yard contains besides Kalash remains of some Europeans who willed to be buried in Kalash manner. The difference being that dead body is kept in the Community hall till all his worldly possession is disposed or distributed. The casket is kept on the ground instead of buried. The Community hall is used for all ceremonies including a major indoor dance during winter. During the months of Dec till March no outdoor activity can take place and Kalash are confined to the houses during this period. No wonder they welcome the spring so passionately in May.

In the after noon we started back and before sun set we were out of the paradise with a heavy heart.

A request and prayer:

I wish and pray that this part of Pakistan is preserved as it is. The terrorist who have been kept away from this peaceful valley do not come and disturbed the fine balance taking advantage of the Lowari tunnel.

Nawaz Sharif had imposed a ban on “Tabligh” in the Area and the law is still in force. Despite that some indirect Tabligh is going on in the Area threaten the unique culture of the valley. There is a need to preserve this show case of religious and cultural diversity of Pakistan.

BANNU bearing the brunt of Militants

Significance of  BANNU

                                                                      

                                                                          Dated: 18^th April 2012

Tarique Khan Javed

President,

Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

Just 64km south of Miran Shah, the capital of North Waziristan, Bannu is a significant Military base and a major town of KP. It has a Museum and a good Public Library. It is located between Tochi and Khurram rivers, thus is a lush green plain at the foot of mountains of Waziristan. Bannusi tribe which inhabited the walled Town, are hospitable and organized. They choose to cooperate with Britishers and thus joined their service willingly. They have done well and now most of them are educated and employed in Government and Private services.

On the road to Kohat is located the modern face of Bannu in the form of a well planned Township, besides a number of Modern Educational institutions, jail and a Hospital. Two good quality bridges over Khurram River provide easy access to the North.

The Town has an organized Bus Terminal from where one can go to Miran Shah, Mir Ali, Thull, Tank, Kohat etc.

Next to the Bus terminal a good number of basic hotels can be found. The main market is located near by. It is quite substantial and busy. Next to the market is a large Military complex which also houses the Courts and Key Government Offices. After the Military complex road turns westwards towards North Waziristan. The road till it reaches the bridge on Tochi River, passes through well populated villages and green farms. Near the bridge is located a New Sabzi Mandi.

Cost of being a Frontline City:

TANK, BANNU, KOHAT and PESHAWAR are the cities bordering the seven Federally Administered Tribal Agencies or FATA. They are subject to maximum of bombing by Militants located in FATA. Retaliatory attacks on these centers continue even now while the reach of Militants have not remain the same as it was in say 2010, when Lahore was bombed so much that, Shahbaz Sharif  begged Taliban to spare Punjab.

Currently the Military action in Waziristan, Orakzia and Khyber Agency goes on. Army has dared and entered most forbidden Areas drawing the wreath of the Militants. A curfew was imposed on Miran Shah the capital of North Waziristan on 23^rd Jan 2012, and by now the AREA is well under control. Action both from Land and Air goes on in far flung areas. In Khyber Agency the Tirah Valley the base of Mangal Bagh has been taken and militants flushed out. The famed BARA in Darra Adam Khel has been overrun and killing on both sides continue. Rumor is that Mangal Bagh was killed in suicide bomb attack on 11^th March 2012.

Huge security loophole:

The current struggle in FATA is very significant move from Nation building point of view. The huge security gap which has existed in Pakistan since Independence due to lack of control over a large track of the Country, makes maintaining Law and order in the Country an impossible task. Any criminal can easily take refuge in FATA be treated like a VIP, if he is big killer or man of means. Our security forces feel helpless unable to go after the known criminals hiding in FATA. If FATA is included in Pakistan proper, Law and Order situation in the Country will improve many folds.

By now TANK, WANA, JANDOLA and RAZMAK cantonments are active again after remaining inactive since 1947. As part of a deal with Tribal Leaders, these bases were vacated. This gave the Tribal Leaders opportunity to do what ever they want; without any fear of PUNITIVE expeditions. When these bases were present during 1900 and 1947, Britishers were able to come out of these bases and attack revolting Tribes. However without such bases they made joke of Pakistani writ in their Area. In 2004, when our forces tried to enter these Areas they faced embracing defeats; when entire Platoons were kidnapped. Army withdrew on the promise of Tribes that they will eject foreigners from their Area. However this was just time buying tactics.

In 2010 finally “Rah e Najat” operation was launched and action started in earnest and after terrible loss of soldiers major peaks were captured. By now 90% of FATA is in our Army’s control. This has opened the AREA for trade and commerce.

BANNU has played a major role in this operation and also has bore the brunt of the Militants. It was attacked many times and the attacks go on even now as the Militants flee their hide out as our Forces reach their remote bases.

Attack on Bunnu Jail and Kabul:

The attack on the jail on 15^th April is testament of how much risk Bunnu poses due to it proximity with law less North Waziristan. From the point were the jail is located on Bunnu-Kohat road one can see the mountains of Waziristan. Between the road and the mountains some small settlements can be seen but largely the area is empty. Thus it was easy to attack the jail which far from the military bases in Bunnu. The location of main jail at this point I strategic mistake given that no protective parameter was established between the mountains and the Bunnu Township and the Jail.  

The attack on Kabul on the same date also highlights the point that all militants of North Waziristan have been forced to move north towards the Khurram and Orakzia Agency via Thull. Para Chinar located towards end of Khurram agency is the most Westerly location of Pakistan and is very close to Kabul. Previous attack by Haqqani Group was reportedly launched from this point and probably this time also.

What this indicate is that Militants from Orakzia, Khyber and North Waziristan are now holed up in a small areas of Northern most part of North Waziristan, the western point most point of Orakzia and Khyber agency and in Khurram Agency. This means that a concerted effort in this Area in and around Thull can eliminate the Militants for ever. Such opportunity never existed in the past. A collaborated action by Pakistan and NATO forces using all available resources including Air Force and Drone can eliminate the Militants and bring peace in the Region.

Sendimanian security system is recommended:

‘Sendimanian security system’ on the lines of Baluchistan can bring lasting peace and security in FATA and converse tribal values. While incorporating each FATA agency as District of KP, Rural Area’s administration and security should be left with Tribal Jirga while Main towns, population centers and roads should be declared A area under 100% control of KP with Police, Courts, Registry etc government  Pakistani Laws. The security of road should be responsibility of Tribes through which it is passing against payment of some money for Local Militia manning these roads. Any security lapse on behalf of a Tribe; to invite punitive action from main Military bases. This system is tried and tested since 1880s and meant that Britishers managed large Area of Baluchistan with minimum expense and efficiently. The system ensured prosperity of the people of Northern Baluchistan in particular which is 100% Pakhtun territory like FATA

The loose border of Thorkham

Thorkham- a vital border post

                                                                Dated 5^th April 2012

Tarique Khan Javed

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

The chaos, confusion, mismanagement and loopholes at the vital border post of Pakistan is unbelievable. My recent visit to the border left a bad taste in my mouth. In the aftermath of 9/11 and 11 years of War on Terror, such a loose border surprised me. The ease at which people were crossing from Afghanistan to Pakistan without any papers was amazing. Federal Authorities like Passport Control, Customs, FIA, IB appeared to be missing from the post, delegating all authority to the Local Militia. With two large forts of FC and a Garrison of Pak Army at Landi Kotal, militarily the 80 km stretch from Peshawar to Thorkham is firmly in Federal Government’s hand. However the movement of people and goods seems to be discretion of local militias.

A loose International border:

I, observed on the border that random check of incoming people were going on. Bribe was being paid at various points. However people with or without papers were crossing without much hindrance. A talk with some local Militia officials revealed a lax attitude towards the immigrants on the basis of Pakhtun nationalism. They felt that stopping these very poor immigrants from Afghanistan would be a cruel act. These people are coming because they are suffering in Afghanistan. Besides as an Official of Khyber Agency, they felt that based of tradition of  Pakhtun hospitality, they could not stop a poor Afghan to come to their Agency in search of livelihood.

As far as goods are concerned, I could see hundreds of trucks waiting to cross the border with Agriculture products like Potato, Onion, Chicken, Eggs, Vegetable ect. The wait was long and unpredictable. The incoming trucks mostly carried Coal in bags and scrape steel. Besides that, spare parts like bumper, lights, doors of cars, electronic goods and expensive cloth was being smuggled into Pakistan. Near Jumrud there is a relatively effective check post of FC. To circumvent this Check Post, the smuggled goods are disembarked before the Check Post and then carried on head and shoulders by hundreds of people over the mountain to the other side, were empty trucks are waiting. It is a strange and funny seen. A column of porters going up the mountain with full loads, in full view of passing traffic, just near the check post was a strange site. The logic is that while the Road is officially in Federal Governments control, mountains are not. The fact that everyone can see this strange transaction, is not any body’s concern.

I have never seen such ceremonial border and Check Post any where else in the World.

Major trade route of the World:

This vital border linking South Asia to Europe and CIS countries has been in use since a long time. The pass is the only viable crossing point through the very high mountain range which border Pakistan and Afghanistan. Although Kabul River enters Pakistan not very far from this point; that route has never been favored. There must be good reason for that. Implying that this Pass is essential for trade between three major trading blocks of the World. A visit to the pass is  disappointing. The roads are in very bad shape and many peaks need to be crossed. The veir and tear of vehicles using this route is very high. On the other hand we have developed excellent road (Motarway)  between Lahore and Peshawar and between Kohat and Peshawar. The large tunnel between Kohat and Peshawar has made travel so easy and safe. A handsome toll tax of Rs 1,100 is charged, per truck, for using the tunnel yet the truckers are most grateful to the Government for cutting this tunnel. One wonders why the  Motorway can not be extended to Thorkham with two to three tunnels of the size of Kohat tunnel. This can make life to truckers were smooth and help this vital international trade. This trade is poised to increase many fold in coming years; as SAFTA gets implemented and peace in Afghanistan is firmly established.

Agencies should be abolished:

One impediment in this could be the Agency status of the pass. Where by Federal Government has to carry development activities through the corrupt and incompetent Agency Officials. However if Federal Government has the will this obstructer can be easily overcome now. As militarily we have full control of the Area now, no one can stop making good roads. The 200 Km road from TANK to WANA was upgraded to good road during the last few years without any hindrance and has made the life of people of South Waziristan so much better. The good quality road between Kohat and Peshawar with an extended tunnel, also pass through Orakzia and Khyber Agencies. People of these Agencies are most grateful for this development.

Given the fact that 80% of FATA is now firmly in Government Control. A political will is required to absorb these territories into Pakistan. Militarily this can be done. The resistance of Militant Group benefiting from previous lawlessness in these territories is weakening by the day and soon would disappear as they are no match for Pakistan Army backed by International forces.

From International security point of view also Federal Government should take full control of this 80 KM stretch of Land. Install bio metric security system for people crossing the Border manned by Federal Passport Control Official and modern Custom House with scanning facilities. The Road leading the Thira Valley controlled by Mangal Bagh, may be permanently sealed to improve security of this route.

Major income source for Pakistan:

Pakistan Government and transport industry can make a huge income from the transit trade between South Asia and Europe/CIS. From NATO transit trade alone our trucking Industry makes some USD 5 bio per year. If the full blast of Asia- Europe trade pass through Pakistan, we can make may be USD 100 bio per year, for ever. Which can bring major prosperity, uplift in routes leading to Thorkham and Chaman. Therefore a robust business case can be developed to upgrade this vital route. This should include good quality Resting places and large Parking Areas, in route, as well as near the border. Ideally the current Border Post, should be moved one or two kilometers inside Afghanistan in the plains and open space. Current point, is surrounded by mountains and thus narrow and constrained.

Have mercy on people of the AREA:

The condition of people in this barren and dusty Pass has not improved over centuries. Girls are still fetching dirty water for drinking from far away, people are mostly living in mud houses, medical facilities except rudimentary clinics is missing, few government school cater to few student while rest go to Madarsas. Lawlessness reign, stolen vehicles are common means of transport, drug of all kinds are major trade, imported alcohol are available in Bars near Karkhana Bazar, use of NAWAR, a powerful intoxicant is prevalent among old and young, home sexuality is widely practiced. Few War Lords make lot of money and dominate the Pass with their Massive Compounds amidst very small houses of common men. Jamaat Islami which has good support base in the Pass does not allow progressive parties like ANP or PPP enter the Area. Thus ignorance is perpetuated without any hope of improvement.

In the interest of the Common Afridi and Shinwari tribesmen of the Khyber Agency, the Agencies should be abolished and Area converted to a District within KP.

The vast difference in standard of living between settled Areas of Peshawar and Khyber Agency can not be tolerated any more. The difference and the resentment against that is a major cause of violence in the Region. Britishers found it convenient to ignore FATA, as they calculated that they could not make money from these barren and less productive lands. However we as Pakistanis can not continue this injustice. We must act to correct this historical deprivation and embrace these poor people, in our main stream no matter what cost. West will be willing to help us in a big way as this will remove a major source of Lawlessness and violence in the World which has International reach.

 

Two faces of Pakhtun Land

 Hayatabad and Landi Kotal - Worlds apart

Tarique Khan Javed

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

Dated: 29^th March 2012

Hayatabad one face of the Pakhtun Land:

Hayatabad, one of the suburbs of Peshawar, is so beautiful, that I had a strong urge to buy a property there and settle down.  At the foot of large mountain it is a Modern Real Estate development, comparable to any high standard development, anywhere in the World. It has very broad roads, Parks, Shopping Area, Mosques. Naturally green locality has been decorated with artistically designed landscaping. Flowers of many kinds grow naturally here; on top of it rows and rows of flower bed have been planted. Number of streams passes the development giving a very pleasant view and freshness to the atmosphere.

Residents, all well dressed and fashionable, have given lot of attention in making their houses impressive. Houses big and small are decorated delicately. Making the entire development a master piece. Special attention has been placed on landscaping inside and outside the houses. Tall pillars and extending upper ceiling covering the veranda and parking space, seems to be the choice of most owners of larger plots.

Ladies without Burqa, just being modest with their shalwar kamiz and Doppata are common sight. They are seen traveling alone to schools and shopping malls. This is one picture of Pakhtun Land.

Elaqa Ghair- another face of Pakhtun Land:

Next to Hayatabad is the Industrial Area of Peshawar, having good number of simple processing industries like Paint, Steel re-rolling mills, Plastic extrusion Plants etc. Its attached market known as the “Karkhano Bazaar” is the end of Peshawar. Beyond that it is all Elaqa Ghair of Khyber Agency, till you reach Afghan Border at Thorkham some 80 km away.

A life less, brown, barren land escape greets you as you enter Elaqa Ghair. Its lawlessness is signified by the large ill legal markets which start at the entrance. These markets sell all kind of things smuggled from Afghanistan, where maximum import tariff is 5 pc. The market shamelessly sells imported and Pakistani Alcohol, Opium, Heroin and Chars without any constrain. They even have Bars in the Area.

Jamrud and Khyber Gate:
Next came the famed Jumrud Town with its Khyber Gate. From this point the bad quality and dusty road starts to clime. The winding road full of traffic, passes besides small villages-which all look the same. They all have stone and mud houses. They all have one colour - Brown. No tree or greenery can be seen anywhere. The river far below was all dry and groups of young girls could be seen carrying water buckets on their head, doing a balancing act. I saw few schools, but number of Madarsas could be seen.

The road till Thorkham is in very bad shape. The thousand of trucks using this vital pass to reach Afghanistan; have to bear heavy losses negotiating this poor quality road, even by Pakistani standards.

Ali Mosque- the narrowest point :

From Jumrud to Ali Mosque the climb is very difficult and trucks struggle to reach the top at very slow speed. The road to Landi Kotal passes over large mountain barriers and is very inefficient means of transport. While passing this terrible road, I recalled my travel through similar mountain pass of BARA between KOHAT and PASHWAR, with its very long tunnel and excellent roads. Why such road and tunnels can be built on this much more commercially important International road?

Thorkham-the loose border:
Journey upto Thorkham was equally painful. On reaching Thorkham one is confronted by chaos and mis management all around. Lines of miles long trucks cuing to reach the border can be seen. At the border itself people were crossing International border on foot without any organized checks. Local militias check ID randomly and let people pass after exchange of some money. I could not see proper Passport Control or FIA Office. The traffic jam near the border meant cars and buses passing had to wait for hours.

The trucks going from Pakistan carried all kind of Agri goods like meat, vegetables etc. while most trucks coming from Afghanistan carried bags of Coal and scrape steel.

A co passenger in the car in which brought me back to Peshawar was a young UZBUK with no documents and managed to reach Hayatabad without any problem. A smart looking police man stopped him on the bridge leading to Peshawar. He reacted violently when the Driver tried to bribe him with Rs 100. However Rs 500 was enough to make him forget his duty and let the young man reach Peshawar.

Illegal activities and Islamic parties:

Most cars and other vehicles used within the Agency are reportedly stolen cars.

Jamaat e Islami appeared to the party of choice of the Area as I did not see any other party flag. It is funny that an Area with influence of a Religious party has so many activities going on which are completely banned in Islam. Open selling of alcohol, NASWAR, Chars, driving stolen cars and wide spread homo sexuality is not objected by such parties in order not to loose support. In South Waziristan I observed the same thing, where JUI is the only party.

Marginalized tribes:

If given a choice which person will choose Landi Kotal over Hayatabad?
Why some one will prefer to live in Khyber or Waziristan? I bet no one will!

Than the question is how did some 6 million Pakistani end up being struck in FATA?

The answer lies in the fact that only weaker, less organized tribes were pushed into such wilderness. The stronger, better organized tribes like Yusufzia, Mohammadzia took away all the good lands and sealed the Area. Tribes like Afridi, Shinwaries, Mahsud, Wazirs were confined to the respective barren mountain tracks with little water and agricultural land. They were kept illiterate and backward by design. They were not given jobs in Security forces by citing their rebellious behavior. They were portrayed as unreliable servants, compulsive thieves, murderers etc. Without modern Education it was easy for parties like JUI and JI or the Mullah Class in general to get a foothold in the Area and establish Taliban style governments. They use the Agency power to discourage dissent and force people to live as per their dictate and not demand any change. All this has perpetuated backwardness in the Area upto now.

Modern State’s responsibility:

Pakistan a Modern State, a Nuclear power having sixth largest Army in the World, set to emerge as a significant Economic power also can not afford to continue the status quo in FATA. The poor, simple, malnutrition, ill educated people of FATA need to be rescued and helped. They need to be brought in the main stream of Pakistan. The Agencies should be abolished and each Agency may be given the status of a District of KP. Political parties should enter the Area and educate people and give them choices, they never had.

Our forces are already in these Areas and thus eliminating the remaining War Lords should not be impossible. These War Lords are the only beneficiaries of the Status Quo. While every common resident of these areas, is a looser. Religious class and Parties support the War Lords by preaching that Status Qua is good and thus should not be disturbed. Parties like ANP are not allowed in; as they will bring BAACH KHAN's message of Education for all, including Women. PPP is feared for its socialistic and secular policies and image of Benazir which inspires Women of Pakistan to demand equal rights. The set back in Tank where Mr. Kundi of PPP, defeated Mullana Fazul Rahman of JUI has sent a clear message to these parties that Younger generation will choice parties like PPP and ANP over them if given a choice. Thus they are trying their best to keep these parties out of their FORTE, as long as they can. Their repeated call for stopping Military action and withdrawal of troops from FATA, is meant to maintain the Status quo. However this would not be fair for the common residents of the AREA as well as the thousands of our soldiers, who have died since 2004 trying to enter the AREA. Now that we have captured all strategic high points and entry and exit points, we should not be naive and pull back. We should stay put and eliminate militants and absorb the entire AREA into Pakistan proper. FC laws should end along with Political Agents and each Agency converted to a District of KP. Leaving the poor residents of FATA at the mercy of local and foreign War Lords is an unacceptable option and should not be considered. The mistake made in 1947 should be corrected now.

Let us work to make Landi Kotal a Hayatabad of future.

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Lets look at people of FATA with compassion

People of FATA beg our love and attention!

Tarique Khan Javed,

President, Overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

Dated 26^th March 2012

The missing male folk:

A visit to Khaber Pakhtunkhawa or KP is always a painful affair. Fifty percent of its Male population is forced to spend bulk of their lives outside the provinces for seeking livelihood. It has a very sad physical and sociological side effect. With little industry and lot of barren and unproductive land, its people especially those from FATA have no choice but to seek employment away from home and dear ones. Many stay outside for 30-40 years thus wasting most of their best years of life deprived of comforts of home and family.

Thanks to the present Government, at last the people of the province have a name and a big embarrassment of having a funny direction as a name of their province is gone.

The  War on  Terror has further reduced the attraction of the Area as an investment destination. While Rahay e Nijat operation moves towards its conclusion and over all terrorist activities have reduced, KP continues to be rocked by terror attacks as a retaliation of bold and tightening operations in former no go areas like North Waziristan, Khyber, Bajour etc. Life for terrorists in these Areas becomes more difficult with each passing day, as one after the other safe heaven is being overrun by our brave and overwhelming Armed Forces, duly helped by Air Force. Militarily the terrorist, be they Al Qaeda, Afghan or Pakistani Taliban are defeated and are running around doing desperate acts while mopping operation goes on.

Plight of Mahsud tribe:

I was able to visit WANA capital of South Waziristan on 21st Jan 2012 and found it firmly under control of our Armed forces; while the Wazirs were happy to be spared the fate of Mahsuds, who are completely blocked and isolated in their small Area. Wazirs traveling with me did not mind passing through 20 check post to reach WANA from Dera Ismail Khan. Mahsuds to avoid starvation are being compelled to take refuge in Government operated shelters near TANK.

Baitullah Mahsud and his successor Najibullah Mahsud had their lime light and Press Conferences; now their Elders, women and children pay a heavy price for their fleeting glory. There is lack of sympathy for this poor lot as Baitullah Mahsud is perceived to be the brutal and cowardly killer of Benazir Bhutto. While listening to the tale of Mahsud tribe misery, I found my heart shut from usual compassion, as image of Benazir and many more victims of Mahsud brutality, kept flashing my mind. A sad state of my mind one could say, but this is where we have landed as a Nation, in my opinion.

Military action in North Waziristan:

On 23rd Jan 2012, Armed forces imposed a curfew on the capital of North Waziristan Miran Shah. I was asked not to go to Miran Shah when I tried to go there on 25th Jan. I had to return from the border on Tochi River. I was told than that a result of ongoing Military Operation the Area should be cleared in month or two. I again tried to visit Mir Ali and Miran Shah on my way to Razmak on 15th March 2012, but again denied entry as operations continue and “no Peshawari, Punjabi, Sindhi is allowed to visit”. I guess the main purpose of this instruction to transporters, is to ensure that no Pressmen enter and Report.

Talk with some residents of Miran Shah in Bunnu indicted that Military is firmly in control of all Exit and Entry points and the Taliban resistance is down. Militants are running around in search of hideouts and are being hunted down on the Ground as well as from Air. Residents believed that the two Drone attacks on 13th March by US in which 17 militants including two important commanders Shams Allah and Amir Hamza were killed, was a co coordinated attack at the request of Pakistan Army. The location of attacks: Barmel and Sarakhora on the border between North and South Waziristan suggest that militants are forced to seek refuge in South as North is no more safe for them.

Besides Bunnu the other entry point to North Waziristan is Thull. A small town at the edge of Kohat District which borders Khurram and North Waziristan Agency. In normal times going to Thull from Bunnu is easy via Mir Ali. However with that route closed, transporters have introduced a longer and more expensive route via Karkari, which entailed going towards Kohat till Banda Shah in Karak District, than taking a west word road to Thull passing Teri and Dalan. The detour is necessitated by the fort like formation of mountains of Waziristan with no gap or opening. Near Thull another major road coming from Kohat Town via Hungu valley meets road from Karak. This road continues upto Parachinar. From Thull regular Hi ace service to Mir Ali a junction where the main road from Bunnu to Miran Shah meets road coming from Thull. However here also the instruction to transporters was same like in Bunnu. Waziris with their long hair and mostly black turbans were boarding. However, I was told they would be subject to thorough scrutiny. Any one not carrying original NIC will be returned. This was also the case on the road to WANA. Implying that being Pakistani matters more than being a Waziri on this route now. Thus in theory once the current sensitive operation is over. All Pakistanis can visit both Waziristans, for business or pleasure.

Let’s bring FATA in our care:

The process of integration of region known as FATA into Pakistan proper has begun. Between 1947 and 2010 our military hold on the Region was very limited. By abandoning 4 key Cantonments of Tank, WANA, Jandola and Razmak in 1947 we lost control of the Area and it was used by all kind of Evil elements with impunity. Operation Rahay e Nijat launched in April 2910, proved very costly on our soldiers. With major heights under control of better equipped foreign funded Militants advance of our forces involved sacrificing thousands of our brave soldiers. Now almost two years on all major heights are under control of our forces and Militants movement is getting restricted by the day. It is logical to suggest given the topography of the Region that North Baluchistan like security environment will be established in FATA in coming one or two years. Where by Tribal Jirga will be free to manage their affairs in their respective Area while all Major Towns and population centers will remain under Government control with all Pakistani Laws applied, implying Civil Courts, Land Registry, Police etc. Tribes will ensure security of the Roads passing through their Area. Any failure punishable by painful punitive expedition by well established Armed forces in major towns.

Once this is achieved consideration should be given convert the Agencies into Districts of KP. Thus ending the great injustice inflicted on the common people of FATA, in not incorporating their Area into British India when North Baluchistan was being grated that status. The main reason for not doing so was that Punjab Government, which would have endured the cost of having FATA in its Province, refused to do so as it thought it was financially not an attractive proposition. Financial consideration was not given that much importance, by Baluchistan Agency while incorporating impoverished Pakhtun belt into Baluchistan. The other explanation that the war like tribes man of FATA refused to be part of British India is in fact a popular mis conception. People of Waziristan which comprise 60pc of FATA, begged to be incorporated into British India as per Richard Bruce, Political Agent of Punjab, during s1890s, in Waziristan. However despite his recommendation to incorporate the Region , Punjab Government refused on financial consideration.

Plight of Afridies and Shinwaries:

My visit to Thorkham border in Khyber Agency gave me an insight as to why FATA was left as it is by various Governments, upto now. The Area is indeed useless and a burden. The 80 km stretch of land from Karkhano Bazaar at edge of green valley of Peshawar till Thorkham border their is noting about which something good can be said. One would like to do nothing with such dry, brown, dusty, tree less place. While passing this hellish landscape only one thing comes to ones mind why people would like to live in such hostile environment. The answer perhaps, as an important politician of ANP, belonging to Afridi tribe told me, is that that better organized Yusufzia tribesman, did not allow them to share the fertile land of Peshawar valley and pushed them into this hellish landscape. As the wise Afridi leader admitted it is indication of Afridi and Shinwari tribe weakness to be located in this hostile environment, not testament of bravery of these tribes as British stories would like to suggest. 

Same is true for other FATA agencies. Superior tribes pushed weaker tribes to less futile mountain Region. Within the less futile FATA regions the struggle to controlling better land continues. The Burke tribe of Waziristan has almost been expelled from their ancestral land; Mahsuds despite their fame, have been pushed into a barren land by better organized Waziris. Currently Waziris are resisting an intrusion in their land by Sulman Khel tribe from Baluchistan side, probably at the prompting of the Government to seal their escape route via  Gull Ketch. These are just struggle of survival by desperate people; this does not mean any luxury or good life one would envy. Even the Wazirs have a very low standard of living with little hope of improvement. The money they made by renting their Region to financially strong Militant organization is gone now; with the arrival of Pakistan Army. Similarly other criminal activities like Extortion, Kidnapping for ransom, Arms and Drug trade is going to end now. Now these people need help like no time before.

Let NGOs play a Role:

After what happened following 9/11, the Internationalization of poverty issue in FATA, time has come to Incorporate FATA into Pakistan. This will open gate of International help from NGOs from all over the World. Considering the generous help that followed Earth Quake and Flood, there is no reason why the World will not help poverty stricken people of FATA. All we need is to tell the World, is that these are most poor in our land and not the dreaded blood seeking powerful worriers. They are just poor and they need help. They need clean water, food, medical help, education and most important jobs near home if possible.

If Government of Pakistan, Western World, NGOs, And Overseas Pakistan join hand, we can take these some 6 million people, out poverty trap and make Pakistan and World at large a peaceful place. By keeping so many people in such abject poverty we have done a great crime. Now the time has come to correct this wrong.











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