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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