Anas Imtiaz

Another Bomb, Another Failure: When Will This End?

// May 27th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Pakistan

I walked in to my department building today, entered the door and glanced at the huge television screen on my left as I always do. Out of the four screens, one is always tuned to BBC News. That particular screen was flashing images of wreckage, and a red label of breaking news bearing the words Pakistan. I stood there gawking at the screen for a few minutes when a stranger asked me, worriedly:

“Are you from Pakistan?” I replied in affirmative.

He went on to offer some words of condolences for what happened earlier today and that has been happening for quite some time.

This was not the first time I’ve seen such an image. In fact, most Pakistanis have seen much worse. But perhaps having such news early morning, half-awake, is a bit difficult to digest. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a long time. The confusion is immense, actions unclear and destination undefined.

The whole incident will, again, be blamed on some faction of governance and lapse in security. There may be a few blame games too followed by a vow to crush out the militants by the impotent minister of interior affairs. I’m not blaming the government for the myriad attacks in Pakistan. True that it has become almost impossible to curtail the widespread militancy in the country. What perturbs me most is the lack of action on the government’s side. Shouldn’t the authorities have been prepared after the start of operation in Swat? And what the hell is an intelligence agency for? The people of this country need assurances, not by words but by actions.

It is saddening to see that one politician attempted to lay this on the government by calling it a reaction to Swat operation. If it is a reaction (which it probably is) the need for operation is even more important.

Another aspect of governance (or the lack of it) is that the interior minister should resign not because of this attack in Lahore, but because of his inability to stop anything and the increase in terrorism since his taking over. I do understand that there is no culture of taking responsibility and resigning in Pakistan, but an utter failure of certain minister cannot be overlooked.

Let us hope and pray that the operation in Swat ends soon, successfully and that the IDPs can return to their homeland and save themselves from the disgrace which certain provinces have shown.

In The Aftermath Of Lahore Shootout

// March 5th, 2009 // 9 Comments » // Pakistan

I couldn’t muster the strength to express my feelings yesterday following the Lahore attacks. I felt absolutely terrible after looking at the images of the bodies of poor policemen who sacrificed their lives to save the Sri Lankan cricketers. I was disappointed, angered and terrified. I still am. These policemen and the driver deserve to be saluted for showing the derring-do at a time of chaos and terror.

Now that almost 2 days have passed since the incident the people of Pakistan deserve to know who are responsible for killing the sport of cricket in Pakistan. Immediately after absorbing the news I expected the two mainstream political parties to try and win points over this incident. The Lanka-Pak match was called off, but another new match had already started. I will talk about the political side later but first I’d like to commend the Sri Lankan team for their cool response to such an enormous attack of terror. They remained calm with Sangakkara going to the extent of saying he had no regrets coming to Pakistan. While the Sri Lankan players demonstrated a magnanimous response, some other cricketing captains who were not even involved in the incident chipped in with disappointing comments. No surprises as the FM of the neighbouring country came out in the media, and instead of expressing grief, used the opportunity to blast Pakistan. Again, I don’t blame him, but it was disappointing.

There were some hints of foreign hand expressed in non-official statements. But what exactly is the official statement? Assume, for a minute, it was India who was behind the attacks, or any other country/organization for that matter. Where was the law-enforcing agency? What is the job of Interior Ministry? Wasn’t the SL team promised presidential-level security? Does the president travel like this? Obviously, if there is an impending attack, it is our country’s job to stop it. If the relevant department fails, it should accept the responsibility? And how many times will this department fail? In September, the same department failed to prevent Marriott attacks, and no one was tried or brought to justice. I did plead for the resignation of Interior Minister at that time, and I do so again. Isn’t it time to accept the responsibility now and step aside? If not now, then when? (more…)

Get Lost, Rehman Malik!

// September 23rd, 2008 // 10 Comments » // Pakistan

Rehman Malik is not willing to take the responsibility of the Marriott blasts. He’s adamant that the terrorists are responsible for the mess. Rightly so, but the terrorists are responsible for the success of the blasts in their frame of reference. Who’s responsible for the failure?

Malik is so desperate to get the media attention that he’s gone all out with his contradictory statements some of which I’ll mention in the later part of this plea.

First of all he claimed in post-Marriott-blast press conference that after his advent the terrorist activities has been reduced by 98% [any sources?] but what he failed to mention was that the enormity of the attacks during his tenure has only deepened and heightened.

He went on to say that his ministry had some sketchy information of potential terrorist activities on that day. I guess that is precisely why all the political and military heavyweights were gathered at one place so that if something goes wrong, everyone goes together. *that would’ve been better!*

Since he had the information can’t he respond to the simple question then how did a truck laden with modern explosives manage to roam around in Islamabad? A police official interviewed at a checkpost in Islamabad said that they hardly check the trucks citing the lack of necessary equipment as one reason.

Next, he claimed that the target was Parliament/President/PM and his ministry managed to save them. So, are those innocent people worthless and were deprived of security because the more important people were enjoying an exotic Iftar dinner? The dinner you couldn’t leave earlier to arrive at the place of blast.

Suddenly he came up with another idea! He said that Marriott was earlier supposed to be the venue for that iftar dinner of heavyweights which was later shifted to PM’s place. The Marriott admin quickly rebuffed this version, stating clearly that they had no such bookings.

So, what exactly is Rehman Malik trying to do? Is he trying to portray himself as the savior of the leadership of Pakistan? Is he trying to get something out of it to save his chair? That is more than likely.

But, it’s time to step aside Mr. Malik. Your ministry has been unable to control the terrorists attack despite your claim of a 98% reduction, which I must say, is plainly false. You were responsible for Benazir Bhutto’s security earlier, but she died. Now you’re responsible for Pakistan’s security, but we want Pakistan to live.

So just get lost, we hate you!

Yeh Kya Hai???

// August 30th, 2008 // 4 Comments » // Pakistan

Can someone please explain whether that gun standing proudly in the corner is a piece of ornament in Bugti’s drawing room or is it a personal safety measure by Rehman Malik?? I wonder what image will be perceived by a non-Pakistani when such weapons are flaunted openly in public.

If this is Bugti’s then Malik should’ve hauled his ass immediately and charged him with something.

If it is Rehman Malik’s, then he should be immediately fired for an indecent act in public, or at least that is how it should be.

The picture below appeared in Jang’s online edition covering Rehman Malik’s visit to Talal Bugti to offer Fatiha.