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News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
From Kabul To Tehran: How Pakistan's Military Exploits The ‘Ummah' For Power
Last Updated: The so-called support for the Ummah became a convenient narrative to mask Pakistan's collaboration with Western intelligence and its betrayal of genuine Islamic solidarity. Ayesha Jalal, a highly respected historian from Pakistan, contends that the nation's foundational identity is built on a paradox: the effort to reconcile Islamic universalism, represented by the non-territorial concept of 'Ummah', with the territorial framework of the modern nation-state. This ideological tension, she argues, has left the state susceptible to manipulation by those in power. Over time, the unresolved contradiction has enabled Pakistan's ruling elites to selectively invoke Islamic identity when politically convenient, while gradually sidelining the collective ideals of the 'Ummah' in favour of state-centric interests and material gain. On April 15, 2025, during the first Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Asim Munir, the current Army Chief, proclaimed that Pakistan is not only the only modern state founded on the Kalima but also the second state in Islamic history, after the Prophet's establishment of Riyasat-e-Tayyiba (Madinah al-Munawwarah) in 622 CE, to be created explicitly based on core Islamic tenets. He stated: 'In the annals of human history, the first state founded on the Kalima was established more than 1,300 years ago, and now, by the will of God, he has granted you the honour of being the second to be built upon the same sacred foundation." Nonetheless, these proclamations, cloaked in religious reverence, ring hollow as they are invoked primarily to bolster the legitimacy of the military establishment that continues to dominate the country's political order. This use of Islamic rhetoric and eschatological references from the highest echelons of power is not a sincere call for Islamic governance but rather a strategic instrument of statecraft, designed to preserve the state's entrenched grip on power and perpetuate its political entanglements for the benefit of the Pakistani military elite. This betrayal of Islamic values in favour of realpolitik is neither new nor subtle; it is a recurring pattern, etched into the very memory of Pakistan's modern history. From the battlefields of Jordan in 1970, where Pakistan's military aided the Jordanian monarchy in suppressing Palestinian factions during Black September, to the US-backed proxy war in Afghanistan throughout the 1980s, Pakistan's ruling elites have repeatedly compromised Pan-Islamic solidarity for Western approval and financial reward. These decisions, framed as acts of Muslim unity, were deeply transactional, serving the strategic interests of the Pakistani state while devastating Muslim communities across the region. In both cases, Pakistan aligned itself not with the oppressed or the ideals of 'Ummah', but with authoritarian regimes and Western power, weaponising Islamic rhetoric for geopolitical patronage. The memories of the 1970s grow murkier as one of the central figures during the brutal Black September crackdown, representing Pakistan, was none other than Brigadier Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq himself. Furthermore, the Soviet incursion into Afghanistan in December 1979 signified the beginning of a protracted conflict that fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the region. Although Pakistan publicly asserted its role as a defender of the Afghan populace and the wider 'Ummah', its subsequent actions disclose a significantly more self-serving agenda. From 1980 to 1988, Pakistan, under the military governance of General Zia-ul-Haq, emerged as the principal conduit for US support directed towards the Afghan Mujahideen, motivated by both internal legitimacy and regional aspirations. It is widely believed that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) sourced approximately $2 billion to $3 billion in clandestine support and provided training to over 80,000 combatants. ISI openly supported factions aligned with its objectives, particularly Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, while marginalising more autonomous leaders such as Ahmad Shah Massoud. Consequently, this engendered the empowerment of extremist groups, many of which would subsequently metamorphose into the Taliban. Pakistan's initial endorsement of ideological extremism, cloaked in the language of 'Jihad,' allowed it to propagate a narrative of Islamic obligation while simultaneously pursuing its strategic depth doctrine. The military intervention was portrayed as a holy mission to liberate a fellow Muslim nation. However, in reality, Pakistan exploited the conflict to entrench its authoritarian regime and advance its regional ambitions. The so-called support for the Ummah became a convenient narrative to mask Pakistan's collaboration with Western intelligence and its betrayal of genuine Islamic solidarity. Even after the Soviets withdrew in 1989, Pakistan continued to interfere in Afghanistan, backing militant factions that tore the country apart. The ISI trained the Taliban in various skills, including crafting explosive devices and orchestrating intricate suicide attacks. Tragically, these tactics, once seen as tools of 'resistance", became instruments of mass civilian suffering. Over two decades of war saw more than 50,000 Afghan civilians lose their lives. Far from defending the 'Ummah', Pakistan exploited it, leading to decades of bloodshed, instability, and the eventual rise of the Taliban. No instance perhaps better elucidates the persistent nature of this duplicity than Pakistan's recent management of the Iran-Israel crisis, a paradigmatic instance of discursive dissonance, where invocations of Islamic solidarity mask the geopolitical pragmatism that truly guides state behaviour. Despite recurrent proclamations of allegiance to the 'Ummah', Pakistan remains conspicuously silent when that very 'Ummah' is in urgent need of advocacy, as seen in its muted response to Israeli aggression against Iran. Amidst this intensifying crisis, Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, initiated a five-day diplomatic initiative in Washington, DC, a gesture that starkly contradicted Pakistan's avowed allegiance to the 'Ummah'. Munir further exacerbated the situation by nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This act, striking in its implications, highlighted Pakistan's implicit alignment with the Western-Israeli coalition, even as it publicly presented itself as a defender of Islamic interests. This duplicity was not overlooked. Members of the Pakistani populace and civil society openly reproached the ruling elite for their perceived betrayal of the 'Ummah.' One notable political commentator, Talat Hussain, articulated this sentiment on X, stating: 'Israel's sugar daddy in Gaza and cheerleader of its attacks on Iran isn't a candidate for any prize." This public sentiment reflects a growing disillusionment with Pakistan's leadership, whose actions increasingly diverge from its rhetorical claims of Islamic unity and solidarity. The Iran episode does not mark a deviation from Pakistan's foreign policy trajectory; rather, it exemplifies its core logic. From Jordan to Afghanistan to Gaza, Pakistan's reliance on Islamic rhetoric has rarely translated into principled action. Its muted response to Israeli aggression against Iran, punctuated by the push for the Nobel Peace Prize, underscores the dissonance between its pious rhetoric and cynical realpolitik. Iran is not an anomaly in this Pakistani history; it is its most vivid expression. What is laid bare is not simply hypocrisy but a decades-long pattern of betrayal shrouded in the language of faith, in which the 'Ummah' is evoked not to be defended, but to be instrumentalised in favour of Pakistan's military elite. NC Bipindra is Chairman of Delhi-based think-tank Law and Society Alliance. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author NC Bipindra NC Bipindra is Chairman of Delhi-based think-tank Law and Society Alliance. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Minor tremors create panic
A series of mild earthquakes rattled Karachi on Sunday, with the strongest tremor recorded at 3.6 magnitude on the Richter scale. People in affected areas cited at least six aftershocks following the mild shaker on Sunday. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's Seismic Monitoring Centre, the epicenter was near Quaidabad, and the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres at 5:33pm on Sunday. This marks the second tremor in Karachi this year, following a 4.7 magnitude quake on March 31. Later at night, aftershocks were felt across several neighbourhoods, including Malir, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, and Jafar Tayyar Society. The second tremor, recorded at 1:03am, had a magnitude of 3.2 with a depth of 12 kilometres, and its epicenter was near Gadap Town. A third round of tremors was reported in areas such as Quaidabad and Malir. The repeated shocks sent residents fleeing their homes, reciting prayers such as the Kalima and Durood Sharif, and staying outdoors in fear. Some homes reportedly suffered minor structural damage, including cracks in walls. No injuries or major damage were reported, but fear and uncertainty spread across the city. Many people said they rushed out of their homes when the beds started shaking and windows rattling. Adding fuel to the fire, so called experts took to the social media with details of fault lines of the city and chances of a big earthquake. One social media influencer went as far as claiming that excess drawing of groundwater has caused the fault lines to move and Malir and the city was about to experience a huge earthquake. The fact remains that Karachi lies 150km away from the junction of three tectonic plates in the sea making it vulnerable to an earthquake and tsunami. Expert insight Associate Professor and Geologist at the University of Karachi Dr Adnan Khan told Express Tribune that these tremors were minor and not a cause for alarm. He explained that Karachi lies on a passive margin, far from any major fault lines, which makes large, destructive earthquakes highly unlikely. "These tremors are classified as 'mild tremors', resulting from minor tectonic movements and stress build-up deep in the Earth's crust," Dr Khan said. He added that Himalayan tectonic activity, which shifts the mountain range northward by four to five cm each year, causes distant pressure that can trigger such minor events. He also noted that human activities, such as industrial waste burning and excessive groundwater extraction, can subtly alter the Earth's structure, potentially influencing seismic behaviour. Dr Khan advised citizens to remain calm during mild tremors and to follow standard precautions - to leave buildings immediately and move to open areas, staying away from foundations or tall structures. Official response Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi urged residents to stay calm and not believe in rumours circulating on social media. He confirmed that he had consulted Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari, who assured him the tremors were not dangerous, although minor activity could continue for the next seven days. He emphasised that earthquakes can not be predicted with certainty. Affected areas included Quaidabad, Malir, Saudabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Khokhrapar, Steel Town, Landhi, Korangi, Shah Latif Town and Bhains Colony. Residents reported fleeing their homes during the shocks, engaging in prayer, and staying outdoors until the tremors passed.
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Sun blotted out as sky above Greek islands turn orange after two earthquakes hit
A cloud of Saharan dust hung above the Greek island of Crete over the weekend, causing an eerie hue to fall over Heraklion and Chania. The weather event is called Calima Things have been feeling a little Biblical in Crete, where the skies have turned orange a week after a strong earthquake hit. A cloud of Saharan dust hung above the Greek island over the weekend, causing an eerie hue to fall over Heraklion and Chania. The stretched-out, dreary sunset feeling doused the island before a blanket of orange dust began to cover rooftops, cars and the heads of holidaymakers. Combined with heat and rainfall, the dust created a stifling atmosphere. The Civil Protection Authority of the Region of Crete urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. A particularly urgent plea to stay inside was issued to people with respiratory or heart conditions, as well as children and the elderly. Hellenic National Meteorological Service warned that there were: 'Approximately 21 kilograms of dust per acre were recorded in Heraklion in just one day." The worst of the weather event was over by Sunday evening, when the southeastern winds responsible for carrying the dust to Crete weakened. The meteorological phenomenon is a regular one and is known as Calima or Kalima. It takes place when fine sand and dust particles from the Sahara are lifted into the atmosphere and transported by prevailing winds. The Canary Islands are most frequently impacted by it. In 2002, the Santa Cruz International Airport in Tenerife had to be closed because visibility fell to less than 50 meters. Five years ago, 2,000 people were forced to evacuate Tenerife and Gran Canaria due to the terrible air quality. It was measured to be the worst air quality in the world that weekend, with about 40 times the particle density considered safe by the World Health Organization. As a result, 745 flights were canceled and 84 others diverted. Depending on the direction of the wind, the Saharan dust clouds can also reach mainland Europe and northeast to the Greek islands, such as Crete. A point of particular concern for those reliant on tourism on Crete and other holiday islands impacted by Calima is that it is likely to increase in regularity and intensity. 'We have seen such phenomena before, but the increasing intensity is deeply concerning," a local official in Crete told Agrophillia. Last year New Scientist reported: "Recently there has been an eightfold increase in these dust intrusions – even during colder months when they are unusual – and the spike in frequency and intensity has researchers concerned they are becoming more common." The culprit is, of course, climate change and rapidly rising global temperatures. The island has been metaphorically in the wars these past few weeks. Prior to the dust cloud, Crete was hit by two earthquakes. Last Thursday it was rocked by 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck just off the coast, with locals and tourists were urged to stay away from coastal areas. Aftershocks were ongoing for some hours amid fears that a tsunami could hit the islands. Thankfully, the offshore location of the epicentre meant the impact from the seas was limited. A week prior to that a similarly strong earthquake struck. Claire Gibson, 49, from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, had been holidaying with her family at a plush resort in Crete when the second earthquake hit. The flooring and furniture retailer was staying at Hersonissos, and she described the terrifying moment the seismic waves hit the island. "My phone just woke me up. There was an earthquake notification. The alert went off, woke us up and the whole room was shaking. It was my first experience of an earthquake. The floor was shaking - it was an unsettling experience. The wardrobe doors were banging like mad and we could feel the whole building shake. Thankfully there was no damage. It was my first experience of an earthquake."
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
The world has stakes in India. It cannot afford to ignore the terror strike
The horrifying terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, in which 26 innocent people — 25 Indians and 1 Nepali — were brutally gunned down, stands as one of the darkest moments in recent memory. The attackers, who had crossed over from Pakistan, singled out their victims based on religion, asking them to recite the Kalima to confirm if they were Muslim. Those who could not were executed on the spot. This was not just a massacre — it was a cold, calculated act, and a grim reminder of Pakistan's deep-rooted links to terrorism. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a calibrated and precise strike on nine known terrorist hubs within Pakistan. These were not random targets — they were operational bases for recruitment, training, and leadership of militant groups with a long and well-documented history of violence. When Pakistan escalated militarily, India responded effectively but with great restraint, targeting key military installations involved in the aggression. Eventually, Pakistan's DGMO sought a ceasefire — an implicit acknowledgement of the consequences of its provocative stance. What stood out in India's response is the use of cutting-edge technology that enabled precision strikes on carefully selected terrorist targets inside Pakistan. It also sent a strong message — that Pakistan lies well within the reach of India's missile systems, and any provocation will invite a swift and decisive response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear to Pakistan that Operation Sindoor has only been paused but not concluded, and any future act of terrorism emanating from Pakistan will be treated as an 'act of war'. He has also categorically called out Pakistan's longstanding tactic of nuclear blackmail, stating that such threats will no longer deter India from defending its sovereignty. India has been a victim of terror for far too long, with a history marked by brutal attacks like the 2001 Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, the Pathankot and Uri attacks in 2016, and the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019. These attacks, executed by Pakistan-based terror outfits, have repeatedly targeted civilians and security forces, highlighting the persistent threat India faces from across the border. The time has come for the world to acknowledge what India has endured for decades, and that Pakistan is the architect, enabler, and exporter of terror as a state policy. With this context, a high-level Indian delegation comprising members from across the political spectrum, representing diverse regions of the country, united in their purpose to present India's case to the world, has set out to engage with global stakeholders — including leaders of governments, policymakers, and diplomatic representatives. The following objectives guide the delegation's mission: First, to highlight and document Pakistan's sustained role as a state sponsor of terrorism. This includes exposing not only its inaction in dealing with terror emanating from its soil but also the deep-rooted nexus between its government, its army and the terrorist organisations. Its establishments provide not just ideological but material support — safe havens, weapons, training, and funding — to internationally banned terror groups. Second, to urge the international community to re-examine diplomatic engagements with Pakistan, especially in light of repeated global incidents where investigative trails have led back to Pakistan. Third, to emphasise that this is not just India's concern. Pakistan's unchecked extremism endangers global stability, investor confidence, and the safety of democracies worldwide. In an interconnected world, one nation's inaction on terror becomes every nation's threat. Fourth, to showcase India's commitment to peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies and a trusted global partner, India is making the case that peace in South Asia is not possible without global pressure on Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure. Fifth, to seek collective accountability. The delegation will advocate for greater collaboration among nations to counter this common threat emanating from Pakistan. India's warning is unambiguous: Terrorism cannot be fought in isolated compartments. For decades, Pakistan has wielded terrorism as an instrument of state, poisoning South Asia's security environment. It is time for every nation and multilateral forum to speak in one resolute voice and apply relentless pressure on Islamabad to dismantle its terror machinery and abandon the politics of bloodshed. India today is a rising technological and economic powerhouse — home to 1.4 billion aspirations and the lynchpin of countless international investments. Each strike on Indian soil tears at this social fabric and endangers the global stakes intertwined with it. Safeguarding India's ascent is therefore a shared obligation. The moment for mere condemnation has passed; coordinated action is the only credible response. The cost of silence is far too great. The writer is BJP MP for Bengaluru South, and member of the government delegation to the Americas after Operation Sindoor
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No closure till Pahalgam guilty hunted down: Behala widow
Kolkata: It has been exactly a month since 51-year-old lost her husband, senior statistician , in the terrorist attack at Baisaran Valley. However, Guha is still far from finding closure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "What has been snatched away from us will never come back. My daughter has lost the man she saw as her role model. I have lost the man around whom my life revolved. But the closure is still far away. A lot has happened since then. India launched Operation Sindoor. The tensions between both countries and the war that followed are now chronicled. The govt responded as required. But there is still no update on my husband's killers. I do not know if they were captured or whether they are alive. We want those men to be punished. That will bring some solace," said Guha. This one month, says Guha, has changed her role within the family, especially concerning her daughter. "I was a homemaker. I never had to think of managing house loans before. Neither did I need to plan for my daughter's future. Samir used to manage them effortlessly. But now these roles have been thrust on me," recalled Guha. Her daughter, Subhangi, is also trying to concentrate on her future. Having performed well in her class XII board exams, she has even started collecting her college admission forms. Her first preference is to study psychology at Loreto College, she has told her family and former schoolteachers. The family had just reached Baisaran Valley and was clicking photographs on April 22 when Samir, a central govt employee, heard gunshots. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One of the terrorists came and separated the Muslims from the Hindus and ordered everyone to recite the Kalima. "We were lying down when suddenly a terrorist shot my husband. After killing him, the terrorist – dressed in a military outfit and with faces covered – said to another, 'Yeh Modi ka Aadmi Hai," recounted the mother of 17-year-old Subhangi. "I now want action on the killers. It is for the central govt to decide how to go about it. I am hopeful since they have been identified. But I want the culprits punished, and I want a permanent solution so that no one faces the fate of my husband or the 25 others who lost their lives there," she said. Guha said she followed details of the conflict daily. "While the talk revolved mostly around drone warfare and how many targets we were hitting, I wanted to know the names and the roles of the terrorists killed during our befitting reply," said Guha. Earlier, speaking to TOI on the day Operation Sindoor was launched, Guha said, "This was a targeted killing. In any terror attack, there is random firing. It was not done here. If we are not safe in our own country, where will we find security?" she asked. The family said they also received Rs 10 lakh from the central govt, another Rs 10.2 lakh from insuranceand another Rs 10 lakh from the state govt as compensation so far.
