Daily Times

Seventy-two is a staggering number of casualties resulting from friendly fire in the past three years, out of which 24 soldiers were martyred in the recent incident on the Pak-Afghan border. Why is the blame being shifted towards us in the war on terror? Why did the coalition bombard a Pakistani check post for two hours on the morning of November 26? Are the lives of coalition personnel in Afghanistan more precious than our soldiers? These are the questions that have been going through the mind of every Pakistani citizen since the incident at Salala has unfolded. While NATO is mostly concerned with explaining its own side of the story, there seems to be little consideration for the loss of 24 brave and valiant Pakistani soldiers. These daring men were performing their duties in a hostile environment but they possessed the determination to safeguard the sovereignty of Pakistan from any threat. This resolve was the reason why they had left behind their families and the comfort of their abodes to serve the country. Unfortunately, their martyrdom was not due to a terrorist attack or an invading enemy, but friendly fire from our allies in the war on terror.

Major Mujahid Hussain, Captain Usman Ali and 22 others were martyred due to this irresponsible act on behalf of ISAF/NATO forces on that ill-fated morning. They too had families, like any other coalition soldier, they too had people depending on them, but the only words of regret that surfaced on behalf of the NATO secretary general were that it was a “tragic, unintended incident”. These soldiers were part of the war on terror and were present on that border to assist the same coalition forces that turned their barrels towards them. At least 4,000 Pakistani security personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty during the war on terror, while civilian casualties figure at more than 22,000, but still our intentions and willingness to combat terror are considered doubtful by the allies. Even with all these sacrifices we are considered to be untrustworthy, to the extent where we have been accused of double crossing or playing both sides in the conflict.

Although an investigation team has been formed by CENTCOM and NATO to look into the incident, but due to little or no condemnation, and that too in minced words by the coalition countries, the furore in Pakistan has risen to boiling point. The citizens of Pakistan are openly questioning the role assigned to Pakistan in the war on terror, while they are demanding conclusive action against the NATO personnel involved in the incident. The reaction shown by the Pakistani government over the incident is not unusual; rather, any country in such a position would have done the same. Relations between Pakistan and the US have reached an all time low and the new ambassador in Washington will be facing a long and daunting task of normalising these ties. Meanwhile, Taliban apologists and banned organisations at home have pounced on the opportunity to exploit the heightened sentiments of the populace regarding the incident.

These quarters have been staging rallies and processions every day to pressurise the authorities to sever ties with the West and pull out of the war on terror. This forefront of the militant/jihadi network wants to manipulate the people into doing its bidding. Their desperation to present their ‘popular’ street power can be realised through a recently reported episode where school children, on the false pretext of a field trip, were brought to a demonstration arranged by the Jamat-ud-Dawa. What these infamous characters have wished to avail for years has finally come true. A great divide has emerged between Pakistan and the West, especially the US. They want this divide to widen and reach a point where it will bring about a confrontation. To me, the apocalyptic frame of mind adopted by these quarters only shows their real intentions to cripple Pakistan’s sovereignty, rather than what is being claimed and propagated by them in public.

If this unjustifiable behaviour by the coalition partners towards Pakistan is continued, I fear that these quarters with vested interests may achieve their destructive objectives. It should be kept in mind that the victors in a rising confrontation between Pakistan and the West will only be the terrorists and radical elements. The recent event has been portrayed and also viewed by many of the misinformed as another link in the chain of events aimed at destabilising Pakistan. These misgivings are forming the basis of resentment against the war on terror and the West within society. People consider the international forces in Afghanistan as more of a threat than the Taliban and al Qaeda operatives. It is unfortunate that the international community has also not considered much in addressing the concerns of a Pakistani citizen. Incidents like this and the resulting indifferent response by the international community have only reaffirmed our conspiracy theories.

It is imperative that given the sensitivity of the current situation, especially realising the heightened emotions of Pakistani citizens, a comprehensive and impartial investigation be carried out into the incident. The unequivocal demand of the people and government of Pakistan is for the international forces to admit their mistake and take action against those found to be responsible for this tragic incident. It is further important that the significant role played by our country in the war on terror be acknowledged by the coalition instead of blaming it for all the mishaps and accusing it of not doing enough. It should be realised by the international community that Pakistan is a sovereign and independent state and should be treated on equal terms, and its ability to defend itself should never be underestimated. Whatever has been taking place between Pakistan and the US is not part of the kind of relationship maintained among allies, where distrust and resentment have taken deep roots on both sides. If there is willingness on both sides to normalise relations, only then the rift created can be reduced; otherwise a policy of confrontation will only pull both countries apart.

The writer is a development consultant. She can be reached at coordinator@individualland.com