Daily Archives: October 16, 2023

In a recent visit to Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar made a resolute statement, unequivocally ruling out any possibility of negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This bold declaration holds significant implications for Pakistan’s security landscape, its historical approach to dealing with militant groups, and the ongoing challenge posed by the TTP.

Shifting Priorities

The Prime Minister’s statement signifies a pronounced shift in the government’s approach to dealing with the TTP. Rather than pursuing dialogue, as the previous government did, Prime Minister Kakar’s administration has adopted a resolute stance emphasizing military action. This shift comes in the wake of criticism directed at previous attempts at peace talks, which were seen as providing the TTP with opportunities to regroup and resume violent activities.

Historical Context

The decision to prioritize military action over dialogue has deep historical underpinnings. Pakistan has a complex history of dealing with militant groups, including the TTP. The TTP emerged in the mid-2000s as an umbrella organization of various militant groups and has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in Pakistan. Past attempts at negotiations with the TTP have yielded mixed results, often marked by broken ceasefires and renewed violence. The group’s ties to al-Qaeda and the Haqqani network further complicated diplomatic efforts.

Military Might

Prime Minister Kakar’s assertion of Pakistan’s capability to confront the TTP for an entire century is a powerful message. It underscores the government’s determination to use all available means to tackle the security threat posed by the TTP, emphasizing the central role of the military in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy.

A Tense Security Environment

The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the severe security situation in Pakistan is a clear indication of the gravity of the issue. The TTP has consistently targeted civilians and security forces, prompting the government to respond with military operations. This underscores the urgency and necessity of a robust response to safeguard the country’s stability.

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Refugee Policy

In addition to addressing the TTP, Prime Minister Kakar clarified Pakistan’s policy regarding Afghan refugees. He stated that only illegal foreign residents were being expelled, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to managing the legal status of refugees while maintaining a secure border.

Economic and Political Matters

The statement briefly touches on economic and political matters, including the impact of the depreciating dollar on loans and the upcoming elections. These issues are addressed in a general manner, emphasizing adherence to established procedures.

Pakhtunkhwa’s Sacrifices

Prime Minister Kakar also took a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism. This recognition serves to commend the resilience and courage of the local population, who have faced significant security challenges.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Kakar’s statement reflects the caretaker government’s emphasis on military action as the preferred method for dealing with the TTP, influenced by the complexities of past negotiations and conflicts with militant groups. It underscores Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a strong military stance against the TTP, indicating a prioritization of national security and a firm resolve to combat militant threats.

The effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen and will depend on various factors, including the success of military operations, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly Afghanistan. Additionally, it raises questions about the potential impact on regional stability, the safety of civilians, and the long-term prospects of resolving the complex issue of militancy in the region.

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In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a dedicated young scholar, Ang Raj Karn, pursuing his MBBS degree at the prestigious Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, reveals his deep-rooted love for the Hindu religion. He exclaims, “I don’t want to see my religion vanish because I have a lot of love for the Hindu religion in my heart.”

While excelling in scientific subjects and other academic pursuits, Ang Raj Karn laments the absence of religious education for Hindu children in his province. He sheds light on a critical issue facing the Hindu community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where religious education is in short supply.

According to the 2017 census, the Hindu community makes up just 0.2% of KP’s population, numbering 6,373 members. However, social activist and provincial assembly member Ravi Kumar asserts that the actual number of Hindus in KP is closer to 50,000, if not more.

The Hindu community in KP is deeply concerned about the dearth of religious education opportunities for their children, longing for them to learn in their native languages and to connect with their cultural heritage.

Ang Raj Karn explains, “In the mainstream education system, every student has the option to choose ‘Islamic Studies’ as a compulsory subject, instead of religious minority students having the choice to learn about Sikhism or their own faith.” This underscores the need for specialized religious schools for Hindus.

Despite being a Hindu himself, Ang Raj Karn has never encountered Hindu teachers in any schools. He, like thousands of other Hindu students, studied Islamic Studies in schools and colleges. He articulates, “I have learned the basics of my religion from my parents. In KP, there was no knowledge about my religion for hundreds of Hindu students, which is an extremely worrisome issue.”

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Critics argue that the government offers a five percent quota for non-Muslim teachers in public schools. However, Dr. Muhammad Idris, an educationist, points out that often minority communities fail to submit applications, leading to these positions remaining vacant.

Haroon Sarbdiyal, a Hindu worker from Peshawar, asserts that there isn’t a single school in KP or tribal areas where Hindu children can receive education in their religion and learn Hindi and Sanskrit—the languages in which sacred Hindu scriptures are written.

Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language, holds the key to understanding Hinduism, as it encompasses the sacred Hindu scriptures and classical Indian epics. Haroon laments the lack of progress in establishing religious schools for the Hindu community, asserting that the young generation is losing touch with their faith.

He passionately demands that at least one school be established in every temple across the province to safeguard the Hindu religion. Haroon recalls a “Paatshala” in Nowshera, a traditional Hindu school for religious education, which sadly closed down.

Pandit Ashok Kumar, a Hindu priest, emphasizes that Hindu religious education primarily involves the study of two significant texts, the Shri Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita. He believes that with serious government attention, Hindu children can receive the religious education they deserve.

Kanwal Sharma, a social sciences student, asserts that it is their right to study their own religion rather than the teachings of other faiths. She highlights their patriotism but underscores their deprivation of basic and constitutional rights to education. Kanwal insists on the appointment of Hindu teachers in schools across the province to ensure religious education.

Raj Kumari, a resident of Mardan district, teaches her children about the Hindu religion at home due to the absence of religious schools. She fears for the future and implores that the younger generation should not lose touch with their faith.

Ravi Kumar, a former minority member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, defends the government’s commitment to protecting religious minority rights. He notes the establishment of Sunday schools in churches and gurdwaras, emphasizing that religious minorities enjoy the same freedoms as other citizens.

Ravi Kumar dismisses claims that the Hindu community is drifting from their religion due to government actions, asserting that the government’s top priority is equal rights for all. He argues that those spreading such beliefs are misinformed, as the government is actively taking steps to protect minority rights.

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