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Memri
25-03-2025
- Business
- Memri
Columns In Urdu Dailies Discuss Turkey-Pakistan Defense And Trade Relations: 'Pakistan Stood With Turkey On The Cyprus Issue, While Turkey Echoed Pakistan's Stance On The Kashmir Issue'; 'Turkey And Pakistan Are Considered Leaders Of The Muslim Ummah'
Following the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan to Pakistan on February 12-13, 2025, Pakistani columnists wrote articles in Urdu dailies discussing the importance of the visit in forging military and trade relations between the two Islamic powers. Pakistan is the first Islamic nuclear power state, while Turkey has emerged as a major arms manufacturer. Columnist Mansoor Afaq wrote a piece titled "The Pakistan-Turkey Friendship," Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig authored an article titled "Pakistan-Turkey Defense Cooperation" both in the mass-circulation Urdu-language daily Roznama Jang, while Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami wrote a third column, titled "President Erdoğan's Success" in Roznama Dunya, another Urdu daily. Shami's article was focused on Erdoğan's electoral and political successes against the secular politics of Turkey, while Baig and Afaq focused on the military and trade relations between the two countries. Erdoğan was received at the airport at midnight by President of Pakistan Asif Zardari (left) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (right). "It is believed that the fall of the Assad government in Syria has strengthened Ankara's position in the region. However, the entry of Israeli forces into Syria has also placed Turkey in direct confrontation with Israel. Senior Israeli security officials have also expressed concern over Turkey's increasing interference in Syria," Afaq wrote. Baig argued that the Western sanctions against Pakistan have forced Pakistan to rely on Turkey for a range of military weapons. "This includes the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets worth $75 million, the procurement of fleet tankers for the Pakistan Navy valued at $80 million, and the upgrade of Agosta submarines costing $350 million," he added. Following are excerpts from Afaq's article: [1] "Turkey's Deepening Defense Relations With Pakistan Are A Cause Of Concern For India – Recently, Pakistan Signed An Agreement To Purchase Turkish Naval Ships" "Pakistan-Turkey relations have a long history. The hearts of the people of both nations have been beating for each other for centuries. There exists a golden structure of religion and culture between the two, which is continuously growing stronger. "A few days ago, the Turkish drama 'Ertuğrul Ghazi' gained huge popularity in Pakistan. This drama not only introduced Pakistanis to Turkish history and culture but also further strengthened the social relations between the two countries. The Pakistani people have become more familiar with Turkish culture, civilization, and history, and a new collaboration started between the two nations. Almost every Pakistani leader has made the effort to carry relations with Turkiye to new heights. "Currently, [on February 12-13, 2025,] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is in Islamabad and is finalizing new agreements in the fields of trade, investment, banking, finance, defense, energy, agriculture, IT, health, and education. "His visit to Pakistan is being viewed with deep concern and unease by Delhi and Washington. According to Indian media, Turkey's deepening defense relations with Pakistan are a cause of concern for India. Recently, Pakistan signed an agreement to purchase Turkish naval ships, further enhancing their defense partnership. "In January, the two countries also conducted naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean which shows the growing military cooperation between the two. The U.S. media is also viewing this visit in the same context. It thinks that Washington will closely monitor the ongoing defense production cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye following this visit." "The Turkish Military, Which Is The Largest And Most Powerful In The Middle East, Includes The Turkish Navy As One Of Its Strongest Branches – The Turkish Armed Forces Consist Of 425,000 Active Personnel And 380,000 Reserves" "It is believed that the fall of Assad government in Syria has strengthened Ankara's position in the region. However, the entry of Israeli forces into Syria has also placed Turkey in direct confrontation with Israel. Senior Israeli security officials have also expressed concern over Turkey's increasing interference in Syria. "In fact, the Turkish president had stated in one of his speeches that if this region had not been divided after World War I, cities like Aleppo and Homs would still be part of Turkiye today. His statement became very popular in Turkey: 'With God's help, we will reach Damascus; Jerusalem awaits us.' "His opponents also strongly emphasize that Erdoğan's policies are aimed at restoring the Ottoman Caliphate through strategic control over Syria. In fact, the Turkish military, which is the largest and most powerful in the Middle East, includes the Turkish Navy as one of its strongest branches. The Turkish armed forces consist of 425,000 active personnel and 380,000 reserves. "Therefore, Turkey's growing influence in Syria as a dominant power indicates that in the near future, Turkish and Israeli forces may come face-to-face on the Syrian fronts." "Turkey Always Supported Pakistan On The International Stage, Especially Standing Firmly With Pakistan During Tensions With India And On The Issue Of Kashmir" "If you think over the defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey, it begins with the word 'Urdu.' The word 'Urdu' originates from the Turkish language, meaning army or military. The hearts of the Muslims of the subcontinent were so deeply connected with the Ottoman Caliphate that in the early 20th century, a massive movement emerged in its support, known as the Khilafat [Caliphate] Movement. This movement was dedicated to the Ottoman Caliphate, and slogans like 'Muhammad Ali's mother said: "son, sacrifice your life for the caliphate,"' echoed here. "After Pakistan came into being, the defense relations between Pakistan and Turkiye became extremely strong during the era of President Ayub Khan [as army chief from 1951 to 1958 and as president from 1958 to 1969]. Several agreements were made between the two countries. Joint military exercises were organized, and assistance was provided in each other's military training to further strengthen defense relations. A screenshot from Mansoor Afaq's column "Both countries took several important steps to enhance trade relations. Pakistan increased the supply of agricultural products, especially wheat and rice, to Turkey while Turkey provided industrial machinery to Pakistan. During this period, both the countries made efforts to harmonize their trade policies to boost bilateral trade. "Turkey always supported Pakistan on the international stage, especially standing firmly with Pakistan during tensions with India and on the issue of Kashmir. During Ayub Khan's era, cultural relations between Pakistan and Turkey were also strengthened. The people of both countries respected each other's cultures and traditions and participated in each other's cultural programs. "Turkey sent teachers to educational institutions in Pakistan, and Pakistan provided educational scholarships to Turkish students. Besides this, both countries promoted exchanges in the arts, music, and literature, which continued steadily. It is expected that the current visit of the Turkish president to Pakistan will build a new structure on the old foundations of the relationship between the two countries, marking the beginning of a new era." Following are excerpts from Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig's article: [2] Erdoğan "Also Met With Army Chief General Asim Munir, During Which Discussions Were Held On Defense Relations Between Pakistan And Turkey" "In recent days, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Pakistan on a two-day trip. His regional tour also included visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. Turkey and Pakistan are considered leaders of the Muslim Ummah. Following U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about resettling Gaza's Palestinians in Saudi Arabia, which was rejected by all Islamic countries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to three Islamic nations held great significance. "During his visit to Pakistan, the Turkish president signed 24 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, including tourism, education, IT, defense, and infrastructure. "On this occasion, both sides agreed to take further steps to increase Pakistan-Turkey trade to $5 billion. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan jointly chaired the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. "During his visit, the Turkish President met with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where both leaders agreed to enhance trade, investment, and bilateral relations. He also met with Army Chief General Asim Munir, during which discussions were held on defense relations between Pakistan and Turkey." "Due To Defense Sanctions Imposed By The U.S... Pakistan's Reliance On Turkey For Defense Production Has Been Increasing"; "Pakistan Has Signed Agreements With Turkey For The Purchase Of 30 Military Helicopters And Surveillance Drones Worth $1.5 Billion" "Turkey is set to become one of the world's top 10 economies in the coming years. The country has a population of 85.3 million, while its GDP has grown to $1,344 billion over the past five years, with a per capita income of $15,666. "Turkey's total exports stand at $254 billion, while its imports amount to $363 billion. In Turkey's economy, agriculture contributes 6 percent, manufacturing 40 percent, and services 54 percent. However, rising inflation remains a major challenge, reaching 60 percent. "The trade volume between Pakistan and Turkey stands at $1.4 billion, with Pakistan exporting $440 million to Turkey and Turkey exporting $918 million to Pakistan. This results in a trade surplus in Turkey's favor. "Due to defense sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other Western countries on Pakistan and Turkey, Pakistan's reliance on Turkey for defense production has been increasing over the past several decades. This includes the upgrade of F-16 fighter jets worth $75 million, the procurement of fleet tankers for the Pakistan Navy valued at $80 million, and the upgrade of Agosta submarines costing $350 million. "In addition, Pakistan has signed agreements with Turkey for the purchase of 30 military helicopters and surveillance drones worth $1.5 billion. According to reports, Pakistan has placed defense equipment orders worth a total of $3 billion with Turkey and is set to join Turkey's National Fighter Jet Program (KAAN) soon. For this project, over 200 Pakistani engineers are working alongside Turkish experts, highlighting Pakistan's growing reliance on Turkey for defense equipment and the increasing defense cooperation between the two nations." "Given The Increasing U.S. Intervention In The Region And The Current Tense Geopolitical Situation, Pakistan Must Collaborate With Turkey And Other Islamic Nations To Play An Active Role" "Turkey actively participated in the recent joint Aman exercises of the Pakistan Navy, showing the strong defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey. In the global defense market, after the U.S., China, and Russia, Turkey has rapidly emerged as a leading producer of advanced defense technology, with 2,500 Turkish companies playing a key role in this development. "During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit, the announcement by Turkish companies [that they would] invest in Pakistan's Special Investment Zone is a highly welcome development. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision to facilitate visas for Turkish businessmen marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The Turkish government has already been providing visa facilitation to Pakistani businessmen. "In the past, Pakistan's denim fabric exports to Turkey were continuously increasing. However, under pressure from Turkey's domestic denim industry, the Turkish government imposed an additional 18 percent local protection duty on Pakistan's textile exports, raising the total duty to 24 percent. As a result, denim fabric exports to Turkey nearly came to a halt, dealing a major blow to Pakistan's denim industry. "During Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's tenure [2008 to 2012], I held several meetings with my Turkish counterpart as the prime minister's advisor on textiles, striving for a Pakistan-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, due to pressure from Turkey's domestic textile industry, Turkey was unwilling to grant duty-free export access to Pakistan's textile products under the FTA. A screenshot from Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig's article "During the PDM [Pakistan Democratic Movement, anti-Imran Khan] government [2022-23], Federal Minister for Commerce Naveed Qamar signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and Trade in Goods Agreement (TGA) to enhance trade between Pakistan and Turkey. However, due to reservations from Turkey's domestic textile industry, duty-free concessions were not granted for Pakistan's textile and denim exports to Turkey under this agreement. "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is highly popular among the Muslim Ummah and the Turkish people. He has gradually guided Turks, influenced by the European environment, back toward Islam, and in this movement, the Turkish drama 'Diriliş: Ertuğrul' played a significant role. Given the increasing U.S. intervention in the region and the current tense geopolitical situation, Pakistan must collaborate with Turkey and other Islamic nations to play an active role." Following are excerpts from Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami's article: [3] "Both Nations Have Stood By Each Other In Every Moment Of Trial – Pakistan Stood With Turkey On The Cyprus Issue, While Turkey Echoed Pakistan's Stance On Kashmir Issue" "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan... arrived at Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase around 12 am in his special aircraft. President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet members, and high-ranking officials were present to welcome him. This was a clear indication that he is an extraordinary guest. "The Turkey-Pakistan friendship has spanned years. Even when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had not come into power, the hearts of the people of both nations beat as one. During the Khilafat Movement and the trials that Turkey faced afterward, the Muslims of the subcontinent stood passionately by its side. When launched the fundraising campaigns for their brothers in distress, the women even donated their jewelry [to the fighters who were on the side of the fallen Turkish leader]. The Turkish brothers have not forgotten this display of sacrifice and love to this day. "Pakistan is the inheritor of the glory and grandeur of the Muslims of the subcontinent, which is why it shares a special bond with Turkey. According to the highly distinguished Pakistani intellectual Dr. Furqan Hameed, who resides in Turkey, there is a Turkish saying that Turks have no friends but Turks, but all the Turks agree that Pakistan is an exception to this rule. It is a true and tested friend of the Turks. "Both nations have stood by each other in every moment of trial. Pakistan stood with Turkey on the Cyprus issue, while Turkey echoed Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue. When wars were imposed on Pakistan, Turkey went above and beyond to support its brotherly nation. Upon coming into power, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, further deepened this bond and love. He holds a heartfelt love for Pakistan, and in return, he is one of the most beloved figures among the people of Pakistan. A major reason for this is that he has corrected Turkey's ideological direction. He pulled it out from the self-created whirlpool of secularism and firmly reconnected with his lost past." "His Party Succeeded In The Elections, But He Was Arrested For Reciting A Poem That Referred To The Mosque's Minbar And Mihrab [Pulpit] As His Source Of Strength" "When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived [in Pakistan], his wife was also with him with her head covered. She was wearing a scarf, which is known as the hijab among Turks and adorns the heads of Muslim women... There was a time when it was impossible for a woman to participate in an official ceremony with her head covered. Even the daughters of the Turkish president had to get education at American universities because they were not allowed to wear headscarves in Turkey. "The campaign launched by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk [who founded the Republic of Turkey and abolished the Ottoman caliphate] against conservatism and the interpretation of secularism he imposed made it difficult to openly uphold certain religious values. When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan came to power, he changed the country's direction, and now women there freely choose to wear 'hijab.' Whether it's official ceremonies or educational institutions, no one dares to stop or question them. "President Erdoğan has been in power for the past 22-23 years. Born in the poor family of a coast guard, this poor child, through his hard work and perseverance, has achieved a status that no one else has attained since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. After Atatürk, he has emerged as the second great leader of Turkey who has elevated his country to new heights. "In Turkey, the army considered itself the guardian of the state and its secular values, and on several occasions, it intervened, turning political leaders and parties into symbol of admonition. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined Necmettin Erbakan's National Welfare Party, but after its ban, he charted his own path. He founded his own party and, in no time, turned it into Turkey's largest and most influential political party. After being elected as the mayor of Istanbul, he transformed the city, providing its residents with amenities they could not have imagined. This achievement alone established his reputation across all of Turkey. A screenshot of Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami's article "His party succeeded in the elections, but he was arrested for reciting a poem that referred to the mosque's minbar and mihrab [pulpit] as his source of strength. This bold act led to his disqualification from participating in the elections, and he also had to endure several months in prison. When his party won the elections and formed the government, the path to his release was cleared. Taking part in a by-election, he became the prime minister, and more than two decades have passed since then but his grip on power has not loosened. "He has secured electoral victories, held referendums, implemented constitutional reforms, and transformed the parliamentary system into a presidential one. First as prime minister and later as president, he continued to lead his country, rather, he still leads it to this day. [He] passed through numerous ups and downs. The economy rose and fell but his resolve has never been broken." "Turkey Established Itself Economically And Today It Is The 17th Largest Economy In The World – It Is Distinguished In Terms Of Defense Production" "After the [July 2016 failed] military coup against Erdoğan, he stepped into the arena, called out to the people through social media. [The people] said 'yes,' attacked the military forces, and for the first time, the rebellious generals were thwarted through the power of the masses. Those responsible faced trials, were dealt with according to the law, and the political body was cleansed. Turkey established itself economically and today it is the 17th-largest economy in the world. It is distinguished in terms of defense production. "The extent of industrial progress can be gauged from the fact that he gifted Turkish-made electric cars to President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The per capita income in Turkiye has now exceeded $11,000. President Erdoğan is also making progress on the foreign front. Though he stands firmly against Israeli aggression, his role in the removal of Bashar Al-Assad's government in Syria is also notable. During the Russia-Ukraine war, he elevated his stature by playing a mediating role. "President Erdoğan has visited Pakistan for the 10th time and has addressed the Pakistani parliament on four occasions. He has also been honored with Pakistan's highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan. The cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in defense and trade sectors is growing day by day. Both the countries are determined for the promotion of bilateral trade. He has had personal relations with both [former] prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif is also a favored personality of Turkey. "The way Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has progressed holds a significant lesson for Pakistani politicians, especially Imran Khan. He has transformed the system from within, turning the power of the people into his own strength, and has not recklessly clashed with iron walls [i.e., the Pakistani army] in anger. Imran Khan, who was a major proponent of change and came to power with slogans of eradicating corruption from Pakistan, later... he lost his balance after losing power, and the trial he put his supporters through, have resulted in him being where he should not have been [i.e., in prison]..." [1] (Pakistan), February 14, 2025. [2] (Pakistan), February 24, 2025. [3] (Pakistan), February 16, 2025.
![Pakistani Columnist: '444 Terrorist Attacks In Which At Least 685 Security Forces Personnel Lost Their Lives, Occurred In [Pakistan] In 2024'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.memri.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fnew_images%2Forg%2F11858_SD_thumb_320.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Memri
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Pakistani Columnist: '444 Terrorist Attacks In Which At Least 685 Security Forces Personnel Lost Their Lives, Occurred In [Pakistan] In 2024'
Recently, Pakistan's Urdu-language daily Roznama Jang published a column assessing the impact of terrorism in Pakistan since the 1980s and the difficult situation in which Pakistan finds itself currently amid the continuing attacks by jihadi group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the secular Baloch secessionist groups in Balochistan. [1] Columnist Muhammad Mansoor Khan, in the column, titled "The Elimination Of Terrorism?" noted that "terrorism started in the 1980s" and since then Pakistan has rendered "unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism with the number of lives lost exceeding 75,000." Although Khan did not mention it, the violence in the 1980s in Pakistan was provoked by the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, which fostered the Shi'ite-Sunni schism in Pakistani society leading to domestic terrorism between armed Shi'ite and Sunni organizations in Pakistan. It was also caused by Pakistan's own support, with U.S. and Saudi aid, of the Afghan mujahideen against Soviet troops in Afghanistan during that decade, and again against U.S. and NATO troops from 2001 onward. "The economic losses were also not less in any way. They are estimated to be over $150 billion. Despite these devestating blows, Pakistan's resolve has always remained steel-strong and unshakable, serving as a shining testament to its unwavering determination and steadfastness for regional and global peace," Khan wrote. A screenshot of the column Following is a translation of the Urdu-language column. "Pakistani Security Forces Had Overcome Terrorism In The Country In Around 2020, But When The [Afghan] Taliban Came Into Power On August 15, 2021, And Thousands Of People Were Released [From Prison], The Explosions Started Again" "The Elimination Of Terrorism? "Nowadays, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan [provinces of Pakistan] have become special targets for terrorists. Their training camps are outside Pakistan. In a bid to prove that they are very powerful, these people target security forces and the civilians. "In Pakistan, terrorism started in the 1980s. Pakistan rendered unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism with the number of lives lost exceeding 75,000. These include both brave and courageous security personnel as well as innocent civilians. The economic losses were also not less in any way. They are estimated to be over $150 billion. Despite these devestaing blows, Pakistan's resolve has always remained steel-strong and unshakable, serving as a shining testament to its unwavering determination and steadfastness for regional and global peace. "Pakistani security forces had overcome terrorism in the country in around 2020 but when the [Afghan] Taliban came into power on August 15, 2021, and thousands of people were released [from prison], the explosions started again. In any strategy adopted against terrorism, the use of force holds central status, but its political, economic, and social impacts cannot be overlooked. Pakistan is currently facing a difficult situation. "Mao Zedong had said, 'Just as a fish cannot live without water, so a war cannot be won without the support of the people.' In Pakistan, terrorist activities are mostly being observed in Balochistan and the northern regions [bordering Afghanistan], where anti-state elements are involved in separatist movements, receiving substantial support from India and Afghanistan. The DG ISPR [Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of Pakistan military] has once again demanded of the Kabul administration to control cross-border terrorist activities and not allow its territory from being used against Pakistan. "However, the Kabul administration is not only fully supporting the terrorists and Khawarij [2] present in Pakistan but is also giving them advanced weaponry left behind by the U.S. in Afghanistan. The terrorists use these weapons against our security forces. The Afghan Taliban and TTP are ideologically the same." "The BLA [Baloch Liberation Army] And Other Baloch Separatist Groups Have Formed An Alliance, With The Agenda To Harm The Unity And Security Of Pakistan" "The BLA [Baloch Liberation Army] and other Baloch separatist groups have formed an alliance, with the agenda to harm the unity and security of Pakistan. The weapons left behind by the United States while withdrawing from Afghanistan have fallen into the hands of terrorist groups like TTP, BLA, BLF [Balochistan Liberation Front], and Daesh [Islamic State], who are now using them against Pakistan. These groups do not want Pakistan to be economically stable. "Due to the activities of these the terrorist groups, the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has deteriorated to such an extent that now the people of the province are demanding strict action from the authorities against these terrorists because their businesses and daily life routines are being affected by these activities. The recent incidents [of terror attacks] in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is the proof that Pakistan's enemies are frightened by the completion of developmental projects. Map of Pakistan's provinces (Courtesy: "According to the Center for Research and Security Studies, a total of 444 terrorist attacks occurred in the country in 2024, wherein at least 685 security forces personnel lost their lives. In these incidents, a total of 1,612 individuals, including civilians and security personnel, were killed, while 934 militants were also eliminated. The total fatalities recorded this year are the highest in the past nine years. The highest casualties due to violence occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 1,616 people were killed, while 782 people lost their lives in Balochistan. "After the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, India also felt it sensible to flee from Afghanistan because the investment India had made during Ashraf Ghani's government faced difficulties; so, India did not waste a moment in leaving Afghanistan. There is no doubt that former Afghan presidents Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani had titled toward India, and during their tenures, India also bestowed favors upon Afghanistan. The primary objective of these favors was to harm Pakistan diplomatically. India was largely successful in achieving its goals." "The Terrorism Being Executed In The Name Of Baloch Nationalism Has No Connection With The Ordinary Baloch Citizens. Rather, It Involves A Handful Of Elements Who Are Carrying Out Such Activities At The Behest Of India's Support, Weapons, And Funding" "Our security forces stand firm against the nefarious designs of these elements, and operations against them are ongoing in every corner of the country. However, there are certain weaknesses in our security system that are exploited by anti-peace elements, and they succeed in carrying out sabotage activities. "Those responsible for matters related to security policy should identify these weaknesses and formulate policies to overcome them in order to prevent the enemy from advancing its malicious intentions. Undoubtedly, as the Pakistan army had made the country a haven of peace in the past, it will continue to play its role in the same manner in the future, and the enemy will face defeat. "The terrorism being executed in the name of Baloch nationalism has no connection with the ordinary Baloch citizens. Rather, it involves a handful of elements who are carrying out such activities at the behest of India's support, weapons and funding. "It has become unavoidable to immediately address the deteriorating law and order and security situation in the country but besides military force, the political leadership must also shoulder its responsibilities. The [counter-terror] National Action Plan outlines the responsibilities of security agencies, the federal government, and provincial authorities. There is the need for political leadership to unite on this issue and commit to a unified approach for eradicating terrorism." [1] February 9, 2025. [2] The Kharijites (literally, "those who come out"), were an early Islamic sect that advocated excommunicating Muslims for even minor sins and was proclaimed heretical by the mainstream Sunna. Today, the term is used to brand Muslim groups as extremist. In this context it refers to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Memri
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Editorials In Pakistani Dailies React To Trump's Gaza Plan: 'Forced Displacement Would Be Equivalent To Genocide'; 'The Only Foreseeable Outcome Is More Conflict'
Reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposals for the United States to take over the ownership of Gaza, Pakistan's Urdu daily Roznama Jang ("War Daily") said in an editorial that Palestinians "should be given opportunities for development and prosperity within their own state" while liberal newspaper Dawn said that "the only foreseeable outcome is more conflict" in Gaza. Roznama Jang, in an editorial titled "The Occupation Of Gaza Is Unacceptable!" wrote: "If the statements of the Hamas leadership, the Palestinian President, and those from the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, France, Germany, Turkey, and others are combined, the conclusion that emerges is that forced displacement from Gaza is unacceptable." Dawn, a liberal newspaper, observed in an editorial titled "Depopulating Gaza": "The war on Gaza has proven that the will of the Palestinian people cannot be broken, and that they cannot be bought off, bribed. or beaten into submission." A screenshot of the Roznama Jang editorial "The Reaction Of The Majority Of The International Community Shows That The Notion Of Displacing People, Who Have Lived In Palestine For Centuries, From Their Own Land And Region Is Hard To Swallow" Following is the Roznama Jang editorial, as translated from Urdu: [1] "The Occupation Of Gaza Is Unacceptable! "U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement [of an intention] to seize control of the Gaza Strip has caused unrest on the international level and the series of statements, reactions, and commentaries continues. In a situation when the people of the Palestinian Strip, drenched in blood due to Israeli bombings and ground attacks since October 2024 [sic], found some relief in the form of a temporary ceasefire, there is the need to take steps toward making the ceasefire permanent and restore normalcy to life. "Pinning high expectations on the superpower, United States, in this regard is natural. However, the plan announced by President Trump at a joint press conference with Netanyahu at the White House – to claim ownership of the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians to another location – has raised new questions about the future of the Palestinians. In this matter, every circle and every country is expressing its own stance. "The U.S. president's statement indicates that he wants to relocate the residents of Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. However, the reaction of the majority of the international community shows that the notion of displacing people, who have lived in Palestine for centuries, from their own land and region is hard to swallow. "The United Nations states that forced displacement would be equivalent to genocide. If the statements of Hamas leadership, the Palestinian President, and those from the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, France, Germany, Turkey, and others are combined, the conclusion emerges is that forced displacement from Gaza is unacceptable." "Pakistan Is The Sole Country Whose Founder [M.A. Jinnah] And Other Leaders Have Been Advocating For The Rights Of Palestinians Even Before Its Inception In 1947; Pakistan Did Not Recognize Israel, Supports Two-State Solution..." "In this context, Kremlin spokesperson's statement that any solution in the Middle East must be based on a two-state framework is worth mentioning. This is the point that has also been outlined in the Security Council resolution. The Chinese foreign ministry has highlighted the need to steer the Palestinian issue toward the right direction of resolution based on a two-state solution. "Even the U.S. Republican Senators Chris Murphy and Lindsey Graham state that this plan could lead to the deaths of thousands of U.S soldiers and would be the cause of wars in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's response, besides reiterating unwavering support for a Palestinian state, makes it clear that it will not promise to normalizing relations with Israel without solid guarantees. "British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that Palestinians should be allowed to return to their homeland and rebuild, and they should stand with them in this regard so that they can move towards a two-state solution. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has unequivocally stated that the Gaza Strip belongs to the Palestinians, and their displacement would be unacceptable and a violation of international law. "According to the spokesperson of the French foreign ministry, the displacement of the Palestinian population would prove to be the cause of massive instability for Egypt, Jordan, and the entire region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that any plan to exclude Palestinians would result in further disputes. "Pakistan is the sole country whose founder [M.A. Jinnah] and other leaders have been advocating for the rights of Palestinians even before its inception in 1947. Pakistan did not recognize Israel, supports the two-state solution according to the Oslo Accord, has a clear stance that the series of atrocities against the Palestinians should be stopped and they should be given opportunities for development and prosperity within their own state. In this matter, there is the need for the United Nations and the international community to play a more open role based on upholding human values." "This Cycle Of Bloodshed Can Be Broken If The Palestinians Get A Contiguous And Viable State, But Israel Does Not Want To Talk Peace" Following are excerpts from the original English of the Dawn editorial: [2] "If implemented, such a plan would target Gaza for ethnic cleansing and foreign occupation, in order to create a 'Riviera of the Middle East' – one built on the remains of tens of thousands of Palestinians murdered by Israel. Members of team Trump have scrambled to spin their boss's words, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that the idea 'was not meant as hostile,' while the White House press secretary has said the U.S. has no plans for boots on the ground in Gaza. "Global leaders from across the spectrum have denounced the plan, though Mr. Netanyahu – responsible for the butchery in Gaza – has termed the scheme 'remarkable.' As for the Palestinian people's reaction? A resident of Gaza City queried by foreign media summed it up best: 'Trump can go to are going nowhere.' "The world should know that despite surviving a genocide, carried out by Israel and supported by the U.S., the people of Gaza refuse to part with their land. They have buried their children, yet they refuse to be evicted from the land of their forefathers in their determination not to repeat the Nakba. Israel would be more than happy to empty out Gaza, as well as the occupied West Bank, thereby making more land available for settlers to colonize. "But the Palestinian people will continue to resist these devious schemes, even while facing some of the most advanced and deadliest armaments on earth. The war on Gaza has proven that the will of the Palestinian people cannot be broken, and that they cannot be bought off, bribed or beaten into submission. "At this point, the two-state solution seems like a distant memory, with the Israelis refusing to budge an inch, and an American administration willing to shield Tel Aviv from all censure. In the absence of any workable and just solution that protects the rights of the Palestinian people, the only foreseeable outcome is more conflict. "As it is, after the Gaza ceasefire, Israel has turned its guns on the West Bank. This cycle of bloodshed can be broken if the Palestinians get a contiguous and viable state, but Israel does not want to talk peace. The least feasible 'solution' is the Trumpian plan for Gaza's ethnic cleansing and occupation, which is a non-starter. This is their land, and the Palestinians cannot be forced off it.' [1] Roznama Jang (Pakistan), February 7, 2025. [2] Dawn (Pakistan), February 7, 2025.
