Imran Khan singing a different tune (English Version) Rakshak News 24 Apr 19

Imran Khan singing a different tune (English Version) Rakshak News 24 Apr 19

http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/imran-khan-singing-a-different-tune

Imran Khan singing a different tune (English Version) Rakshak News 24 Apr 19
In a recent informal discussion with a group of foreign journalists, Imran Khan made multiple statements. He stated, ‘We have decided, for the future of our country — forget the outside pressure — we will not allow armed militias to operate anymore.’ He added that these were created by the Pak army in the eighties. To further project a change of direction, he stated that there is ‘no use for these groups anymore.’
In the same conversation he stated that ‘Mr. Modi’s government might be the best possible option for settling the Kashmir conflict, because right-wing Hindus would support Modi in achieving it.’ His comments are indicative of his being aware that the chances of Modi returning to power, post the ongoing elections are bright. Many within his government were hoping for a change in India, but Balakote put paid to all such dreams.
His ministers have been following suit. His foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been stating in every forum recently that India and Pakistan should resume dialogue. While addressing the national conference on ‘Strategic Stability in South Asia’ last week, he said that conflict resolution was the key to any stability in the region. He sought to justify that the offer of opening the Kartarpur corridor was aimed at enhancing peace.
A few days earlier he had mentioned that India is preparing to attack Pakistan once again and requested the world community to advice India. In the same conference, the Pak Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, stated, ‘It is not a matter of managing a crises. We need to basically begin a dialogue and resolve the conflicts that exist. We want conflict resolution.’ Both these dialogues appear to be words direct from the Pak army, which has faced the brunt of Indian counter actions in recent days.
Pak is suddenly talking peace and conflict resolution. However, it simultaneously continues to harp on Kashmir claiming it is providing Kashmiri’s diplomatic and moral support. Imran also quoted actions against Muslims in India, while denying even being aware of the indoctrination camps for similar Muslims in China. Post the release of the BJP manifesto, Imran threatened to approach the UN in case Articles 370 and 35 A were repealed.
Surprisingly, Pak appreciated the actions of the New Zealand Prime Minister, when she visited the victims of the Mosque attack, yet none of its leaders visited the victims of the attack on Hazara Shias, thus, declaring them outcasts, within their own country. This is the leadership which accuses India of being intolerant.
Pak has realised that it is isolated internationally, financially in doldrums, internal discontent is on the rise and the military knows that Indian might cannot be challenged. It is aware that the use of nuclear weapons as a threat has now been debunked. Any release of loans from the IMF would now come with strict financial constraints, the first being cutting down the defence budget.
The IMF seeking complete details of loans and investments from China has Pak worried. It is unwilling to provide the same. A large chunk of the investments has been eaten by political parties or the Pak army, which can never be disclosed to its own public, let alone the world. Hence, Pak will seek ways to bypass this.
The ‘Black Listing’ by the Financial Action task Force (FATF) is almost certain. The latest action for Pak to control sale of gold would add to its problems. In desperation it again blames India, claiming Indian biases are impacting its standing.
Further, it has been able to hide the realities of both Indian strikes from the public, but if it happens again, it may not be able to. The recent warning by Modi on another terror strike was clear. Pak is aware that India has learnt lessons from its earlier strikes and would aim the next strike in a region in which Pak may be forced to admit losses. Escalation with India could be damaging as it neither has the economic strength nor the reserves to counter Indian threats. The Indian retaliation along the LoC has indicated that India would continue to maintain pressure and respond harder to Pak firing.
Hence, based on a prepared script by the deep state all Pak leaders are now seeking to assuage the world that they are harping for talks, which India ignores. They are announcing to the international community that curbing of terrorist groups is only to satisfy India.
However, Pak has yet to enhance Indian confidence by progressing cases against the masterminds of Mumbai and Pathankot. The question which the new Indian government would need to consider is whether it should take the bait and consider Pak’s proposal or ignore it and continue exerting pressure, hitting Pak even more. Both options have their pro’s and con’s. This is one time when Pak is cornered from multiple directions, which could be exploited to advantage.

About the Author

Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar

Retired Major General Indian Army