My Opinion

The social media was flooded with memes and posts mocking Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he flattered US President Donald Trump with effusive praise at the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
With Trump standing by his side, grinning, Shehbaz Sharif said: “Today is one of the greatest days in contemporary history because peace has been achieved after untiring efforts led by President Trump, who is genuinely a man of peace.”
Shehbaz Sharif went on to credit Trump for preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, declaring that “had it not been for this gentleman, the war could have escalated to a level where no one would have lived to tell what happened.”
Shehbaz Sharif said: “And today again, I would like to nominate this great president for Nobel Peace Prize because I genuinely feel that he is the most genuine and most wonderful candidate for Peace Prize, because he has brought not only peace in South Asia, saved millions of people, and today, here in Sharm-el-Sheikh, achieving peace in Gaza, is saving millions of lives in the Middle East.”
After Sharif spoke, Trump responded saying: “Wow! I didn’t expect that. Let’s go home — there’s nothing more I have to say.”
Trump, on his part, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying: “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top and he’s just done a fantastic job. I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together.” Saying this, Trump chuckled and looked at Shehbaz Sharif who was standing behind him, smiling meekly.
Shehbaz Sharif was soon trending on X and Facebook with many Pakistanis abusing their PM for “bootlicking” and saying that he does not deserve to remain the Prime Minister.
Mainstream Pakistani media published editorials criticizing Shehbaz Sharif. The oldest Pakistani English daily newspaper Dawn criticized Shehbaz for converting diplomacy into flattery and foreign policy into boot polishing.
People in Pakistan say, Trump used Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir for his own benefit. But the question is: Are not Shehbaz and Asim Munir responsible?
The rulers of Pakistan have become so weak that they clinged to Trump when he gave them some hope. Both of them did not leave any stone unturned to flatter him, nor did they desist from selling Pakistan’s self-respect.
When the Prime Minister and Army Chief of a country fall at the feet of a foreign leader, how can one blame the person who gets flattered?
The moot point is: Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir have mortgaged the self-respect of Pakistan for their own benefits. They did this openly in a brazen and shameless manner. If the entire world now makes fun of Pakistan, how can anybody blame the world?

Mysterious similarities in Haryana IPS and ASI suicides

The double suicide case in Haryana Police is getting curiouser and curiouser.
In a shocking twist, Assistant Sub-Inspector Sandeep Kumar Lather, investigating the suicide case of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, committed suicide on Tuesday, not before writing a four-page suicide note and making a six-minute video in which he levelled charges of corruption against the dead IPS officer.
Sandeep Lather was posted in the cyber cell of Haryana Police in Rohtak.
In his suicide note, he alleged that Y. Puran Kumar was corrupt and after becoming Inspector General of Rohtak Range, he posted corrupt policemen belonging to his caste in the IG office.
He also alleged that Puran Kumar began extorting money from traders using his gunman Sushil Kumar. He also alleged that women police officers were sexually exploited after giving threats of transfer.
Lather alleged that he had caught Puran Kumar’s gunman Sushil and driver Dharmendra red-handed while extorting bribes, and the gunman had admitted that the money was meant for IG Puran Kumar.
ASI Sandeep Kumar’s family members have demanded that Puran Kumar’s IAS officer wife Amneet be arrested.
On Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with his party leaders Bhupinder Hooda and others went to Puran Kumar’s house and consoled his family members. Later, Rahul Gandhi demanded that the government must take action and arrest those who abetted this suicide. Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Chirag Paswan also met Amneet Kumar and promised justice would be ensured.
The suicide of Puran Kumar is shocking, and the suicide of ASI Sandeep Kumar is sad. Facts that have emerged in public domain so far clearly show that there was a corruption case against Puran Kumar, and ASI Sandeep was one of the investigators.
Questions are being raised about Puran Kumar’s image as a senior police officer, while Sandeep Kumar is known as an honest and hardworking policeman. The allegations made by ASI Sandeep in his video raises several questions.
One, Puran Kumar was a senior IPS officer, he was in a top position, his wife an IAS officer, his brother-in-law an MLA. Why did he face harassment if this family was so powerful? If harassment was not the reason for suicide, then what was the real cause?
Two, ASI Sandeep said, Puran Kumar and his family were going to be nailed in a corruption case, and to save his family, Puran Kumar committed suicide.
The most significant point raised by Sandeep Kumar is, Puran Kumar gave the entire case a caste colour. Because of his caste, IPS officer Puran Kumar got political support from different parties, top leaders visited his house and top police officers were shunted.
Truth will emerge only after a thorough investigation. For the time being, this is only a perception, whatever may be the reason. When two policemen in important positions commit suicide, it raises questions about the entire system.

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Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is witnessing a wave of repression by the Pakistani army following widespread anti-government protests. Army soldiers fired on civilians staging protests and visuals emerged of dead bodies lying on the streets.
Army is not even sparing the local PoK police suspecting connivance of policemen with the protesters. Thousands assembled in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has sent a delegation to speak to the leaders.
On Thursday, authorities ordered the local police to fire on agitators but policemen refused to obey orders. Soon afterwards, nearly a thousand armed soldiers from counter-terrorism unit was sent from Islamabad to join Pakistan Rangers and the army to suppress the rebellion. Orders have been issued to prevent agitators from reaching Muzaffarabad at any cost.
In order to prevent ground reports from reaching the rest of the world, internet has been banned in PoK and media reporting has been curbed.
The protests led by Awami Action Committee are said to be the biggest in last 38 years. Protests were taken out in Karachi and Islamabad to condemn the atrocities in PoK. In Islamabad Press Club, policemen barged in and thrashed a group of lawyers and journalists who were describing how the atrocities took place.
Though press censorship has been clamped in PoK, several independent journalists are disseminating ground reports from the trouble-torn areas. One journalist, Imran Riaz disclosed that a large number of civilians have been killed by Pakistan Rangers and the government is hiding the true figures. Another journalist put the death toll at more than 50.
Army has set up huge containers to prevent the Long March protesters from reaching Muzaffarabad. People, including children, are sitting on dharna on the roads.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, now in London, has sent his party leaders for talks with Awami Action Committee.
The brutal attack on journalists inside Islamabad Press Club exposes the true face of Army Chief Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif. India TV telecast visuals of dead bodies lying on the roads in PoK on Thursday night in ‘Aaj Ki Baat’ show. These visuals were obtained by India TV with much difficulty, bypassing censors.
Pakistan government does not want the world to know about the deaths of civilians in army firing. This is the reason why media reporting has been banned in PoK and internet has been shut down.
Visuals of dead bodies in PoK have vanished from Pakistani mainstream media. The people of PoK are asking where are those busybodies who were lighting candles? Where are those people who were mouthing tall claims about human rights. Why is the western media turning a blind eye to the atrocities in PoK?
I think, no one can suppress the voice of the people of PoK for long. Very soon, the world will see more visuals of atrocities committed by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.

RSS@100 : Bhagwat’s message of unity

In his annual Vijayadashami speech in Nagpur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke about US tariff, Pahalgam massacre and Operation Sindoor and environmental crisis in the Himalayan region.
On the controversy over ‘I Love Muhammad’ posters, the RSS chief said, people in India respect all great personalities, but in some places, people are trying to take law into their hands and indulging in violence, which is not justified.
Bhagwat said, India has been a Hindu Rashtra since long, and Hindu unity is the guarantee of security for all. Referring to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, the RSS chief said, violence and anarchy cannot be justified at any cost.
Since becoming RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat has changed the image of the organisation. He never spoke about pitting Muslims against Hindus, nor did he ever try to tone down his Hindu ideology.
He has always spoken about Hindu unity and the need for strengthening society. Bhagwat has also told RSS swayamsevaks not to try to hunt for Shivlings beneath every mosque. This single message is quite significant. There is no need for confrontation on each and every issue.
Those opposing RSS allege that it incites people to indulge in riots and violence. Mohan Bhagwat clarified this by saying there is no place for violence in democracy. He explained in detail all questions that have been raised about RSS. This will help people to understand RSS in the correct perspective in its 100th year of existence.
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There is widespread revolt in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir during the last three days with people chasing away and beating up army soldiers on the streets. The Awami Action Committee has declared a fight to the finish.
Eight people have died so far and more than 100 injured in street violence sparked by firing from Pakistan Rangers. Thousands of people have started marching from towns, villages and hilly hamlets towards PoK’s capital Muzaffarabad from all directions. Huge containers were used to block the march, but the protesters threw the containers into the rivers.
Awami Action Committee leaders like Shaukat Mir are alleging that Asim Munir’s army has clamped ban on media coverage after ordering the armed to fire on protesters. The ground reality of ‘Azad Kashmir’ is now open.
The embers of revolt were already burning over the last several years, but on September 29, when Asim Munir sent a thousand soldiers to Muzaffarabad, it blew up. Soldiers fired on peaceful protesters killing two and injured dozens. In the beginning, the protest was confined to Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, but later the entire PoK joined the movement. People are openly saying there is no difference between the army and terrorist outfits.
Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled PoK leader now based in Switzerland, has alleged that the ISI is using brute force to crush the movement, but the people will not rest till real freedom is achieved.
When the movement began, the demands were for basic facilities and against price rise, but now the protesters want the puppet government installed by the army be thrown out.
The voices of revolt are a warning signal for Asim Munir. It has caused a setback to his plans. PoK, which was being used by Pakistani army as launchpad for pushing armed infiltrators into India, is now reverberating with anti-army slogans. Asim Munir may not be getting a sound sleep at night.
The visuals from PoK are quite clear. People’s patience is fast running out, soldiers are firing on innocent civilians. Protesters are now openly saying they won’t allow the army and ISI to send armed infiltrators from PoK to Kashmir. Asim Munir will now have to find alternate methods to deal with the crisis.

RSS@100 : How Modi realized dreams of Sangh Parivar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the centenary celebration of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which completed 100 years of its existence on Vijayadashami this year.
Modi released a Rs 100 commemorative coin depicting Bharat Mata and the national emblem and a special postage stamp.
In his speech, Modi said, he is proud of being a swayamsevak of RSS, which has been engaged in character building and uniting society, right from the dark days of Partition till today. “Nation first” is the motto of RSS, he said.
Modi spoke from the depth of his heart on what he learnt as a swayamsevak and what he observed over the last seven decades.
He said, his government has decided to work on mission mode to tackle the problems arising from demographic change. At the same time, he reminded people that RSS has always worked for eradicating the evils of caste system and untouchability in Hindu society.
One can have differences with the ideology of RSS, but nobody can raise a finger at its patriotism. For the last 100 years, RSS had been the target of abuses and allegations. It was alleged that RSS was behind the assassination of Gandhi, it was also alleged that RSS is outrightly anti-Muslim, but today Prime Minister Modi spelled out in detail the humanitarian service and patriotism of RSS.
For the first time, any Prime Minister in India spoke about the heritage of RSS and its contribution to society.
What bigger gift can be than this fulsome praise by the Prime Minister for RSS in its 100th year? Throughout his life, Modi worked tirelessly as a pracharak of RSS and when he became Prime Minister, he fulfilled the Sangh Parivar’s dreams by abrogating Article 370 and building the Ram Janmasthan Temple in Ayodhya. Who else but Modi can be the best ‘pracharak’ for RSS in its 100th year?

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Pakistan’s hawkish Army Chief Syed Asim Munir Shah has threatened to take “half the world down” if confronted with an existential threat from India. Speaking at a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, US, hosted by Pakistan’s honorary consul Adnan Asad, the army chief said, “We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.”
Munir also threatened to blow up with missiles any dam built by India on the Indus river. He said, “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, 10 missiles se faarigh kar denge (we will destroy it with 10 missiles).. The Indus River is not the Indians’ family property. Humein missilon ki kami nahi hai, al-Hamdulillah (we don’t have a missile shortage, Praise be to Allah).”
The Pakistani army chief also threatened to attack Reliance group’s Jamnagar oil refinery. He referred to a social media post with a Quranic verse and picture of Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani to say that he authorised it during the conflict with India “to show them what we will do the next time”. The Quranic verse relates to how an army of elephants was destroyed in a battle by flying birds carrying stones.
In Delhi, the External Affairs ministry reacted to Asim Munir’s remarks saying India will not give in to nuclear blackmail. “Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan’s stock-in-trade”, the MEA spokesperson said. He also said, “it is regrettable that these remarks should have been made from the soil of a friendly third country….. The international community can draw its own conclusions on the irresponsibility inherent in such remarks, which also reinforce the well-held doubts about the integrity of nuclear command and control in a state where the military is hand-in-gloves with terrorist groups.”
Asim Munir was in the US to attend the retirement ceremony of outgoing CENTCOM (US Central Command) chief Gen Michael Kurilla, and the change of command ceremony where Admiral Brad Cooper took over. He also met with Chairman, US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. Asim Munir is now facing a lot of flak for his “
nuclear sabre-rattling” comments. Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said, “Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden in a suit… The Field Marshal’s rhetoric is reminiscent of what we’ve heard from the Islamic State.”
When Asim Munir starts “nuclear sabre-rattling” against India, the world should ponder whether Pakistan’s nuclear assets are in safe hands. In a country where there is hardly any distinction between the civilian government and the army, where the army generals openly attend funerals of hardened terrorists, are Pakistan’s nuclear bombs in safe custody? Is it not a threat to world peace?
What is the motive behind Asim Munir’s nuclear threat, when he compares India and Pakistan with a gleaming Mercedes colliding with a dumper carrying stones? Even the people of Pakistan are questioning why the “failed Field Marshal” is speaking in an irresponsible manner. And why is the US silent?
Shahbaz Gill, former adviser to jailed ex-PM Imran Khan, has described Asim Munir’s remarks as irresponsible. He said, the world should sit up and take notice and ensure that Pakistan’s atomic weapons are in safe hands. Experts in Pakistan say that the Army Chief’s tenure is ending in November this year and he is desperately seeking a five-year extension, but former PM Nawaz Sharif has put a spoke in the wheels. Nawaz Sharif wants to become the Prime Minister again and he wants the Army to support him. If the Pakistani army does so, Munir may get an extension.
I think it is not Asim Munir’s fault that he is making such irresponsible remarks. It is the fault of those who hosted the “failed Field Marshal” to lunch with the US President at the White House.
It is not Asim Munir’s fault when he threatens to blow up half the world. The fault lies with those who invited the terror mastermind to the US and allowed him to sit with top US generals.
The fault is not of a failed general like Munir. It is the fault of Pakistan’s civilian government which seems to be tired, which unnecessarily bestowed the rank of Field Marshal on its “failed general”.
It is not Asim Munir’s fault if he has lost control over his brains. The fault lies with the system that made him the boss of a factory of terrorists. The culprit is the country that ensured an easy IMF loan to Pakistan and opened up funds for fuelling terror.
India knows how to deal with Asim Munir. Two days ago, Indian Air Force Chief described how our forces destroyed six Pakistani aircrafts, crippled its air defence system and damaged their Air Force stations.
India is not afraid of nuclear blackmail by Pakistan, because our Army Chief and Air Force Chief have already said that all corners of Pakistan are within reach of Indian missiles.
The problem lies with those countries who gave weapons to Pakistan, provided Pakistan’s army with real-time intelligence during war and made Pakistan the testing ground for their missiles, fighter jets and air defence systems.
It is because of these countries that Asim Munir summoned courage to blabber what he did in Tampa, Florida. India’s policy is clear. India’s armed forces are ready. If Munir and his army do any fresh mischief, nobody can save Pakistan from being destroyed.

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Reports have come about Pakistani army reactivating terror camps that were destroyed by India during Operation Sindoor in both Pakistan and Pak Occupied Kashmir. These terror camps have started working under the vigil of Pakistani army.
Meanwhile, India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has conducted a successful test of a precision guided missile fired from a drone. Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir is in Beijing. He has met the Chinese vice-president and foreign minister.
India’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has warned Pakistan to desist from activating terror bases of Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen. Terror launch pads and training centres have been set up in Looni, Phutwal, Jamila Post, Umranwali, Chaprar, Chhota Chak and Janglora junges.
Pakistani army has installed thermal imaging sysems, foliage penetrating radars and satellite surveillance equipment in at least 13 ISI terror launch pads that were closed after Operation Sindoor.
These launch pads have been activated in Kel, Dudhniyal, Jura, Leepa Valley, Pachhiban Chaman, Naiyali, Jankote, Chakati and Nickale.
Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar addressed his cadre in Bahawalpur and appealed for funds, while Lashkar commanders are collecting funds by organizing rallies.
There are possibilities of Pakistan resorting to misadvernture again. Gen Asim Munir still feels that his army has won despite getting a severe thrashing from Indian armed forces during the four-day air attacks. Pakistan was begging for funds from IMF, Asian Development Bank and other countries. It had become increasingly irrelevant on world stage, but sections of western media, during and after the conflict, projected Pakistan on par with a regional power like India.
Donald Trump completed the rest by claiming at least 25 times that it was he who brought about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Trump even spoke about five planes being downed during the brief conflict. He hosted Gen Munir to lunch in the White House.
The same Trump who detested Pakistan for cheating the US by taking billions of dollars in the past in the name of combatting terrorists, has now started weighing India and Pakistan on the same balance.
On the other hand, Pakistan got jet fighters, missiles and air defence systems from China and drones and operators from Turkey. China provided real time intelligence to Pakistan during the conflict. Pakistan was actually fighting a proxy war for China against India during the four-day conflict. China was testing its weapons and planes during the conflict.
India destroyed Pakistani air bases, terror hideouts and air defence systems during the conflict, but western media created a perception as if Pakistan inflicted heavy losses on India. The ill-equipped Pakistan army, which was being criticized in its own country, started weaving false tales of bravery.
Presently, an impression is being created in Pakistan as if Donald Trump is trying to browbeat India. China has become the protector and guardian of Pakistan. The impoverished nation is also getting loans from multilateral organizations. In such circumstances, one should not be surprised if Gen Asim Munir starts losing his mental balance.
One thing is certain. If Pakistan carries out a misadventure again, it will have to pay a heavy cost. Whatever lessons that India has learnt from Operation Sindoor is enough to break Pakistan into pieces.

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Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister Aleema has alleged that her brother has been kept isolated in a cell in Rawalpindi Adiala jail and there is a conspiracy afoot to eliminate him. Aleema, her sister Uzma, and their lawyers were not allowed to meet Imran Khan in jail.
Aleema alleged that courts in Pakistan are deliberately adjourning hearing on bail petitions in nearly 200 cases slapped against her brother. On court’s order, a ceiling fan and cooler were installed in his cell, but power supply was deliberately cut off, she alleged.
Aleema said, undeclared martial law is in force in Pakistan and Army Chief Asim Munir is trying to politically finish off her brother. Imran’s other sister Uzma Khanum appealed to the media to save her brother’s life by exposing the atrocities being committed by the army.
Meanwhile, Imran’s jailed wife Bushra Bibi is also facing difficulties. Her sister Maryam Riyaz Wattoo has alleged that Bushra is neither being given medicines nor proper food in jail. She has been lodged in a cell without a ceiling fan. She alleged that Bushra lost consciousness a few days ago but she was not taken to a doctor. She also alleged that courts are not frequently adjourning hearings on her bail petitions.
Both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are being mentally and physically tortured in prison. It is also a fact that Army Chief Asim Munir wants to finish off Imran Khan politically. There is no point in discussing the merits and demerits of the cases lodged against both of them, because there is no credible legal system working in Pakistan. All the affairs of state are under control of the army.
It is also a fact that it was the army which put Imran Khan in power and then dislodged him. It is the army which has lodged cases against Imran Khan and the courts are being indirectly controlled by the army. In Pakistan, the army can force judges to give judgement to its liking.
What is happening today with Imran Khan had happened with former PM Nawaz Sharif in the past. There is only one difference.
Imran Khan’s popularity ratings have risen after he has been sent to prison. If Pakistan perchance holds free and fair elections, Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf can score a landslide victory.
In Hindi, there is a popular proverb: ‘Naa Nau Man Tel Hoga, Naa Radha Nachegi’ (A snowball’s chance in hell). So long as the army wants, it will keep Imran Khan in jail. Had there been no fear of the people revolting, Imran Khan would have been killed by now. Everything is now at the mercy of Asim Munir.

Why local politicians beat up bureaucrats?

Three different incidents about rage of politicians against babudom came to light on Tuesday from Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
In Bhubaneswar, a BJP corporator with some goons dragged the Additional Municipal commissioner Ratnakar Sahu, while he was holding a public grievance session. The bureaucrat was kicked and punched by the corporator and his goons. When the video became viral, the city municipal corporation staff went on strike, police swung into action and arrested the BJP corporator and his four associates. Later, the state BJP suspended all the five persons. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had to persuade Odisha Administrative Service not to go on strike.
In Shimla, minister Anirudh Singh thrashed officials of National Highway Authority of India in Dhalli area where NHAI is building a four-lane highway. A local building owner had alleged that his four-storeyed building collapsed due to land excavation by NHAI. The minister, with his associates went to the spot and abused the NHAI officials. The project manager Achal Jindal was beaten up by the minister and his associates. NHAI officials say that the highway is being built nearly 30 metres away from the building. Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has asked Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to take action against his minister and ensure protection to NHAI staff.
In Kanpur’s Green Park stadium, BJP MLC Arun Pathak was locked in a wordy duel with a female IPS officer Additional CP Anjali Vishwakarma. This occurred when police stopped Pathak’s security staff from entering the stadium carrying firearms. A friendly match was going on between Army XI and Politicians XI to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor. The BJP leader created a scene but the IPS officer was unperturbed.
Incidents of beating of bureaucrats by politicians indulging in ‘dadagiri’ must be condemned. Corporators, MLAs and ministers try to flex their political muscles by abusing and beating bureaucrats. This has been taking place since decades.
Earlier, such news of such incidents used to be hushed up, but with the advent of social media and cell phones, the ‘dadagiri’ of politician is captured on camera and the video reaches news channels easily. This results in political parties taking action against such errant leaders.
Whatever may be the reason, those in public life must not raise their hand on a bureaucrat. This is nothing but a sin. Such politicians must face the law and they must be punished.

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Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who had been waxing eloquently after his luncheon meeting with US President Donald Trump, is now facing the ire of his own people on the streets of Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad. Pakistanis are asking who gave the bright idea to Asim Munir to recommend a Nobel Peace Prize to Trump. The Pakistani army-political establishment is silent.
Thousands of protesters, both Shia and Sunni, swarmed the streets of Karachi after Trump’s US Air Force B-2 bombers bombed Iran’s three nuclear facilities. The protesters were hurling abuses at Asim Munir, PM Shehbaz Sharif, Trump and Israeli President Netanyahu.
Protesters demanded why Pakistan sided with the US before it bombed the nuclear sites of a friendly Islamic neighbour state. Pakistan, they said, has now become a laughing stock in the eyes of the entire Islamic world.
The ruling establishment, the army and the elite of Pakistan had been singing paeans for Asim Munir, when Trump invited the Field Marshal to lunch with his top associates. They were chortling on how American has lent its full support to Pakistan, in its conflict with India. Questions were being raised about Prime Minister Modi’s personal friendship with Trump. The impression was being given to the public that Trump embarrassed India multiple times, and finally hugged Pakistan.
After the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, it is now clear how Trump made a monkey out of Asim Munir. The Pakistani establishment had been praising Trump as its “Abbajan” (guardian father) and was openly recommending Trump’s name for Nobel Peace Prize for bringing about ceasefire between India and Pakistan. All these hopes were dashed to the ground, when B-2 bombers ‘obliterated’ Iran’s three nuclear sites. Now, the Pakistani reactions range from “Tauba Tauba” (Forgive, Oh God!) to “We have been cheated”.
Leaders who were describing Trump as a peacemaker are now calling his action ‘barbaric’. Leaders who described Trump as “an angel of peace” are now describing him as “Maut Ka Saudagar”(Merchant of Death) within a span of 24 hours.
If Asim Munir was having the impression that Trump left G-7 summit midway and came to White House to host him for lunch, then, I think, there can be no fool bigger than him If Munir could not assess that Trump wanted Pakistan to shut its mouth when he bombs Iran, then one should naturally question Munir’s intellect.
In my ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ show telecast last weekend, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi bluntly said, “Trump will now make Munir dance to his tunes and Munir will do so”.
The problem is, because of Munir’s gaffe, the entire state of Pakistan had to dance to Trump’s tunes. Those who claimed to be champion of diplomacy have lost their sheen. American Air Force planes used Pakistan’s air space to bomb Iran. They used Pakistan’s 1,000 km-long border with Iran, leaving Asim Munir helpless. Everybody now agrees that Prime Minister Modi did the right thing. He spoke to Trump on phone for half an hour and declined to go to the White House.

Trump’s Big Gamble : He will have to tread carefully

On a day of dramatic developments, US President Donald Trump announced a three-stage “complete” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but the ceasefire did not appear to hold because hours later Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel after the deadline hour.
Earlier, Tehran witnessed one of its worst nights on Monday when several loud explosions were heard, but after 4 am local time, the situation remained calm and no more attacks took place.
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said, if Israel stops attacks, Iran will also cease firing missiles into Israel.
On Monday evening, US President Donald Trump announced to the world that both Iran and Israel have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to take effect in six hours. Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social : “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”.
Trump wrote: “Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World.’
The ceasefire brokered by US and Qatar, came into effect hours after Iran fired missiles at the US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, in retaliation over the bombing of three nuclear plant sites by American B-2 bombers. Iran claimed the missile attacks matched the number of bombs dropped by US air force on Sunday.
Soon after Iran attacked American bases in the Gulf, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait closed their airspace throwing international air flights passing through the Middle East in a spin.
Donald Trump has played a big gamble, first by bombing Iran’s three nuclear sites using American B-2 bombers, and then announcing a ceasefire between the two warring nations, that may or may not hold.
If Trump’s gamble of “peace through strength” succeeds, it will be one of the biggest achievements of US foreign policy in recent decades. The nuclear threat from Iran will cease and Trump may be hailed as a hero.
But if Trump’s gamble backfires, the whole of Middle East will be thrown into a cauldron of fire and unrest. Trump may be forced to send the US army into war, which he had been trying to avoid till now.
One should remember, Trump had won the US presidential elections on the promise that America’s army would not enter into any fresh conflict anywhere in the world.
Trump’s problem is not that many countries of the world have criticized him for sending US bombers to “obliterate” Iran’s nuclear sites. Trump’s main problem is that if Iran retaliates with full force, American will be mired in another Middle East war, that is not going to end soon.
It could become difficult for Trump to reply to questions that will be raised from his MAGA (Make America Great Again) brigade of supporters. Iran will target American forces in the Gulf. Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi insurgents are not dead. They may carry out more strikes.
In that scenario, nobody can predict what China will do. In the coming days and weeks, President Donald Trump will have to tread carefully, step by step.

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In a swift response, Indian armed forces on early Saturday carried out attacks on eight key Pakistani air bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Sialkot and Pasroor radar site. Indian Air Force fighter jets used air-launched precision weapons to inflict maximum damage but ensure minimum collateral damage to civilian population. Army Col. Sofiya Qureshi said, the Pakistani targets included “technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas across the border.”
Earlier, Pakistan Air Force attacked 26 locations including Indian Air Force stations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj, but these air bases sustained limited damage to equipment and personnel. Describing it as “a reckless move”, the spokesperson said, Pakistan targeted medicare centres and school premises located at IAF air bases in Srinagar, Awantipora and Udhampur. A high-speed missile launch was also attempted towards Punjab at 1:40 am, said Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
The army spokesperson said, Pakistan intensified shelling along Line of Control and international border, targeting Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor. In Rajouri, Additional Deputy Commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa was killed and two of his assistants were critically injured when Pakistani shells fell on his official residence. Several civilians were injured in Pakistani attacks on Ferozepur and Jalandhar.
In Delhi, on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and all three service chiefs. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Ajit Doval and Pakistani army chief Gen. Asim Munir on ways to de-escalate tensions immediately. India has made it clear that the onus of de-escalation falls first on Pakistan which initiated drone and missile attacks on Indian installations after India’s May 7 air strikes on terror hideouts inside PoK and Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the civilian leadership does not matter much. The onus is now fully on the Pakistani army chief Gen Munir. It is the Pakistani army chief who has to decide when to call off his drone and missile attacks and order a halt to artillery shelling in Jammu & Kashmir. The common people in Pakistan have seen through the fake information being spread by Pakistani army about inflicting losses on Indian army and air force, but on the ground, the situation is quite different. On Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri showed pictures of most of the Indian air force bases intact despite attacks by Pakistan’s kamikaze drones. The cat is now out of the bag. Even China on Saturday appealed to Pakistan to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation. The ball lies squarely in Pakistan’s court and their army chief has to take the call. Pakistan stands completely isolated and it has not received any support from either the US or China or the Middle East countries.

Pakistan’s propaganda war : fake claims busted

In a swift response, the government of India has debunked all fake claims being made by Pakistani army about the ongoing missile and drone attacks. Pakistan on Saturday claimed that a female Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has been captured in Kotli in PoK. This was immediately described as fake news by Press Information Bureau of the Govt of India. PIB Fact check immediately responded saying that no Indian female pilot has been captured and the news was fake. Pakistan army and government have been recycling old photos and videos as latest ones about so-called losses to Indian said. Pakistani social media handles are presently hper-active making false claims about Indian losses like Indian Rafale and Sukhoi jets being downed and Indian pilots being captured. Pakistani media has been circulating these falsehoods as gospel truth. Top Pakistani officials and even ministers are busy promoting unverified and doctored content on social media.
On Friday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri pointed out how Pakistan has been trying to give a communal hue to the ongoing attacks by alleging that India trying to target Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Misri described this as “deranged fantasy”. He revealed that Pakistani troops shelled a gurdwara in Poonch and some local Sikhs lost their lives in the attacks. Similarly, Pakistani troops fired artillery on a Christian missionary school injuring several students.
Pakistan is fastly losing the battle on the ground with its air defence systems smashed by IAF. This is the reason why it is resorting to a barrage of misinformation to misguide people in India. We should all be careful when we find such claims on social media. Our first step should be to ignore all such posts and we should not circulate or forward these posts in any manner.

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