Redefining security doctrine
Dr Ali Mohammad
The real aim of foreign involvement in sponsoring ethnic and sectarian
terror attacks in Pakistani cities is to destabilize the country and
taking control of its nuclear assets, and neutralizing Pakistan’s army
and the ISI. However, our leadership should be aware that Pakistan is
not a weak country. It has a population reaching 170 million. It has a
huge army, which is competent, dedicated, and war prepared. Pakistan has
impregnable nuclear assets with a delivery system, which can reach the
hearts of its enemies’ territories. The tribal population has risen
against militants and foreign intruders and is ready to defend their
country against any aggression. Moreover, Pakistanis are highly
resilient people, while wars and calamities have always galvanized the
nation to unify itself. Abundant natural resources, a highly intelligent
population, and a dexterous labor force also bestow Pakistan. It has a
strategic location and proximity to important markets, sea/trade routes,
and to several emerging major economic centers of the world.
In this article, our focus of attention is redefining Pakistan’s
security doctrine. Enemies who are overwhelmingly larger than it
surround Pakistan. Security needs require that the country develop
alternative war strategies such as an asymmetrical warfare strategy. We
must develop large number of missiles capable of carrying both
conventional and non -conventional warheads that, if attacked, can be
rained on the enemy. It is urged that the nation’s politicians endeavor
to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with our trusted friend China in the
fields of economics, defense, and logistic cooperation. We must also
consider a defense pact with China (see SCO below). Ever since Pakistan
seriously began its nuclear program in the mid-seventies, there has been
no major war with India. Achievement of a balance of power between the
two countries has corrected the thinking that issues can be resolved
only through brute force or bullying. However, that balance is about to
be disturbed due to the recent nuclear deal between the USA and India.
We must insist on total parity of nuclear capabilities to ensure a
balance of power and stability in the region. This is vital for
Pakistan’s survival and deterrence against nuclear blackmail. Moreover,
the authors of the recent nuclear agreement between America and India
should make no mistake that China already feels encirclement through
Afghanistan and India. Certainly, Iran and other regional powers have
many reasons not to give up their nuclear ambitions.
ISI is one of the most important assets of Pakistan. It is the backbone
of our efforts to comprehend the real ambitions of our enemies, and to
provide a strategic support to defend Pakistan’s vital interests. Many
of Pakistan’s enemies are upset about the ISI as it has foiled their
designs to harm the country. Therefore, there is a concerted campaign to
discredit, weaken, and control this agency. While some individuals in
this organization may have made mistakes, especially in internal
security matters, others have done an excellent job in defending their
country. Like all government entities, ISI may need reforms in some of
its operations. However, our politicians should stand united in
protecting this crucial agency. For its part, the present leadership in
the armed forces is fully cognizant of its constitutional role of
defending the country from internal and external threats. It knows well
that Pakistan’s future economic and security needs demand a sound
political and democratic system. Our enemies are also intimidated by the
competence, discipline, and fighting ability of our armed forces. Along
with their brothers in uniform, people are united in their resolve to
fight against any external aggression. It is critical that the nation’s
politicians should respect the sanctity of the armed forces and give
full financial support for a constant upgrading of our defense needs.
The Pakistani leadership should also be aware of Gawader’s strategic
location. Situated on the helm of the Indian Ocean, it can control
strategic supplies to and from the region. Moreover, the Indian Ocean is
destined to be an important theatre for action during the next several
decades as the major powers’ supply lines for energy and trade run
through here. It is no accident that all nuclear powers send their
submarines to petrol the Indian Ocean. China is helping Pakistan to
develop strategic facilities at Gawadar port. Politicians should give
full support to this project. To cement relations for continued
assistance and support, General Kayani has undertaken his first visit to
China since the installation of the new government. It is emphasized
that our top leadership in the new government should immediately visit
China.Along with a focus on security needs, the leadership should put a
top priority on strengthening the economy, boosting agricultural
productivity, finding conventional and non-conventional sources of
energy, and integrating the economy with emerging world economies. For a
decade now, this author has been urging Pakistani leaders and policy -
makers to wake-up to the fast deteriorating food situation in Pakistan.
More than any other security issue, self-sufficiency in food is vital
for the country’s independence and for its very survival. Dependency on
food imports poses a grave threat to our national security. As a potent
weapon, food dependency could be used to humiliate and force countries
having serious food shortages to compromise their vital national
security priorities.
In addition to financing militancy and terrorism, India is also
endeavoring to strangulate Pakistan by building dams on rivers that
provide much needed water to the point of its very survival. India
should be reminded of international agreements and be warned that
Pakistan should not be pushed to the wall where she has no choice but to
declare a full-scale war, which would be catastrophic to both countries.
On our part, we must build dams on all our rivers and “nalas” to
overcome the water crisis. Our politicians should rise above their petty
self - interests and realize the needs of the country and enemy’s
designs. It is not patriotic to oppose dams when India is stealing our
waters.
Finally, Pakistan must be aware of the competitive forces in the world.
It must be cognizant of the rivalry between NATO on the one hand, and
China and Russia on the other hand. Also, with Russia and China emerging
as the next superpowers, America is in a state of panic. There will be
great competition for controlling world energy resources. On the other
hand, the Chinese and Russians would like to defend their own supply
lines for energy, resources, and international trade. There is a
distinct possibility of a showdown within the next ten to fifteen years
between the two. Pakistan cannot remain neutral. For its own security,
it is vital that Pakistan should become a full member of Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO). SCO’s full members are China, Russia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, and Ubekistan. Pakistan currently has
an observer status. |
