Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
BERLIN: Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asim Bajwa in an interview with Deutsche Welle Urdu on Wednesday said the narrative that Pakistan has not done enough to fight terrorism was "unfair" as it did not recognise Pakistan's contributions to the war against terror.
In a rare and candid interview with DW Urdu’s Kishwar Mustafa, Bajwa said, “The world had abandoned Pakistan to handle and face the terrorists in the region alone, and Pakistan has completed the task”.
Bajwa also commented on the drone strike that killed Mullah Akhtar Mansour, accusations that Operation Zarb-i-Azb did not target the Haqqani network, as well as the internal displacement caused by the operation.
Read the full transcript of the interview translated from Urdu below or watch the interview here.
KM: There is a narrative in the West that Pakistan has not done enough in the war on error. How do you see it?
AB: I take it [the narrative] as quite an injustice to Pakistan. I take it as discrimination against Pakistan. Whichever you evaluate the matter, Pakistan has done a lot in the war against terrorism and for peace in the world.
Pakistan has played an unparalleled role against the Al Qaeda and all other terrorists that morphed over time, be it after Russian aggression in Afghanistan or the post-9/11 scenario.
I would like to say through your channel that it is injustice against Pakistan by the global community and that they did not do enough for Pakistan. They presented a flawed narrative, and they should recognise Pakistan’s perspective and morally support Pakistan.
KM: Keeping in mind the facts on the ground, 62 per cent of banned terrorist organisations are flourishing in southern Punjab. Yet Pakistan Army operates mainly in other areas and then Punjab comes somewhere down in their list. What is the reason behind this?
AB: When Operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched, the immediate problem was in Fata, particularly in North Waziristan. At that time, the entire world and people in Pakistan were saying North Waziristan is the “den of terrorists”.
They were planning and executing from there. Suicide bombers were being sent from there. So, an operation was started.
Forces launched operation in North Waziristan and then in Khyber Agency. At the same time, an innovation was created in which we have so far carried out over 18,000 intelligence based operations.
We have traced out facilitators of terrorists who were hiding in cities. More than 240 terrorists were killed in these operations. So that gives you an idea how deeply they were entrenched.
KM: During the North Waziristan operation, reports about the operation were not very transparent. Whatever was in the media came via the ISPR first. Would you please explain why the media was denied to access in the affected area?
AB: That is a western perception and perhaps you have the same reports because you are operating from a western country and looking at western media.
At that time Waziristan was a war torn area and it was impossible for journalists to visit there. However, we took people there at each and every stage of the operation. Upon reaching the area, we gave them a free pass to take a look around the area as they wish.
Now that the area has been cleared and people are returning home, they are requesting the army not to let the terrorists again come to their areas. For me, this is the clearest evidence of our success.
KM: A huge internal displacement occurred [as a result of the operation] and many died. Is it worth it to compel such a large number of civilians to be displaced? Do you think the army has achieved the results it wanted? Aren’t the people right to be frustrated?
AB: First of all, the prevailing frustration is a bit exaggerated. As far as displacement is concern, there are displacements, conflicts and crises in several places in the world, but there is no repatriation happening there. With the grace of Allah, we are an example to the world in this regard, as people have started repatriating to their homes after the operation.
There was a historical exodus from Swat and then people went back to their homes, and this is used as an example at the United Nations.
Similarly, people came out of Fata and Waziristan, and now they have started to resettle in their areas.
Now 62pc of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been repatriated to their areas, and as per a comprehensive schedule, the remaining will return by the end of the current year.
Lastly, I would like to say that it was absolutely well worth it. You can better ascertain its true value from the people who have returned to witness their areas in a much better position compared to when they had been left.
KM: The army did a lot of operations, but we did not see measures of that level taken against Haqqani Network. Is there any specific reason for that?
AB: The question of the Haqqani Network has been raised again recently. At the start of the operation, we had declared that it would be against all terrorists without any discrimination.
A soldier in a warzone cannot discriminate among the terrorists and who belongs to which group. There were terrorists from the Haqqani Network, ETIM, IMU, Al Qaeda and TTP, there were Pakistanis and Afghans and other nationals, and we fought against all of them.
And at the time the global community, including the United States, had admitted that the operation was being carried out across the board and effectively.
KM: The manner in which US drones have targeted Pakistani soil, you are well aware that how disastrous such attacks can be for the sovereignty of a state. How have the Pakistani government and the army tolerated all this? Doesn’t Pakistan have a system to know about the drones in advance and do something about them?
AB: Pakistan had no technology to get information regarding drones in advance.
KM: Has the issue of drones been raised on any forum with the United States to know what it wants from Pakistan? What has been the US’ response?
AB: The issue has been raised at all levels, and Pakistan has been protesting against it and never accepted this and even today it is a cause of concern.
KM: The US has targeted Mullah Akhtar Mansour. Don’t the Pakistani intelligence and army have the power to target him? How do you see Pak-US relations in the current situation after Mansour’s elimination?
AB: In the case of Mullah Akhtar Mansour, he entered into Pakistan from another state and then he was traced and attacked. This is the issue Pakistan has been protesting.
Mansour was a part of the reconciliation process and was required to play his role for peace. You may know about the process in Murree, and then a few sittings in Islamabad for a comprehensive dialogue with the Taliban.
The murder of Mansour on Pakistani soil in this manner was regrettable only because Pakistan was not informed despite being an ally.
KM: Apparently, Pakistan has been isolated on regional level. Pakistan’s relations with Iran are sour, there are a lot of tussles with India. Pakistan will be more isolated if the situation moves in the current direction, and the domestic situation does not appear too stable either. What will be the future of Pakistan?
AB: Pakistan’s future is very bright and I am not saying this just as rhetoric. Ups and downs prevail in the foreign relations of all countries.
Afghanistan is a brotherly country of Pakistan. Currently the two countries have some issues over exchange of fire at Torkham on the issue of installation of gates on the border, but there is dialogue happening.
Border management is essential for both countries, without which there cannot be peace neither in Afghanistan nor in Pakistan.
KM: There are tensions between Pakistan and India regarding the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group. How strongly Pakistan can plead its case in this regard in the present situation?
AB: Look. There is only one major cause of tension between the two countries, and that is the long-standing issue of Kashmir.
As you know, developments are being made on diplomatic and political forums to engage India, but as a military spokesperson, I would like to say that India poses a threat to Pakistan and so our entire defense mechanism in India-specific.
I would like to add that it will be a cause of disturbance of the strategic stability in the region, besides being a step towards discrimination if only India is inducted in the NSG.
KM: There is a blame-game about terrorists between Pakistan and India, but without concrete results. Is Pakistan not capable enough of cleansing itself of terrorists? Will something concrete ever surface out of this blame-game between the two countries?
AB: I am astonished that you have raised question about Pakistan’s capability. Pakistan has wiped out the roots of terrorists, planted by others, and we have fought the entire world’s war in this region. The world then abandoned Pakistan to handle, manage and face the terrorists in the region all by itself.
Pakistan has completed this task. We have also cleaned Pakistan from terrorists and now we have reached the border. We have now been carrying out intelligence-based and combing operations to clean our country from terrorists.
With the grace of Allah, we have such a high success rate and made such massive operational gains that western countries, including Germany, praised Pakistan’s efforts and want to learn from Pakistan’s experience.
KM: The situation is not good in Kashmir, and on the other hand there are tensions in Balochistan. Pakistan claims that India is involved in destabilizing Balochistan. What is the current situation in Balochistan and what is the role of India there?
AB: Apparently you have linked Kashmir and Balochistan in your question, but in fact there is no link between the two.
Balochistan is a part of Pakistan. Some miscreants from the province have taken shelter abroad and are spreading propaganda that there is some sort of freedom movement or an out-of-control insurgency in Balochistan.
Please visit Balochistan and observe the situation. Yes, it is a fact that since the inception of Pakistan, the pace of development remained very slow in the province. But there is work on development, and the security situation has stabilised.
The province is being developed politically and physical infrastructure is also developing there. You may also know about the developments in Gwadar and across the province under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which itself is a game-changer which will bring a revolution.
KM: Do you see any improvement in dialogue with the new Taliban leadership?
AB: Definitely, the killing of Mullah Akhtar Mansour was certainly a severe blow to the peace process, but Pakistan is very optimistic on all levels and is eager to go to any extent and bring peace to the border.
We want peace on our Western border and we also want to facilitate Afghanistan with the fruits of Operation Zarb-i-Azb.
KM: What is Pakistan going to offer Afghanistan, and do you think that the dialogue process will resume soon?
AB: It is premature to comment but what I can say is that Pakistan is very optimistic and is hopeful about the future of the peace dialogue.\
KM: One last question about the internal situation in Pakistan. How do you see the relations between the civilian government and the army in Pakistan? Isn’t there a visible gap?
AB: In my viewpoint, democracy is strengthening in Pakistan and has been receiving all possible support from the military. Consultations are made on all major issues of national security and whenever called, army supports the civilian government in various issues ranging from natural disasters to development works to law and order.
I believe things will get better in the time to come. Pakistan is the main interest of each and every Pakistani.
Comments (242) Closed
So Mr. Bajwa and company have realized that you are alone. But who will pay for the sacrifices?
Good words by bajwa sahib, one moto: Bring peace to the region.
Totally agree!!
Reality comes here, Sir your country is right while whole world is wrong?
Do you mean they you?
Pakistan military wants to keep India specific issues alive for their domination. Unless there is attempt for peace without biased mind , there will be no development.
You are not alone in the world ... you have non-state actors to support you strategically. The world is not blind, they see the double game you play.
180 millions are with you. The "world" can't do in years that our army has done in months.
Very well said and put.
World specially america have given them billion of dollars but they could not utilize.
Its because you created them to fight for your agenda, whether in Kashmir or Afghanistan
And who exactly started all this and keep supporting? World was fighting and even paying you to fight, what did you do? you used same funds for exactly opposite thing.
World should be fair and appreciate Pak efforts & sacrifices.(Casualties & economically)
World should play its role by helping Pak in developing strong economy, good Education and finish jobless ness to uproot terrorism
Well said!
general sahb don't worry about what the world says, concentrate at home and help us with security, as the civilian apparatus is failing,be tough and restore peace please
Talibans which formed various groups were shored up by US and Pakistan to counter soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Monsters once created are very difficult to curtail, it caused lot of problems to Pakistan, still price is being paid with bad security and huge economic losses. Now Pakistan is getting success in dealing with this menance but still lot to be done.
Few days back Pakistan said it cannot fight Afghanistan's war and now they are saying nobody is helping them to fight their own war.
It's time to reap. Stop complaining.
The question is simple sir, We agree to your statement , but why so many people are still joining terrorism has not been answered by you.
What is Pakistan plan to answer my second question ? Please answer that .
Totally agree with Bjwa.
Well, Pakistan knows this story - this has happned before twice. Once 1971 and the other right after Russians defeat in Afghnistan that USA left it to defend itself. When we are going to learn? We need to develop our resources and national unity. Erradicate corruption and remove self serving politicians from our country and we should be Ok.
There's a part of me that wants to say to the Pak Army - what on earth did you expect would happen?...It is time for Pakistan to put as stringent border controls as are applied on its citizens across the world and do business with the world on equal terms.
Pakistan should need some loud voices who can represents there case in international community. Up -o some extend army leadership playing better role to developed ties with different countries.
Glad to read the title of the article. May we heed and stand on our own feet to fight "our" issues instead of "theirs".
Our govt should keep continously watching and dealing the working of a block consisting India , Iran and Afghanistan for destabilising teh PAkistan.
What a story to tell.... Does anybody believe it?
Why should the world stand by you to clean your own backyard?
Question yourself why and you will get the answer Mr. Bajwa.
You are keeping some, who are using the soil and not taking action against them.
I'm sorry, but isn't this of your own making ?? Surely the rest of us didn't hear you ask us when you started this problem. Why should we be helpful now ?
You are absolutely spot on, General!!!
Why blame anyone else for your problems?
It was quite obvious that the man interviewing the General was tutored and a spokesman of NATO than Germany. I think he let down his country and his Channel.
The military spokesman went on to say that Pakistan's "entire defence mechanism is India-specific" as "India poses a threat to Pakistan". - Live and die in fear. You can't do better.
India does not pose any threat. In the past 10,000 years, it has not coveted any other country or its lands. It will defend its land always with from invaders.
same old excuses and same old actions. If after 30 years they say Russian aggression and after 70 years they say Kashmir
Maybe if you stop differentiating between a good taleban and a bad taleban,the world would pay more attention.
If India is indeed a threat why were all wars started off by Pakistan...or has the history been taught the other way around there..
Talk something new..
Well it's Pakistans policy of the Good and Bad terrorists which has isolated the country.
"democracy has been strengthening in Pakistan and it has been receiving all possible support from the military."
Till the time this mentality of military supporting democracy exists, Pakistan will suffer, Sir, you need to take orders from democracy if you want to empower people.
Guns and gangs never help country to grow, its education,knowledge and governance.
For peace to reign, stop supporting any and all terrorists. No need for sacrifices when Pakistan is peaceful.
Please get a grip. This is our own making and we will leave with this for long.
@Ramesh Nakhwa dude let the Kashmiris decide instead of crushing their voice with your military presence in the valley!
Bajwa Saab speaks the truth.
Bajwa, Is he Muslim? if not than he has done well in Pakistan army to reach high ranks. (only reason I asked this, as I have my best friend is also Bajwa and he is Hindu)
Pak Army's frustration is genuine. They have got several success in battle ground but civil governments lose in the diplomatic front. That's our real problem and it continues.
I don't think we need Pakistan in the current status. It will pull the progress of India if we would get these many illiterate and fanatics.
"For the world to say Pakistan has not done enough in the war on terror is discrimination". Pakistan vs the World. Come on, does this mean that all the world is wrong and lying, and only PK is right. There must be something wrong in PK. I think PK needs to revise its foreign policy. The only way to compete in todays world is to compete economically, socially and technologically. Military and proxy games (bad terrorists and good terrorists) are no longer a valid tool to compete.
He admits that "Pakistan's entire defense mechanism is India-specific" (rather than Pakistan-specific as it should be) and then complains that the rest of the world doesn't do enough to help us. This is in one line summarizes the crux of the whole problem.
Good terrorist bad terrorist. Now what.
To rejoin the committee of the nations of the world, it is important first to own up the responsibility that Pakistan has played a crucial role to create the nemesis called Taliban and secondly to understand that this so called strategic asset without exception can be a deadly weapon of self destruction for the country. Avoid the duplicity and act in the interest of your own good.
Deliver what you promise in terms of dealing with terrorists and the world will NOT abandon you.
Who created?
Pakistani leadership is leading it's citizens down a self sympathizing path enforcing the feeling of being victimized.
Everyone in each and every corner of the world including first world and third world fight their daily battles. It's a given Parr of life.
This is due to the fact that we don't have formalized foreign office, no foreign minister who go and fight the war of words on behalf of our state. All the world powers see us corrupt. Why would they talk to a nation whose leader is accused of corruption, for angiography goes to foreign land. Would we invest in a company whose directors are corrupt!! A simple question to us all.
@Mohammad Destroy all the goons.
No more mony no more war. Now the time to built the country rather then play other wars.
Mr.Bajwa,Terrorism is your state policy and it was a genie in a bottle.Still you protect international designated terrorists as strategic assets.OBL was found in your backyard.Mansour is the butcher of innocent Afghans.He had Pakistani papers.If you still differentiate between good and bad terrorists,this is what happens.Internationally declared Terrorists are arranging public functions and fund raising.Still give all support to terror outfits to attack your neighbours.So your words don't reflect the reality.
Unadulterated obsession. How is India a threat to Pakistan? When was it ever a threat since the division of the spoils? It is about time the nation is informed of reality. It is well known and accepted that India is not revisionist i.e. not inclined to add geographical territory. On the other hand we are known to be a revisionist state. We couldn't keep what we had because of our racism and superior attitude towards our fellow Muslim Bengalis but we want Kashmir. Why? We made successive attempts militarily, most recent being in 1999, to add Kashmir to our domain. We created the terrorists and have been nurturing them since 1947/48. Why should anyone else want to help us rid of them. They roam freely in our cities and we don't have the courage to imprison & try them. Why?
World abandoned Pakistan to face terrorists alone: Asim Bajwa...Sir the government had and has abandoned this entire nation... i guess what goes around comes around.. Basic human contact - the meeting of eyes, the exchanging of words - is to the psyche what oxygen is to the brain. If you're feeling abandoned by the world, interact with your own nation if you can...cos they have not abandoned Pakistan as yet.....
So finally accepted the fact that we are alone and stranded by our failed foreign policies !
Good point. Pakistan has to put out its message across.
Diplomacy has not been one of Pakistan's strong points. In the current scenario where Nawaz Sharif is both the PM and FM, nothing better can come out of him.
@MSD and what was that ?
World did not ask you to forward your foreign policy agenda using non-state actors. You had an option in 2001 - You could have joined the so-called alliance wholeheartedly or completely stayed away like Iran did. You did neither.
Pakistan has to become self dependent in fighting its own war against internal&external terrorism.Pakistan has to realize the potential of its geographical location&its potential to grow out of scourge of terrorism&internal crisis of bad governance.
Pakistan needs to clean up all pockets of insurgents particularly located in KPK,Baluchistan,Punjab,&in some parts of Sindh.
Pakistan must block and intensify its control of porous border on its eastern and western borders. Increase border security forces. Create thousands of check posts across these borders with effective control of all sorts of trade routes.
Block all infiltration from both east and west borders. Close all traffic of all kinds that brings terrorism into Pakistan.
Pakistan army must punished all terrorist, proven abetors and those guilty of sponsoring terrorism and funding to promote terrorism.
All corruption in all forms of its manifestations must be routed out from all walks of life.
Enhance nuclear security.
Rid Pakistan for no one but our future generations. All cost and sacrifice is acceptable but we need to be rid of terriorist and their abettor.
The civilian establishment and politicians (of all hue) also now need to sort themselves out. For far too long they have held back the development for their own personal gains.
@VEN really!
Thanks to the Army for mainlining peace and tranquility in Pakistan and the whole region. Only China appreciates this fact.
Pakistan's whole security machanism is Inda specific; yes it is true and the the whole world knows that it is because of the unresolved issue of Kashmir that is the bone of contention of the ensuing animosity but what is the logic behind to keep it intact when the corrupt to the core politicians and breaucrates of the country are not espousing the militry's veiws? They have thousand ways at their disposal and countless faces to devise ways in their relentless efforts to mercilessly plunder the wealth and resources of the body politic. The militry says India is our rival bend upon annihilate us but the accidental politicians says no there is nothing wrong in persuing out personel interests with India and we have nothing to do with the country or the nation at the first periorty.
A few incidents in Mumbai can send out a strong signal that Pakistan is really fighting back. Staying on defensive will not work Pakistan will need to go on offensive
@Lalit , No he is not they have surnames like Bajwa, Rajput , Randhawa which are common in both Hindus and Muslims..
World abandoned Pakistan to face terrorists alone: Asim Bajwa
China,KSA,Turkey are our friends and partners have been with us , standing shoulder to shoulder and will not like this statement.
@Lalit : Go back to elementary school to study history basics.
Whatever you say, the would will not help you if you distinguish between good and bad terrorist.
Mr Bajwa, this is not the 19th century where you could impose your narrative on the nation, regardless of facts. No matter what you say, pakistan stands isolated due to the flawed policies of your institution. If you had supported civilians rather than targeting them, you would not be alone today. Who are we fooling when we say that the military supports democracy? Do we pakistani not know how the military use dharnas to give elected governments strokes and heart attacks? Who has chased our entire top political leadership out of the country? And who has protected individuals that have been guilty of abrogating the constitution and imposing marshal laws????
The whole world and trillions of dollars, tech could not do against a rag tag milita in 15 years what they r asking Pakistan to do. Not fair!
I live in the UK and do not know who the current head of the British Army is. I do not know his views on any subject and we do not hear about what they think of government policy.
I am not sure the world is isolating Pakistan - I think they are just frustrated with it. If tomorrow Pakistan said that there will be zero tolerance for any group threatening your neighbours that would help.
Where is China ?
what of coalition support fund?
It's every country for it's self. Pakistan will be wise to fence the eastern border, and develop nuclear submarines with ICBM capabilities.
may be the world realised, we cannot do it and looked for other partners?
Mr. Bajwa how can the World (195 Countries, excluding Pakistan) be always wrong and Pakistan always right? I thought the military (Stratocracy) was smarter than JAMURIHAT in Pakistan.
Pakistan needs a complete revamp of its internal security and external foreign policy by a civilian government to survive. Until the civilian government is non corrupt and clean, the military will always have reasons to intervene in all aspects of running the country.
@Khan What successes you are referring to? 1965, 1971, or 1998?
While Gen Bajwa's comments are correct, however; it is not the job of ISPR to discuss Foreign Policy issues with international media. It is the job of Foreign Office to it.
The biggest problem Pakistan faces is Military involvement in political affairs of the country.
Military should realize that Pakistan is their country too and if they continue to interfere in political affairs, the country will not prosper and their current and future generation will suffer too.
@Sri "...or has the history been taught the other way around there.."
Is that a trick question?
they need more dollars!
Zarb-i-Azb. What is this name. How many of people even understand the meaning.
@TechnoKraft "A few incidents in Mumbai can send out a strong signal that Pakistan is really fighting back. Staying on defensive will not work Pakistan will need to go on offensive"
Is that a threat?
I am surprised.In modern times,information travels and spreads at the speed of light. Something to ponder...why did the whole world abandon Pakistan?We as free nations shape our own destiny through our actions.
sir the world does not care about you when you dont care about yourself.
The world is fed up with establishment's connivance and duplicity on terrorism. The world has almost zero expectation from you.
Dear Friend, Hatred is bad. It's been 70 years now. 2 generations! Please realise that Indian Kashmir will never be yours. Accept it and move forward. Don't get stuck in a time of 70 years of the past. Old saying is that "My enemy's enemy is my friend." Does not work anymore. Don't befriend a python. He is opportunistic, and will gulp you at the right time. There is an old Hindi saying that "an open minded aggressive enemy is much better than a sick slithering friend." The option is yours.
I almost broke down when I read this. Then I remembered all the "assets" that the clever strategists in the agencies nurtured and the tears quickly dried out. I suggest Me.Bajwa also do the same.
Oh come on, still blaming Russia after all these years? And India after 70 years? Move on please, nothing to see here!
@Zak says :-> China, KSA, Turkey are our friends.
There are 196 countries in the world, they need to be your friends too..
World message is clear - Clean your mess.....
Mr bajwa, if only one person disagree with you may be that person is wrong. But whole world is disagreeing with you then definitely you are wrong
Great interview by Gen AB.
@Voice of Reason - Appreciate you "live in the UK" but don't compare any country with your UK prism!
India centric and army pleasing policies mean this isolation will continue,learn to stop double standards...good terrorist and bad terrorists, the day Pakistan starts looking inwards ,the problems will be solved.
No you are not alone. India, too is paying price for your reckless foray into unknown!
Director-General Saab haven't we already received the amount of 742 million dollars from US congress this year.
One can't find fault in others for own mistake , repeated mistake...Better change policies..Late is better than never
What Modi told..."Who harbour the terrorism will be separeted".
@Mola Jutt :- Equal terms :) What do you have to give to world except hundreds of thousands of terrorist . Equal terms works when you have something to sell to the world in return. Name any one. :)
The intimidation of isolation and the clouds of fear about foreign policy of Pakistan are always mingling. Pakistan have to strengthen its ties with the bordering states and also nail the perpetrators responsible for massive killings inside Pakistan. MR. AB has grappled the situation with quite maturity and has successfully defended the Pakistani stance on all issues at this international fora. More over the establishment and civil government should air the Indian involvement in promoting insurgency in the remote areas of Pakistan and CPEC route destabilization. The quad lateral dialogue process should not be halted at any cost and its a key to the peaceful future of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Its your deeds that landed you in such a position. Everything is your fault why blame the world. Go dig history and you will know how you played the terror and still your playing with the good and bad. I am just waiting for the day when Jud and likes show their real face and again you will say the world has left you alone.
@Guest " Thanks to the Army for mainlining peace in Pakistan and the whole region. Only China appreciates this fact."
Peace and tranquility in the whole region? In Pakistan? Do you even read this paper headlines everyday? Tomorrow if the Uighurs erupt In the Xinjiang province and the dots connect back home, what do you think China will do? The Chinese are practical, if they can coexist with India and profit, they will at the expense of their "deepest friends", but you will only realize when you get bitten - yet again.
@MSD why expect others to clean your mess, your suppose to do it yourself.
@turbo Although kashmir is a bilateral issue after shimla declaration but as you people discuss a lot about UN resolution do uknow as per it india has authorized. To keep its forces there while pakistan has to withdraw frm Ur side of kashmir before plebiscite.
@SKS Because terrorism is an international threat. But the question is....do they really want to clean their backyard??
Some things ought to have been nipped in the bud in the boys' own backyard, but the strategic depth fantasies kept them playing with wildfire. In spite of this, the US takes responsibility and keeps funding generously, just for the original sin. Is there any other nation in the world that gets those many freebies for the past fifteen years?When one keeps biting the hands that feed it and expect to be fed more and more, this is what happens.
Well well well, I can't believe my eyes. So many people have started waking up? The most truthful comments are recommended most! This nation's going to stand up and do what should have been done when I was a first grader: 'nip the evil in the bud'.
As per musraf good terriost & bad terriost
what is he doing in Germany on taxpayers expenses?
@Insaf Excellent analysis. However, what you suggested will make GHQ unimportant and dwindle so its not going to happen.
You are good PR.I propose to make you the Foreign Minister. This action will built image of Pakistan and your replacement in ISPR may let go the cover you created for the GHQ.
Pakistan choose the path to nurture non state actors as a state policy. Thats why now, Pakistan is reaping what it had sowed.
And who created them and for what dreams to be fulfilled ?????
Its NOT the world; its you who decided to get ruined and sadly its all because of DOLLARS
Somebody ought to tell him that with the policies he follows that the terrorists will always exist in Pakistan. All he has to do is to look in the mirror and he will see the image that the rest of the world sees of Pakistani leadership.
@Lalit He is a Muslim. There are Muslim Patels and many other castes who are Hindus Muslims and Sikh.
@MSD Enlighten us, what has the Pakistani Military accomplished since its inception except to consume most of Pakistan's resources.
First it was Osama, then Mulla Umer and now Haqqani. Haqqani group is not involved in terrorism on Pakistani soil and if they are involved in Afghanistan, they should do more. Now Pakistan should eliminate those who hurt Pakistan.
Because u couldn't abandon the 'good' terrorists.
@Zak Isnt it sad that out of 200 countries in the world, you can count on only 3 as your friends?
Bajwa Saab is totally right in what he said.
@vicky , "You are not alone in the world ... you have non-state actors to support you strategically. The world is not blind, they see the double game you play."
Excellent comments Vicky! Couldn't agree more!
Some tough questions for Mr. bajwa there.. :)
@Insaf ...of course until !ndia would resolve the Kashmir matter at first hand unconditionally !
Do your soul search. Why it is so ? You will find an answer.
@vicky ...When you are talking about the strategic depth of any state affairs Yes everyone playing a double game including where you from ;)
First of all, US pays Pakistan for usage of logistics and military aid for their own interests and they are suppose to pay due to invoices by Pakistan government. Pakistan need to work with Iran for gas pipeline for our own energy needs. I wouldn't worry too much about India and Afghanistan doesn't matter to us anymore. We need better relations in trade with Iran and China.
@Satt , did you even read the article? He is saying the world left us after Soviet union war ended and Pakistan had to took care of all those militants which were supported by whole world then. He didn't said for a minute that world is leaving them now. World countries know that they need Pakistan for peace in Afghanistan.
@Rashid Sultan - Very very correct analysis....
Please note that the best friend Pakistan can have is India. We are United by thousands of years of civilisation. There are thousands of things common between us. Unfortunately all the 3 wars after 1947 were initiated by your politicians for local personal gains. Ultimately we common people on both the sides of the border suffered.
Because we are winning the War, and the West is no happy
As long as the west continue supporting puppet and corrupt regimes, its impossible for army to fight this terrorism alone. Western Democracy in this part of the world itself has become a plant for Financial corruption and fertilizer of terrorism. Afghanistan if need anything should direct its demands to USA n Collations countries who invaded its territory, Pakistan has nothing to do with it.
Oh ya we can also offer Afghanistan to take their 3.5 million plus refugee's, so that they can go back and re-build their country.
Actually the whole World Chessboard changed when OBL was caught in a military cantonment area in Abottabad!
Have a clear policy on terrorism first, then the world will be with you.
@Waseem Sarwar , As if India worries about you.. Pakistan still requests Indian govt for flood warning system.. So make your self self dependent before boasting..
To all the scholars commenting here; 1. Every state pursues its goal through popular and unpopular means. 2. Those making decisions are as loyal as u r and more qualified than most of Cyber Intellectuals and warriors. 3. Stop complaining and do ur job as a citizen, as a parent 4. If u dnt like their policies DO NOT elect them again and again. peace.....
the reality is you allowed the mullah to flourish and that allowed the extremist mindset to be embedded into Pakistani society - you reap what you sow
US & allies abandoned Pakistan to handle and face the terrorists in the region alone with some strategic plan to destabilize the country under the "Great Game Plan" or under the "New World Plan"
You created them, You trained them, You used them, You have to face them.
What America can do for Pakistan. Their own security institutions incompetent. Look at FBI, their budget, and their output. They could not predict and mitigate Orlando massacre even though they were having s lot of information about the killer.
So believe in your self, improve yourself, bring advancement in your security systems and be more competent. Bring high tech in every thing. No one has abandoned you. In fact other countries cannot change the mind set of Pakistanis that has been developed in last three decades.
@Kamal Paseha. This is precisely the mentality that is bringing your country down..
@Ilias from NL Keep dreaming And keep suffering. Think rationally for progress . Kashmir problem is not for Pakistan to resolve
You are still playing the good and bad Taliban. Making jokes with foreign policy. Still not sincere with your people.
Please give a room to civilians to run a foriegn policy, the results of existing foriegn policy are not that great.
Change the narratives of good and bad terrorists,
@SKS "Why should the world stand by you to clean your own backyard?"
Because our neighbors have been dumping their trash in our backyard.
Well said General Bajwa
As if Germany will help us? Most arrogant nation on earth! And what about our "own policies?" Why blame others for our own mistakes? These policies of ours caused these problems not the world. Isolation may happen cause of others but remember this one is isolated usually cause of one's own actions that alienate themselves and others.
@noman "Do we pakistani not know how the military use dharnas to give elected governments strokes and heart attacks? Who has chased our entire top political leadership out of the country?"
Last 8 years have been civilian rule. Five by PPP and then three by PMLN. Military has not been in power during this time. Let's look at some of the indicators of civilian rule.
Has the Pakistan economy, health and education improved in this time? How about the external debt now? Care to comment about the load shedding and consumer price index? How about good governance? And let's not even bring up Panama papers. What about law and order in Karachi? How about the crumbling infrastructure? BUT we have Metros now.
See you can blame the military for whatever you want but the fact remains. IF the civilian leadership was honest and corruption free, Nawaz Sharif would be more popular than Raheel Sharif.
You have the 5th largest Army in the World and well equipped tackle it Gen Bajwa.
Ppl of Pak need to realize that no one in India wants to attack Pak. All we want is lasting peace based on LOC as final border so that poverty can be attacked and development can occur.
@Jami Khan "You created them, You trained them, You used them, You have to face them."
Nope. America created them, Saudis paid for them and Pakistan trained them. When the time came to face and rehabilitate them, US said goodbye and left the entire mess for Pakistan to resolve.
And what about addressing terrorism at grass root level from madrasas. Some of them are bound to be future terrorists.
@Indian "I don't think we need Pakistan in the current status. It will pull the progress of India if we would get these many illiterate and fanatics."
There are more illiterate and fanatics in India than the total population of Pakistan or have you forgotten about RSS, VHP, Shiv Sena etc etc.
Pakistan is being terrorized by state funded terrorism. The whole World can see it. Our politicians are bought by other states easily so Army is our first and last line of defence. They have laid down their lives to get rid of these mercenaries Sent to destabilize Pakistan. The whole World can see the terrorist networks uncovered and where the financial trail ends.
well said Mr. Bajwa. precisely raised the issue of Pakistan internationally...where is our elected government...
@President trump Had Soviets not invaded Afghanistan in 1979 resulting in Pakistan's inclusion to help the US defeat the Soviets, Pakistan would be 1000 times better off by now with economy, peace and security. Fact.
We don't have Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Army is telling the world what is happening in Pakistan. What a shame.
@lafanga says :-> have you forgotten about RSS, VHP, Shiv Sena etc etc.
Even if you assume all the above are bad, at least they are kept under total control
@lafanga says :-> Had Soviets not invaded Afghanistan in 1979 resulting in Pakistan's inclusion to help the US defeat the Soviets, Pakistan would be 1000 times better off by now with economy, peace and security.
If you did not go to fight someone else's war in the first place and minded your own business, you would be not 1000 but 10,000 times better off in economy, peace and security.
@kp I can see your point, but unfortunately this is relaity a bitter reality world has double standards one for india and one for pakistan. they cannot see indian atrocities.
@MSD
And yet Pakistanis are still getting killed... In other words what precisely have you people done in months?
World Abandoned Pakistan....Asim bajawa....why it is happened? Needed Serious thinking......
It is a wrong assessment. Pak army certainly sacrificed a lot for the country But country has been severely defeated politically. Politicians of the country are either unqualified to rule or extremely subservient to their lords in Washington and now even in India. In order to bring peace and prosperity to people of Pak, first step MUST BE to get rid off All the inept and corrupt so called leaders who can NOT even give a coherent speech let alone called leaders, an alarming fact. A leader must be visionary who can First bring Peace in Pak through fair justice system of Law & order and then bring commerce and Unity among parties on National interests.
If you want to handle the issue of terrorism,please get rid of corruption and nepotism in our country
@Rashid Sultan Excellent points, Rashid Sultanji.
Its really funny that Indian trolls here commenting that who created these terrorists expecting that the readers don't know the whole truth...who created OBL....?jalauddin haqqani was invited to Whitehouse and what President Reagan said about him...? Anybody who has slightest doubt plz Google it and u will find an amazing statement...of course Pakistan is left alone and the reason is that NATO thought 15 years back that they will smoke Taliban but now as they run having tails between their legs they need someone to blame and that's where Pakistan comes....And involvement of India to solve Taliban problem shows the level of US desperation
A very intelligent reminder to america and the western world to behave properly with Pakistan. Everything is not yet solved in the region. Pakistan's help will again be required. Biased attitude towards Pakistan will never bring any fruitful results. Pakistan will never ever accept India's dominance in the region specially in Afghanistan.
Excellent interview by Asim Bajwa. Long live Pak Army.
@vicky what about most of the world turning a blind eye to what is being done to Pakistan by certain countries. i.e. destabilising Pakistan .
@Lalit I am surprised that you have no idea of the following surname in Pakistan .. Bedi,chaudary,Malik,Rana,bajwa, bhutt,shah,rajput ..I can go on. Their forefathers ..
@Socrates of Gilgit-Baltistan I am impressed
@Tamil Guru "Even if you assume all the above are bad, at least they are kept under total control"
So you mean to say GOI controls these groups? This sounds much worst than my original comment.
@Tamil Guru Pakistan didn't have a free will in this matter. Americans had the Soviets right where they wanted them. They could ONLY defeat the Soviets with Pakistan's help so there was a lot of pressure on Pakistan from the US plus military and civilian aid and looking away from the nuclear program help persuade Pakistan to join in. It was still a mistake in the hindsight but one that Pakistan could not avoid easily.
Very well said. West used these elements to win their war against Russia initially and left when not needed. They paid price for that. Now again and then they blame Pakistan for exporting terror. Don't they understand the heavy price for security? Listen what Generals are telling you.
Good words, no doubt. But, Pakistan did help and fund these guys for a very long time. This is payback time, let us all pray that the brave army does eliminate this scourge once and for all. Jinnah's Pakistan has no place for these fanatics.
Well you are absolutely right, Mr. Bajwa . How could you be wrong. I think we abandoned Pakistan more than the world , you are mentioning, did. Did we not?
There is an African Proverb, "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm"
@Rashid Sultan if only more people understood the real situation
@MSD yes
The nation have seen the photos and videos of killed,arrested,and wounded ttp members in Swat operations,in zarb e Azb operation the nation is kept in dark,DG ISPR says they killed thousands of ttp members,including foreign terrorists,but the nation have seen no photo video of the killed,wounded ,and arrested terrorists,not even in social media.Only footages seen are old file videos.And above all KPK govt have allocated Rs300Million in Budget for the Molana Sami ulhaq,robbing public money,I am sure DG ISPR is aware of this .
@lafanga us never said hood by they realised their mistakes and still trying to fix the things problem is pak trying to use taliban still
Who let the genie out ? Pak made some tough choices in the last 65+ years and is facing problems. Pakistan is in no position blame others. Cold war powers used Pakistan for their policies and have now left Pakistan alone. Trained diplomats rarely look for short cuts. Unfortunately, foreign affairs has never been strong in Pakistan Government. Pakistan can still turn around, but it involves a lot of struggle
I did not read the article. My suggestion to Mr. Bajwa is to fix the house without asking the whole world for help. Where there is a will, there is a way.
PAK ARMY ZINDABAD
.....and Pakistans leaders abandoned Pakistan a long time ago.
@Abbas Agree, Sir
My dear fellows World is absolutely right Because all pakistan can ever do is think and implement WHAT WOMEN SHOULD eat wear do etc etc N pakistan is safe heaven go radical insane uneducated mullahs who dicrate whole nation
For us to be India-specific in our approach and want to have strategic parity will cause us harm and be detrimental to us. India is a much larger country than ours, and on all dimensions they are aiming to be among the leading powers in the world, ie. along with the US, China, etc. They are not necessarily only thinking of Pakistan. How we can we have parity with that without the same size and resources? Instead, we need to focus on our internal development and enhance the quality of life for our people. In the modern world, nations are judged on that, not their military strength. Note for instance, how tiny countries such Switzerland, Singapore, etc. are respected worldwide due to their economic success, and have a disproportionate impact on the world despite not having a big military. That is the type of approach we need to take.
@Inayat Good point. When was the last time the Government controlled the Military Budget? A budget that could be used for civilian upliftment. The Taliban are a result of the misprioritization. There are things that can be learned from Bangladesh.
Well responded by Gen Bajwa. He put the record straight. One country has tried to spread anti pakistan propoganda and it has failed. Germany army has asked Pakistan army to train its ant -terror special forces. That says it all, as to who is the best.
He rightfully said. Kashmir is the core issue.
Bajwa said, “The world had abandoned Pakistan to handle and face the terrorists in the region alone, and Pakistan has completed the task”.
We completed the Task. Proud of Pakistan.
Glad to hear this. Alhamdulillah the world will be a better place if they left you to your own.
Wow - so many Indians read Dawn.
@Zak do u have at least one proof..? this operation seems to be farce..
@kp Yes
Fighting terrorists alone and sincerely but how come all the world famous terrorists are found in pak..
@Zak People with negative mentality and dishonest opinion, something they themselves believe in, are the root cause of problem.
@Skkk It is America's policies that have failed miserably in ME and Muslim world beside America made itself broke and in financial ruins. But US keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Nothing has changed in US mindset in the last fifty years and nothing will ever change. America needs to wakeup and face the bitter realty.
@Rehman Wisdom!
It is very pity that the world abandoned you in the war against terrorism.
@Syed Chishti excellent idea
The big powers trapped the country to push the Soviets out of Afghanistan and now asking to do more.
When does a nation say enough is enough and we have to wake up and take responsibility of our collective failure as a responsible nation.
Pak nation and specifically its Army has done wonders to curb out the menace of terrorism in the region.. And our nation has proved worthy of the task........
Very great Sir Bajwa! I saw that you were so careful with your each and every word. In the whole of conversation you used not a word that would let to,discriminate, Pakistan's honor, and this is what necessary for leaders. You were so confidant in your conversation about every step Pakistan took to wipe out terrorism from Pakistan. The other thing is you respected the honor of Afghan in Afghanies too in your conversation, while the interviewer was trying frequently to make you say something bad about them.
These terrorists are end of the day your own people.......need to de-radicalise them and bring them to main stream....you cannot go around killing you own folks.
So Mr.Asim Bajwa finally admitted that Pakistan doesn't have the technology to trace the drone in advance ?? I wonder , why is that huge military budget for ?? which is being increased in every year.
General there is no point in lamenting that world has abandoned Pakistan in fight against terrorism. Pakistan had abandoned itself when it became a proxy for a foreign country in the war in Afghanistan. Pakistan deliberately became a paid mercenary so why complain ?
@Saroj one of the best comment
This is the most to the point interview by an army officer of Pakistan Army we must cogratulate him for this. Some of our leaders should learn from this.
You reap what you saw. Chickens will come to roost one day, for certain.
Pakistan has done alot but our leaders give us bad PR when they should be driving our importance on the International platform based on our fight against terrorism, instead they are experts at asking for more aid.
"The world had abandoned Pakistan to handle and face the terrorists in the region alone, and Pakistan has completed the task." Finally someone hits the nail on the head.
Pakistan received billions of dollars to fight terrorism, but trillions in losses overall and hundred thousands of lives.
Optimism& hope is the key to success
@Ravi Vancouver I think you had not went through history....during the war led by Soviet it is only US who had fed these monsters for there own purposes and Pakistan was not that developed or you can say that Pak had no any profit of nurturing these monsters. Hope you understand bro
@ABDUL MUQTADIR what is he doing in Germany on taxpayers expenses?
Trying to extract some funds(to fight terrorists,bad ones only) from the EU.
@mirza Oh ya we can also offer Afghanistan to take their 3.5 million plus refugee's, so that they can go back and re-build their country.
Be careful what you wish for.If these refugees go no more refugee funds from international countries and organizations.
what is the point of interview if you want to only answer selectively and avoid hard questions....totally useless interview from a top Military person...very disappointing. Instead do not give the interview as a military person you are not answerable to any civilian authority in Pakistan.
@Iftikhar Husain he is only talking what he wants and not answering any difficult question. How is this a good interview ?
@SHAHID MAHMOOD "@vicky what about most of the world turning a blind eye to what is being done to Pakistan by certain countries. i.e. destabilising Pakistan ."
They are waiting for your dossiers.
Rule of nature is simple. What you sow is what you reap. Why cry foul now?
..... but the show must go on! When will they realise that the USA is not your friend!
I think Gen Bajwa what the world really thinks is that your military has not yet decided to do away with the frankenstein's monster IT created.
The world knows that the pakistani people have sacrificed more than enough and my (and everyone's) sympathies are with them.
@Rashid Sultan well said. I read a article where then Indian PM Nehru actually thought there is no need for Army. But then suddenly when war was started India had suffered badly. Then China's aggression, all these situations makes India to build a strong Army. Imagine if both countries spend those money in education and agriculture. In the history of India they never invaded any foreign soil. It's just Pakistan tv channel who shows 24/7 anti India news and discussion. Now it's high time for this new generation forget everything and rise together.
There is an error in one of the headings . "War on 'Error' " instead of " War on 'Terror' "
Our ambassadors in the other countries should be doing their job by telling the world loud and clear.
The ambassadors should be required to project Pakistan's case via press conferences and writings in the newspapers and meeting with local diplomats and forums,at least, on a monthly basis. The foreign ministry should monitor them by KPIs and outcomes reports.
What else did we expect? We were left to deal with the aftermath of the Soviet-Afghan war on our own also, why would the world treat us any different? If someone leaves you hanging every time why would you assume it will be different this time around. Your so called greatest ally left you hanging in 65, 71 and post soviet-afghan war in the 90s.....but our all inelegant uniformed generals\commando thought this time would be different and saluted on the call to war....so now have fun now that our nation is rattled with holes an the enemy is on your flank and in your actual rank and files also. But alas we will never learn.
@Rashid Sultan Appreciate your comments. Spot on - truth be told. People like you are rare in Pakistan.
@amit neither are illegal occupations in violation of UN resolutions. Don't stick your head in the sand, the issue won't go away, it will remain till resolved.
@Sunil "In the history of India they never invaded any foreign soil"
Omg, what do they teach you in class. Indian invasions and occupations since 1947- kashmir, Orissa, Tripura, Naxaland, Manipur, Jharkand, Assam, Mizoram, Magagyar, junagarh, Manabao, Nicobar and Andeman Islands, 1948- Hyderabad, Yugul, Mosgul ( southern Tibetan territories), 1956-Goa, 1971 -East Pakistan, 1975-Sikkim, 1984 Siachen.
@Rashid Sultan What a clear thinking. I hope Pak people read and understand,
@Zak Wow-ZAK ! Good job!