TRIBALS AND TALIBAN

TRIBALS AND TALIBAN

Amongst other certain problems the people of the Tribal Areas of Pakistan face, Taliban have become their biggest problem and the most deadliest weapon being used against them. Despite of their long lasting services and sacrifices for Pakistan, the people of these areas have never received their rights nor have they demanded any thing but have always ignored and bypassed all basic needs just to secure their independent status which is their nature and psyche.

When the Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan, these areas were used as the main platform against them. The Tribesmen cooperated due to their religious faith and patriotism. The Taliban were greatly evaluated both by America and Pakistan in the beginning. The Taliban and Tribesmen fought that war as Jihad but these simple people didn't realize at that time how badly were they used. Now they are carrying on with exactly that very philosophy of Islam and Jihad but unfortunately some minds have changed their ideology and those very Taliban and Tribal people have been transformed to "Terrorists and Extremists".

This is the scenario as far as the Tribesmen understand. They are immensely confused whether they are fighting for Islam, Pakistan or America. They are yet to understand the phenomena that why were they being greatly rewarded in the war against Soviet Union but not against America now. The Islamic philosophy is a constant entity then what has changed which has transformed them from freedom fighters to Terrorists and Extremists? The Taliban and Tribesmen can't direct Islamic teachings then it is certainly Mr. Bush and his allies who have changed their intentions according to their pre-planned plan. The Taliban and Tribal people were operating for Islam and Pakistan and they are doing exactly that even now. Then what factors lead to confrontation inside Pakistan? If Pakistan justified and enhanced their activities against Soviet Union, then why is it opposing now?

This confusion has not only brought about a great destruction onto Pakistan but has ruined the lives and prosperity of the Tribal people. The Tribal people were compelled to host and help Taliban. They being strong in religious beliefs and hospitable accepted this challenge just for Islam and Pakistan although they knew they were to suffer the most. They feel pride and pleasure in fighting any evil, Soviet Union or America, but it hurts them when their own Govt opts for confrontation against them and not for national interests but merely for America.

In these circumstances how can one prove the Tribals guilty? They have suffered throughout and yet being known as "Terrorists and Extremists". It is obvious that the nature and intentions of the Tribal people always remain constant. The Pakistani Govt should absorb the facts and should avoid confrontation against its own true Patriotic people otherwise the consequences could be worse. And one should not neglect the fact that the war in Afghanistan is infact a conspiracy against Pakistan and its nuclear assets. Why don't the Pakistani officials realize this fact or then why are they following a single person who has brought all this destruction onto Pakistan.

It is not to be concealed that the Tribal Areas have suffered the most in the war against Terror. Taliban were induced and they sacrificed. They were compelled to fight and they offered their lives, properties, dignities just for the sake of Islam and Pakistan. Their voice has always been suppressed and diverted. The Tribal people need peace, basic rights and justification of their fight. They don't want to be sacrificed for others any more and request the international community to take serious measures to avoid spoiling their future.

Writer: BILAL KHAN AFRIDI