WEEKENDE

The
R 28 Sep-04 Oct 2019 Comment 3

Beware of rumour mongering

Brigadier S Shujah H Khurazmi (Retd)
gives a word of caution that Pakistanis should be prepared to face
any untoward possibility and remain vigilant.

T
he current scenario yet again de-
mands sacrifices from the nation.
These are no ordinary times and
forces inimical to the people of Pa-
kistan should face them with courage, pru-
dence and single-mindedness. The difficult
situation created by forces inimical to the
existence of Pakistan has once again brought
to fore the ever-inspiring martyrdom of Major
Tufail Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, whose eter-
nal resting place in Gaggo Mandi is a beacon
of light for the courageous people of Pakistan.
It is a site that calls for emulation and instills
an intense feeling for the motherland. He and
his illustrious followers rendered their lives
for the sake of their beloved motherland.
They also sacrificed their lives so that their
compatriots exist is safety and tranquility.
The most virile part of Pakistani existence
is that the nation never forgets the sacrific-
es of its brave sons and daughters. A strong
aspect of the resilience of Pakistani nation
is that it not only remembers its benefactors
but also wishes to emulate their actions if
the need be. The current situation demands
Pakistan is traversing well
despite all, odds and it is
fervently expected that it will
soon come to grips with the
difficulties it encounters
It should be borne strongly in mind that it is
never easy to carve out and maintain a re-
spectable niche in the comity of nations and
it is only the tough who get going when the
going gets tough.
The current crises are multiple in nature
and are mostly the result of the evil wishes of
the forces that want to render Pakistan inef-
fective as a regional entity and compel it to
do their bidding. Pakistan resultantly has no
option but to face such forces from the posi-
tion of strength whatever the odds are. The
strategic location of Pakistan has necessitated
that it remains strong and its people remain
equal to all challenges. It is indeed heartening
to observe that the decisive segments of the
Pakistani state are fully aware and prepared
for all consequences.
It is needless to emphasise that the time
inherently requires unity of ranks and Paki-
stan cannot afford to be perceived as divid-
ed. The decisive segments of the state have
a well-devised strategy to tackle the current
difficult situation and what is needed is to
support them in their ventures. Pakistan has a
well-healed posse of very able retired men of
uniform whose service could be gainfully uti-
lised for national purposes. They are a well-
bred stock fully attuned to the vagaries of na-
tional life and could be very well be trusted to
perform tasks given to them.
Along with the encouragement deserved
by the people making decisions at highest lev-
el of the state, a word of caution is also due to

Shaheed Major Tufail NH

Looming conflict No rumour mongering

make them aware of the pitfalls of falling for country.

disinformation campaign raging in the coun-
try. Unfortunately no segment of population
is spared the disconcerting effects of deliber-
ate and well organised rumour mills that are
muddying waters. It is expected that by now
the nature and extent of disinformation cam-
paigns must be clear to many but still some do
not take the caution of taking such campaigns
with skepticism.
In wake of the prevailing circumstances it
is earnestly expected that collective wisdom
will come to the fore and engage in a count-
er-campaign to allay the false impression cre-
ated by rumour-mongers. It must be kept in
view that protecting national interest is the
cumulative responsibility of the nation and
it must not be considered as only the respon-
sibility of people calling the shots. Collective
responsibility entails that national security
issues are not compartmentalised as they
carry tremendous importance for the entire
Pakistan is traversing well despite all,
odds and it is fervently expected that it will
soon come to grips with the difficulties it
encounters. It is very well-known that the
defenders of Pakistan are steadfast in their
resolve to defend the national interest and to
do the best possible for the country. They are
very well equipped to handle any situation
and are ever-ready to meet any contingency.
This belief is borne out by years of experience
and the preparedness of the security forces
command structure. It is a very well-oiled
machine full of commitment and camarade-
rie that is intensely caring and operates like
a family. In its presence there is nothing to be
feared and complete belief in their abilities
surely will augur well for the country. TW
Brigadier S Shujah H Khurazmi (Retd) had
a distinguished career in law enforcement
and now is a social activist