Pakistan- Indeed a Strange Country

Humaira Mahmood

http://blogs.thenews.com.pk

Pakistan is a country where armed forces are worshiped. To question the institution is a taboo, making loyalty to the country suspected and even getting labeled as Mossad or RAW agent. Recently ISPR refuted the report of Amnesty International, “Hands of Cruelty” which has accused Pakistan Armed Forces and Taliban of violating human rights in FATA. ISPR called the report “a pack of lies” and conspiracy against army, putting an end to the speculations in its own way. This is not the first time for Pakistan security forces to face such allegations. After army operation in Swat, human rights activists raised serious concerns over human abuses in the region by victorious Pakistan Army but their voices were kept low and faint. However, there was uproar when a video leaked on YouTube showing alleged Pakistan soldiers beating men with whips and boots during interrogation. Later, a number of videos surfaced with content similar in spirit. The videos showed men beaten during interrogations, firing squad execution of suspected terrorists and sexual assault on detainees, all appeared to be done by Pakistan soldiers, however the videos were suppressed in the mainstream media. Over and over, ISPR has denied allegations, claiming them as baseless and conspiracies. At times, statements like “we are looking into the matter” were given but none of the looking and examining was ever made public. The Armed Forces involvement in human rights violation is a hush-hush issue in Pakistan. People are chided for discussing the issue that can put the national security at risk especially when Pakistan is going through a turbulent phase. Some hysterical voices even justify the behavior of army, seeking solace for the sufferings at the hands of opponents in the war. This is where the line is drawn. Blind revenge is not a substitute for justice. The wild and barbaric opponents are known for unbridled brutality that knows no boundaries. On the other hand, Pakistan military is a formal organization bounded by rules and regulations. It is as accountable for its actions as any other institution of Pakistan. We have been enough of a paranoid country that feels threatened at the idea of questioning the military. Denial of the issue and silence after promises of inquiries can not sweep the matter under the carpet. The mentality of being “the only true patriots of Pakistan” fails to present a transparent position at the front of the war. The social media has already shown the potential to break news, stifled in dominant media. Such videos on social media are injurious to the respect, military enjoys in Pakistan. The videos are not limited to viewing only. They go viral on internet, shared and debated passionately, blurring the picture already tainted by concealment. It is need of the time to address this issue and public the findings of inquiries-if any made- to bridge the disconnect for the war that has engulfed thousands of lives in the country.