Abstract: This topic highlights
the strategies of KPK Govt towards drone attacks in Pakistan that have killed
and are killing thousands of innocent people.It also determines that drone
attacks which US are doing to control over terrorism, are actually enhancing
terrorism.Moreover, the objective of this topic is to show that no other govt
before PTI in KPK, have performed effective strategies against US drone strikes
in Pakistan.
KPK,PTI Government
PTI is the third major political power in the national assembly having a mandate
of 27 seats in the House as well as being the majority party in the provincial
assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) with 35 seats.The chairman of PTI is Imran
Khan.
Pakistani Society and Drone Strikes
The drone attacks have been augmenting the anti-Americanism in the Pakistani
society.The anti-Americanism is in the advantage of the terrorist syndicate,
which operating from Afghanistan and possesses sympathizers in Pakistan. On
April 22, 2011, Mr. Bashir reiterated Islamabad’s stance that the United States
ought to review its drone-attack policy because the attacks by these unmanned
aircraft had become counter-productive. He stated: “The people of Pakistan
consider these attacks – and the casualties that occur – as a source of concern…
This particular methodology is counter-productive and needs a review.” In spite
of the negative consequences of the Drone attacks, the Americans seem
disinclined to review their drone strike strategy. Instead of understanding the
concerns of Islamabad, they have adopted pressuring tactics. For instance, they
have been questioning Pakistani law enforcement agencies commitment in combating
the terrorist groups.
PTI's Performance against US Drone Strikes in Pakistan
As for as Central Govt of Pakistan is concerned, has not yet taken an effective
step against drone strikes in Pakistan.But here we are trying to point out some
performance of PTI Govt against drone attacks.
1st Resolution against Drone Attacks in KPK
On 23 May, 2013, PTI (KPK) has decided to table its first ever resolution in the
KPK assembly against drone attacks following their commitment to the voters that
they would raise voice against the US killing in tribal areas.
This council will work under Imran Khan in which they stressed on making
stretagy against drone strikes by US.Furthermore, the council also said that
PMLN should adopt a strong stretagy against drone attacks.
PTI sources also said that the consultation on the draft of resolution had been
completed and soon the draft would be prepared by the party. They also said that
the party was of the view that the said resolution would be adopted in the House
unanimously.
PTI's Table Resolution in Sindh
In Karachi, PTI also tabled similar resolution in Sindh Assembly which stated
that NATO supplies must be stopped and remain so till such time that the federal
government is able to stop drones and give a clear commitment about the efforts
for structured dialogue for peace.
PTI's Blockage of US Supply Lines
Imran Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rules the KPK, has vowed to block US
supply lines into Afghanistan in response to the US attack.
TTP has always used to claim that if Pakistan has not stopped the drones strikes
then we will target Pakistani army and political leaders.And so many times it
has been happened.It means that US attacks in Pakistan is the ultimate cause of
suicide attacks and other explosions in Pakistan.Hence these strikes are on one
side against the soveriegnty of Pak and on the other side, these are increasing
terrorrism in Pakistan.
The Central Govt of Pakistan has not been taken an active step against drone
attaks uptill now and never before the present government.PTI is the 1st
political party which has noticed the negative effects of drone attacks and has
remembered the Central Govt to stop it. But when the Central Govt did'nt take or
make any step or stretagy respectively, then KPK govt (PTI) compelled to do
something because Imran Khan was observing the problems of the people affected
by drone attacks.Thus he blocked the US supply to Afghanistan and used it as a
tool to stop the drone attacks.
PTI USA Protest in Front of UN in Newyork
On November 30, 2013, hundreds of Pakistani Americans gathered in front of the
United Nations building in New York, on a freezing and windy after noon of
Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, to protest against the US drone attacks in Pakistan. They
were also joined by a good number of fellow Americans from several human rights
organizations.
This protest in front of UN shows that the current KPK Govt has an influence on
foreign people.It also determine that a lot of people outside our country also
condem on drone strikes and support PTI Govt.
PTI peace march: Imran Khan slams US drone attacks
Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has slammed the drone attacks by
the US and condemning the killing of innocent people.
While addressing a rally in Tank, where he concluded his Waziristan Peace March
after authorities did not allow it to go further, PTI chief said he will soon
give call for a march towards Islamabad.
Khan said he had conveyed the message to the world community that drone attacks
were unacceptable. He also asked President Asif Ali Zardari to shun American
bondage and raise voice for the people of Pakistan. "America is not God, Allah
is God," Imran reportedly said addressing President Zardari.
Critism on US Policy of Drone Attacks
He also critcised the US policy of carrying drone attacks in different areas of
Pakistan, and asked the US administration "tells American people one thing and
Pakistanis the other."
Critisism on Pak Washington Cooperation Against Islamist Militants
Khan has harshly criticized the Pakistani government's cooperation with
Washington in the fight against Islamist militants. He has been especially
outspoken against US drone strikes targeting militants and has argued that
Islamabad's alliance with Washington is the main reason Pakistan is facing a
homegrown Taliban insurgency. He has suggested before that militant activity in
Pakistan's tribal areas will dissipate when the US ends the war across the
border in Afghanistan.
Two-way Strategy of IK to Stop Drone Attacks
Seeking an end to the US drone attacks, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman
Imran Khan has announced to adopt a two-way strategy application of public
pressure within the country and taking legal action through international courts
of law.
PTI chief said that some 90 percent of the people targeted by the drones are
civilians, adding that 18 out of every 20 victims of drone attacks are innocent.
He said,The bodies of the victims are usually beyond recognition but somehow the
victims become suspects after they are dead.
He invited all the political parties to his proposed sit-in in Peshawar on 23rd
and 24th of April against drone attacks, saying it was a national cause and it
was our duty to rise up against naked foreign aggression and our government
failure in getting the attacks stopped. Khan thanked Clive Smith and his team
for helping the victim families. Speaking on the occasion, Clive Smith said that
they were meeting affected people and providing them legal help in the US, UK,
Pakistan, and at international courts.
Conclusion
Perhaps, PTI(current government of KPK) is the first political party that had
condemed the drone attacks before elections, during elections and after
elections i-e when it came into power in KPK. Usually, the leaders of political
parties in Pakistan do'nt work on what they said in election compaigns.Unlikely
to other politcal leaders, it seems that Imran Khan is trying his best to do
what he has said in compaign.But unfortunately, central gov't does not support
him in his activities due to which PTI is facing so many problems in its
activities.Although, some strategies of PTI such as blockage of US supply to
Afghanistan are condemned by most of the people but there are no other options
for KPK govt to take action on drone attacks.
In a nutshell, KPK (PTI) govt is not only opposing the drone strikes but also
trying practically in one way or another way to stop these strikes and save the
lives of innocent people of Pakistan.
Prepared by:
Abdul Haq