Fake News as an Industry: The Threat to Indian Democracy

Indian voters, grasp the significance: This election transcends political factions. It's a pivotal moment to safeguard our nation's essence and uphold democratic ideals

by Muhammad Wasama Khalid

The proliferation and dissemination of false information, commonly referred to as fake news, has emerged as a formidable challenge to democratic societies worldwide, and India is not immune to its impacts. This phenomenon has evolved beyond simple misinformation; it has morphed into a sophisticated industry with far-reaching consequences for the nation’s political and social fabric.

Students Pose For Photos During A Voter Awareness Campaign Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections, In Chennai, March 19, 2024. (PTI Photo)

A recent investigative report by CNA Insider has shed light on a sprawling network comprising 750 counterfeit media entities operating from India. These outlets, spread across 119 countries and utilizing over 550 domain names, underscore the extensive reach and systematic nature of the fake news ecosystem. This organized infrastructure reveals a concerted effort to manipulate information for malicious ends, representing a significant departure from the inadvertent dissemination of false information.

As India braces for the upcoming 2024 elections, the stakes could not be higher. With the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tightening its grip on power and veering dangerously towards authoritarianism, this election may well represent the last chance for Indian democracy to pull back from the brink. The global community watches with bated breath as India’s fate hangs in the balance, recognizing the significance of this pivotal moment in history.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has faced scrutiny over its purported utilization of counterfeit news as a political tool. The investigation has pinpointed this network as instrumental in advancing the BJP’s objectives, both domestically and internationally. Disinformation campaigns have been directed at opponents with the aim of shaping public perception in favor of the BJP. This methodical dissemination of fake news poses a threat to democratic processes, as it exploits voters by promulgating fictitious narratives.

The inquiry has uncovered a cadre of freelance content creators who play pivotal roles in this misinformation apparatus. These individuals are contracted to produce propaganda aligned with the agenda of the BJP government. Furthermore, the existence of troll farms dedicated to disseminating hate speech and false information exacerbates the issue. These concerted endeavors underscore the intentional manipulation of online discourse to sway public sentiment.

The repercussions of weaponized fake news reverberate widely and often result in tragic outcomes. Instances such as the lynching of five individuals fueled by unfounded child-kidnapping rumors underscore the potential for real-world violence instigated by misinformation. Moreover, allegations against the BJP suggest the exploitation of religious polarization through the dissemination of fake news, exacerbating divisions between communities. This not only jeopardizes India’s societal cohesion but also fosters an atmosphere of apprehension and coercion.

Journalists delving into the propagation of religion-based counterfeit news encounter threats and coercion. This suppression of journalistic freedom further impedes the dissemination of accurate information and obstructs endeavors to combat misinformation effectively. Navigating a solution that addresses fake news while safeguarding freedom of expression presents a critical and intricate challenge.

Social media platforms, notably Facebook, have played a pivotal role in facilitating the dissemination of fake news across India. Particularly during critical junctures such as elections, the rapid spread of misinformation through platforms like WhatsApp has the potential to escalate communal tensions and violence. It is imperative for the international community, including influential corporations like Facebook, to take decisive measures to combat this pressing issue. Regulatory authorities must hold these platforms accountable for their complicity in amplifying disinformation, particularly when it is geared toward advancing specific political agendas.

The emergence of fake news as a thriving industry in India poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic fabric. The systematic propagation of false information undermines the integrity of democratic processes, fuels social unrest, and suppresses dissenting voices. Effectively addressing this multifaceted challenge necessitates a comprehensive approach. Holding technology giants responsible for content moderation, bolstering independent fact-checking endeavors, and promoting media literacy initiatives are indispensable measures.

Additionally, political entities must commit to upholding ethical standards in their online campaigns, prioritizing the dissemination of accurate information over manipulative tactics. Only through concerted and collaborative efforts can India combat the scourge of fake news and safeguard its democratic principles for the future.

The decline of democracy in India holds implications beyond its borders, impacting regional stability and global democratic values. Upholding democracy in India is not only essential for the well-being of its citizens but also for promoting peace and democratic norms worldwide. Mature leadership and a commitment to democratic principles are imperative for India to fulfill its role as a global democratic leader.

As Indian voters prepare to cast their ballots, they must recognize the gravity of the moment. This election is not merely about political parties; it is about preserving the soul of the nation and reaffirming India’s commitment to democratic principles. The choice is clear: stand against authoritarianism, uphold democracy, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for India and the world.

Muhammad Wasama Khalid is a Correspondent and Researcher at Global Affairs. He is pursuing his Bachelors in International Relations at National Defense University (NDU). He has a profound interest in history, politics, current affairs, and international relations. He is an author of Global village space, Global defense insight, Global Affairs, and modern diplomacy. He tweets at @Wasama Khalid and can be reached at Wasamakhalid@gmail.com

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Unexciting Modi-Centric Election in India

As the election has now become a comparative issue of Mr. Modi as a person with that of other opposition leaders, the opposition leaders, who lead family-controlled and dynastic parties, seem to have lost the race conclusively.

by N.S.Venkataraman

As India is now passing through a parliamentary election with more than 950 million citizens having the right to exercise their franchise, what is unique about this election is the widely believed foregone conclusion that Mr. Narendra Modi would win the election. As a matter of fact, most people do not say that the BJP, the party that Mr. Modi belongs to, would win the election but restrict themselves to say that Mr. Modi would win the election.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters as he arrives to attend a rally in Guwahati, India, February 4, 2024. [ Photo: REUTERS/Anuwar Hazarika/File Photo]

What is the reason for this situation?

Several discerning observers are of the view that Mr. Modi himself has created such a situation by naming his party’s election manifesto as “Modi Guarantee.” The opposition parties (said to be 26 or more) appear to have fallen into the trap and have carried out their election campaign largely focusing on Mr. Modi as a person. In other words, the theme of the election seems to have become “vote for Mr. Modi or vote against Mr. Modi.” This theme has provided an overwhelming advantage for Mr. Modi over others, both within his own party and in the opposition parties.

Mr. Modi’s performance

The fact is that even the most bitter critic of Mr. Modi cannot deny in the heart of their hearts that Mr. Modi’s performance as Prime Minister of India for the last ten years has been consistent in style, tone, and action and has been, by and large, positive governance.

While India is a vast country with multiple languages, religions, and habits, priorities, and traditional practices amongst people, it is not possible for any Prime Minister to satisfy everyone in one stroke. Over the last ten years, Mr. Modi has earnestly attempted to achieve this impossible task.

The policy measures initiated by Mr. Modi have been focused not only on the growth of the economy and industry but Mr. Modi has also attempted to focus on the individual lifestyle of people by launching a nationwide yoga program, a clean India campaign, and so on. Several schemes initiated by Mr. Modi to empower those below the poverty line by constructing millions of toilets, initiating free house schemes, zero balance accounts for the poor, etc. have been received well by the people.

Certainly, all the measures initiated by Mr. Modi in the last ten years have seen a reasonable level of success, though most of them are still in the work-in-progress stage but looking positive.

The leadership that Mr. Modi provided during the grave crisis due to Covid and his successful efforts to motivate Indian scientists to develop a vaccine to treat Covid have been applauded not only in India but around the world. Mr. Modi sent such a vaccine free of charge to several developing countries, indicating his global concern and vision.

In tackling the issues with China and Pakistan and keeping India’s head high in reacting to global events, Mr. Modi has created a sense of confidence amongst the Indians living in India and abroad.

Main concern:

The main concern of the people of India is the widespread corruption in the government and in the public and private sector institutions.

Mr. Modi did promise during the 2014 and 2019 parliamentary elections that he would wipe out corruption in India.

It is to the credit of Mr. Modi that he has ensured that his ministers and top bureaucrats in the central government have not been known to indulge in any corruption.

Obviously, Mr. Modi has thought that corruption in India could be wiped out only by promoting transparency in governance and he has taken several measures to promote digitalization and the transfer of welfare money to the people from government by bank transfer etc. Certainly, corruption is still prevalent in India and Mr. Modi still has a long way to go in keeping his promise to root out corruption in India. There are positive signals that Mr. Modi’s crusade against corruption would continue to the logical end.

Lack of positive campaign by opposition parties:

During the ongoing campaign by opposition parties in the parliamentary election, no worthwhile alternate policy measures that could be better than what Mr. Modi did have been convincingly announced. On the other hand, the opposition parties have reduced their standard of campaign by using abusive language against Mr. Modi such as liar, Hitler, dictator, thief and so on. Such abusive language used by the opposition parties seems to have decreased their credibility in the eyes of the people, as nobody doubts Mr. Modi’s personal integrity and sense of patriotism and courage of conviction.

Battle lost before it has begun:

At present, two phases of the poll have been completed and the remaining five phases would take place in the next one month. It appears that the opposition parties have lost the battle even before it has begun.

Mr. Modi has been traveling around the nook and corner of the country and constantly speaking about what he calls as Modi guarantee. In the last few weeks, several organizations abroad have issued statements about the so-called unemployment scenario in India, so-called human rights violation etc. But, such a campaign from abroad has not cut the ice with the people, as these issues have been highly exaggerated.

As the election has now become a comparative issue of Mr. Modi as a person with that of other opposition leaders, the opposition leaders, who lead family-controlled and dynastic parties, seem to have lost the race conclusively.

The election scenario is marked by rhetoric and noise but is conspicuous by the absence of excitement about results.

N. S. Venkataraman is a trustee with the "Nandini Voice for the Deprived," a not-for-profit organization that aims to highlight the problems of downtrodden and deprived people and support their cause and to promote probity and ethical values in private and public life and to deliberate on socio-economic issues in a dispassionate and objective manner.

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India — China: Dialogue and Deterrence go “Hand in Hand”

Repopulation of the Chinese dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ border villages are also ongoing with ; lans to have 628 such border defence villages.

by Rahul K Bhonsle

Hand in Hand was the name of series of joint exercises conducted by India and China in the heyday of India China defence relationship last held in 2019, post Galwan in 2020 the posture is that of limited dialogue with deterrence the former in the form of ambivalent posturing.

Chinese and Indian Army (File Photo)

During an interview with the Newsweek magazine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated that there could be talks with China. “It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us,” Modi was quoted as saying. “I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders,” he said.

This is an indication of Indian intent expressed at the highest level post the polls.

Responding to the same Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing on April 11 that “We believe that sound and stable China, India relations serve the common interests of both sides and are conducive to peace and development of the region and beyond”, she said.

At the same time, she reiterated the stand of the Chinese government, that the boundary question “does not represent the entirety of the India-China relations. It should be placed appropriately in the bilateral relations and managed properly”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Aprill 28 said talks between India and China are going smoothly and in a good environment during campaigning for BJP candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections. “India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries,” the minister said when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s accusation against the Narendra Modi government over Chinese aggression.

“I understand that we should wait for the outcome of the talks. But I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down,” he said.

This comes even as a Times of India report on 29 April indicated that China continues to build border infrastructure and dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ villages, strengthen military positions and deploy additional aircraft at air-bases  in Tibet Autonomous Retion. “People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is relentlessly consolidating its military positions and support infrastructure in various depth and staging areas along the LAC, including near the buffer zones created after troop disengagements in eastern Ladakh,” an unnamed defence and security source was quoted by the Times of India. China is focusing on enhancing approaches to the three buffer zones created so far in the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso and Gogra Hot Springs. Apart from infrastructure defence structures have also come up as per the Times of India.  The Chinese appear to be concentrating opposite Sikkim and Towang sectors.

Airfield upgradation has been noticed in Hotan, Kashgar, Gargunsa, Shigatse, Bangda, Nyingchi and Hoping. JH-7A fighter-bombers and three Y-20 heavy-lift aircraft, among others, deployed at Hotan in Xinjiang to add to the almost 50 J-11 and J-7 fighters, five Y-8 and Y-7 transport aircraft and KJ-500 AEW&C (airborne early-warning and control) aircraft already at these air bases as per the Times of India. 

Repopulation of the Chinese dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ border villages are also ongoing with ;lans to have 628 such border defence villages.

“All this clearly indicates PLA will continue to permanently station troops in forward locations along the LAC, even if eventually there is some sort of disengagement at the two major persisting face-off sites at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh,” the unnamed defence and security source was quoted by the Times of India.

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Legacy creation

We in Sri Lanka, must be proud of our President for inviting the most important political player in today’s world, Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran, to accept the invitation and visit our country, with all his other urgent commitments. This is the unwritten legacy of our President.

by Victor Cherubim

There is a lot to contend with when you are climbing the political career ladder these days. No longer is it a case of head down, work hard, deliver on your promises to the public, to your electorate and move up in your achievements to your nation, to your country you succeeded in putting on the world map, to the plaudits of your countrymen and women.

Iran President in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The path to success in life after years of a political career is decidedly more zig-zag now that you have reached the pinnacle of position and power, either as Prime Minister or even as President. From the trivial – being expected to be politically savvy and network to be much more serious, in the murky world of the cut and thrust of competition out there – to the more diplomatic nuisances of acting in the best interests of your country in the world at large, life has changed.

We in Sri Lanka, must be proud of our President for inviting the most important political player in today’s world, Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, the President of Iran, to accept the invitation and visit our country, with all his other urgent commitments. This is the unwritten legacy of our President.

Does any Sri Lankan know that our Past President, Mahinda Rajapaksa is featured in a special Westminster Coin Collection with King Charles III of UK, which I purchased as part of my specialist collection of World Coins?

All the years of agonising decisions is nearly over, it was as if you lived inside a high pressure chamber and now you have climbed out, or forced out from power, everything is about to change.

The foremost thought in your mind is what legacy that you wish or want to leave behind, for historians to assess your achievement for a life in politics. Need I say, this is much in the mind of our Sri Lanka President, Ranil Wickremasinghe?

How do you think Prime Minister, Sunak’s policies will be remembered in the long term?

Rishi Sunak has been focusing on several key policy areas in an effort to establish his legacy. Over the past week, he has announced plans to overhaul the welfare system, successfully passed the Rwanda deportation Bill through parliament, and committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by the end of the decade. Who knows what can happen in 2030?

However, it is well to note that most political leaders often engage in legacy building activities, which can include implementing significant policy changes, in order to leave a mark on their country’s future history and to influence future governance?

Legacies mean much for future generations, not only for historians?

Victor Cherubim is a London-based writer and a frequent columnist of the Sri Lanka Guardian

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With Navatny Dead Does Putin Have Any Red Lines?

Putin’s ruthlessness at home and his aggression abroad are difficult to fathom on his next move and how he intends to wrap up the Pandora's Box.

by Kazi Anwarul Masud

VLADIMIR PUTIN’S “RED LINE” TO WESTERN POWERS

In April 2021 Russian President Vladimir Putin sternly warned the West against encroaching further on Russia’s security interests, saying Moscow’s response will be “quick and tough” and make the culprits feel bitterly sorry for their actions. The warning came during Putin’s annual state-of-the-nation address amid a massive Russian military buildup near Ukraine, where cease-fire violations in the seven-year conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces have escalated in recent weeks. The United States and its allies have urged the Kremlin to pull the troops back. “I hope that no one dares to cross the red line concerning Russia, and we will determine where it is in each specific case,” Putin said. “Those who organize any provocations threatening our core security interests will regret their deeds more than they regretted anything for a long time.”

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny

MOSCOW REJECTS WESTERN CONCERN REGARDING UKRAINE

Moscow has rejected Ukrainian and Western concerns about the troop buildup, saying it doesn’t threaten anyone and Russia is free to deploy its forces on its territory. But the Kremlin also has warned Ukraine against trying to use force to retake control of the rebel-held east, saying Russia could be forced to intervene to protect civilians in the region. “We really don’t want to burn the bridges,” Putin said. “But if some mistake our good intentions for indifference or weakness and intend to burn or even blow up those bridges themselves, Russia’s response will be asymmetrical, quick, and tough.”As Alexey Navalny’s health is deteriorating, Magnitsky campaigner Bill Browder says countries who are hesitant to levy sanctions on Russian oligarchs and put pressure on President Putin, are “cowards”. As Putin spoke, a wave of protests started rolling across Russia in support of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and a human rights group said nearly 1,500 people were arrested. Thousands marched in central Moscow, where police blocked off a square next to the Kremlin. Police in St. Petersburg blocked off Palace Square, outside the Hermitage museum, and protesters instead massed along Nevsky Prospekt. The politician, who is Putin’s most persistent critic and was poisoned with a chemical nerve agent last year, started a hunger strike three weeks ago to protest what he said was inadequate medical treatment and officials’ refusal to allow his doctor to visit him. His supporters called the rallies as his health reportedly is in severe decline. Weapons development.

PUTIN DECLARES RUSSIA’S INTENTION TO MODERNIZE ITS NUCLEAR ARSENALS

In his speech, Putin pointed to Russia’s moves to modernize its nuclear arsenals and said the military would continue to procure a growing number of state-of-the-art hypersonic missiles and other new weapons. He added that the development of the nuclear-armed Poseidon underwater drone and the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile is continuing successfully. In an apparent reference to the U.S. and its allies, the Russian leader denounced those who impose “unlawful, politically motivated economic sanctions and crude attempts to enforce its will on others.” He said Russia has shown restraint and often refrained from responding to “openly boorish” actions by others. The U.S. ordered 10 Russian diplomats expelled, targeted dozens of companies and individuals, and imposed new curbs on Russia’s ability to borrow money. Russia retaliated by ordering 10 U.S. diplomats to leave, blacklisting eight current and former U.S. officials, and tightening requirements for U.S. Embassy operations. “Russia has its interests, which we will defend in line with the international law,” Putin said during Wednesday’s address. “If somebody refuses to understand this obvious thing, is reluctant to conduct a dialogue and chooses a selfish and arrogant tone, Russia will always find a way to defend its position.”

PUTIN CHASTISES THE WEST FOR TAKING DEFIANT STANCE TOWARDS RUSSIA

 In an emotional outburst, Putin chastised the West for taking a defiant stance toward Russia. In an apparent reference to the U.S. allies, he compared them to Tabaqui, a cowardly golden jackal kowtowing to Shere Khan, the tiger in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. “They howl to please their lord,” he said. Russia this week engaged in a tense tug-of-war with the Czech Republic following Prague’s move to expel 18 Russian diplomats over a massive Czech ammunition depot explosion in 2014. Moscow has dismissed the Czech accusations and retaliated by expelling 20 Czech diplomats. Putin also harshly criticized the West for failing to condemn what he described as a botched coup attempt and a failed plot to assassinate Belarus’s president, Alexander Lukashenko, allegedly involving a blockade of the country’s capital, power cuts, and cyberattacks. “The practice of organizing coups and planning political assassinations of top officials goes over the top and crosses all boundaries,” Putin said, drawing parallels to plots against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the popular protests that led to the ouster of Ukraine’s former Russia-friendly president, Viktor Yanukovych, in 2014. Russia responded to Yanukovych’s ouster by annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and throwing its support to the separatists in the country’s east. Fighting there has since killed more than 14,000 people and devastated the industrial heartland.

IS THERE ANY RATIONALE FOR PUTIN’S “RED LINE” NOW WITH NO OPPOSITION?

On February this year and opposition leader Navalny dead, does Putin have any red lines? There is alarm about the Kremlin’s recklessness but, after two years of war, sanctions are struggling and faith in Ukraine’s ability to defeat Russia is ebbing • Katherine Butler If the death of Alexei Navalny was a shocking message from Vladimir Putin to the already cowed Russian opposition, it has dramatically refocused Europe’s attention on the war in Ukraine and the threat Putin represents beyond Russia’s borders. Outrage is matched by a new sense of alarm. Not only does Putin appear unassailable in a Russia where the space for dissent has shrunk to nothing. But Navalny’s treatment suggests that Putin has no red lines as he seeks to win in Ukraine – which he now regards as a war with the West. Navalny’s widow, Yulia, took her husband’s struggle directly to Europe’s leaders and the global defense community in Munich and Brussels. Her moral authority probably influenced the tone of a joint EU statement pinning Navalny’s death on Putin.

EU SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA CONTINUES   

Beyond accusing him of “slow murder” and summoning Russia’s diplomats, however, Europe has little obvious leverage. Germany has proposed new EU sanctions. But 12 rounds of EU sanctions have already been imposed since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and a 13th round was approved recently. The UK is including bosses of the Arctic penal colony where Navalny died in its sanctions package. Critics say such measures have proved symbolic and easy to dodge: efforts to make Russia an international pariah have had limited success. Could a sense of Western panic about Ukraine’s defeat in the wake of Navalny’s death translate into more urgency – and unity – about arming Ukraine? Russia made its biggest battlefield gain since May last weekend with the fall of the city of Avdiivka. Ukraine blames its allies’ failure to supply it with enough ammunition and weapons to halt Russia’s progress. Putin by contrast has turned Russia into a “Kalashnikov economy”. Relentless propaganda ensures he controls the war message within Russia. A new 10-year bilateral security pact with Ukraine underlines the shift in Berlin’s direction.

WESTERN COALITION SPLIT ON SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Yet, Olaf Scholz’s coalition is split over sending Taurus long-range cruise missiles, which could allow Ukraine to strike behind Russia’s lines. Germany and France are also not seeing eye to eye on how to manage support for Ukraine. French officials told Patrick Wintour that poor coordination and incompatibility were bigger problems than the “billions” spent on weapons. Worryingly for those who believe that arming Ukraine is the best hope of stopping Putin, there has been a significant shift in European public sentiment about the war.

CONCLUSION

According to exclusive new survey data, barely 10% now believe Ukraine can defeat Russia militarily. A “compromise settlement” is seen as the conflict’s most likely outcome. A year ago, most people said Ukraine must regain all its territory.  Sheer fatigue, low morale, and trepidation is the present situation in Ukraine. More than 6.4 million Ukrainians fled the country in search of safety and 3.4 million are internally displaced. There was little love lost between Alexei Navalny and Ukraine, where his failure to condemn the annexation of Crimea drew anger. But an analyst argued for Guardian opinion that the Russian opposition’s greatest hope could lie in Ukraine. Putin’s ruthlessness at home and his aggression abroad are difficult to fathom on his next move and how he intends to wrap up the Pandoras Box.

Kazi Anwarul Masud is a retired Bangladeshi diplomat. During his tenure, he worked in several countries as the ambassador of Bangladesh including Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Germany

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Pakistan: Indicted Criminals Disguised as Leader

A troubling paradox emerges in Pakistan: rampant political corruption, fueled by the egos of a few generals and aligned judges, leads to increasing disunity, military interference in public affairs, and the perversion of serving the nation's people.

by Mahboob A. Khawaja

The Nation Besieged by Few Generals and Political Monsters

Pakistan for over 76 years lost its essence of national freedom which was achieved by a people-oriented movement for independence from British imperialism. British colonialism indoctrinated the masses of the sub-continent with its own distinct culture of thinking and behavior, public institutions and everlasting imprints of planned subjugation to foreign myths and ethnic superiority. The military establishment is one of those institutions of foreign thinking and actions. While India under Hindu dominated culture evolved its own brand of nationalism and political institutions, Pakistan fell victim to five major military coups and lost its search for national identity and Islamic foundation of the movement for national freedom. Today political corruption, moral and intellectual decadence, inept military domination and embedded uncertainties about a sustainable future are the new normal which a conscientious new generation of educated and intelligent Pakistanis are enduring for a navigational change. Pakistan future is at stake as the Generals and allied political conspirators would see no ending unless held accountable  and punished for their crimes.They are the wrong people – Generals do not build a nation, nor develop economy, agriculture, education, public institutions, moral and intellectual fabrics – they destroy all that was built by previous generations to pursue their own egoistic ends. Pakistan lost more than 50 years under corrupt politics. Pakistan does not need neo-colonial generals but Muslim thinking soldiers.

Pakistani army vehicles take part in a military parade to mark Pakistan's National Day in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 25, 2021. [Photo by Muhammed Semih Uğurlu/Anadolu Agency.]

More so, the Feb 8, national elections displayed a highly corrupt systematic scheme of rigging the elections  and favoring the most hated – most feared indicted criminals – Sharifs – Bhuttos family and a few corrupt Generals and depriving the new generation to imagine a navigational change to transform Pakistan into a progressive nation of the 21st century. The few Generals led by Assim Munir appear more conspirators to use the indicted criminals to their favor and oust them when they become a liability as it happened during several military coups in the past.  

 A paradox of unforgivable systematic infested political corruption complemented by the ego of few Generals aligned with higher court judges to a new threshold of emerging disunity, military intervention in public affairs and favorite perversion of evil mongering claiming to serve the 240 million conscientious Pakistanis. Few Generals lacking capacity to think right planned a fraudulent elections to reinstate Bhuttos, Sharfis and Zardari as they were produced by the Generals who stole more than 50 years of the national lifetime, wealth and opportunities for change to buy palaces in the UK, France and Spain and discredit the nation, its honor and standing in global affairs. None of them could return the precious time stolen from the lives of Pakistanis.

Do intelligent people learn words of wisdom even from their enemies? General PNK Choudry (former Chief of Staff of the Indian Armed Forces), who fought wars against Pakistan, narrated that if Pakistan had honest and intelligent leaders, they could have averted the 1971 surrender and defeat at Dakka- East Pakistan. I asked him how? He disclosed that ZA Bhutto had asked Mrs. Indira Gandhi (PM India) to help him become the next president of Pakistan; whereas Sheikh Mujib Rehman ( the elected majority leader) was more a Bengali nationalist aspiring to become the next leader of Pakistan. If the Pakistani Generals had transferred the power to Sheikh Rehman, it would have been the right thing to do and he would not have survived more than a few months as all the official machinery was based in Islamabad. Mrs. Gandhi agreed to help Zalfikar Bhutto but the price was defeat and surrender of Pakistan, and Bhutto was a power maniac to become the unelected leader of Pakistan. Editor Altaf Qureshi (“Skoot-e Dhaka say Purdha Utha Hey” the Urdu Digest), narrated the historic facts: ‘General Yahya Khan stabbed the body of Pakistan and Bhutto did the same.’ Are we not seeing the same story being repeated again in Pakistan after more than 50 years?

Recently, the US media reports Chuck Schumer (the US majority senate leader) is quoted telling the Pakistani Generals: ‘not to subdue or kill Imran Khan for political ambitions.’ Imran Khan (PTI imprisoned leader), in many ways represents the new hopes and aspirations of young generations of Pakistanis for political change.   Vengeful and paranoid Generals wanted to keep Khan and PTI out of power so nobody could question their wrong thinking and deceitful actions against the nation. Most dreadful tragedies have infallibly resulted in victimizing the masses. Today, the nation is crippled with catastrophic events of insecurity, mismanagement and socioeconomic and political exploitation.

The few Pakistani Generals view “power” and “Pakistan” as their own property. All Five coups were a stabbing to the body of the nation and ended up in loss of East Pakistan.  It is the role and responsibility of a nation to produce intelligent and honest leaders for future-making. Ironically, Pakistani neo-colonial systems have kept old and the obsolete to run the country. After 50 years of corrupt history, Pakistan is back to most hated and indicted criminals – the known traitors as leaders with the help of few Generals. Nations cease to exist when educated people of new generations who could have replaced the old and redundant guards leave the country and never return to build the nation. Young educated generations embark on migrating to Europe or America and never come back.

Wherever Generals bring coups, nations opt to conflicts, deaths and ultimate destruction of civility. Generals and Judges do not develop nations or civilizations but educated, thinking hubs and people of knowledge and vision. Today, the nation is crippled with catastrophic events of insecurity, non-productivity, mismanagement and socioeconomic and political exploitation. They view “power” and “Pakistan” as their own property. They are the wrong people, with wrong thinking and doing the wrong things. 

Imran Khan inherited a highly corrupt infested culture of political governance. Although Khan spoke of moral and intellectual values and nation-building, he did very little to support that agenda. Khan could have arranged evidence-based legal prosecution of Sharif brothers, Zardari and others for corruption, killings and stolen wealth but failed to do so. He did not kill anybody nor robbed any banks and political governance was infested with corrupt figures of the past.

Tyranny is Powerless and Nation Needs Legal Justice and New Systems of Political Governance

The besieged and morally inept few Generals using Sharif brothers will curb any open investigation to their alleged crimes and dismantle public institutions of accountability for a fair and just national elections. The few Generals and Sharif brothers are egomaniacs with an overwhelming pathological urge for political power to distort and reject the will and aspirations of the people of Pakistan striving for political change. Tyranny is always powerless and transitory.  Imran Khan and some 20,000 of his party supporters have been imprisoned under false pretext of political vengeance and to pave the way for another opening to the crime riddled Sharif family. Is there a hope for justice to the cause of the masses? A reconstruction and overhaul of the law and justice system and non-intervention by the Generals into politics and transfer of political power to the majority elected leader and party.  It is a long way to build a working democracy in Pakistan. To safeguard the future of national freedom, the few Generals and top Judges should be tried for violations of the Constitution, human rights, arrests of innocent masses and fake cases against Khan at the ICJ and ICC, The Hague? The possibility is there for public legal accountability including a firing squad to cleanse the stinking garbage.

Pakistan needs an urgent navigational change but few Generals and judges are part of the problem. The current state of Pakistani affairs reflects a complete societal breakdown and march towards self-annihilation. Despite the hollow claims of few Generals, no moral and ethical behavior is seen in the sudden and inexplicable plunge to human wickedness highlighting the affairs of the besieged nation. They would claim democracy at work when the majority winning party (PTI) is being blocked to form the next legitimate government and masses are outraged and oppose the Generals and Judges lacking respect, professional integrity and impartiality to serve the nation. The new generations of conscientious Pakistani will curse a few Generals and the Chief Justice for their alleged conspiracy to dehumanize the Islamic culture of rights and obligations of the masses. All they could get in return from the US covert operation is dry milk, used clothes and perhaps green cards to migrate to the US and keep their identities secret for reasons of pending justice and futuristic legal accountability. Have they not learned what happened to Saddam Hussein, Khadafi, Musharaf and the Shah of Iran?

Dr. Mahboob A. Khawaja specializes in international affairs-global security, peace and conflict resolution with keen interests in Islamic-Western comparative cultures and civilizations, and author of several publications including the latest: One Humanity and the Remaking of Global Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, Germany

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