Happy New year from Pakistan: New challenges & old prejudices
First ever democratic transition of Pakistan is in its 7th
month yet in the presence of For-profit clever media, soldiers of non-elected
elite and adolescent political actors, Pakistan is ready to enter in the
crumbling 2014. Withdrawal of US (NATO) troops from Durand-line area may be a
big scope but multimillion questions is who will hit the ball. In 1809, a
British officer Charles Metcalf had visited Lhore where he wanted to sign an
agreement. It was beginning of imperial game that started against Napoleon
(French), raised against Tsar (Russians) and finally sold smartly to Americans
in post lend and lease scenario. The book “Metcalfe’s Mission to Lahore 1808-9”
based on Punjab Government Record Office reproduced at Page 22 proposed
articles from the British officer to Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. The reference was
Metcalfe, No 26, 5th October 1808. There were three proposed
articles as follows
1.
Joint action against French incursion.
2.
Military passage through the Punjab and a
military depot in the country, if it becomes necessary to advance British
troops beyond the Indus.
3.
A British post to be laid through the Punjab,
for collection of intelligence about the countries beyond.
Although Maharaja brushed away these articles smartly yet it
shows what was in the mind of Empire at that time. Even in his famous minutes
of Feb., 2 1835, Lord Macaulay warned the empire from the rise of Russians;
“Another
instance may be said to be still before our eyes. Within the last hundred and
twenty years, a nation which had previously been in a state as barbarous as
that in which our ancestors were before the Crusades has gradually emerged from
the ignorance in which it was sunk, and has taken its place among civilized
communities. I speak of Russia. There is now in that country a large educated
class abounding with persons fit to serve the State in the highest functions,
and in nowise inferior to the most accomplished men who adorn the best circles
of Paris and London. There is reason to hope that this vast empire which, in
the time of our grandfathers, was probably behind the Punjab, may in the time
of our grandchildren, be pressing close on France and Britain in the career of
improvement.” Minute by the Hon'ble T. B. Macaulay, dated
the 2nd February 1835 http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00generallinks/macaulay/txt_minute_education_1835.html
Rise
of Prussian Germany in late 19th century compelled the Empire to manage
the home threat first and in haste the empire mischievously carved two lines
one at Punjab, Afghanistan and Iran border (Durand line: 1894) and other at
China India border (McMahon Line: 1914). It was a tactical arrangement yet
after First World War Empire remained busy at domestic fronts.
From more than two centuries this
issue is haunting us. No one knows when will it end? Withdrawal of troops
should be linked with revival of old trade routes and it needs peace and
stability yet some forces are there who want to fulfill their old dreams. In
this scenario, we are ready to enter in 2014.
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