Kashmir Watch, Jan 29

By Alam Rind

      ISI Chief has recently pointed out that the Afghan soil is being used for terrorism against Pakistan. There is an unchecked infiltration of terrorists from across the border, which needs to be controlled to have peace in the country. Under the circumstances people, Government and Pakistan Armed Forces are confronted with a never ending enemy having unlimited resources. These terrorist besides being sponsored by the regional powers in pursuance of their own agenda have started generating fund in connivance with the drug mafia. A war torn region infested with lawlessness provides an ideal environment for drug trade. This phenomenon also places an effective tool at the disposal of those who contrive terrorism in Pakistan, further complicating Pakistan's war on terror.

      UNODC' survey indicates a constant increase in the hectares of opium poppies cultivation in Afghanistan especially during last six years. In 2007, 193,000 hectares were cultivates, which was an increase of 17% over the last year. Some 80% of the opium poppy cultivation was located in Hilmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Dar Kundi, Zabul, Farah and Nimroz. It is trafficked through different routes. According to a survey 53% of morphine and heroin is traded through Iran, 32% through Pakistan and 15% via Central Asian States. Pakistan is both a consuming as well as transiting country. This trade is mainly handled by Afridi, Baloch and Shenwar tribes and the drug is transported from Nangarhar to Makran Coast in Pakistan and from there to Middle East and Europe.  As per UN's report Taliban in Afghanistan made about 100 million by levying a 10% tax on opium growing farmers. Their cooperation with the drug traders also includes protection during shipment and trade and provision of labor for harvesting. Taliban are being driven by the lust for money and have forsaken high Islamic and moral values. They apparently use the money to maintain their ranks and files, buy weapons and other material for terrorist activities.  

      The situation points towards a limited self sufficiency of Taliban as far as financial resources are concerned. However, they are still dependent upon their well-wishers for provision of weapons and training. It has also relegated them from the high pedestal of being the implementers of Islamic fundamentals to an organization which could do anything for the want of money. At the same time financial independence has added to their strength, making it more difficult to combat them. They can recruit more manpower and spare funds to plan and execute terrorist acts. A collective approach has to be adopted to combat drug trade and to resolve regional disputes. Local strategy aimed at provision of education and development of effected areas also needs to be formulated.

      With about 240 million addicted world over and about 20 million addicted in the region, narcotics will remain in high demand. It yields ten times more profit to a farmer than wheat and other legal crops and needs three times less water. According to a report of UNODC about 509,000 families are affiliated with poppy cultivation. With an average family size of 6 to 7 members it accounts for 14.3% of Afghanistan's population. In a war torn country having exceptionally high unemployment, high prices of the basic goods, lack of control, insurgency and corruption it is not easy to convince people not to cultivate poppy, their primary cash corp. World needs to come forward to fulfill its obligations towards Afghanistan by undertaking the promised developmental works. Farmers need economic support, provision of seeds, improved irrigation system, mechanized implements for farming etc. Coupled with this there is a need to provide alternative livelihood to the farmers. General development in the country and wide spread educational network will help eradicate this menace.

      To dry out this funding source for Taliban there is a need to take a regional approach. The governments of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and those of Central Asian states needs to workout a joint strategy to build physical barriers to block smuggling, enhance capabilities of law enforcing agencies, intelligence sharing and conducting joint operations. There is also a need to launch global campaign to reduce the number of edicts world wide. These actions need lot of effort and will be slow to have results. Another step to combat terrorism and Talibanization is to remove regional irritants as these provide cause to such outfits. In subcontinent "Kashmir" is the bleeding wound transmitting the tails of Indian atrocities and a constant source of infusing anger among Muslims. The Indian occupation of Kashmir was inherently incorrect based on deceit and intrigue. The matter was further complicated due to non compliance of UN resolutions by Indians. To bring peace to the region, resolution of the Kashmir issue should remain high on Indo-Pak agenda and that of the world community. As it will go a long way in subduing terrorism.

      Terrorism needs to be checked with full force. Their involvement with drug mafia gives a different tint to the whole situation. Anyone who controls drug mafia controls Taliban or terrorists. It leads to a possibility that Taliban may be constrained to execute instructions of the third party. The players, those who are not interested in peace and development in the region. This makes the job of Pakistan Armed Forces and intelligence agencies all the more difficult. The only way forward is to be strong from within, and that can only be achieved through public participation. Government needs to initiate developmental works, education campaign and political activities in the effected areas without further delay. 

Posted on 29 Jan 2010 by Webmaster