SAFMA head’s anti-state rhetoric

South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA), an NGO formed by Mr. Imtiaz Alam, appears to be more concerned about Pakistan’s security institutions rather than freedom of media. According to the Face book and twitter accounts of Imtiaz Alam, a statement/declaration has been circulated among the intellectuals, writers, members of civil society upholding peoples’ rights, democratic supremacy and social security. More than hundred like-minded intellectuals, writers and some politicians have endorsed the declaration, which is highlighted by him on daily basis. Those who are endorsing the document do not realize that prophets of doom and gloom are trying to weaken Pakistan by spreading despondency and denigrating the military. Declaration in the third para states: “Pakistan is now faced with colossal crises and a dependent and fragile economic base can no more take the burden of a national security state”, conveniently forgetting that corruption-tainted politicians have brought the country to the present pass.
The document refers to Balochistan and FATA and mentions people’s sufferings of those regions. It supports the groups and elements including PTM involved in challenging the writ of the state. It opposes accountability of the corrupt and plunderers of national wealth. It does not see anything worthwhile in Pakistan, and completely ignores the successes in the foreign policy of the present government. The document insinuates that military establishment has been responsible for the crisis. Declaration stated: “Despite some flaws and shortcomings of the past democratic governments, the decade old ‘democratic transition’ is being gradually reversed through an illegitimate creeping coup in favour of a de facto authoritarian power-structure which is being overwhelmingly dictated by autocratic forces behind the façade of a sham populist regime with fascist inclinations”. Unfortunately, a section of Pakistani media advance arguments of enemies of Pakistan by criticizing Pakistan government and military.
They do it perhaps to show that they are bold and independent. Instead of being a voice of sanity and moderation, some of them had become a catalyst of discord and disharmony. Yet more appallingly, some palmed-off commentariat and media networks have been openly acting as the agents of inimical alien powers, purveying freely the perfidies of their foreign benefactors. Unfortunately, opulent classes, well-settled, well-fed and erudite the audacity to challenge Two-nation theory, which was accepted by the British and the world at large, and was indeed the basis for creation of Pakistan. Leaders of Indian congress, BJP and other parties have not reconciled with the creation of Pakistan. They have been trying to sow seeds of hatred between the federating units, and India has been instrumental in disintegration of Pakistan in 1971. Indira Gandhi had declared that the Two Nation theory has been drowned in the Bay of Bengal.
It has been admitted by Indian leadership especially present Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s role in breakup of Pakistan. On 13th August 2011, Mian Nawaz Sharif during his address at the SAFMA seminar had said that “India and Pakistan had a common heritage of culture; even their language and eating habits are similar”, which is travesty of the truth. According to private TV channel Waqat News, Nawaz Sharif had also reportedly said that Indian and Pakistanis worship the same god. Whereas Pakistan should have good relations with all the countries of the world especially neighbouring countries, there is no need to find or contrive the commonalities that do not exist. It is true that both countries would benefit from good relations, as instead of spending on defence they would divert their resources for the welfare of their downtrodden masses. But the question is how India and Pakistan can have good relations unless all outstanding disputes between them are resolved?