FRIENDS Profile

Introduction                                                               

Aims and Objectives                                                  

Organizational Structure and Functioning                     

Board of Governors                                                   

FRIENDS Centre, Rawalpindi                                    

Research Cooperation                                                

Research Activities                                                    

Foreign Visits                                                           

Publications                                                               

Chairman FRIENDS

Address as COAS 25 August 1988                                                   

Membership Form

Introduction

The Foundation for Research on International Environment, National Development and Security with acronym FRIENDS was established on August 21, 1991 at Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

The Foundation undertakes studies and research on global, regional as well as national issues for promoting peace, harmony, progress for the overall betterment of humanity. In order to realize the requisite objectives, it functions as an independent apolitical, non-governmental, and non-profit organisation.

The Foundation also undertakes various academic and field-oriented socio-economic developmental activities in collaboration with national as well as international organisations – governmental and non-governmental.

Aims and Objectives

        FRIENDS promotes independent and objective inquiries into issues having a bearing on national development and security, regional economic cooperation and for promoting global peace.

        In order to fulfill this aim, FRIENDS organizes national, regional and international seminars on pertinent issues and publishes Quarterly Journal, “National Development and Security”, containing well researched articles besides publications of books and monographs on important issues.

        We are cooperating with all relevant think tank organization within the country and abroad, to promote the objectives of peace and economic cooperation.

Organizational Structure and Functioning

Organizational Structure

The constitutive bodies of FRIENDS are: Board of Governors, Advisory Committee(s), Executive Committee, Managing Committees of the Chapters, Organizing Committees of the Branches.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors exercises general supervision over the affairs of FRIENDS and provides the overall policy guidance for all its activities, functions and management including employment. The Board is also responsible to raise donations in cash and kind to meet the expenditure of FRIENDS and contribute towards achievement of its aims and objectives.

The Board in its meetings decides the annual programme of activities. The meetings of the Board are held periodically as and when deemed necessary. However, holding of at least one meeting in a year is obligatory. The Board of Governors is headed by the Chairman who is also responsible for the day to day functioning of FRIENDS within the framework authorized by the Board of Governors. See Annexure – A.

FRIENDS Centre, Rawalpindi (See Annexure – B)

Affiliation with the United Nations

The United Nations Secretariat Committee for non-governmental organisations has enrolled FRIENDS as an Associate of the Department of Public Information (DPI) since 1994. FRIENDS' representative(s) have attended UN functions at UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva.

Research Cooperation

FRIENDS maintains close collaboration with a number of academic institutions, think tanks and NGOs in Pakistan. It has also been cooperating with foreign organisations committed to similar goals and objectives. Some of these are listed In Annexure – C.

Research Activities

With a view to promoting its objective, FRIENDS has organised various International and National Seminars, Colloquia and Group Discussions. See Annexure – D

Foreign Visits by FRIENDS' Research Scholars

FRIENDS has been cooperating with foreign organization, committees to promote culture of peace and cooperation. See Annexure – E

Publications

   FRIENDS has been publishing a series of books, monthly journal, quarterly journal and monographs. See Annexure – F

Funding

FRIENDS' activities are funded through the following means:

Donations. Donations are accepted from the private sector. Donations are exempted from income tax which has been approved by the Government of Pakistan.

Membership Subscription. FRIENDS' members pay membership subscription as well as subscribe to FRIENDS Quarterly Journal.

Sale of FRIENDS' Publications. FRIENDS is a non-profit Foundation. As such FRIENDS' publication are sold to disseminate its research for general benefit. The money recovered through sale of publications only partially meets the cost of publications.

Collaboration with other Organisations. FRIENDS undertakes its research activities and publishing of research work in collaboration with international and national organisations. For the past five years significant cooperation has been in progress with Hanns Seidel Foundation, Munich, Germany. In addition FRIENDS also undertakes research projects on contract basis on terms and conditions as mutually agreed upon. UNESCO Sub-Regional Workshop on The Culture of Peace in Central South Asia (1995) and an International Seminar at Ashgabat in collaboration with UNESCO and Government of Turkmenistan on Central Asia: Regional Cooperation for Peace and Development (1997) can be quoted as an example.

FRIENDS acknowledges with thanks the Pakistan Government's approval classifying FRIENDS as a charitable institution and granting Income Tax exemption in terms of Section 47(1)(d) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1979 read with Rule 41(2) of the Income Tax Rules, 1982, vide their letter No. SO.I.26(78) FRIENDS/92-93/ 5245, dated 6-5-1993.

Membership

The Foundation has the following categories of membership which cater for both the Pakistani nationals as well as foreigners:

Founder Members. Founder members are the members who signed the Memorandum of Association and Articles of FRIENDS and are signatory to its registration with the Government.

The Board of Governors may elect from time to time distinguished scholars and persons to become Patrons of FRIENDS.

Life Members. Distinguished intellectuals and scholars may be elected by the Board of Governors as Life Members. The life membership of FRIENDS shall be a coveted honour and shall be conferred only upon such persons who distinctly stand out at the national or international levels in the fields related to the aims and objectives of FRIENDS.

Honorary Members. Individuals with interest in the activities of FRIENDS and who can contribute or participate in furthering the aims and objectives of FRIENDS may be elected as honorary member by the Board of Governors.

Institutional Members. Any Foundation, Trust, Institution, Organisation, Agency, Authority, Corporation etc., which is interested in the Aims and Objectives of FRIENDS and is desirous of becoming its Member may be given Institutional Membership by the Board of Governors. The subscription, exchange of facilities, other terms and conditions etc. shall be decided from time to time and on case to case basis by the Board of Governors.

Regular Members. Research scholars; specialists; experts; writers; speakers; thinkers; veterans; parliamentarians; journalists; serving or retired bureaucrats; serving or retired officers of Pakistan Armed Forces; and other serving and retired government officials; etc., shall be eligible to apply for membership of FRIENDS and may be enrolled as Regular Members of FRIENDS by the Executive Committee. Regular Members shall be required to pay subscription as prescribed by FRIENDS from time to time. It shall be obligatory for Regular Members to subscribe to the FRIENDS Quarterly Journal titled National Development and Security. In case of serving government officers and Pakistan Armed Forces officers, a No Objection Certificate from their organisation is a pre-requisite for membership of FRIENDS.

Associate Members. Individuals who are interested in the activities of FRIENDS but are not yet fully qualified to become regular members may be enrolled as Associate Members. Associate members shall be required to pay subscription as prescribed by FRIENDS from time to time. It shall be obligatory for Associate Members to subscribe to the FRIENDS Quarterly Journal titled National Development and Security.

Participatory Members. This category of members includes scholars, professionals, journalists, experts, etc., who actively participate and contribute to FRIENDS research activities, such as seminars, group discussions and symposia etc. It is, however, not obligatory for this category to subscribe to FRIENDS Quarterly Journal which is mandatory for Regular and Associate members.

Foreign Affiliates. This category of members includes foreign scholars, professionals, researchers, experts etc who participate and contribute to FRIENDS research activities, such as seminars, group discussions, symposia and publications etc. The annual membership fee for Foreign Affiliates is US $100 or its equivalents in Pakistani Rupees, however, the Honorary Foreign Affiliates are exempted from membership fee. They, in collaboration with FRIENDS, will promote the objectives of peace, development and cooperation in the region. These members can also give suggestions/proposals relating to FRIENDS research work.

Annexure – A

Board of Governors

General Mirza Aslam Beg                      Patron-in-Chief & Chairman

Dr. S.M. Rahman                                     Secretary General and Acting Executive Vice Chairman

Fasahat H. Syed                                      Member

Air Marshal (R) Ayaz Ahmad Khan    Member

Dr. Pervez Iqbal Cheema                        Member

Brig (R) A.R. Siddiqui                             Member

Dr. Shireen M. Mazari                             Member

Dr. M.R. Khan                                          Member and President,                    Karachi Chapter

Prof. G.J. Pareshan Khattak                    Member

Mr. Ross Masood Hussain                    Member

Dr. Ali Muhammad                                   Member

Ms. Asifa Farooqi                                    Member

Syed Ali Akbar Rizvi                               Member

Dr. M. Sadiq Malik                                   Member

Dr. S.M. Koreshi                                      Member

Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Bhatty                   Member

Mr. Mushahid Hussain Syed                 Member

Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gillani                                  Member

Dr. Iffat Malik                                            Member

Brig. (R) Dr. Ahsanur Rahman Khan     Member

Dr. Maqsoodul Hassan Noori                Member

Dr. Wajid H. Pirzada                                 Member

Annexure - B

FRIENDS Centre, Rawalpindi

General Mirza Aslam Beg          Founding Patron-in-Chief and Chairman

Dr. S.M. Rahman                        Founding Secretary General

Qaiser Ali Raza                           Research Associate/Web Page Editor

Sadiq Hussain                              PA to Chairman

Muhammad Nawaz                      Assistant Librarian

Zahoor Ahmad                             Computer Operator

Annexure – C

Research Cooperation

Bangladesh

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), Dhaka, Bangladesh

China

Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD), Beijing, China.

Chinese Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS), Beijing, China.

Egypt

Centre for Asian Studies, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, Egypt.

Germany

Hanns Seidel Foundation, Munich, Germany.

India

Institute for Defence Studies and Security Analysis, New Delhi, India.

The Forum for Strategic and Security Studies, New Delhi, India.

Department of Politics & Public Administration University of Pune, India.

Iran

Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

Jordan

Royal Scientific Society, Amman, Hashmate Kingdom of Jordan.

Russia

Institute for Oriental Studies, Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia.

South Africa

Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.

South African Institute of International Affairs, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Annexure – D

Research Activities

Regional Peace and Security

Kashmir Conflict

Governance and Domestic Politics

Education in Pakistan

New World Order

Media

Population

Science and Technology in Pakistan

Sustainable Development

Environment

Human Rights

Annexure – E

Foreign Visits

1993

Chairman FRIENDS, General Mirza Aslam Beg undertook a tour of Iran, UAE, Jordan, Norway, USA and UK in June/July 1993 and addressed several institutions.

The Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Iran, on Regional Cooperation.

The Arab Thought Forum, Jordan on The Future of Regional Security in Central Asia.

Peace Research Institute, Oslo on Pakistan's Nuclear Programme: A National Security Perspective.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA and several other institutions in Berkeley and Chicago.

Chairman FRIENDS and a five member delegation visited China from September 19-24, 1993. Gen. Beg addressed several research institutions, the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS), the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Academy of Military Sciences. Subjects of Regional Cooperation as an Element of Security, Pak-China Friendship as a Model.

General Mirza Aslam Beg was invited to Sudan by the Popular Arab and Islamic Conference to attend its second International Conference in Khartoum on December 2-3, 1993. He presented a paper on Dynamics of Global Conflict and Ummah's Response.

1994

An international seminar on The Process of Development in Central Asia and the Caucasus, was organised by the Institute of Political and International Studies (IPIS), Tehran, Iran, from January 17-19, 1994. FRIENDS representative presented a paper in the seminar.

General Beg was invited by Iraq to participate in an international symposium on Problems Facing Iraq due to Economic Sanctions, from February 5-8, 1994, in Baghdad.

FRIENDS participated in the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 1995 NPT Conference held at UN office in Geneva from 12 to 15 September, 1994 and its representative highlighted FRIENDS point of view.

A representative of FRIENDS also attended United Nations World Summit for Social Development held at Copenhagen, Denmark from March 6 - 12, 1995, and presented a paper titled "Social Development: A Case for Fundamental Economic Rights" at the NGO forum.

The NPT Review and Extension Conference from April 17 to May 12, 1995, held in New York was also attended by a FRIENDS representative.

1995

Chairman FRIENDS, General Mirza Aslam Beg was invited in July 1995 to address the prestigious Henry L. Stimson Centre, Washington D.C. on Conflict Resolution in South Asian Region at a Luncheon meeting on July 11, 1995. The notables who participated in the discussion were Robert Oakley, the former Ambassador to Pakistan, Selig Harrison of Carnegie Endowment, Ellen Laipson of the National Security Council, Michael Krepon of Stimson Centre, Steve Richard of Department of State, and Thomas Lippman of Washington Post. Besides a number of scholars, representatives of US Government, media men from various parts of the world notably India, China, Pakistani scholars and representatives of Pakistan Embassy were also present. After the talk, General Mirza Aslam Beg responded to a number of questions on the war in Kashmir, nuclear proliferation, Gulf War and problems related to South Asia.

A representative of FRIENDS presented a paper in an international seminar on Bosnia Herzegovina: Future Prospects in Tehran, Iran, from August 27-28, 1995, was organised by the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS).

General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS paid a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from September 27 to October 4, 1995 on an invitation by H.E. Abbas Maleki, Deputy Foreign Minister for Education and Research. He led a delegation comprising scholars and Businessmen / Entrepreneurs. IPIS organised a seminar on October 2, 1995. General Beg presented a paper on Strategic Options for Iran and Pakistan in the Post Cold War Era. General Beg also addressed the faculty and students of Imam Hossein University, on An Evaluation of Threat to Iran which was also attended by the Vice Chancellor, and some distinguished scholars and Senior Commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).

1996

A five-member delegation led by General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS visited China from May 5 - 13, 1996 on the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD). The delegation held a meeting with Mr. Zhu Shanqing, Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice President of (CPAPD), and discussed various bilateral issues. He also held a meeting with Mr. Qian Liren, Chairman Foreign Affairs Committee of (CPPCC). The delegation held an indepth session with China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the Chinese Institute of International Strategic Studies (CIISS). In (CIISS), views were exchanged with General Xu Xin, former Army Chief of People's Liberation Army. A full-day seminar organised by (CPAPD) was co-chaired by Head of (CPAPD), Mr. Zhu Shanqing and General Beg. Three speakers each from Pakistan and China made their presentations. FRIENDS delegation also visited Shanghai and held a discussion with the Institute for International Studies, Shanghai Branch. Members of the delegation also exchanged views with the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University and Centre for South Asian Studies. Later the delegation also visited Nanjing Province. During this visit, many protocols were signed between FRIENDS and various Chinese institutions for bilateral research cooperation in the fields of environment, development and security.

A FRIENDS' scholar, Mr. Muhammad Munir participated in a three-week course on International Security held at St. Andrews University, Scotland, U.K. from July 21 to August 9, 1996). The course was attended by scholars from twenty two countries.

FRIENDS participated in the First Conference of the 21st-Century forum on China and Asia in the 21st century sponsored by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, China on September 4-6, 1996. In addition to Chinese scholars, amongst others, very prominent scholars from the world also participated.

A FRIENDS scholar also participated in the special session of the Commission for Social Development in New York (21-31 May 1996) and presented the concept of Fundamental Economic Rights.

1997

A two-member FRIENDS delegation comprising Mr. Fasahat H. Syed, Executive Vice Chairman, FRIENDS and Dr. S.M. Rahman, Secretary General FRIENDS visited Tehran, Iran to attend a seminar on OIC in the Future World of Tomorrow held at IPIS, Tehran on February 24-25, 1997. They also presented papers in the seminar.

A FRIENDS scholar participated in the conference of Indian Ocean Research Network (IORN), which was held from March 10-11, 1997 in Durban, South Africa. A research paper on Regional Cooperation for Fulfillment of Fundamental Economic Rights was presented. The Conference was attended by the representatives of 15 countries with a large number of participants from Australia (27), India (10), Mauritius (9) and South Africa (68).

A twenty member delegation including FRIENDS scholars led by General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman, FRIENDS visited Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to participate in FRIENDS International Seminar on Central Asia: Regional Cooperation for Peace and Development held from 26-28 November 1997.

Dr. Shireen M. Mazari, member FRIENDS Board of Governors visited India and participated in the Symposium on Defence Doctrines and Strategy in Asia at Surajkund, on November 29-30, organised by Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, India.

1998

Dr. S.M. Rahman visited Iran to participate in a international seminar on Regional Approaches on Persian Gulf organized by IPIS, Tehran, Iran on 24-25 February 1998. He presented a research paper on the Political Aspects of the Subject.

On the invitation of Chinese People Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) a five member delegation from FRIENDS on a eight-day visit from 6-14 September, 1998. The delegation was led by General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS, which included Mr. Fasahat H. Syed, Executive Vice Chairman, FRIENDS, Dr. S.M. Rahman, Secretary General FRIENDS, Dr. M.H. Qazi, Vice Chancellor, Hamdard University, Karachi and Mr. Shabbir-ul Hassan Zaidi, Advisor, Jinnah Rafi Foundation, Lahore.

The major event during the visit was a seminar organized by CPAPD at Wanshou Hotel where two papers each were presented by Mr. Fasahat H. Syed on “The Present Security Situation in South Asia - A Collective Regional Response to Sanction” and by Dr. S.M. Rahman on “Combating Regional and Global Hegemony - Need for Strategic Consensus”. Two scholars from China presented papers on “Asian Financial Crisis and China’s Role and Current Security Situation in South Asia” and by Professor Zhang Yunling, Director, Institute of Asia Pacific Studies, and Mr. Liu Huaqiu, Research Fellow of Science and Technology information Centre for China National Defence respectively.

The delegation during its visit to Shanghai held meetings at the Shanghai Institute of International Studies and Centre of American Studies, Fudan University and at Xian the delegation held a meeting with head CPAPD of Shanxi Province.

1999

Dr. S.M. Rahman, Secretary General, participated in an international conference on Asian Security in the 21st Century organised by Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) on 27-28 January 1999. He presented a paper on behalf of General Mirza Aslam Beg on “Defence Planning in the Era of Strategic Uncertainty.

Dr. S.M. Rahman on behalf of Chairman FRIENDS participated in an international seminar on Nuclearization of South Asia: Problems and Solutions organized by Landau Network Centro Volta, UNESCO Venice Office and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 20-23 May 1999. He presented General Beg’s paper on “Nuclearization of South Asia: Rational Diffusion of Holocaust".

Mr. Fasahat H. Syed, Executive Vice Chairman, participated in Regional Workshop on Globalization and Security in South Asia organized jointly by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) in collaboration with the Friedrich-Nauman Stifting, New Delhi & Ford Foundation on 25-27 May 1999. He presented a paper on “Dynamics of Globalization and Security Concerns in the South Asian Region”.

Dr. S.M. Rahman participated in the Seventh Annual Seminar on Central Asia & the Caucasus: The Caspian Sea - Opportunities & Obstacles organised by IPIS, Tehran, Iran on June 22-23, 1999. He presented a paper on Energy Security Imperatives: Constructing a Paradigm of Regional Cooperation for Caspian Sea.

Three member delegation led by General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS visited Germany from 5 to 14 October 1999. The other two members of the delegation were Mr. Fasahat H. Syed and Dr. S.M. Rahman. In Munich the delegation visited Hanns Seidel Foundation's Headquarter and held meeting with the Chairman and other officials of the Foundation. Delegation also visited Berlin and Chairman FRIENDS addressed selected scholars at the office of Hanns Seidel Foundation on Managing Peace in Nuclearised South Asia, which was followed by intensive discussion. He also addressed a cross-section of Pakistanis residing in Berlin, on important national issues of Pakistan.

2000

General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS paid a visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 22 - 28 January, 2000 and participated in IPIS International Seminar on "The Persian Gulf: Towards the 21^st Century" held on 24-25 January, 2000. He presented a paper on Energy Security Paradigm for Persian Gulf Region in 21^st Century. Besides, participating in the seminar General Beg also held meetings with governmental and non-governmental dignitaries.

Five member FRIENDS delegation let by General Mirza Aslam Beg visited China on an invitation from Chinese Peoples’ Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) from 11-20^th October 2000. The other four members were Dr. S.M. Rahman, Syed Murtaza Moosvi, Dr. Hein Kiessling and Mr. Ross Masood Hussain. Besides participating in a seminar on Threat to Peace in South Asia in Early 21^st Century, the delegation held meetings with Vice Chairperson Standing Committee, NPC and the President CPAPD and other governmental and non governmental dignitaries.

Dr. S.M. Rahman, Secretary General, FRIENDS, participated in an international seminar on “Regional Cooperation in South Asia: Interfacing New Dimensions and Perspectives” organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on 22-24 October 2000. He presented a paper on “SAARC and New Paradigm of Security”.

2001

Miss. Sadia Nasir, Research Associate, FRIENDS, participated in a Summer Workshop on “Defence, Technology and Comparative Security in South Asia” organized by Regional Center for Strategic Studies on January 5 – 15, 2001.

2002

Dr. S.M. Rahman, Secretary General, FRIENDS participated in an International Conference on “BRAHIMI COMMISSION REPORT ON UNPKO – what after September 11?” organized by Regional Center for Strategic Studies (RCSS) Sri Lanka on 11 – 14 May, 2002.

General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS participated in “The 2^nd International Conference on Afghanistan: Prospects for Future” organized by Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) on 21-22 December 2002. He presented a paper on “Afghan Turmoil: Its Impact on Iran and the Region.

2003

On the invitation of Chinese People Association for Peace and disarmament (CPAPD), a five member delegation from FRIENDS on a nine-day visit from 17-26 October 2003 visited CPAPD.

The delegation was led by General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS, which include Dr. S.M. Rahman, Secretary General, Dr. Andreas Rieck, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation, Munich Germany and Air Marshal (Retd) Ayaz Ahmad Khan, former Vice Chief of Air Staff Pakistan.

Annexure – F

Publications

    Periodicals

    Quarterly

National Development and Security. The Journal includes research articles on subjects relating to National Development, Security and the international factors bearing upon them.

    Monthly

FRIENDS Perspective. This monthly publication discusses topical issues of national, regional and international importance. It is a bilingual publication consisting of articles written in English and Urdu.

    Books

Development and Security by General Mirza Aslam Beg, Chairman FRIENDS and Ex Chief of the Army Staff. This book is a compilation of his research papers and articles on issues relating to international relations; security; and development.

Kashmir and South Asian Security with an Introduction by General Mirza Aslam Beg and edited by Dr. S.M. Haider. It comprises essays contributed by Dr. Javed Iqbal, Mr. Mushahid Hussain, Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema, Mr. Niaz A. Naik, Air Marshal (Retd) Ayaz Ahmad Khan, Ms. Sibtain Tahira, Dr. S.M. Haider and Col. (Retd) Ghulam Sarwar. It provides an account of key opportunities available to Pakistan and enunciates a comprehensive strategy for South Asian Security.

Pakistan, Central Asia and the Region: Prospects of Regional Cooperation for Peace and Development edited by Dr. S.M. Haider is based on the proceedings of FRIENDS International Seminar on Regional Cooperation for Peace and Development held in November 1992. The book discusses the scope of cooperation among Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, China and the Central Asian States and also the concept of Asian Regional Cooperation ARC.

Fundamental Economic Rights edited by Fasahat H. Syed is based on the proceedings of the FRIENDS International Seminar held in November 1994. It highlights economic and social rights of human society.

Pakistan's Political Experience and Future Prospects Vol. I, co-authored by Fasahat H. Syed and A.R. Siddiqui. It analyses the historical perspective of Pakistan's politics and suggests possible remedies.

The Dilemma of Pakistani Politics and Need for Structural Reforms by Dr. M.R. Khan. This is the second publication of the series on Pakistan's Political Experience and Future Prospects. It is a constructive, realistic and unbiased appraisal of our strengths, weaknesses, achievements and failures. The author has highlighted salient issues and recommended a few workable solutions.

Role of Women in National Development edited by Fasahat H. Syed is based on the proceedings of FRIENDS' International Seminar on Role of Women in National Development held in June 1994. The book discusses problems currently being faced by women both in the developing and the developed world.

Pakistan's Political and Administrative Structure edited by Shabir Ahmad. It discusses political and structural problems being faced by Pakistan.

Security, Trade and Advanced Technologies in South Asia: Opportunities and Strategies for Regional Cooperation edited by Dr. S.M. Rahman is based on the proceedings of an international seminar on the topic mentioned above. The book contains some new ideas and brings out prospects of cooperation among regional countries of South Asia.

Geoeconomic Imperatives of Kazakhstan. This was published on the occasion of 4th Anniversary of Independence of Kazakhstan and discusses Kazakhstan's growth potential, internal and external policies and its role in regional cooperation.

National Integration edited by Col. (R) Ghulam Sarwar. The book discusses problems of national integration in Pakistan.

The Culture of Peace in Central South Asia. The book is based on the proceedings of the Sub-Regional Workshop organised in collaboration with UNESCO in November, 1995. It includes view points of eminent scholars from Iran, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan with regard to promotion of peace, stability and development in South Asia. It also suggests ways to reduce crisis potentialities through a non-military approach.

Regional Security Issues by General Mirza Aslam Beg. It comprises two articles titled Towards A Pragmatic Pak-US Relations and It Is Now Iran's Turn.

Organizational Change and National Development co-authored by Dr. Garth N. Jones and Dr. S.M. Haider. The book primarily addresses policy makers, government functionaries, politicians, researchers, and agents of change. It takes a positive stance that changes in formal type organisations can be induced and managed in a systematic and constructive fashion. A conceptual framework is outlined which defines meaning, content and intent of planned change. Seven basic operational elements in planned organizational change are identified, defined and explained in relation to the issues of national development.

OIC and the Contemporary Issues of the Muslim World edited by Col. (Retd) Ghulam Sarwar with a foreword by General Mirza Aslam Beg. This book is based on the proceedings of FRIENDS' International seminar on the topic mentioned above. Scholars from Egypt, Germany, Iran, Malaysia and Pakistan presented their research papers. The book analyses the progress achieved by OIC and how its pace can be accelerated in the future for speedy achievement of its laid down objectives.

Nuclear Disarmament and Conventional Arms Control Including Light Weapons edited by Fasahat H. Syed. This book is based on the proceedings of FRIENDS' international seminar on the topic mentioned above. Its foreword has been written by General Mirza Aslam Beg. The contents are based on the presentations made by the scholars from China, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran and Pakistan. It covers salient aspects of this important issue including Nuclear Disarmament; Elimination of Weapons of Mass Destruction; Control of Conventional and Light Weapons; and Civilianisation of Armament Industries. It highlights the imbalance in the emphasis which is accorded to the issues of the nuclear proliferation and the conventional arms. The latter which is the main source of conflict and the misery in the world has not been given as serious a thought as it deserves.

Central Asia: Regional Cooperation for Peace and Development edited by Dr. S.M. Rahman. This book is based on the proceedings of FRIENDS International seminar organized in collaboration with Government of Turkmenistan, UNESCO and Hanns Seidel Foundation, Munich, Germany November 1997 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. It include view points of eminent scholars from China, Egypt, Germany, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan.

Regional Cooperation Among Indian Ocean Countries edited by Mr. Fasahat H. Syed with a foreword by General Mirza Aslam Beg, covers the research papers presented in the International Seminar held on this topic in Islamabad. It is a pioneer attempt to bring out all the dimensions of regional economic cooperation among the Indian Ocean Rim Countries including land-locked states and the territories in the Indian Ocean. The book covers the historical perspective of this regional economic protocol from 1993 till November 1999.

Globalization: Geoeconomic World Order edited by Dr. S.M. Rahman with a foreword by General Mirza Aslam Beg, covers the research papers presented in the International Seminar held on this topic in Islamabad. The eminent scholars from various countries presented their papers containing in this book have examined the shortcoming of globalization as well as the benefits that can be derived from globalization.

SAARC in the New Millennium edited by Dr. S.M. Rahman with a Opening Address by General Mirza Aslam Beg, covers the research papers presented in the International Seminar held in Islamabad on 21-22 November, 2001 at Holiday Inn Islamabad Hotel, Islamabad.

    Monographs

Need for Revolutionary Changes in the Electoral System by Col. (R) Ghulam Sarwar, discusses Pakistan's electoral system and brings out necessary changes to improve the system. This book is in Urdu language.

Political Stability in Balochistan after 1993 Elections by Prof. Dr. Syed Mahmood Ali Shah. (Urdu). This research paper was presented in a seminar organised by FRIENDS Quetta Chapter.

Strategic Option for Iran and Pakistan in the Post Cold War Era by General Mirza Aslam Beg. It discusses various strategic options for Iran and Pakistan and gives comprehensive and concrete recommendations in this regard.

Social Development: A Case for Fundamental Economic Rights. This paper was presented by Dr. S.M. Rahman at the World Summit for Social Development, Copenhagen, Denmark, in March 1995, organised by the United Nations.

1995 Review and Extension Conference of NPT. A FRIENDS policy statement delivered by Fasahat H. Syed on the occasion of 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held from April 17 to May 12, 1995 at the United Nations, New York, USA.

Taking the Nuclear Fence Down by General Mirza Aslam Beg. This monograph on the Nuclear Issue discusses the Historical Antecedents; How Righteous is NPT?; and A New Look at NPT.

Pakistan's Security Environment: The Ideological Dimension by Dr. Syed Salahuddin Ahmad. A study on Pakistan's relation with India and USA in Ideological perspective.

Fifty Years of United Nations. It has been co-authored by Shabir Ahmad and Junaid I. Khan. This monograph on United Nations was published on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

Sino-Pak Relations in the Post Cold War Era by General Mirza Aslam Beg. This research paper was presented in a seminar organised by Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) in Beijing, China on May 7, 1996.

China and the Post Cold War Paradigm in Asia by General Mirza Aslam Beg. This research paper was written for presentation at the First Conference of the 21st Century Forum, sponsored by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, China in September 1996.

Political Stability in Balochistan after 1993 Elections by Prof. Dr. Syed Mahmood Ali Shah. (Urdu). This research paper was presented in a seminar organised by FRIENDS Quetta Chapter.

National Security - Diplomacy and Defence, by General Mirza Aslam Beg, discusses Pakistan Diplomacy in historical perspective and also provides a vision for the future. It also contains a research article on Defence Planning in the era of Strategic Uncertainty.

National Security - Democracy and Nuclear Dread. This monograph contains two articles by General Mirza Aslam Beg - Dhaka Debacle and Democratic Debasement, and South Asian Nuclear Dread Yes or No to CTBT.

National Security - Energy Security by General Mirza Aslam Beg. This monograph is based on General Beg's paper on Energy Security Paradigm for Persian Gulf Region in 21^st Century which he presented in an international seminar held in Tehran, Iran.

National Security - Pakistan-India and Afghanistan by General Mirza Aslam Beg. The monograph is based on the Agra Summit, which may not have brought spectacular results but it did pave way for future interaction. The monograph also discusses the key role of Taliban in the present situation.

National Security - Pakistan and Afghanistan by General Mirza Aslam Beg, the monograph discusses diverse issues ranging from Nuclear Imperatives, CTBT, Terrorism, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

National Security - South Asia by General Mirza Aslam Beg, the monograph contains 4 articles dealing with different issues relating South Asia, like, nuclearisation, Clinton’s South Asia Package and Socio Economic Aspect of the region.

National Security - Pakistan’s Nuclear Propriety by General Mirza Aslam Beg, monograph covers different aspects of nuclearisation and dynamics of nuclear reality for South Asia.

National Security – Pakistan, India and Afghanistan by General Mirza Aslam Beg, monograph covers the articles on Taliban, Afghanistan and factors that led to the birth of Taliban and forces that converged to destroy them leading to the formation of a moderate government in Kabul.

National Security – Democracy Development and Defence by General Mirza Aslam Beg, monograph is covering the internal dynamics and Pakistan, political predicament and prospects of transition to democracy. The articles also deal with contentious issues like Kashmir by analyzing its latent dimensions and Indian posture to attain strategic objectives.

National Security – Afghanistan Turmoil: and Regional Security Imperatives by General Mirza Aslam Beg, monograph is covering the security issues related to Afghanistan and region as well. The monograph was presented in an international conference “The 13^th International Conference on the Persian Gulf”, organized by Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) in Tehran, Iran.

National Security – Taliban and Beyond by General Mirza Aslam Beg, monograph contains several articles written from time to time focusing on Afghanistan and particularly the launching of US War and its implications.

National Security – Iraq War and Global Trends by General Mirza Aslam Beg, monograph contains several articles focusing on US global objectives. It also contains analysis of the initiatives of peace in Kashmir.

National Security – Reflections on Current Psycho-Social Realities by Dr. S.M. Rahman, Ph.D. (Duke, USA), Secretary General FRIENDS, the monograph contains several articles which cover pertinent trends having bearing on global, regional and national security.

National Security – War on Terrorism and Global Trends by General Mirza Aslam Beg and Dr. S.M. Rahman, Ph.D. (Duke, USA), Secretary General FRIENDS, the monograph contains several articles focusing on the scenario that has emerged after the US intervention in Iraq.

Annexure – G

Chairman FRIENDS

General Mirza Aslam Beg

General Mirza Aslam Beg, after obtaining his Bachelors degree from Shibli College Azamgarh, British India, joined Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, graduating in 1952 as a commissioned officer in the Pakistan Army. He rose to serve as Chief of the Army Staff from 1988-91. In his distinguished military career, he held various important command, staff and instructional appointments. After promotion to the rank of Brigadier in 1974, in the Star rank appointments he served as Chief Instructor, Armed Forces, War Course in National Defence College, Pakistan; General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division; Corp Commander; Chief of the General Staff; and Vice Chief of the Army Staff at General Headquarters, Pakistan. He holds Master's degree in War Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

He has been decorated both nationally and internationally. During his military career he was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-e-Basalat by the President of Pakistan; Tongil (First Class Medal) by the Government of South Korea; Legion of Merit by the Government of USA; and Bintang Yudha Dharna Utama by the Government of Indonesia.

After retirement from the Army, General Beg has established Foundation for Research on International Environment, National Development and Security (FRIENDS) as an independent, apolitical, non-governmental and non-profit research organisation.

General Beg's main areas of interest are related to development and security at national, regional and global levels. His several articles have been published in the national and international journals.

Since 1992 General Beg has addressed various international fora on important issues in the United States, Norway, Holland, Austria, China, Iran, Sudan, Iraq etc.

Presently, he is also the Chairman of a national level political party named Awami Qiadat Party (AQP), which was launched under his leadership in March, 1995. FRIENDS, however, functions as a non-political research organisation

ADDRESS

By

General Mirza Aslam Beg, NI(M), S.Bt

Chief of the Army Staff

to Army Officers

On

25 August 1988

at Rawalpindi

(Verbatim speech, as recorded by the Staff)

Brother Officers,

Assalam-e-Elaikum

The purpose of assembling here today is to apprise you of some important matters related to the tragic death of our President and COAS, General M. Ziaul Haq and our friends and colleagues who embraced Shahadat. I would also like to inform you of our future course of action and would mainly touch upon three crucial issues; namely the gruesome tragedy, the subsequent steps that we took in its aftermath and our future course of action. Before I proceed further, I would like you to join me in offering Fateha for the Shaheed President and our friends and colleagues who accompanied him on this fateful journey.

I would like to give you the background of this tragic incident. The full facts, shall emerge after the enquiries of our own and foreign experts are finalized. You will then be able to know as to who all were involved and responsible for this conspiracy. Besides foreign agents, there might be some of our own people involved in this gruesome, act for no conspiracy can ever succeed without the cooperation of people from within. However we are determined that Insha Allah all those involved in it would be identified and brought to book. To start with, the President had himself set the date of 17 August to witness the tank trials. He wanted to personally see the performance of Al-Khalid and M1A1 tanks and to evaluate their battle efficiency under realistic conditions. He told me of his desire on 16th August and said that he would reach Bahawalpur at 9.30 AM. As is customary, I had to be present to receive my Chief in person. I along with Brigadier Ijaz Amjad (PS(V)), the MGO Major General Hamid Niaz and DGMO Major General Jehangir Karamat, left in my aircraft and reached Bahawalpur 15 minutes before the arrival of the President. We received him and we all boarded one helicopter, for the firing ranges. Alongwith CGS and two Corps Commanders and the President, we went to the site of demonstration. We watched the demonstration which lasted for about two-and-a-half hours. Al-Khalid tanks met all the conditions of the trial. After the trials we returned to Bahawalpur and spent about one-and-half hours with Lt Gen Shafiq, the Corps Commander.

A separate programme had been prepared by the Commissioner Bahawalpur for the American Ambassador at his residence. After offering Zuhar prayers and lunch, we prepared for the return journey. I was the last to shake hands with the President who in his usual friendly manner enquired as to where I was going. I informed him that I was returning to Rawalpindi. He said, “come along” but as he saw my plane parked nearby, he said, “But, you would like to travel in your own plane.” I said, “Yes Sir, I have some of my colleagues too with me.” This was the isthmus as far as I was concerned. Had he given me even a nod, I would have surely accompanied him. No body knows the will of Allah and what is ordained for us. Only He is all-knowing.

Ten minutes after the departure of the President’s plane, I along with those who had to travel with me, boarded my aircraft. We had hardly covered a short distance when our pilot Colonel Minhaj gave me the message that the ground control has lost contact with the President’s     C-130 and had asked him to establish contact with the President’s plane but he had not been able to do so. I directed him to contact all air traffic control stations to ascertain whether any of them was in contact. Soon after, Colonel Minhaj gave me the shocking news that perhaps the President’s aircraft had crashed near the bridge on River Sutlej close to Bahawalpur. I immediately directed him to turn back towards Bahawalpur. While approaching the Bahawalpur bridge we descended close to the ground and saw a horrible sight – the debris of C-130 in the midst of smoke and flames. Meanwhile the two helicopters which had taken off for Multan from Bahawalpur after my departure, had landed near the site of the crash. Lt General Shamim Alam, the Corps Commander, was in one of these helicopters. After visiting the site he passed the message to me that he had positively identified the President’s aircraft and there were no survivors.

I wanted to visit the site of the crash but soon the idea came to my mind that as the worst had already happened, my presence at Rawalpindi was imperative, because a big vacuum had been created which could result in rumours, apprehensions and misgivings. Therefore, before my plane could touch down at Bahawalpur, I directed my pilot to proceed to Rawalpindi. During the flight to Rawalpindi, I kept thinking and praying to Almighty Allah to help me and provide me the guidance and show the path to face the challenge which had fallen on my shoulders. The prayers gave me relief and a sense of courage to face the crisis. I deliberated upon the best possible course of action under the circumstances but I deemed it immensely important that I should do nothing until I had consulted my colleagues. I passed orders for full alert and by the Grace of Allah, within minutes the entire Army was in a state of readiness. When I reached General Headquarters, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Hakimullah, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Saeed Ahmad Khan (the Naval Chief being abroad), Lt General Imran, Lt Gen Waraich, Maj Gen Hameed Gul, DGISI and Brig Aziz, JAG were present and waiting for me. I consulted all of them and we unanimously decided that the best course of action was to follow the constitutional path and to let the reins of the government revert back in the hands of those to whom it belonged.

After taking this decision, we requested Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, Chairman Senate to reach GHQ. We apprised Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan of the situation, who immediately rose to the occasion and accepted the responsibility of becoming the acting President of the country. The acting President decided to convene an emergency meeting of the Cabinet. We proposed that the three Services Chiefs should also participate. Even though procedurally this was, incorrect, but in the larger national interest we deemed it necessary as we wanted the entire nation to know that the Government had the fullest support of the armed forces.

The Cabinet met and important decisions that emerged were: Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan would function as the acting President; the Cabinet would continue functioning according to its constitutional obligations and if necessary a state of emergency would be promulgated. The formation of an Emergency Council was also decided, because in the absence of a permanent government, a care-taker machinery would not be able to cope with the demands of the situation. Pursuant to this decision, the Cabinet set up an Emergency Council comprising some senior Ministers, the Chief Ministers of the provinces and the Chiefs of the three Services. The Emergency Council was also to serve as a link between the armed forces and the government and will continue only till such time that the conditions stabilized. These in short were the actions taken on 17th August.

Gentlemen: you must be aware that during the last two and a half months, accusations have been leveled, both from our eastern and western borders and Pakistan was threatened of dire consequences for its principled stand on Afghanistan. I would like you to recall a statement of 13th August 88, of a Russian minister, who said “The attitude which Pakistan had adopted with respect to Afghanistan leaves no other option for them but to undertake retaliatory action.” Only two days later i.e. on 15th August, the Indian Prime Minister speaking from the pulpit of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 42^nd anniversary of their independence, unequivocally stated that “if Pakistan did not give up its support for the Sikh terrorists, India would not hesitate to take punitive action. We would take such actions that Pakistan would later repent.” These are serious threats and we have to be fully prepared to meet such threats.

I would like to make it clear that our responsibility rests squarely in preserving our constitution while remaining within the norms and confines of the established laws of the country. This is the ideal path for us. Beyond this I will not take any other decisions. Therefore, we decided that collective and consolidated recommendations would be furnished to the Government after consulting the formation commanders and the Services Chief.

I knew it well that Formation Commanders and many officers would be equally eager to reach here on 20^th August to participate in the burial ceremony of the President but I invited only the formation commanders and sat through till 2 AM on the night of 18^th and 19^th deliberating on all crucial aspects and unanimously arrived at some decisions. These decisions consisted of four important aspects which revolved around the sanctity of the constitution; adherence to the supremacy of laws and justice; support to the policy on Afghanistan and the strengthening of the democratic order, after the elections of 16^th November 1988.

As promised, we have forwarded our recommendations to the acting President and it is hoped that with the cooperation of the Cabinet, he would be able to implement them. As I earlier said that “under the present circumstances the role of the armed forces is extremely important. We have to work unitedly and in complete harmony so as to avoid any confusion. We have to ensure the implementation of the four basic points, I have mentioned. Therefore, it is necessary to create an atmosphere of mutual confidence between the Government, the people and the political leaders. Elements who would try to obstruct our path would be severely dealt with. You would be able to appreciate that at this critical juncture heavy responsibilities Allah has placed upon our shoulders. The security and integrity of the country has to be preserved at all costs. “We have to make correct decisions for there is no room for wrong actions as these may lead to disaster. I therefore deem it proper to take you all into confidence so that between our judgment and actions, there was complete harmony.”

Today I have summoned the Corps Commanders again to take them into confidence and determine our future course of action. “I, therefore, want you to be a witness and let there be no illusion in any body’s mind, that our objective is clear and explicit. Allah is also a witness to our resolve that we will never change our path nor drift from our obligations. Whosoever comes after me in this office will follow the same goals,” because it is the established practice of war that if a commander carrying the banner of truth and righteousness falls a martyr, the banner is passed-on, to the next in the chain, and is kept aloft. Let our adversaries know for sure that we shall never shirk our responsibilities or drift from our path. We shall not deviate from our mission nor shall our faith dwindle or our Iman weaken just because our enemy has succeeded in killing our Chief. It is the same enemy across our borders which has caused so much of carnage and atrocities perpetrated against the freedom fighters in Afghanistan. Despite the brutalities, the movement for freedom continues, with the urge to win freedom against a mighty war machine of a Super Power. It would be our enemy’s aim to create a climate of insecurity in the country and rumours are being circulated to foment doubts and apprehensions in the minds of the Pakistani people. The call of the hour is not to pay any heed to such rumours. Instead, it is obligatory on you to reject the malicious propaganda and thwart the machinations of our adversaries. In this, lies the betterment and salvation of our country.

On this occasion let me say very briefly about myself, for if you have to follow me, you must know me well. You have seen me only as a brother officer, but perhaps you are not fully aware of my identity as a Muslim and my deep commitment to the ideology of Pakistan. You perhaps may not know what my cherished values, hopes and aspirations have grown from my background. I was born in the city of Azamgarh in U.P (India), and did my B.A from Allama Shibli Nomani’s College. While I was in my college, the movement for Pakistan had started. I joined the movement and from 1945 to 1947, I was President of the District Muslim Students Federation. It was my singular honour to be in this position and it gives me great sense of satisfaction that I struggled for the freedom of my country. I take pride in the fact that I am the only serving General to have had this privilege and honour. We waged the struggle for freedom where Muslims were in minority; they comprised only 11% of the population. We struggled for the establishment of Pakistan and remained steadfast in the encounter between the forces of good and evil. Therefore, Pakistan is in my blood and marrows. Pakistan is uppermost in my consciousness. It is an element of my faith and it is my identity. If there is no Pakistan, I have no identity of my own. After the creation of Pakistan, events drastically changed and I proceeded towards the land of my dreams. I left everything behind and if I carried anything, it were my memories of the land, where I was born, bred, educated and struggled and was able to join the Pakistan Army in 1950. Today, Almighty Allah has bestowed upon me the position and has put me to such a great test and challenge. The journey, which started from a very humble beginning, has taken me to such a responsible position – the command of the largest and the finest Army of the Muslim World.

If you analyse the journey of my life, two aspects become very clear and the realization of these will enable you to understand and perceive me with objectivity. The first is the patent reality that being totally unknown and having no sources of support and favour, from any quarter whatsoever, except the support of Allah and the prayers of my parents, I have risen to this position. This testifies to the fact that in this glorious Army there is no discrimination of language, status, caste and creed. The deserving gets his due. No other army in the world can demonstrate such impartiality and adherence to justice and equality. The other aspect of my life is that when I was leaving my hearth and home, I went to my father to pay my parting homage. Because of the emotional upsurge, I had tears in my eyes. My father strictly forbade me not to cry and counseled that, Allah helps only those who face ordeals and never retreat from their mission and obligations. His words were, “Go ahead, Allah be with you. Seek His will. It is He, who will determine your path.” My father advised me to “be regular in offering prayers; always tell the truth (Haq), give the due (Haq) to the deserving (Haqdars) and live on “Rizq-e-Halal.”  I have tried to lead my life on these golden principles, which form the basis of my values and mode of my thinking. This, in a nutshell, is my identity.

There is yet another experience of my life. When the struggle for Pakistan started, there were two political groups within the Muslims – one comprising the Congressite Muslims and the others belonging to the Muslim League. There were doubts in our minds whom to follow. We went to our elders and sought their advice. They said that, the popular will is the will of Allah. “From wherever the name of Allah is voiced, follow that path. You will never err.” I have followed this advice and have never erred.

I have witnessed many upheavals in my 38 years in uniform. I have seen the ghastly picture of the dismemberment of my country into two and plunging into the abyss of darkness and humiliation. This happened because we were not united and were busy cutting each other’s throats, shedding blood of our own brethren, remaining oblivious of each other’s sanctity and honour. When we were so utterly exhausted, and there was no energy left in us, the enemy taking full advantage of the situation, amputated one of our arms. This was a time when we should have taken the most flawless decision but we didn’t. We followed the undesirable path and had to encounter such an ignominious fate. We are at the crossroads once again where only correct and faultless decisions have to be taken. We cannot afford to commit mistakes anymore. We must realize our responsibilities and with the blessings of Allah arrive at the most desirable course of action. When we arrive at a decision we should single mindedly pursue it to achieve our objectives. This way our succeeding generations will remember us with pride and will appreciate our patriotic zeal and fervour. They will know that we were not hankering after power nor did we fall prey to greed and rapacity and that we are only soldiers of Islam. In the words of Iqbal our values are:

_________________________________________________

(Kahari-o-Ghaffari-o-Quddusi-o-Jabroot)

I would like to apprise you of the happenings within and around our country and point out the threats that we face. I also intend to highlight some silver linings in the dark clouds. This should give us encouragement to face the challenges that we are confronted with. You must have realized that the enemy has chosen the most opportune time to strike at us – the C-130 crash - particularly when there was a care-taker government in power and we were stepping towards installation of a democratic order in the country. It was the time when the freedom struggle of our Afghan brethren had reached a crucial turn and there was the prospect of final victory. The moving spirit and the central figure in all these events was the towering personality of our President General M. Ziaul Haq. The enemy, therefore, deemed it expedient that if the centre of gravity – the President – was eliminated, their nefarious designs would bear fruition. They thought that the vacuum so created would be filled by another dictator, and such a dastardly act would dampen our spirits and detract us from our national goals and aspirations. But our enemy was utterly naïve and ignorant. No one can deny the fact that on that black day of our national tragedy when we were taking our President for burial, a sea of humanity eager to have the last glimpse of their leader, had spontaneously gathered and demonstrated their deep love and admiration for him. They also exhibited exemplary discipline which is the hallmark of this nation. The character and quality of our people found its abundant expression on that day of grief and agony. Endowed with such quality, our people are second to none.

There is no room for despair and despondency. Ours is a nation which has the potential to face ordeals and knows how to overcome the tribulations, no matter how grave in magnitude. If at all there is proof required, one should look westwards, where, the impoverished nation – the Afghans – intoxicated with the love of Islam and freedom, has faced the fiercest storm and turned the tide of events which testify to their tenacity and unflinching faith in the cause that they cherished. There is no parallel to it in our contemporary history. In a similar vein, our nation also is anxiously waiting for our young leadership, which will steer it to its cherished path. The nation is fully cognizant of its destiny. All it needs is a clean and clear headed leadership. It is my earnest prayer and wish that Allah guides our leaders to rise and galvanize the nation so that we achieve our goals. We need to discipline ourselves and forge unity in our ranks. Thus equipped, we should fearlessly face our foes and defeat them in their nefarious designs.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that in this hour of struggle, we are not alone. The entire nation is with us. It is our nation that despite recurrent crises and troubles in its short span of life, has the resilience to resist subjugation and live with dignity. The second positive note which has emerged and which augurs well for us is, the heroic struggle on the north-western borders where the freedom struggle is steadily progressing towards its final goal. The days of the hegemony of Super-Powers are over and now we will witness the dawn of the supremacy of Islam. The triumph of democracy is in sight. The third matter of rejoicing is that near our western borders from the territory of Iran, emerges the will of the people who have triumphed, against the neighbouring aggressor, the Islamic forces have taken deep roots and a democratic order has been established. In other words, the sun is rising, which is a source of inspiration and strength. The three countries, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan are emerging free, strong and resilient, moving towards a common destiny, to unite together and form the bastion of power – the Strategic Depth of the Muslim World. It’s a vision which must be converted into a reality. The friendly nations, particularly Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China have reaffirmed their unqualified support and cooperation. The USA has given assurances that there would be no change in its policy and is determined to protect and safeguard our integrity and interest in the region.

My message to my countrymen is that they be rest assured and sleep in comfort. We are wide awake for the sake of our motherland. I direct my soldiers to guard the frontiers of the country with fullest preparation and utmost vigilance and with the commitment “_____________ (Khuzu Hizrokum)”. There is nothing to worry. The nation has chartered its course and we have to tread that path. Stick to your assigned jobs, leave politics to the politicians. Insha Allah, we will soon attain our national goals.

Let us all pray to Almighty Allah to grant us courage and fortitude to fulfill our obligations. May Allah give us the vision to make right decisions in this hour of trial. Aameen!