Pakistan Army's mercenary tactics exposed: Report sparks outrage

Tel Aviv (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan's attempt to portray itself as a mediator in the ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran has come under scrutiny, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The report highlights Pakistan's tainted history and its strategic contradictions.

Citing long-standing geopolitical patterns, the report states that Pakistan's military has been of ambiguous character, often displaying a double standard in global affairs. The report notes that Pakistan's military has long played a dual role in global geopolitics. Journalist Hasan Mujtaba cited a popular comment, "Most countries have armies, but in Pakistan, the army has a country," suggesting that the military has often operated beyond traditional boundaries.

According to the report, Pakistan is currently positioning itself as a "mediator" in a potential conflict between the United States and Iran, but its past complicates this role. This includes allegations that during Mirza Aslam Beg's tenure, Pakistan provided nuclear know-how to Tehran.

The report states, "Pakistan maintains a working relationship with Iran's Shia regime, while also exerting influence over Sunni groups, particularly in Iran's Balochistan region. This dual balance is part of Pakistan's strategic policy."

Pointing to internal contradictions, the report states that Shia organizations in Pakistan, such as the Imamia Students Organization and the Zainabian, have often been linked to violent protests in response to US-Israeli tensions related to Iran. Such unrest has reportedly negatively impacted both civilians and security personnel. The protests have often escalated tensions. In this context, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir warned Shia clerics to avoid violent retaliation.

The report also claims that the Shia community has had limited representation in Pakistan's military, leading to discontent. Citing Musa Khan, it said that representation at this level has declined since the 1960s. Citing historical context, the report cited the Korean War and the Bangladesh Liberation War, highlighting Pakistan's role and the controversies surrounding them. The article described the events of 1971 as a "mini-Holocaust," saying that Pakistan should still formally apologize to Bangladesh.

It mentions Pakistan's longstanding ties with Iran and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The report also highlights Pakistan's relationship with China, describing it as "higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the ocean," noting cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas, including defense and infrastructure.

The report highlights Pakistan's double standards, accusing it of interfering in geopolitical matters as per its convenience. It questions China's silence on the issue of Uighur Muslims. It exposes Pakistan with an example, claiming that Chinese officials contacted Qazi Hussain Ahmed to help negotiate with Uighur groups in Xinjiang.

The report also mentioned the discovery of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, which raised questions about the role of the military establishment. It also mentioned allegations of a "double game" during the reign of Pervez Musharraf and financial support from the US.

Finally, the report stated that Pakistan's attempts to mediate appear to be part of a strategic image-building exercise and cannot be considered credible unless key parties such as Israel and Iran are involved in the process. It also warned that any major geopolitical shift in Iran could have repercussions for Pakistan's restive Balochistan region, which is already experiencing an insurgency.