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By Lord Ahmed - 1st December 2011
Lord Ahmed pays tribute to Pakistan as an ally who has made a commitment to the war on terror on the front-line.
Pakistan has been a natural ally of the United Kingdom, the USA and NATO since its independence in 1948 and enjoyed amicable relations with all three during the Cold War. Although economically and politically Pakistan has faced challenges and difficulties, her loyalties with the West have been steadfast.
History demonstrates this. During the Suez crisis, Pakistan resisted allegiance with the Muslim Arabs, and instead supported Western Europe. When Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan, Pakistan became a frontline ally for the Americans and NATO and provided intelligence, logistical and military support for the Mujahedeen and Afghan resistance fighters – leading to the eventual downfall of the Soviet mission in Afghanistan. Thousands of Pakistanis sacrificed their lives fighting the Soviets – and over three million Afghan refugees found safety in Pakistan. After the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, Pakistan saw an influx of narcotics – both in trafficking and for use – and the Kalashnikov culture prevailed. In the aftermath of this trend, the new generation of Pakistanis were faced with deprivation – poor education and scarce employment opportunities. In addition, there were billions of dollars lost by Pakistan, which could have been invested in providing a better future for the Pakistani youth.
During the 1991 Middle East crisis Pakistan's support of Saudi Arabia against Saddam Hussein's forces was yet further evidence of Pakistan's support for the West. After the tragic events of 9/11 Pakistan was asked by the USA to make a decision on whether to remain an ally of the West, or to keep silent about the Al Qaeda and Taliban presence in Afghanistan. Despite her losses during her last involvement in Afghanistan, Pakistan took a very difficult decision and became the front-line state against terrorism. We should not forget that Pakistan provides ISAF with its lifeline route – the majority of food, ammunition and the logistics for the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan are provided through Pakistan.
It is also important to understand that before the 9/11 attacks and the invasion of Afghanistan, the Pakistani Taliban – Tehreek-e-Taliban – did not exist. Elements of Tehreek-e-Taliban have specifically targeted government and security forces inside Pakistan and civilian losses as a result are now in their thousands – there are plenty inside Pakistan who oppose them – not least because of the enormous damage in financial and human terms, but also to the image of Pakistan. Despite Pakistan's commitment, the media does a good job of painting Pakistan as the enemy – ignoring her losses, ignoring her support, ignoring the vast majority of a 180 million-strong nation who want peace. The BBC's recent series, 'Secret Pakistan', is a good example of an overwhelmingly negative narrative, which will help the country none.
Pakistan has lost over 30,000 civilians and over 5,000 soldiers during the war on terror and almost 80 billion dollars in revenue. No other country in the world has lost so many people fighting this battle, in fact all other allied nations combined don't come close to the human cost that Pakistan has suffered. And yet the finger-pointing at Pakistan, demanding she do more, continues unabated. Pakistan is now heavily in debt, spends very little money on education, and there is little inward investment from her western allies.
It is for this reason that I have tabled a question in the House of Lords, so that we can say thank you to Pakistan for her contribution. Thank you for Pakistan's commitment to the war on terror as a front-line state. We should mourn her dead, as we do every week in Parliament – when we pay tribute to our own soldiers. We should also draw our attention to the fact that Pakistan needs help as a friend.
Nazir Ahmedis chair of the Joseph Interfaith Foundation and founder of the British Muslim Councillors Forum. He was raised to the peerage in 1998 and sits on the Labour benches.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd