National interest- For Whom?

Nilofer Qazi
April 2012

I listened to a young army man recounting his experiences of Siachen with sadness. Describing the grueling conditions in which our soldiers both officers and sepoys endure both mental and physical pain, for what, some would ask?  Naively and so earnestly he replied, I don’t know? A natural question we do ponder, in the isolation, in our bunkers, all huddled up together battling going stark crazy through endless silent white nights. But our seniors, who know better, must have a reason for us to be here, it is not for me to question, I am a simple soldier and will do as I am ordered.  This blind faith in those who should know better, is heartbreaking. Do we know better? Who knows better? How do we calculate better?  Also,  admitting a little resentment felt by the soldiers serving at 22000 feet conditions, while their officers  live comfortably in cities, as some very young soldiers’ die unnecessarily of high altitude sickness.

Amidst, this insanity, and baffling war, there are heartwarming stories of shared humanity amongst deemed ‘enemies’.  Posts meters away from one another stories of comradeships on national days, holidays, between soldiers caught up in similar conditions make us civilians wonder, to what heights are we willing to waste precious lives and for what? But then again who are making these decisions I ask?

In 1992 as young intern with AKRSP in Skardu, a young pilot’s wife taught me how to make Gulab Jamans; occasionally when I did meet her husband between his flights to and from the various ‘Siachen’ bases, I learned the mere financial cost of a single roti for each soldier was Rs 500. Sadly in the summer of 1992 that pilot was shot down by ‘enemy fire” while delivering supplies to our troops.

Silly  and overly zealous nationalists try to justify the unjustifiable; they argue do you want to leave your front door unguarded however expensive it maybe? What idiocy? I remember my neighbourhood not too many moons ago, where there were no guards or even locks on the door. Having a safe neighbourhood is not inconceivable, however improbable it sounds today. If we are to dream then at least dream peace!  Living in fear has become a strategic business plan for some in Pakistan. We do need an alternative business plan!

Blind faith or what? Incredulous were the stories of our soldiers who continue to consider it an honour to serve in this nonexistent battlefield. The heights to which mad nationalism will travel too and for what, and whom? Does anyone take a moment to ponder the basics?  Soldiers admit the ‘battle’ doesn’t exist up there, only against the wrath of god manifest in excruciating inhumane conditions testing the mind body and soul-only. Let alone the cost to our exchequer some estimate $5 million a month, which we cannot afford.

It has taken 135 souls to perish for a national debate to emerge-there is no strategic value when it kills with impunity.  Let’s not forget the hundreds unaccounted for who have also died before the 135 souls who most recently perished. This nation has to begin to value every human life and develop plans and strategies in accordance with safeguarding every individual citizen, yes individual, not institutional or some imagined communal, rights.

Reassuring, the Prime Minister saw fit to convene a DCC to reflect on the ‘Siachen’ policy. Nawaz Sharif’s statement on the other hand, thankfully and clearly outlines what should have been in our ‘national interest’ -withdraw unilaterally and privilege the lives of your citizens first! I am so not interested if Indians privilege their soldiers lives or not. I care if we do. What are our national interest, when it maims physically mentally and financially your nation?

Follow the money as someone wise once said. Who benefits from this unholy venture? What kind of bravado is being demonstrated by this fruitless disagreement? If the will to resolve this disagreement over an imaginary line is paramount, then the powers that be will find a mutually agreeable solution- But then the paramount value of a Pakistani soul Must drive that process.

We all knew the Nato supplies were going to be reopened the day they were closed, why?  Because vested interests and enough pressure would ensure this, then I say -We Are also not expendable. Not one soldier or civilian in support of this misplaced adventure.  Make it happen. No excuses.

Listening to the brave young man in uniform I didn’t know how to respond to his ‘commitment’ to serve unconditionally, when his nation in return has little commitment in serving him.