24 September 2017
Dawn Newspaper

Cultural Guardians By Bina Shah
A famous historian from Afghanistan, Nancy Dupree died last month. She worked to save Afghan heritage because she believed in the importance of history. Many others in Afghanistan has also risked their lives to save the movies and museum architects. Likewise, Alasad, 82, an archaeologist was beheaded for not telling where the antiques are in Syria.
Those, who want to destroy culture, indeed want to destroy history. In Pakistan, few are working to preserve culture. However, we must understand that preserving culture is very important for us to survive as a nation.

Pak-Afghan Truth by Faqeer Husain
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, clearly seconded Trumps statement that Pakistan is not being helpful in fighting with Taliban. Both countries share the same history and same problems. And solution to the problems of both countries lies in cooperation with each other.
China is investing a lot in Pakistan. However, China wants to maintain relations with India too. It fully recognizes Washington’s part in stabilizing peace in Afghanistan and wants Pakistan to pay its part. Kabul and Washington alone cannot be blamed for the failure of Afghan War. Pakistan definitely shares some part of this failure.
China and American both want peace in Afghanistan. China wants realization of One Belt, One Road dream. America wants internal security. Both countries should help Pakistan and Afghanistan to collaborate with each other.

A Normal September by Muhammad Ahmed Rana
September has often been not as stable as it is this year for Pakistani politicians. Prime Minister of Pakistan has successfully and confidently cleared its stance over Afghan War in UN General Assembly. Last year Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif was not able to clear its position because of the aftermaths of Uri attacks in India. Last September saw severe clashes among establishment and civilian government.
Pakistan needs to convey the message that war is not a solution of extremism problem in Pakistani context. Rather, the World needs to develop a more radical approach toward it. Pakistan cold convince the world about its strategy of de-radicalization of extreme group, however, Pakistan failed badly when in the name of mainstreaming the terrorist groups, they were allowed to take part in politics of Pakistan. This strategy made Pakistan even more skeptical in the eyes of the World.
China is extending support to deal with Pakistan and Afghan conflicts. Pakistan should come on tables with Afghanistan. Parliament should play its role and healthy debates over the issue of extremism on each platform should be encouraged so that we can come with a reliable solution.

Gridlock by Cyril Almeida
The results of NA 120 are not shocking at all. The results are simply conventional. However, for N-league the only problem is the who one who is second right now, can become first in 2018. It needs to sweep Punjab completely to make its government in center. PML- N can also expect to snatch some votes from KPK. However, PTI expects to snatch some of the N league seats in Punjab. So Punjab would be a split and non’z majority.
In 2018, a scenario like 2013 can be possible with PTI and PMLN having partial majority in parliament. But PPP would play the decisive role. It is high time the boys set their house. So that a situation like 2013 could be avoided.

Editorials:

Suppressing Model Town Report:
Court has ordered to make the Model Town report public. However, PML-N is opposing it vehemently. The belief of PML-N over the judicial system of Pakistan has shattered badly after the JIT report. It seems that there is something in the report that can cause big trouble for the party.
Gas Exploration:
Gas production in Pakistan is reducing since 2010 and Pakistan has to rely on imported gas. Imported gas is quite expensive and the energy shortfall is quite evident. Pakistan should focus on exploring new reservoirs of gas. However, Pakistan must take into consideration the reservations of gas rich provinces. Their concerns should be tackled in a rightful manner before starting any big project of exploration.
Cricket in North Waziristan:
The recent cricket match arranged by ISPR in Miranshah was a victory of security forces. It involved big names of cricket not only from Pakistan but also from around the world. The match not only gave an opportunity of enjoyment to the war trodden people of North Waziristan but it also helped in popularizing the soft image of Pakistan.