Message for Pakistan's defense forces and pass it on,

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FYI...

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From: Javed
Date: Thu, May 21, 2009
Subject: Need Your Advice and Support

Brig. Sahib,

Please see the following message for Pakistan's defense forces and pass it on to
the appropriate person even if you do not believe some of it. Thanks. Javed

Pakistanis living abroad, are slowly straightening up their necks that were bent
out of shame and embarrassment, for so long. We applaud Pakistan’s decision
to re-establish its writ in the country and stand up to the misguided militants
called Taliban. Pakistan has tolerated their excesses for too long, as the
events have proved. I have three suggestions:


The time is not of complacency. While the nation is busy finding ways and means
to take care of the avalanche of displaced population of the northern areas,
government should also get ready for a long drawn war against Talibans. Taliban,
like cockroaches will just disperse momentarily, and then reassemble and keep
striking back until their leadership is totally obliterated. Pakistani young
boys who were terrorized and coerced to join Taliban should be reached out and
convinced to desert them. Use FM radio. Those leaving Talibans should be offered
amnesty and an opportunity to turn their life around.

The other most important step is to use the incoming foreign aid to start
recruiting at least 100,000 young males from the millions roaming on the
streets, give them uniforms, 3 months intensive training, and prepare them to
fight Talibans. Under the plan, after the term of engagement of no more than two
years, they should be given a scholarship for at least two years to enroll in a
vocational training program to acquire basic or higher education and suitable
skills to start a new productive life in the community they came from. They
should be further counseled/assisted in finding work or to establish their own
small scale businesses via micro credit programs. Same terms can be offered to
those young Pakistanis deserting Taliban’s yoke. Each of new recruits should
be insured against death and disability for a reasonable amount covering
treatment and compensation.

I propose that wherever possible, DPs should be helped to organize themselves in
small groups to receive and dispense relief goods and cash. This approach will
have many advantages against outsiders handling everything directly.

Iron is hot. Our nation is showing a rare moment of solidarity, therefore,
let’s make the best of it by accomplishing something of redeeming and lasting
value, as proposed.


--
Javed S. Ahmad
Health Communication Consultant
New York