In the last 29 years or so since Zia-Ul-Haq openly encouraged the extremist elements in the country to make that as a base and actively encouraged a conservative practice of the religion and pursued a high handed policy against atleast the seemingly moderate elements, Pakistan has become an active playing field for all kinds of deperate elements to make it their base, actively goaded on and encouraged by the establishment. The situation continued even under the civil despensations from 1989 to 1999, then under Musharaf who played a cat & mouse game and now under a fragile civilian govt which is virtually struggling for breath.

The situation changed after the 9/11 attack in U.S and the Taliban were ousted from power in Afghanistan. But the key players were always around, being given refuge and patronage under Musharaf. Musharaf, knowing the strategic importance of Pakistan in the West's fight against these extremist elements, gave the pretension of doing everything but doing nothing ...more