I was very happy to read about a sudden awakening in the minds of government officials in Pakistan as respects to their realization of the source of funding to the fanatic groups, and also the guts to criticize openly Saudi government as the culprit to propagate radicalization of Pakistanis via their funding of madrassas. The whole world was aware of the impact of Wahabism ideology of Islam and, needless to say, that this 7th century ideology is the main contributor of what is happening in the Middle East and in other Muslim countries.  Unfortunately, most of the sheikhs in the Middle East are playing a dual - face role meaning they are criticizing ISIS and other Jihadi groups while at the same time abetting and financing the same groups to further their 7th century ideology also.  It does not mean that Pakistan was not aware of source of funding to these fanatics, but the officials could not openly criticize the donor - Saudi Arabia - out of sheer survival.  Saudis have been funding the civilian government in Islamabad for decades which in turn is taking good care of the nexus of Pakistani army/ISI.  However, Peshawar's incident which involved killing of over 140 children of army officials happened to be the cause of this awakening and criticism of flow of funds from the Saudi government.  As they say, better late than never.  One hopes that Pakistani army/ISI and the civilian government carry on with their mission of eradication of fanatics from its territory, and also stop supporting any non-state actors in Pakistan.

It is very clear from Mr. Mufti Saeed's answers that there is a set path which his party -PDP- wants to follow in the state of J & K.  And that path, in my opinion, leads to no compromise on an abrogation of an Article 370 as well as the revocation of Special Rights and Privileges to the Indian armed forces and eventually their withdrawal from the state of J & K.  Under this kind of reticent behavior and attitude, one cann't expect any fruitful outcome which means that Mr. Saeed is willing to sacrifice the expected prosperity and peace which revocation of an Article 370 and the existing special treatment and privileges of Indian armed forces can bring to his state.  It means that PDP is not really serious in bringing peace to the territory and have some hidden agenda.  It also provides an indication that may be PDP is surreptitiously working with the separatists in Kashmir with the abetment of a nation across the border, and their ultimate objective is to create an environment in the state which is more pro-Pakistan.  I admire Mr. Modi's open statement about the inclusion, freedom and tolerance of all religions in India.  In my opinion, BJP ought to reject a current PDP's stand on this issue and give them an opportunity to make a government with whosoever they wish to.  The ball is in their court, since they have the most seats in the state.

It is a very sad story that the BJP and PDP cann't come to any useful conclusion after so many meetings.  As this writer understands, the abolition of an Article 370 is in favor of people of J & K.  This will help bring new industries from other states of India to J & K which means more jobs and prosperity for the state of J & K.  Also, when the youths of J & K will be employed, they will have less time and energy to get involved into anti-India and Pro-Pakistan demonstrations.  Hence, my confusion why PDP is not willing to go with this idea of BJP, unless PDP has some other hidden agenda meaning tilting towards Pakistan.  Secondly, the state of J & K cann't protect itself from the nefarious designs of Pakistan if the national army forces are not involved. It is imperative that the Indian Army has special rights and privileges to safeguard an Indian territory.  Is it not what is needed?  What is PDP's objection?  I fail to comprehend it.  I agree with RSS's comments that the BJP party ought not to seek a short term gain in the State of J & K, rather shoot for a long term vision and play its cards in such a way that it does not hurt the integrity and security of India, even if it means a new election in that state.

Dr. Faktoo is promoting continuation of a 7th century idea to increase Muslim population and thus by gaining majority in a given territory rule that territory.  He is forgetting the global economic changes in the world.  He is propagating an idea of more births in the Muslim families without even thinking about the economic and financial obligation and responsibility for upbringing the additions in the families.  We all know, what happens when a family has too many siblings without adequate financial resources.  They stay malnourished, illiterate and financially backward.  They cann't compete with the rest of population and become subservient to their educated colleagues.  Is that what Dr. Faktoo trying to see happens to his Muslim community?  It is a fallacy Dr. Faktoo?  One does not conquer or control a territory by the sheer number of heads, rather one does it with good education, wisdom and the zeal to compete for such ventures.  It is a shame that instead of gearing his community towards getting more education and be competitive, he is misguiding his community to keep producing kids and remain backward.  This 7th century mindset of Muslims is the main cause which has kept most of the Muslims all over the world illiterate and backward.  It is an opportune time Dr. Faktoo to change your tune and guide your community towards the right path.

Mr. Owaisi is propagating the continuation of 'quota and reservation' concept for the Muslims in India.  He also emphatically states that devoid of 'reservation' as the cause of backwardness of the Muslim minorities.  On the contrary, this writer holds the view that the existence of 'quota and reservation' concept for the minorities is one of the reasons that Muslim community cann't compete with the rest of people in India.  Indian education system is available to anybody who wants to go to school and make his/her life better.  It does not prohibit or distinguish based on race, creed and gender.  Therefore, I suggest to Mr. Owaisi that he should work with the local and national leaders to encourage his own Muslim community to make sure that every child goes to school instead of getting involved into any racial and sectarian conflicts, instead of complaining and blaming the government establishment.  Being  a very well educated person himself, it is his duty to show a broad vision for the uplift of his people in the community.  Asking for a 'quota' or 'reservation' for his community is just like begging instead of devising some means of educating them so that they can compete for IAS, IPS and any other prestigious positions.  Actually, it is a shame that even after 67 years of independence, these minorities are still looking for a 'hand-out' instead of competing for any position.  May be there has been some politics involved to keep them illiterate and use them as a voting bank.  But whatever the reason may be Muslim community cann't shift the whole blame to others for their own negligence and backwardness.  They are equally responsible for what they are going through right now.  But as they say, better late than never.  Again, the correct way to tackle this situation is for people like Mr. Owaisi to devise and create some long term provisions to educate the Muslim in India.  I am sure the local and national governments will be glad to review any concrete proposals on this matter.  The ball is in the court of Mr. Owaisi and other Muslim leaders in India.

The article states that Saudi Arabia may have renewed a secret nuclear pact with Pakistan.  This deal with an implied understanding is known to the whole world.  It was never a secret issue.  Yes, what has prompted the shuttle diplomacy and visits from the leaders of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to each other is something to be discussed.  It is the deterioration of US-Saudi relations due to Washington not going against Syrian government, being lenient towards Iran as far as putting harsh sanctions and not punishing them in any recognizable fashion for Iran's gaining capability of producing nuclear technology and eventually nuclear weapons.  Saudis feel encircled and threatened by the increasing influence of Iran in the Region, and , hence,former's open dialogues with the Pakistani government to procure nuclear weapons to offset any impending threat from Iran.  Saudi government has been funneling millions of dollars every year to keep the Pakistani economy afloat.  Now is the pay off time for Pakistan in the shape of transfer of nuclear technology and the warheads.  Saudis have purchased lot of fancy and modern equipment from the west.  But they have never been involved in any major conflict wherein they had an opportunity to display the technical ability of its forces and the acquired weaponry.  Therefore, I have my apprehension if Saudis will be able to use this acquired nuclear knowledge and weaponry to its fullest advantage - not that I want to see a nuclear war in the middle east.  But the way situation is deteriorating in the Middle East, one never knows what can happen the next day.