Army Chief Vs Mafias

(Written By: Abdul Basit Alvi)

A well-structured community is founded on a bedrock of values, principles, and institutions that collectively contribute to the advancement and welfare of its members. These foundational elements act as guiding beacons, molding the character of the community and cultivating an environment conducive to individual flourishing.

At the core of a civilized society lies the rule of law, a fundamental pillar ensuring that the community operates within a framework of just and equitable regulations. This establishes the groundwork for justice, accountability, and the safeguarding of individual rights. In such a society, the rule of law establishes an even playing field, where all citizens are subject to the same laws and enjoy equal protections, fostering trust in institutions and providing a sense of security.

Social justice, the principle advocating for fair and equal access to opportunities, resources, and privileges, is another vital element. A civilized society actively addresses systemic inequalities, eradicates discrimination, and fosters inclusivity, enabling every member to contribute to and benefit from collective progress. This approach promotes empathy, understanding, and a shared responsibility among citizens.

Education stands as a pillar empowering individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to meaningfully contribute to society. In a civilized society, accessible and high-quality education is essential for promoting innovation, informed decision-making, and dispelling ignorance. A well-educated populace forms the backbone of social and economic progress.

Economic prosperity, a crucial pillar, enables a civilized society to meet the needs of its citizens, invest in infrastructure, and provide essential services. Sustainable economic development, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and fair trade practices, contributes to the overall well-being of the community, creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, and enhancing the standard of living for all.

Civic engagement and democracy are interconnected pillars that empower individuals to actively participate in the decision-making processes of their society. A civilized society values open discourse, encourages citizen involvement in governance, and upholds democratic principles through transparent and accountable institutions.

Cultural and social cohesion form the fabric that binds individuals together, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. A civilized society celebrates cultural richness, promotes tolerance, and embraces diversity, fostering a sense of belonging, strengthening social bonds, and creating an environment where mutual respect thrives.

In the framework of a just and equitable society, the intertwined principles of merit and justice play pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of individuals and the collective as a whole. Merit, rooted in the concept of rewarding competence and accomplishment, and justice, grounded in fairness and impartiality, serve as the cornerstones for cultivating a thriving and harmonious community.

Meritocracy ensures that individuals receive recognition based on their skills and accomplishments rather than familial or personal connections. This fosters a culture of equitable competition and equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or social status. Justice, in its purest form, strives to eliminate discrimination and bias, ensuring fair treatment for each person. This commitment to fairness in legal, economic, and social matters is essential for creating a society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Meritocracy encourages the development and utilization of talent, promoting innovation and societal progress. When individuals are acknowledged and rewarded for their abilities, it creates an environment where new ideas flourish, ultimately contributing to societal and economic advancement.

Economic justice ensures the equitable distribution of wealth and resources. A just economic system promotes inclusive growth, minimizing the wealth gap and creating a more stable and sustainable economy. Merit-based systems unite people based on shared goals and achievements. By celebrating merit, societies can break down artificial barriers and build a collective identity rooted in shared accomplishments and aspirations. A commitment to justice involves recognizing and addressing historical and systemic inequalities, fostering inclusivity to ensure marginalized groups have equal access to opportunities and representation.

Recognition based on merit provides individuals with a sense of accomplishment and pride. This intrinsic motivation drives people to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to their communities. A just society upholds the dignity of each person, irrespective of their background, contributing to a sense of security and belonging that enables individuals to pursue their goals without fear of discrimination.

In the context of our country internally, unfortunately, the situation has been quite disappointing. Pakistan, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and history, grapples with a spectrum of internal challenges impacting its social, economic, and political landscape. While progress has been made in various areas, persistent issues require careful attention and strategic solutions.

Pakistan faces a significant challenge in providing employment opportunities for its growing population, contributing to social unrest and hindering economic growth. Inflationary pressures have increased the cost of living for many, making it difficult to afford basic necessities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Energy shortages and an unreliable power supply impede industrial growth and economic development, necessitating solutions to address these challenges.

Corruption remains pervasive in various sectors, hindering trust in public institutions and promoting good governance. Ethnic and sectarian divisions occasionally escalate into violence, threatening national unity and requiring efforts to foster social cohesion. Terrorism poses a persistent threat, necessitating ongoing efforts to combat extremism and improve intelligence coordination. Gender inequality continues to be a significant challenge, impacting women’s access to education, employment, and healthcare.

The education system faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and a high dropout rate, requiring reforms to ensure quality education. The healthcare system also faces challenges, including insufficient facilities and a shortage of healthcare professionals, highlighting the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure for improved public health outcomes.

Many countries worldwide grapple with the illicit and coercive influence exerted by powerful criminal organizations. The term “mafia” evokes notions of secrecy, power, and organized criminal endeavors, and these clandestine groups have played a role in global dynamics for centuries, shaping societies, economies, and political landscapes. While commonly associated with Italian-American criminal syndicates like the Sicilian Mafia, various forms of mafias exist across the globe. The origins of the term “mafia” trace back to 19th-century Sicily, where secret societies emerged to resist foreign dominance and safeguard local communities. Over time, these groups morphed into criminal organizations participating in illegal activities such as extortion, racketeering, and smuggling. The concept of the mafia transcended Italy, finding fertile ground in different parts of the world.

Mafias engage in a diverse range of illegal activities to generate revenue and assert control over their territories. Extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking are prevalent enterprises. These criminal organizations extend their reach across borders, utilizing international networks to facilitate the flow of illegal goods and funds. The economic repercussions of mafias are significant, impacting both local and global economies. They often infiltrate legitimate businesses, exploiting them for money laundering or as fronts for their illicit operations. This distortion of competition can impede economic development and adversely affect honest entrepreneurs. Mafias wield influence not only through economic means but also through social and cultural channels. They infiltrate communities, securing support through intimidation and bribery, and may become entangled in local politics. The existence of a “code of silence” within these communities often complicates law enforcement efforts to gather information and dismantle these criminal organizations.

Governments and law enforcement agencies globally continuously strive to combat organized crime and dismantle mafia structures. International cooperation has become imperative, with agencies sharing intelligence and coordinating operations to disrupt global criminal networks. Legal instruments, such as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in the United States, have proven instrumental in targeting and prosecuting mafia leaders.

Within the shadowy realms of organized crime, certain criminal syndicates stand out as formidable entities, wielding immense power, influence, and control. These powerful mafias operate on a global scale, engaging in a spectrum of illicit activities that transcend borders.

The Italian Mafia, commonly known as Cosa Nostra, persists as one of the most legendary and enduring criminal organizations in history. Originating in Sicily, Italy, Cosa Nostra has infiltrated various sectors, extending from legitimate businesses to politics. Renowned for its strict hierarchical structure, the Sicilian Mafia has withstood decades of law enforcement crackdowns, adapting and evolving to maintain its dominance. On the global stage, the Russian Mafia, also called the “Bratva,” has ascended to prominence, leveraging connections with the political elite and exploiting the power vacuum following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Engaged in activities ranging from drug trafficking to cybercrime, the Russian Mafia has become a formidable force with influence beyond the borders of the former Soviet states.

In Japan, the Yakuza boasts a lengthy and storied history dating back centuries. Comprising various criminal organizations deeply ingrained in Japanese society, the Yakuza adheres to its own codes of conduct and rituals. Involvement in activities such as racketeering, human trafficking, and money laundering has presented a persistent challenge to law enforcement in Japan. While not traditionally labeled as mafias, Mexican drug cartels exhibit characteristics akin to organized crime syndicates. Groups like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel have gained prominence, controlling vast territories and engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. The influence of Mexican drug cartels extends beyond national borders, impacting the United States and neighboring countries.

The Chinese Triads, dating back to the 17th century, are secret societies that have transformed into powerful criminal organizations. Operating globally, the Triads are involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and racketeering. Their intricate organizational structure and international reach make them significant players in the world of organized crime. Colombian drug cartels, such as the infamous Medellín and Cali cartels, gained notoriety in the late 20th century for their involvement in the cocaine trade. Despite the dismantling of major cartels, splinter groups and new organizations continue to operate, contributing to ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the region.

Turning our attention back to Pakistan, the country faces the persistent challenge of organized crime, with various criminal syndicates operating within its borders. These powerful mafias, deeply entrenched in the social and economic fabric of the nation, pose a complex threat to law enforcement and society at large.

One of the most prominent and powerful mafias in Pakistan is the land mafia, particularly active in the sprawling metropolis of Karachi. With a rapidly growing population and limited urban planning, the demand for land has surged. Exploiting loopholes in property laws and colluding with corrupt officials, the land mafia engages in illegal land grabbing, encroachments, and fraudulent property transactions. This criminal enterprise displaces lawful property owners and fuels a cycle of corruption and violence.

Pakistan’s strategic location between Afghanistan, a major opium producer, and global drug markets have made it a hub for drug trafficking. Various drug cartels and networks operate within the country, facilitating the transport of narcotics across borders. The involvement of these mafias in drug trafficking has severe social and economic consequences, contributing to addiction, crime, and instability.

In major urban centers like Karachi, water scarcity is a pressing issue. The water tanker mafia has emerged as a powerful player in controlling and distributing water resources. Operating as an unregulated industry, this mafia manipulates water distribution, creating artificial shortages and charging exorbitant prices for this essential resource. The water tanker mafia’s actions exacerbate challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure and mismanagement of water resources.

Pakistan’s lush forests are home to diverse ecosystems, but illegal logging and deforestation are rampant due to the timber mafia. Exploiting weak regulations and corrupt officials, this criminal syndicate engages in the illegal felling of trees, leading to environmental degradation, habitat loss, and a negative impact on climate change. The timber mafia’s influence extends to rural areas, where communities are often economically dependent on forestry-related activities.

Extortion is a common practice by various mafias in Pakistan, targeting businesses, traders, and even ordinary citizens. Extortionists often demand protection money, threatening violence or harm if payments are not made. This pervasive criminal activity not only affects individual livelihoods but also contributes to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Additionally, there are dollar and sugar mafias involved in illegal storage and smuggling of dollars and sugar. Feudal and upper-class mafias treat lower and middle classes as subordinates, controlling resources such as jobs, tenders, and basic facilities. The influence of these powerful mafias can be observed in various aspects of society.

A report on smuggling submitted to the Prime Minister House few months ago revealed that proceeds from oil smuggling are being utilized by terrorists. The report disclosed that over 2 billion 81 million liters of oil are smuggled from Iran to Pakistan annually, resulting in an annual loss exceeding 60 billion rupees for Pakistan. It identified 995 pumps across the country selling Iranian oil, with the involvement of 90 government officials and 29 politicians in the smuggling operation. Furthermore, the report highlighted the complicity of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) vehicles in transporting Iranian oil into the country. The report also exposed the involvement of 722 currency dealers in hawala hundi business, distributed across various regions of Pakistan.

These were the bitter realities. Now come to the recent positive developments.

Recently, the daughter of a martyred soldier lodged a complaint with Army Chief General Asim Munir, prompting the Army Chief to assure a resolution to the issue and offer full cooperation. The video of Martyrs’ Day, where the daughter shared her concerns, has gained widespread attention on social media. She informed the Army Chief that a feudal in Dera Murad Jamali consistently diverts floodwater toward her house. In response, the Army Chief reassured her, pledging not to release water toward her property in the future. During the incident, the Army Chief directed staff to convey a message to the feudal, cautioning against such actions in the future, or else ‘your water will reach somewhere else.’

These formidable mafias in Pakistan not only have social implications for the country but also tarnish its global image and inflict economic losses. It is noteworthy that, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, we have an Army Chief who has taken a stand against these powerful mafias. Stringent actions have been taken against smuggling, sugar, and dollar mafias. General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presided over the 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at GHQ in October of this year. Among other matters, the forum conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing initiatives against illegal economic activities. COAS emphasized that “Pakistan Army will continue to provide all-out support to the government and LEAs in taking strict lawful actions against illegal economic activities across the country. Actions against hoarding and smuggling mafias and cartels in different domains will be further strengthened in coming days to rid the country from the negative impact of such ill practices.

During an interaction with Pakistani businessmen few weeks ago, discussions centered on the critical issues of sugar and dollar smuggling, with their cessation deemed essential for economic revival. Responding to inquiries, the Chief expressed readiness to combat smuggling by fortifying porous borders. As a result of the government and army’s stringent measures, there has been a decline in dollar rates. Zafar Pracha, Secretary General of the Exchange Companies Association, acknowledged the positive impact of the Army Chief’s actions a few weeks ago, considering it the best day for the Pakistani economy. Malik Bostan, Chairman of the Foreign Exchange Association, also highlighted a shift, noting that previously people would come to buy dollars, but now, despite the availability of dollars, there is a lack of buyers.

Readers, the nation has welcomed the intervention of the Army Chief, and it is heartening for the people of Pakistan to see the mafias being checked through timely intervention. Mafias sought to create chaos in the currency market through black marketing, but the situation has improved. The State Bank and Finance are expected to use this opportunity to enhance systems. Smuggling has decreased, and the prices of the dollar, fuel, sugar, and essential goods have stabilized. The Pakistani government, Army Chief, and Pak Army have acknowledged the serious threat posed by these mafias and have taken steps to curb their influence. Positive results of these interventions are evident practically and on the ground, with the expectation that the situation will further improve in the coming days.