The assault on the FC Headquarters in Peshawar is profoundly sorrowful- Altaf Hussain
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Posted on: 11/26/2025
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The assault on the FC Headquarters in Peshawar is profoundly sorrowful. Had my alerts regarding the rise of Taliban influence been heeded in earlier times, Pakistan would not be enduring attacks on the military’s central command now. In light of the recent events at the FC Headquarters in Peshawar, it is essential to acknowledge that we experience the consequences of our actions. One cannot sow rose seeds and anticipate the growth of mango trees or any other fruit. For three decades, the worries I voiced have turned out to be accurate. I was essentially the sole figure raising alarms about the encroaching Taliban influence in the nation. During the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, Pakistan’s territory and military resources were engaged, resulting in large sums of money flowing into the country. If that capital had been directed towards development efforts, enhancing prosperity, and improving public services, one could argue that Pakistan and its populace were gaining something from the aid provided to America. Back then, I explicitly mentioned that this conflict involved two dominant nations. The United States and Soviet Union were vying for control of the warm waters in South Asia, while the Soviet forces made their way through Central Asian territories and into Afghanistan. The course of action that should have been taken was to educate the populace so that, should the Soviets attempt to cross into Pakistan, every citizen would be psychologically and physically ready to resist and prevent their intrusion at all costs. Yet, we not only relinquished our land but also our military in this struggle between superpowers. In return, continuous inflows of cash allowed us to establish jihadi factions in Pakistan, create the Taliban, and set up militant religious schools to support and sustain them. To shape public perception, jihad-related literature was developed in the US, packaged into small booklets, and transported to Pakistan. These texts contained carefully chosen verses from the Quran and hadith that addressed enmity in a general sense. Religious leaders failed to explain to the public that many of these verses applied to specific contexts, moments, and situations. Without proper context, the likelihood of misinterpreting the Quran increases significantly. Though Islam consists of five fundamental tenets, jihad was being erroneously presented as if it were an additional pillar. The American-produced literature focused solely on verses and hadith pertaining to warfare.Quickly, jihadi schools multiplied throughout Pakistan. Young boys flocked to these establishments, where they absorbed this ideology and received military training disguised as religious instruction. Those eager to join the fight in Afghanistan were provided with food, shelter, and even paid wages. Young men grappling with poverty and joblessness were informed that the Russians were atheistic communists who rejected faith, while Americans, even if not Muslims, were at worst adherents of the Book. History tells us that I, Altaf Hussain, was the first to raise a distinct and powerful objection against the influence of Talibanisation and the misleading concept of jihad in Pakistan. Regrettably, my voice went unheard because from the outset, the establishment exploited both print and broadcast media to disseminate misinformation and negative portrayals about me. State-run television networks and newspapers branded me a terrorist, a traitor, and a foe to my own country, aiming to alienate the public from me. When I condemned the Taliban and militant factions, they accused me of opposing jihad. I was even marginalised as someone outside of Islam.Four decades ago, I extensively canvassed urban Sindh, trying to enlighten people on the fact that this was not true jihad. Instead, it was merely a conflict influenced by the United States and the Soviet Union.
This was not a struggle rooted in faith but rather a Cold War engagement between two superpowers. I earnestly urged the populace to resist being ensnared by this conflict. However, the authorities of that era drew Pakistan into this turmoil.I consistently warned against sending the youth of Pakistan to Afghanistan under the guise of jihad. I labelled the policy of Talibanisation as misguided, for the very militants being nurtured would inevitably evolve into threats against us. Had my concerns been heeded at that time, Pakistan would not be enduring its current tribulations. Our military headquarters would likely not face assaults, and the three FC personnel who lost their lives in the recent Peshawar incident might still be alive. Their martyrdom fills me with deep sorrow, and I extend my condolences to their bereaved http://families.Today, I reiterate the necessity for caution regarding alliances with powerful nations like the United States, particularly for weaker and impoverished countries such as Pakistan. If those in authority were willing to listen to my perspectives, I could offer valuable insights drawn from my experiences. Regrettably, the truth is often met with ignorance; those who dare to express it are denounced as terrorists, traitors, or adversaries of Islam.I want to emphasize that former President Donald Trump publicly claimed that America requires the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. It is my stance that if the U.S. needs this base, it should channel its forces through Central Asian routes instead of utilizing Pakistan’s territory. The Afghan people and their government are capable of managing their own issues, as they have done for the past four decades. We should refrain from involving our army, our land, or our citizens in yet another foreign conflict.I sought your opinion on whether Pakistan should permit its land to be used for American strategic interests, and you all responded with a resolute no. Therefore, I implore those in power to prioritise the interests of Pakistan, safeguard our nation, respect the will of the people, and uphold the constitutional rights of all political parties.I have consistently maintained that accusations should only be made after thorough verification. Until a complete investigation into any act of terrorism occurs, it is unjust to assign blame to Afghans. Such unwarranted accusations inflict harm upon them. We must refrain from casting blame without substantial evidence.
Altaf Hussain
Address to 352nd Study Circle on TikTok
November 24, 2025.
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11/30/2025 9:49:51 AM
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