Pakistan's activists now questioning ISI's role

Lahore: Pakistan is passing through difficult times. The international community, even its longtime ally, the US today is pointing fingers at the country's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) saying that the organization is aiding terrorism.

Needless to say the Pakistan government is firmly standing behind the ISI. Pervaiz Elahi Senior Federal Minister, Pakistan says, ''The ISI is our supreme institution and there are doing a wonderful job for the safety and security of Pakistan, so we protect our institution. If somebody speaks against our army or ISI it means that somebody is hindering the peace process...This is the point where India should show maturity. We are not looking for support but it's time for India to play a neutral role.''

But the government will be concerned about some other voices that are beginning to be heard within Pakistan. Civil society members are now asking questions about the ISI's role in the internal politics of Pakistan. Saeeda Diep, a prominent human rights activist in Pakistan, says: ''In Kashmir and Mumbai, all those who were involved in those terror attacks, if a link is found between them and the Pakistan's intelligence agencies, this should come out in the open now. The Pakistan Government should do that.'' She adds, ''Pakistan should now openly help India bring to book the perpetrators of terror attacks in India.''

Diep's comments are especially significant because it suggests that the voices of activism within Pakistan are now getting energised. These voices have felt for a while now that the ISI's actions could irreparably isolate Pakistan and are urging for speedy amends.