This picture is the result of Intelligence Based Operation (IBO), a term that is in vogue these days in media to showcase the progress of the ongoing anti- terror efforts, yet this Chief of Intelligence remained a victim himself only to be saved by those guardian angels in the country’s establishment who thought his life is an asset to the country than of any interest to those who know this down- to – earth person in any personal capacity. .
As my classmate Sadiq Akbar shared this picture with me of my yesterday’s visit to pay him my respects after his recent posting from D. I Khan that flared up with militant activities as a result of him adding fuel to the fire after he choked the most lucrative smuggling route. With billions at stake: the smugglers backed the militants turn their guns against him and my other friend from police Honourable Nasir Mehmood Satti, an equally upright officer with unscrupulous professional integrity .
As the media spotlight highlighted the increase in the terrorist attacks that I worried more for their safety. I recall my friend Karam Elahi undergoing the trauma of his kidnapping in 2009 by the militants when he tried to computerise the customs operations at the Pak – Afghan border at Torkham that again threatened the billions worth of illicit trade for which him and my classmate had to pay a price, brushing death closely, once they were made to see the beheading of victims by the militants right before their eyes : the emotional pain with which they will continue to live for the rest of their lives .
Had I not supervised the anti- kidnapping efforts privately with support of family and friends that today I would not be sitting next to him on the sofa at his office rather praying for his departed soul over his grave, reminiscing his honesty of not even leaving his own house for his family to live in peace after his death, as nothing ever remained dearer to him than selfless duty to his country and countrymen .
A recent job vacancies at his lucrative Customs Intelligence is another glaring example of his being an absolute liability to both his family and friends in a country notorious for employing people either for money or personal reference. Though, not on the selection committe, once the list was finalised. He innocently asked for the list of all those related to the committe members, followed by those with powerful reference and lastly the favourites for unknown reasons so that they were given priority. The committe happily complied the list highlighting the candidates including name his own first cousin. To everyone’s bad luck and disappointment none of them were hired after he re-ordered their re-evaluation strictly on the given hiring guidelines.
As a state run media will caption this picture of the Honourable Karam Elahi, Customs Intelligence Director Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, discussing matters of mutual interests , but the underlying story being different as the visitor wanted to coax him to hire him as a Muqbar (tout), a derogatory term, so that he could make some money in his name being his friend and benefactor. All he offered was an official shield to remind one how useless and disappointing he has always been to both his family and friends, yet there are still people in the otherwise corrupt- to- the – core system of the county, who want him to live another day in service of his beloved country than serve his dear friends and family or the mighty who consider Pakistan their personal fiefdom held hostage to their own vested interests .
Well done Karam Elahi I am proud of our friendship yet disappointed of your having not considered me for a job as menial as of an informer ( tout) to the customs intelligence Chief, maybe destiny has only left me with my bicycle to admire others zooming around in their luxurious cars fuelled with the blood of the nation.Long Live Pakistan 🇵🇰
An informative and well-written piece. The principles are easily understood and applied thanks to your thorough explanations and practical examples. Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed information. Your time and knowledge are much appreciated.