45 Muslims have been reportedly killed in Pakistani military air strikes targeting apparent militants in Khybar, north-west Pakistan. Amongst those killed were family members, women and children. Rehan Khattak, a senior government official in Khyber confirmed at least six civilians, including women and children, were killed in one of the strikes.

Anar Bacha, 32, who was wounded in the attacks, said the victims were innocent. “We were going to our home in a cab when all of a sudden planes appeared and began targeting us,” he said. “We are innocent. We are Kokikhels. We are not terrorists.” In April, up to 50 members of the same tribe were killed in an air raid in Tirah after they were mistaken for the Taliban, prompting an apology from the Pakistani army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani.

Whilst the nation come to terms with the devastating floods that have left millions homeless and where thousands have perished The Pakistani army rather than engaging in reconstruction and relief work continues with America’s disastrous war on terror. Khyber is a key route for US and allied convoys carrying supplies for troops in Afghanistan from the Karachi port.

Whilst the Civilian government has shown its complete disregard for the people of Pakistan, the Pakistani army continues with American demands as America continues to accuse it of supporting the Taliban. To add to this humiliation, on Tuesday 31st August 2010 a Pakistani military delegation led by a Pakistani Brigadier which included senior officials from all three services, the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force were treated like terrorist at the Washington Airport.

The Pakistani DAWN confirmed the Pakistani military officers were detained at Washington’s Dulles International Airport on a complaint by a passenger who said he did not feel safe sharing the flight with the delegation. A Pakistani official told the DAWN “They could not prove any of the allegations. What we gathered is that one of the passengers became paranoid, so they decided to detain an official delegation. This is an issue of paranoia.”

Whilst the Pakistani army is forced to humiliate itself at the behest of cowardly rulers, it is treated with disdain for services rendered. America has completely disregarded Pakistan, it is time the Pakistani army woke up and played the role it was created for – to protect the Muslims and secure their interests.