{"id":351,"date":"2026-03-18T04:26:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T04:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/?page_id=351"},"modified":"2026-03-18T04:26:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T04:26:31","slug":"chapter-17-the-plan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/?page_id=351","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 17 : The Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cCaught in the wrong place at the wrong time.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

           That evening, the group met in the massive office at Sheikh Sahib\u2019s<\/em> house. Roddy was taking notes, and Shahzad was munching on the nuts from a bowl on the desk. Zeina sat opposite him and gave him company with the nuts while she tried to know him better.  He seemed to be pretty well informed about the region. Rafiq, Phil, and Ismail were looking over the detailed map set out on the table in front of them, making amendments to the route plan. Sheikh Sahib<\/em> was expediting calls to confirm his people were in place. He was ordering and planning supplies of equipment and food that would be carried by his men for the trekkers in the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

           Everyone carried guns here, so it would be easy to arm the group. The search and rescue party were going into a no man\u2019s land; there was no shop around the corner to buy things they needed. They would wear local clothes so as not to draw attention and would sleep in caves or whatever shelter they found along the way. It was going to be a rigorous trek, and Sheikh Sahib<\/em> wondered if they were up to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m cut out to go hiking,\u201d Zeina muttered, trying her best not to sound too anxious and hoping the boys would let her stay without a fuss. \u201cI\u2019d be lost without a roof over my head.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            She saw Ismail and Phil glancing at each other. Zeina could sense their discomfort at leaving her alone. It was an excellent time to lay out her plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cSomeone is needed to do the work here. We can\u2019t afford to all concentrate on one thing. We\u2019ll be in constant contact. I plan to go with Aisha to the hospital and the market. We\u2019re going to recruit workers at these places to also distribute the flyers. In fact, from now on, we should each carry flyers of Ahmad and Rebecca to hand out wherever we go. You never know when you might get lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s a good idea, Zeina,\u201d they all agreed and brainstormed places to visit, such as shops, cafes and restaurants, schools and all the mosques. Zeina would reach out to people in social media too. Then Zeina told them about her plan for the home school, which was well-received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

     \u201cIt\u2019s not directly related to finding Rebecca or Ahmad, but it does support the chief\u2019s drive to build a greater sense of community,\u201d Phil confirmed. \u201cWe came to help find Rebecca, but we can\u2019t forget our goals and our roles supporting the Borders agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

     \u201cAnd besides, Zeina, you\u2019ll get more acclimatized with the locals as you interact with them,\u201d Ismail added.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cWhich won\u2019t hurt, right? Thanks, Phil and Ismail,\u201d Zeina praised warmly. \u201cI plan to get the school started; I hope to convince Wafa\u2019s father to let her attend since it\u2019ll be free, and she can bring the little one with her. Since Rafiq Bhai isn\u2019t going on the mission, he has kindly offered to drive me around, so don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Rafiq had proven to be a very reliable and responsible friend so far and was quick to suggest valuable solutions. As all eyes turned on him, he bowed down and gave a salute to Zeina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cIt does sound like a good plan for you to stay here,\u201d Ismail added. \u201cBut how many days do you think we\u2019ll be away, Shahzad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cWe should plan for at least 10 days. That might change depending on the progress. The distances and the terrain are demanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cRoddy, you\u2019ll join us?\u201d Phil asked after noticing that he was quieter than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cI\u2019d like to, but what worries me is the danger. If something happens up there, we\u2019ll be on our own with no support or backup.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cThat\u2019s the chance we will have to take. I think my father would be relieved to have you with us so that you can stop us from making wrong decisions,\u201d Shahzad teased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cYou\u2019ll remain connected, Roddy,\u201d Sheikh Sahib <\/em>assured. \u201cAt no time will you be in danger or be expected to engage. If you spot the target, hide and inform us. Our trained crew will move in to finish the job! This office will be the base camp since we\u2019ve all the necessary technology for communicating right here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cOkay, let\u2019s go over the leads; why do we think we have a good chance now?\u201d  Roddy inquired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cFour leads in the last two months need to be followed up,\u201d Shahzad encouraged confidently. \u201cAisha found someone who thought he saw Ahmad, and they gave a destination. Second, a villager received a note and he gave it to the Lashkar. The place mentioned in the note was checked and found deserted; we could still assess the neighborhood and get some clues from people around. Third, there was a recent sighting of a woman who looked like a foreigner. And lastly, there was some talk about a camp as people have seen smoke at the place. This place is of significance because it\u2019s close to the sighting of the foreigner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cSince we have two clues for one position, we should hit the last two first. How far is that place?\u201d Ismail requested, who was taking notes on his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cIt would be about a five days hike,\u201d Shahzad advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Roddy stood up to peer at the map as Rafiq followed the path with his finger, then pointed, \u201cRoughly here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cAnd why aren\u2019t we taking a vehicle?\u201d Mr. Rodriguez retorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cThe terrain doesn\u2019t allow for a vehicle unless it\u2019s a cycle or motorbike. There are usually people keeping a lookout, so if we want to keep the element of surprise, being on foot is our best bet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cYes, makes sense,\u201d Ismail concurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cAre you still going under the guise of an expedition to map the mountains?\u201d Zeina inquired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cYes, that will cover our wandering in that area,\u201d Roddy responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cWow, there are a lot of mountains, between here and there,\u201d Zeina specified. \u201cOne, two, three…,\u201d she counted. \u201cAlmost nine. Is there a path around them, or do you have to go up and down?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cUsually, there\u2019s a path, but we\u2019ll need to climb at least two,\u201d Shahzad recommended, pointing to the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cI bet it\u2019s stunning there,\u201d Ismail mused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cYes,\u201d Rafiq proudly agreed. \u201cThe beauty of those mountains cannot be compared. The Kurram River flows through these two mountains, and it follows the path here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cOkay, let\u2019s do it, Roddy. Let us at least follow the trail to the first stop, and then based on our progress, we can decide the next step,\u201d Phil consented.  Roddy nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   Zeina was glad she was not going and couldn\u2019t understand the guys\u2019 excitement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Men! They love harsh challenges,<\/em> she thought. For me, the school will be my test, daunting but very doable and just as worthwhile!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  She was glad to see the glow on Phil\u2019s face. He would, at last, be able to do something concrete to get closer to Rebecca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cI\u2019ve been worried about the flyers,\u201d Zeina admitted. \u201cWhile they may help us locate Rebecca and Ahmad through public awareness, they could also come into the hands of their abductors and alert them that the search has intensified.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cThey know the search for the missing persons will remain on; all the government agencies know about it, and the word must have gotten back to them,\u201d Roddy predicted. \u201cWhat they don\u2019t know is that we\u2019re coming for them!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cWe haven\u2019t yet identified the spy in our midst,\u201d Zeina said. \u201cThe infiltrator could be divulging our plans to the concerned terrorists as we speak!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cIt\u2019s a risky business, Zeina,\u201d Ismail cautioned. \u201cBut we have no alternative but to go in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cOnce you find Rebecca and Ahmad, do you think they\u2019ll be handed over just like that?\u201d Zeina asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cAll very valid considerations, Zeina Bibi<\/em>,\u201d Sheikh Sahib <\/em>admitted. \u201cWhen they locate the hostages, Roddy will message Naseer Sahib, <\/em>and forces will move in and take over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cI\u2019m playing the devil\u2019s advocate; you and I know they\u2019d blow the hostages and themselves up rather than surrender!\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Phil paled at the thought of his actions, posing a threat to Rebecca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cI believed the matter would be handled well by the military forces, who have been reoriented to deal with such situations,\u201d Shahzad stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cReoriented?\u201d a puzzled Ismail asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cOurs used to be a conventional army; it was trained and equipped for regular warfare against other similar forces, not against rebel guerrilla units. We made changes, and they\u2019ve managed well enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cWhat kind of changes?\u201d asked Ismail, recalling his army training. \u201cSoldiers are very rigid; they\u2019re programmed to follow orders.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cWell, the soldiers that were to deal with the region had to be reoriented or reprogrammed. The fight against the militants forced the army to change the mindset of the soldiers who felt it was wrong to fight their Muslim brothers,\u201d Rafiq explained. \u201cThe next change in tactics required the use of religious symbolism to gather local support and to encourage local tribesmen to rise against the militants and thus isolate them. The objective of the operationwas to wrest the Islamic ground from the insurgents by claiming to act in the name of the true faith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cAnd this worked?\u201d Ismail wanted to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cIt did. Gradually, the soldiers adjusted to the new reality,\u201d Shahzad remembered when he wanted to join the army before his father refused to allow this. \u201cThey began to isolate militants by separating them from the civilian population and eliminating them while limiting collateral damage. People caught in the clashes were taken care of with food and medical aid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cAmazing how different tactics work for different people,\u201d Zeina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cAnother effective tactic that I know the army uses is this,\u201d Rafiqadded, glad to share  his knowledge of their life here. \u201cThe army allows the insurgents to \u2018escape,\u2019 giving them a false sense of safety. They\u2019re then permitted to remain in fixed locations so that their activities can be monitored and managed. If they cause a problem, ground troops and aircraft move in to obliterate the insurgents and their campsites. It\u2019s a long, hard road, and we still haven\u2019t quite got to the end. As far as this internal problem goes, the army has been \u2018learning on the job\u2019; the rules of the game change with changes in commanders and circumstances. We\u2019ve found that the best approach to domestic terrorism is a combination of civilian and military security forces working together, and   coordination mechanisms have been set up in the border region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cIsn\u2019t that a dangerous game? After all, you are putting lots of power on the people who might not know the best,\u201d Phil frowned, not quite understanding how so many people can work on their own with shifting strategies.               <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rafiq just shrugged. No one seemed to have the right answer to that. The mood became quiet and solemn, and tea and refreshments were called for to break the intensity of the moment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cMy father said we need to take someone from the Lashkar with us,\u201d Shahzad advised. \u201cDo we have any preferences?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cHow does the Lashkar operate? Do the soldiers all work under your father?\u201d Ismail asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cThere are seven leaders who run the Lashkar. My father is one of them,\u201d Shahzad emphasized. \u201cThe way he explains is to think of the leaders as the seven main parts of the body, working jointly to fight against terrorist activity in our area. Mohsin Ayubi, who\u2019s the oldest and most experienced leader, is the brain. No one moves without his approval. He coordinates with everyone, and his son, who\u2019s his shadow, helps him. He can work with the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with tribal leaders, and if needed, with some factions of the Taliban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  \u201cMy father is the heart. He\u2019s responsible for getting more members to join their revolution. Abba <\/em>has been successful in getting many villages to join our cause for peace, and our reach has widened in the last few years. Malik Rehman, who lost his life recently, was the hands; he\u2019ll be hard to replace. The youngest among the lot is Yousef Ahmadzai, who\u2019s theeyes. <\/strong>He\u2019s my friend, and I think he\u2019d be a good person to accompany us; I believe Abba<\/em> will ask him. Though Yousef is barely 25-years old, once you see him, you\u2019ll understand why no one else is needed.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cThen there\u2019s the mouth, Faraz Mohammed; the ears, Aminullah Durrani; and the legs, Noor Khan from Afghanistan. Recently, Abba<\/em> and Faraz Mohammed, who was once a militant, have been able to induct selected reformed convicts into the Lashkar. He pays them well and makes sure they work hard to keep them away from falling into old ways. They do double duty, working in the farms in the area. That has worked well. Abba<\/em> is known as the heart of the group for a reason. He\u2019s very good at judging people and understands the circumstances that drive them to crime. He believes there\u2019s a need in the area for giving repentant offenders another chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cThat sounds interesting. I do agree that some people find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, and someone needs to set things right for them,\u201d Ismail admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   Everyone was quiet for some time, each trying to digest what was said and trying to think of anything that needed discussing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cSo, let us hope Yousef agrees to come with us, and if everything goes according to plan, we\u2019ll leave in two days,\u201d Shahzad summarized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

   \u201cThis is a well-planned operation,\u201d Sheikh Sahib <\/em>praised.<\/em> \u201cOnce it\u2019s on the go, your movements will be closely monitored by local and international agencies, which will be in constant contact with concerned parties. We\u2019ll all do our best; the rest is in the hands of Allah!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cCaught in the wrong place at the wrong time.\u201d            That evening, the group met in the massive office at Sheikh Sahib\u2019s house. Roddy was taking notes, and Shahzad was munching on the nuts from a bowl on the desk. Zeina sat opposite him and gave him company with the nuts while she tried … Continue reading Chapter 17 : The Plan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-351","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=351"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":352,"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351\/revisions\/352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vibhashah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}