Comment: Let's wait and see when The Sharif Zardari Bhutto Falls.
Dubai talks inconclusive, one day to go before deadline
The News Tuesday, April 29, 2008
DUBAI: There is only one day to go before the deadline announced for restoration of judiciary while the talks between the two main parties going on in Dubai for two days have proved inconclusive.
On the other hand, Nawaz Sharif has left for Dubai to meet with Asif Ali Zardari.
Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief is of the view that some forces do not wish to see the democracy flourishing in the country.
The ongoing talks between Pakistan People’s Party and PML-N have failed so far and the PML-N delegation is now heading back to Pakistan.
PML-N leaders have made it clear to Asif Ali Zardari that they could announce to quit the government after tomorrow night – the deadline for restoration of judiciary, sources said. However, a final decision in this regard will be made by PML-N Chief, Nawaz Sharif in his policy statement.
Earlier, a number of rounds of talks were held between the two parties but they were proved inconclusive.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Pakistani & Indian Military Golden Cooperation in Congo
Congo spotlight on India and Pakistan
By Martin Plaut
BBC News
A BBC investigation into United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo has put the spotlight on Indian troops for the first time, and revived questions about Pakistani troops there. More: BBC
KINSHASA: Peacekeepers from Pakistan and India smuggled gold. India, Pakistan deny allegations More: Daily Times
India peacekeepers swap guns for gold in Congo. More:IndiaInfo.Com
By Martin Plaut
BBC News
A BBC investigation into United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo has put the spotlight on Indian troops for the first time, and revived questions about Pakistani troops there. More: BBC
KINSHASA: Peacekeepers from Pakistan and India smuggled gold. India, Pakistan deny allegations More: Daily Times
India peacekeepers swap guns for gold in Congo. More:IndiaInfo.Com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
India bans Pakistani TV channels in Held Kashmir
The news Friday, April 25, 2008
OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: Local authorities in the Indian-occupied Kashmir have ordered most Pakistani cable stations off the air in the territory, cable operators said on Thursday.
The popular Pakistani channels are the only source of entertainment and current news programming in the Indian-occupied Kashmir. The Indian cable operators in Kashmir carried several Pakistani channels, including state-run PTV, for several years. It was not clear why the local officials ordered the cuts now. Read More:The News
OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: Local authorities in the Indian-occupied Kashmir have ordered most Pakistani cable stations off the air in the territory, cable operators said on Thursday.
The popular Pakistani channels are the only source of entertainment and current news programming in the Indian-occupied Kashmir. The Indian cable operators in Kashmir carried several Pakistani channels, including state-run PTV, for several years. It was not clear why the local officials ordered the cuts now. Read More:The News
Grade report on Urdu Langauge proficiency
Rupee News
Urdu language and Communication skills of Pakistani Politicians, & Television Networks graded on usage of the National Language.
Great nations take pride in their ethnicity and their national language. Pakistanis also do that. However the convent bred Pakistani elite is unable to communicate with the masses because they do not speak the language of the masses. It is scandalous that girls schools like “Jesus and Mary Convent” and others continue to produce functionally illiterate and operationally alienated Pakistanis who are only useful for the West.
It is abominable that state organs and the media of Pakistan work against the integrity of Pakistan by working in foreign languages and making them look “cool”. They hosts who speak in Enlglish are not cool, they are disgusting, should not be tolerated and should learn Urdu and the local languages.
More: Rupee News
Urdu language and Communication skills of Pakistani Politicians, & Television Networks graded on usage of the National Language.
Great nations take pride in their ethnicity and their national language. Pakistanis also do that. However the convent bred Pakistani elite is unable to communicate with the masses because they do not speak the language of the masses. It is scandalous that girls schools like “Jesus and Mary Convent” and others continue to produce functionally illiterate and operationally alienated Pakistanis who are only useful for the West.
It is abominable that state organs and the media of Pakistan work against the integrity of Pakistan by working in foreign languages and making them look “cool”. They hosts who speak in Enlglish are not cool, they are disgusting, should not be tolerated and should learn Urdu and the local languages.
More: Rupee News
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Obama's host in Pakistan
Soomro was among Obama’s hosts in Pakistan
The News Thursday, April 24, 2008
By Umar Cheema
NEW YORK: Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro may be having a friend in White House if Barak Hussain Obama finally succeeds in his presidential bid.
Hardly a few people know about Soomro's link with Obama, which he never discussed it in public. But in private interactions with influential Pakistanis here in the US, Obama disclosed that Soomro's father was his host when he went on a hunting expedition in Jacobabad during his visit to Pakistan in 1981.
While in Karachi, Obama had stayed at the residence of his college friend, Hassan Chandio. In Jacobabad, he was the guest of Soomro family. Muhammadmian Soomro confirmed this information and said it was his first meeting with Obama.
"Yes, he had been our guest and spent three days in Jacobabad," he told The News. Soomro, presently in the US, his second home, said an American friend had told his father, Ahmadmian Soomro, about Obama's arrival in Pakistan and asked him to look after the American. Soomro's father was the deputy speaker of West Pakistan Assembly and had also later served in the Senate.
Ahmadmian Soomro had also served in banking industry and was considered a pioneer in cooperative banking. By the time Soomro's father had hosted Obama, he was only a college student who went to Pakistan on his way from Indonesia where his mother was working with the Ford Foundation's micro credit finance project. Also Obama's mother was a frequent traveller to Pakistan and according to Time Magazine, she had a little bit proficiency in speaking Urdu.
When Soomro was asked about the person who referred Obama to his father, he said he nowadays lived in some country in South America. He was, however, reluctant to disclose his identity, saying he will have to seek permission from that man before giving his profile.
Although, Obama has not disclosed his link with Soomro, he mentioned it during his canvassing campaign while talking to a Pakistani American, Shahid Ahmad Khan, member of Board of Trustees Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.More:
The News
The Story of Barack Obama's MotherTime
The News Thursday, April 24, 2008
By Umar Cheema
NEW YORK: Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro may be having a friend in White House if Barak Hussain Obama finally succeeds in his presidential bid.
Hardly a few people know about Soomro's link with Obama, which he never discussed it in public. But in private interactions with influential Pakistanis here in the US, Obama disclosed that Soomro's father was his host when he went on a hunting expedition in Jacobabad during his visit to Pakistan in 1981.
While in Karachi, Obama had stayed at the residence of his college friend, Hassan Chandio. In Jacobabad, he was the guest of Soomro family. Muhammadmian Soomro confirmed this information and said it was his first meeting with Obama.
"Yes, he had been our guest and spent three days in Jacobabad," he told The News. Soomro, presently in the US, his second home, said an American friend had told his father, Ahmadmian Soomro, about Obama's arrival in Pakistan and asked him to look after the American. Soomro's father was the deputy speaker of West Pakistan Assembly and had also later served in the Senate.
Ahmadmian Soomro had also served in banking industry and was considered a pioneer in cooperative banking. By the time Soomro's father had hosted Obama, he was only a college student who went to Pakistan on his way from Indonesia where his mother was working with the Ford Foundation's micro credit finance project. Also Obama's mother was a frequent traveller to Pakistan and according to Time Magazine, she had a little bit proficiency in speaking Urdu.
When Soomro was asked about the person who referred Obama to his father, he said he nowadays lived in some country in South America. He was, however, reluctant to disclose his identity, saying he will have to seek permission from that man before giving his profile.
Although, Obama has not disclosed his link with Soomro, he mentioned it during his canvassing campaign while talking to a Pakistani American, Shahid Ahmad Khan, member of Board of Trustees Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.More:
The News
The Story of Barack Obama's MotherTime
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Special Verdict and Arrangement for Zardari
Verdict on graduates
The News Sunday, April 20, 2008
A seven-judge Supreme Court bench is expected to give a verdict within days on whether the controversial clause laying down the possession of a graduation degree as a condition for legislators should be retained. The provision was put in place through an executive order which in 2002 was inserted into the Representation of People Act of 1976. Under this addition, any person must hold at least a degree of graduation or an equivalent qualification to be a member of the legislature. The question of whether 'sanads' issued by madressahs constitute an equivalent qualification is still pending before the court.
In the current situation, the verdict in the case will also decide several other key issues. Foremost among them is the matter of whether Asif Ali Zardari can contest an NA seat. A decision that keeps the graduation clause in place, either indefinitely or for the current assembly term, would act to, in all likelihood, keep Zardari out of the assembly. While the PPP co-chairperson has consistently stated he has no desire to become PM, speculation continues that he may eventually choose to move into the key decision-making slot himself. More: The News
The News Sunday, April 20, 2008
A seven-judge Supreme Court bench is expected to give a verdict within days on whether the controversial clause laying down the possession of a graduation degree as a condition for legislators should be retained. The provision was put in place through an executive order which in 2002 was inserted into the Representation of People Act of 1976. Under this addition, any person must hold at least a degree of graduation or an equivalent qualification to be a member of the legislature. The question of whether 'sanads' issued by madressahs constitute an equivalent qualification is still pending before the court.
In the current situation, the verdict in the case will also decide several other key issues. Foremost among them is the matter of whether Asif Ali Zardari can contest an NA seat. A decision that keeps the graduation clause in place, either indefinitely or for the current assembly term, would act to, in all likelihood, keep Zardari out of the assembly. While the PPP co-chairperson has consistently stated he has no desire to become PM, speculation continues that he may eventually choose to move into the key decision-making slot himself. More: The News
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Fatima Bhutto's Story - Who killed Who!
Is Fatima Bhutto sealing deal to sell Bhutto story?
19 Apr, 2008, 1551 hrs IST, PTI
ISLAMABAD: Slain former Pakistani premier Benazir's Bhutto's fiery niece Fatima Bhutto may be sealing a deal shortly to sell a memoir of the Bhutto dynasty.
The 25-year-old Fatima, who already has two books to her credit, has reportedly sent a 12-page proposal for the as-yet-untitled family memoir of Pakistan's best known political dynasty to top British literary agent David Godwin.
Fatima and her stepmother Ghinwa have often hinted that they believe Benazir or her widower Asif Ali Zardari had a hand in the killing of her father Murtaza.
Godwin said Fatima "believes Benazir was the cause of the death of her father and part of the book will be an investigation into whether that was the case".
Though Benazir made several warm references in her autobiography "Daughter of the East" to her niece, Fatima believes her aunt tried to split the Bhutto family apart. More: Economic Times
19 Apr, 2008, 1551 hrs IST, PTI
ISLAMABAD: Slain former Pakistani premier Benazir's Bhutto's fiery niece Fatima Bhutto may be sealing a deal shortly to sell a memoir of the Bhutto dynasty.
The 25-year-old Fatima, who already has two books to her credit, has reportedly sent a 12-page proposal for the as-yet-untitled family memoir of Pakistan's best known political dynasty to top British literary agent David Godwin.
Fatima and her stepmother Ghinwa have often hinted that they believe Benazir or her widower Asif Ali Zardari had a hand in the killing of her father Murtaza.
Godwin said Fatima "believes Benazir was the cause of the death of her father and part of the book will be an investigation into whether that was the case".
Though Benazir made several warm references in her autobiography "Daughter of the East" to her niece, Fatima believes her aunt tried to split the Bhutto family apart. More: Economic Times
Inglish & India - Pakistan is just following our Indian Cousins
Chasing success and status, Indians learning English
Washington Post / April 13, 2008
India has a reputation as a nation of fluent English speakers, but by many estimates, only 5 percent of the population merits that description. Now, a five-year-long economic boom has triggered a rush to bring the reality into line with the lore. Once the preserve of big-city elites, English is spreading to the hinterlands.
"You are judged differently as soon as you speak English in India. My students' inability to speak in English dwarfs their self-confidence," said Uma Shanker, who runs the academy. "Everybody has a dream now in India, and English is central to that dream."
Some Indians call this an embarrassing hangover from 200 years of British rule. Some say that whatever its origin, India's strength in the language is a trump card in a globalizing world.
Others argue that it is all going too far. The popular Indian news magazine Outlook ran a cover story last month decrying the "English speaking curse. More:Boston Globe
English Speaking Curse
English is a source of anxiety, even despair, for its have-nots
Anjali Puri
The buzz around "fixing" India's English is growing louder and louder....
Read More:Outlook India
Washington Post / April 13, 2008
India has a reputation as a nation of fluent English speakers, but by many estimates, only 5 percent of the population merits that description. Now, a five-year-long economic boom has triggered a rush to bring the reality into line with the lore. Once the preserve of big-city elites, English is spreading to the hinterlands.
"You are judged differently as soon as you speak English in India. My students' inability to speak in English dwarfs their self-confidence," said Uma Shanker, who runs the academy. "Everybody has a dream now in India, and English is central to that dream."
Some Indians call this an embarrassing hangover from 200 years of British rule. Some say that whatever its origin, India's strength in the language is a trump card in a globalizing world.
Others argue that it is all going too far. The popular Indian news magazine Outlook ran a cover story last month decrying the "English speaking curse. More:Boston Globe
English Speaking Curse
English is a source of anxiety, even despair, for its have-nots
Anjali Puri
The buzz around "fixing" India's English is growing louder and louder....
Read More:Outlook India
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Doodh Ka Doodh, Pani ka Pani
Indeed Great Great Idea. What NA Should do is alongside The UN investigation of Benezer Bhutto. United Nations Investigation of alleged charges of corruption against Zulfiqar Bhutto, Benezer Bhutto, Asif Zardari, Sharif Brothers and other high ranking politicans including Gilani himself.
This is the only way to get a clean slate for every alleged charges of corruption and restore full faith in democracy and come clean.
In Urdu its called Doodh Ka Doodh, Pani ka Pani.
Dawn April 15, 2008 Tuesday Rabi-us-Sani 8, 1429
NA calls for UN probe into BB’s assassination
By Raja Asghar
ISLAMABAD, April 14: The National Assembly asked the government on Monday to approach the United Nations to get former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s assination investigated by an international commission, on the pattern of a probe into the 2005 killing of former prime minister of Lebanon Rafiq Hariri. More:Dawn
This is the only way to get a clean slate for every alleged charges of corruption and restore full faith in democracy and come clean.
In Urdu its called Doodh Ka Doodh, Pani ka Pani.
Dawn April 15, 2008 Tuesday Rabi-us-Sani 8, 1429
NA calls for UN probe into BB’s assassination
By Raja Asghar
ISLAMABAD, April 14: The National Assembly asked the government on Monday to approach the United Nations to get former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s assination investigated by an international commission, on the pattern of a probe into the 2005 killing of former prime minister of Lebanon Rafiq Hariri. More:Dawn
Monday, April 14, 2008
Punjabi Policeman to Rule Karachi one more time.
IG Sindh comes from Punjab to rule Sindh, What does he cares about the well being of Sindh or Karachi? Like most of the Karachi's Police Force is "imported" from Punjab. So what do they care about Karachi? We do not see any Non_Punjabi Police in Punjab or not many non Pakhtoon in Peshawar. "Jul Karachi tay Mujh Kamayeen"
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Its payback time - Who but Siegel to seal the deal.
Govt hiring Siegel as lobbyist in Washington
The News Monday, April 14, 2008
By Qudssia Akhlaque
ISLAMABAD: The PPP-led government is keen on hiring the services of American lobbyist and Democratic consultant Mark A Siegel, a longtime friend and adviser to Pakistan's twice-elected Prime Minister late Benazir Bhutto.
A key aide of PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari recently conveyed this desire to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is likely to move a summary to the PM Secretariat to initiate the process, The News has learnt through knowledgeable sources. More:The News
The News Monday, April 14, 2008
By Qudssia Akhlaque
ISLAMABAD: The PPP-led government is keen on hiring the services of American lobbyist and Democratic consultant Mark A Siegel, a longtime friend and adviser to Pakistan's twice-elected Prime Minister late Benazir Bhutto.
A key aide of PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari recently conveyed this desire to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is likely to move a summary to the PM Secretariat to initiate the process, The News has learnt through knowledgeable sources. More:The News
What are the benefits of commonwealth
Dawn
April 13, 2008 Sunday Rabi-us-Sani 6, 1429
C’wealth likely to readmit Pakistan, says Maleeha
ISLAMABAD, April 12: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Maleeha Lodhi said on Saturday that the Commonwealth was working out modalities for the restoration of Pakistan’s membership in the organisation.
More:Dawn
Comment: What are the benefits of commonwealth? Other than Rule Britania.
April 13, 2008 Sunday Rabi-us-Sani 6, 1429
C’wealth likely to readmit Pakistan, says Maleeha
ISLAMABAD, April 12: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Maleeha Lodhi said on Saturday that the Commonwealth was working out modalities for the restoration of Pakistan’s membership in the organisation.
More:Dawn
Comment: What are the benefits of commonwealth? Other than Rule Britania.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Fickle Pakistani liberals
The News
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
By Ahmed Quraishi
Welcome to the fickle politics of Pakistani liberals. At any given time, less than thirty liberal political 'experts' are found rotating on fifty or so Pakistani television networks regaling us with their twisted logic. Last week, all of them suddenly re-discovered our late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The PPP has every right – and a moral obligation – to make a show out of the 29th death anniversary of its founder. But the way our fickle liberals gushed out emotions in unison, almost on every television screen, begged a question: Where were they earlier? Does this mark the onset of the 'herd mindset' in Pakistani media?
Raising an ethical question in Pakistani politics is a contradiction in terms. But last week I dared offer one: If you have campaigned hard to boycott the election of a parliament, is it ethical for you to join this parliament after it has been elected despite all your efforts? I was referring to Mr Aitzaz Ahsan's decision to try to get inside our new parliament through the backdoor, a by-election, if PPP grants him a ticket. Suddenly, I was inundated with lectures on how it's legal and there is nothing wrong with it. But if you are a fair-minded person, you can still smell a rat in there. It is far more convincing – and ethical – to stick to your principles and stay out of this assembly. President Musharraf, after all, is still around. Mr Ahsan wanted everyone to boycott a parliament elected under this president. Why jump the ship of the lawyers' movement now?
And what does Mr Ahsan do when he does not get a good response from his party? He goes to Quetta with his client, the former chief justice, and sends indirect warnings to his own party's new federal government that he is a dangerous man if ignored. How come you didn't hear most of the thirty or so liberal political analysts on our television screens put the story this way? It's because hard blows are reserved for the likes of Arbab Ghulam Rahim. One more sign that in Pakistani politics, revenge trumps civility, any time.
Pakistani liberals fume when you talk about how Pakistan needs to evolve its own version of democracy and that we are not suited to the British democracy no matter how admirable it is. If not checked in our hands, British democracy has the potential of exploding in our faces. The deliberate mistreatment given to Sindh's former chief minister, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, shows that revenge remains an integral part of our politics. Our political discussions are devoid of any tolerance for opposing opinions and respect for those who hold them. You might excuse our tribal and feudal politicians for this culture but a disturbing fact is that this culture has slipped into Pakistan's middle classes, the supposed engine of future political change in our homeland.
While we are busy in these sideshows, real games are being played out elsewhere. Some of our liberals sprang out to defend a foreign terrorist, Sarabjit Singh, convicted of killing innocent Pakistanis. But none of them paused when an Indian supreme court judge took notice over the weekend of the fact that his country has jailed scores of Pakistanis without trial, some for more than ten years. The only reason New Delhi is beginning to take this issue seriously is because of our firm stand on the death sentence for the Indian terrorist, convicted after a fair due process.
Another area where we need to show some toughness is Afghanistan. Make no mistake, our American friends are making all the necessary preparations to invade our western regions. Washington has brought unprecedented pressure on the Europeans to beef up NATO contingents in areas close to our border.
We need to make our American friends understand that Washington cannot win in Afghanistan if Islamabad does not win too. The post-9/11 deal has to be a win-win for both of us. And it is not. Stating this specific reciprocity is far better than a blanket opposition to America's war on terror. Let's create consensus on this issue. This is a far more urgent matter than the nonissue of the deposed judges.
The writer works for Geo English. Email: aq@ahmedquraishi.com
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
By Ahmed Quraishi
Welcome to the fickle politics of Pakistani liberals. At any given time, less than thirty liberal political 'experts' are found rotating on fifty or so Pakistani television networks regaling us with their twisted logic. Last week, all of them suddenly re-discovered our late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The PPP has every right – and a moral obligation – to make a show out of the 29th death anniversary of its founder. But the way our fickle liberals gushed out emotions in unison, almost on every television screen, begged a question: Where were they earlier? Does this mark the onset of the 'herd mindset' in Pakistani media?
Raising an ethical question in Pakistani politics is a contradiction in terms. But last week I dared offer one: If you have campaigned hard to boycott the election of a parliament, is it ethical for you to join this parliament after it has been elected despite all your efforts? I was referring to Mr Aitzaz Ahsan's decision to try to get inside our new parliament through the backdoor, a by-election, if PPP grants him a ticket. Suddenly, I was inundated with lectures on how it's legal and there is nothing wrong with it. But if you are a fair-minded person, you can still smell a rat in there. It is far more convincing – and ethical – to stick to your principles and stay out of this assembly. President Musharraf, after all, is still around. Mr Ahsan wanted everyone to boycott a parliament elected under this president. Why jump the ship of the lawyers' movement now?
And what does Mr Ahsan do when he does not get a good response from his party? He goes to Quetta with his client, the former chief justice, and sends indirect warnings to his own party's new federal government that he is a dangerous man if ignored. How come you didn't hear most of the thirty or so liberal political analysts on our television screens put the story this way? It's because hard blows are reserved for the likes of Arbab Ghulam Rahim. One more sign that in Pakistani politics, revenge trumps civility, any time.
Pakistani liberals fume when you talk about how Pakistan needs to evolve its own version of democracy and that we are not suited to the British democracy no matter how admirable it is. If not checked in our hands, British democracy has the potential of exploding in our faces. The deliberate mistreatment given to Sindh's former chief minister, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, shows that revenge remains an integral part of our politics. Our political discussions are devoid of any tolerance for opposing opinions and respect for those who hold them. You might excuse our tribal and feudal politicians for this culture but a disturbing fact is that this culture has slipped into Pakistan's middle classes, the supposed engine of future political change in our homeland.
While we are busy in these sideshows, real games are being played out elsewhere. Some of our liberals sprang out to defend a foreign terrorist, Sarabjit Singh, convicted of killing innocent Pakistanis. But none of them paused when an Indian supreme court judge took notice over the weekend of the fact that his country has jailed scores of Pakistanis without trial, some for more than ten years. The only reason New Delhi is beginning to take this issue seriously is because of our firm stand on the death sentence for the Indian terrorist, convicted after a fair due process.
Another area where we need to show some toughness is Afghanistan. Make no mistake, our American friends are making all the necessary preparations to invade our western regions. Washington has brought unprecedented pressure on the Europeans to beef up NATO contingents in areas close to our border.
We need to make our American friends understand that Washington cannot win in Afghanistan if Islamabad does not win too. The post-9/11 deal has to be a win-win for both of us. And it is not. Stating this specific reciprocity is far better than a blanket opposition to America's war on terror. Let's create consensus on this issue. This is a far more urgent matter than the nonissue of the deposed judges.
The writer works for Geo English. Email: aq@ahmedquraishi.com
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Lawyers in The Boston Blobe
Lawyers' rumble leads to rioting in Pakistan
Shootings, fire kill 7 in Karachi after protest
Rival political groups clashed yesterday in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, creating a trail of destruction, police said. Armed gangs set several cars and a building on fire. By Ashraf Khan
Associated Press / April 10, 2008
KARACHI, Pakistan - A street fight between political rivals spiraled into rioting in Pakistan's biggest city yesterday, with armed men smashing cars and setting fires. Five people burned to death in one building and two were shot and killed.
The trouble started when pro- and anti-government attorneys punched and beat each other with sticks near the main courts complex in Karachi. Soon after, armed men began shooting at and torching cars, witnesses said.
A building was set ablaze, and five charred bodies were found on the sixth floor, said police officer Syed Sulaiman. Two other people died of gunshot wounds, including a paramedic whose ambulance came under fire while trying to reach the injured. More: Boston Globe
Shootings, fire kill 7 in Karachi after protest
Rival political groups clashed yesterday in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, creating a trail of destruction, police said. Armed gangs set several cars and a building on fire. By Ashraf Khan
Associated Press / April 10, 2008
KARACHI, Pakistan - A street fight between political rivals spiraled into rioting in Pakistan's biggest city yesterday, with armed men smashing cars and setting fires. Five people burned to death in one building and two were shot and killed.
The trouble started when pro- and anti-government attorneys punched and beat each other with sticks near the main courts complex in Karachi. Soon after, armed men began shooting at and torching cars, witnesses said.
A building was set ablaze, and five charred bodies were found on the sixth floor, said police officer Syed Sulaiman. Two other people died of gunshot wounds, including a paramedic whose ambulance came under fire while trying to reach the injured. More: Boston Globe
Lawyes took Law into their hand
Daily Times Thursday, April 10, 2008
Lawyers clash, riots kill 9 in Karachi
* 40 vehicles torched
* Seven bodies found in building housing lawyers’ offices
* Sindh CM pledges inquiry into incident
By Faraz Khan
KARACHI: At least nine people were killed and several others wounded in riots on Wednesday, after a clash between two groups of lawyers spread outwards from the City Courts building.
Daily Times
Lawyers clash, riots kill 9 in Karachi
* 40 vehicles torched
* Seven bodies found in building housing lawyers’ offices
* Sindh CM pledges inquiry into incident
By Faraz Khan
KARACHI: At least nine people were killed and several others wounded in riots on Wednesday, after a clash between two groups of lawyers spread outwards from the City Courts building.
Daily Times
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The PPP Democrazy at its best. "Khun ka Badla Khun"
Following was reported by the News.
Angry mob thrashes Sher Afgan
Charged lawyers besiege ex-minister near Lahore High Court as rescue attempt by Aitzaz fails
By Wajih Ahmad Sheikh
LAHORE: In a horrific incident, one day after the manhandling of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, another right-hand man of President Pervez Musharraf was beaten up outside the Lahore High Court by a charged crowd of lawyers on Tuesday evening. More:
The News
Pro-Afgan protesters torch Mianwali bar.
LAHORE: Around 30 to 40 miscreants attacked the district bar offices of Mianwali, and torched it completely in protest against thrashing of Dr Sher Afgan Niazi.
More: The News
Lawyers pummel Sher Afgan
LAHORE: People watched as lawyers used kicks and punches and tore clothes of former law minister Sher Afghan in presence of representatives of the bars, with police trying to give him a safe passage from the office of a bar where he had gone for so .... Business Recorder
Angry mob thrashes Sher Afgan
Charged lawyers besiege ex-minister near Lahore High Court as rescue attempt by Aitzaz fails
By Wajih Ahmad Sheikh
LAHORE: In a horrific incident, one day after the manhandling of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, another right-hand man of President Pervez Musharraf was beaten up outside the Lahore High Court by a charged crowd of lawyers on Tuesday evening. More:
The News
Pro-Afgan protesters torch Mianwali bar.
LAHORE: Around 30 to 40 miscreants attacked the district bar offices of Mianwali, and torched it completely in protest against thrashing of Dr Sher Afgan Niazi.
More: The News
Lawyers pummel Sher Afgan
LAHORE: People watched as lawyers used kicks and punches and tore clothes of former law minister Sher Afghan in presence of representatives of the bars, with police trying to give him a safe passage from the office of a bar where he had gone for so .... Business Recorder
Monday, April 7, 2008
Revenge PPP Style or Jutee Mar Democracy.
Comment: Ibte dae Ishq hay roota hay kia. aage aage deehkye hoota hay kia.
The Nation Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Arbab Rahim given shoe-lashing
Zamir Sheikh
KARACHI - PML-Q leader and former Sindh chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim was hit on the face with a shoe by a PPP supporter when he was leaving the provincial assembly.
More: The Nation
It was preplanned, says Arbab Rahim
KARACHI (NNI) - Former Chief Minister Sindh Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that he was tortured and abused within the Sindh Assembly premises and outside when he came to take oath as member Sindh assembly.
He said this ugly incident proved that small opposition cannot enter the assembly without torture risk. More: The Nation
The News Tuesday, April 08, 2008, Rabi-ul-Awal 30, 1429 A.H
Arbab manhandled in Sindh Assembly
MQM boycotts session indefinitely, withdraws support to CM; PPP sees incident as conspiracy against system
By Tahir Hasan Khan
KARACHI: A rumpus marred the proceedings of the Sindh Assembly during the swearing in of the speaker and the deputy speaker when emotionally charged People's Party activists thronging the galleries raised slogans when former chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim made an appearance to take oath as MPA.
More:The News
The Nation Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Arbab Rahim given shoe-lashing
Zamir Sheikh
KARACHI - PML-Q leader and former Sindh chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim was hit on the face with a shoe by a PPP supporter when he was leaving the provincial assembly.
More: The Nation
It was preplanned, says Arbab Rahim
KARACHI (NNI) - Former Chief Minister Sindh Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that he was tortured and abused within the Sindh Assembly premises and outside when he came to take oath as member Sindh assembly.
He said this ugly incident proved that small opposition cannot enter the assembly without torture risk. More: The Nation
The News Tuesday, April 08, 2008, Rabi-ul-Awal 30, 1429 A.H
Arbab manhandled in Sindh Assembly
MQM boycotts session indefinitely, withdraws support to CM; PPP sees incident as conspiracy against system
By Tahir Hasan Khan
KARACHI: A rumpus marred the proceedings of the Sindh Assembly during the swearing in of the speaker and the deputy speaker when emotionally charged People's Party activists thronging the galleries raised slogans when former chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim made an appearance to take oath as MPA.
More:The News
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Zardari's action
The News
Zardari offers governorship to Iftikhar Chaudhry
LAHORE: Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has offered the position of Balochistan governor to Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the sacked chief justice of Pakistan, Aaj television channel reported on Thursday. The channel said Zardari made the offer through Iftikhar’s counsels Aitzaz Ahsan, Athar Minallah, and Munir A Malik. daily times monitor
The News
Judges ditched by Zardari too!
Web posted at: 4/6/2008 1:8:12
Source ::: internews
ISLAMABAD • Pakistan Peoples Party Co-Chairman Asif Zardari has shocked Pakistanis by issuing a long ‘charge-sheet’ against 60 popular judges controversially sacked by President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf and for whose restoration he has signed a pact with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, alleging they never came to his rescue and were responsible for his eight years in jail
More The Peninsula Doha Qatar
Zardari offers governorship to Iftikhar Chaudhry
LAHORE: Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has offered the position of Balochistan governor to Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the sacked chief justice of Pakistan, Aaj television channel reported on Thursday. The channel said Zardari made the offer through Iftikhar’s counsels Aitzaz Ahsan, Athar Minallah, and Munir A Malik. daily times monitor
The News
Judges ditched by Zardari too!
Web posted at: 4/6/2008 1:8:12
Source ::: internews
ISLAMABAD • Pakistan Peoples Party Co-Chairman Asif Zardari has shocked Pakistanis by issuing a long ‘charge-sheet’ against 60 popular judges controversially sacked by President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf and for whose restoration he has signed a pact with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, alleging they never came to his rescue and were responsible for his eight years in jail
More The Peninsula Doha Qatar
Zardari Stuns - Disturbing signs
PPP co-chairman stuns allies
Saturday April 05, 2008 (1201 PST)
More:Pak Tribune
Zardari issues ‘charge-sheet’
Snubs Aitzaz; says he is not interested in restoration of personalities
By Ansar Abbasi
The News Sunday, April 06, 2008, Rabi-ul-Awal 28, 1429 A.H.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has issued a long charge-sheet against the deposed superior court judges, saying they never came to his rescue and were responsible for his eight years in jail.
In the clearest indication that the PPP may not stand by the Murree Declaration to restore the judges, the PPP leader told his central executive committee in Naudero that he was not interested in the restoration of personalities but wanted a judicial reforms package.
More:The News
Disturbing signs
Saturday, April 05, 2008
The issue of restoration of the deposed judges is already causing cracks and friction not only in the grand political coalition but within the ranks of the PPP as well. Barrister Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan has even gone on record to unfold what he calls a constitutional package, born and bred in the presidency, to selectively screen out the judges not liked by the presidency, foremost among them Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry. Under the attractive garb of providing sovereignty to parliament, Aitzaz says, all judges would be dismissed and then re-appointed after scrutiny by a parliamentary committee where the pro-presidency elements would rake up dirt against the unwanted judges and eliminate them. On Thursday this warning by Aitzaz was almost confirmed by PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at the PPP CEC meeting at Naudero, when he said the restoration of the judges would be linked to the judiciary reforms package, a position different from the Bhurban Accord. There are also reports that Mr Zardari publicly snubbed and rebuked Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan in Naudero on the judges issue, asking him to stop threatening long marches and stop claiming the credit for the restoration of democracy because, according to Mr Zardari, it was Benazir Bhutto's ultimate sacrifice and not the lawyers' movement or judges' sacking which led to the elections and the return to democracy. These signs of bitterness within the PPP are unfortunate, but the main coalition partner of the PPP, the PML-N, is also not going to like the way things are moving and an urgent session of the party was held on Friday to discuss the developments.
More:The News
Saturday April 05, 2008 (1201 PST)
More:Pak Tribune
Zardari issues ‘charge-sheet’
Snubs Aitzaz; says he is not interested in restoration of personalities
By Ansar Abbasi
The News Sunday, April 06, 2008, Rabi-ul-Awal 28, 1429 A.H.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has issued a long charge-sheet against the deposed superior court judges, saying they never came to his rescue and were responsible for his eight years in jail.
In the clearest indication that the PPP may not stand by the Murree Declaration to restore the judges, the PPP leader told his central executive committee in Naudero that he was not interested in the restoration of personalities but wanted a judicial reforms package.
More:The News
Disturbing signs
Saturday, April 05, 2008
The issue of restoration of the deposed judges is already causing cracks and friction not only in the grand political coalition but within the ranks of the PPP as well. Barrister Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan has even gone on record to unfold what he calls a constitutional package, born and bred in the presidency, to selectively screen out the judges not liked by the presidency, foremost among them Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry. Under the attractive garb of providing sovereignty to parliament, Aitzaz says, all judges would be dismissed and then re-appointed after scrutiny by a parliamentary committee where the pro-presidency elements would rake up dirt against the unwanted judges and eliminate them. On Thursday this warning by Aitzaz was almost confirmed by PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at the PPP CEC meeting at Naudero, when he said the restoration of the judges would be linked to the judiciary reforms package, a position different from the Bhurban Accord. There are also reports that Mr Zardari publicly snubbed and rebuked Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan in Naudero on the judges issue, asking him to stop threatening long marches and stop claiming the credit for the restoration of democracy because, according to Mr Zardari, it was Benazir Bhutto's ultimate sacrifice and not the lawyers' movement or judges' sacking which led to the elections and the return to democracy. These signs of bitterness within the PPP are unfortunate, but the main coalition partner of the PPP, the PML-N, is also not going to like the way things are moving and an urgent session of the party was held on Friday to discuss the developments.
More:The News
Graveyard and other cults
Dawn
By Ardeshir Cowasjee
IT is since 1971, when we lost half of ourselves, that the nation at large, with particular emphasis on those catapulted or ‘freely and fairly’ voted into power, has adopted and thrived upon the habit of visiting of tombs, with ‘figures de circonstance’ (the arrangement of faces to wear suitable but fictitious expressions of grief).
From 1948 when he died, Mohammad Ali Jinnah (never let it be forgotten that he once famously stated that he wished to be known as ‘plain Mr Jinnah’) lay deeply buried in a simple grave over which was placed a marble slab (provided by the Sind Patent Tile Factory owned by Jinnah’s friend, Jamshed Nusserwanjee) protected from the skies and the weather by a simple tent. Visitors were few and far between, one reason being that Jinnah himself had not been known to be prone to take himself off to linger at various grave-sides — at least there are no known photographs of him doing so.
The tent stood until 1960 when construction started on the marble tomb that now marks his place of burial. The rather squat structure was completed in 1971, and it was during the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that guards were posted and it became the habit and hobby of every politically connected Tom, Dick and Harriet, with their suitable figures de circonstance, to slow-march up the marble stairs for a photo opportunity (suitably surrounded by uniforms and sycophants), hands raised, eyes lowered, at the iron railings that surround the empty catafalque on the upper floor of the mausoleum — Jinnah himself lies way down, in the bosom of the earth.
It has become one of those obligatory duties, rather like proceeding on Umra at the nation’s expense, that when people are appointed to political positions they must travel to Karachi expressly to be seen at the Mazar, a place in their previous apolitical lives they had never thought to visit.
This cult of tomb-side photo opportunities is growing by the day — not a healthy phenomenon. On Saturday, in the national press were three photographs taken of the Asif Zardari-appointed prime minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani. One depicted him in traditional pose at the Mazar of Mr Jinnah, one likewise before the grave of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and the third offering fateha at the grave of Benazir Bhutto.
These three visits had taken place on one day — April 4, the 29th death anniversary of ZAB, a day that was declared a school holiday in the province of Sindh, a first-time happenstance that had never before occurred, not even during the two governments of Benazir herself.
The cult of grave-visiting is becoming graver by the day. The press yesterday, apart from the prime minister, showed numerous shots of our various luminaries at Garhi Khuda Baksh. And three days prior to this, on April 1, Asif Zardari, in a fit of forgiveness, took himself off to the Azizabad graveyard, here in Karachi, to pay homage at the gravesides of Altaf Hussain’s brother and nephew (had he ever met them?) who were murdered in Karachi during Benazir’s second premiership.
This Zardari make-up with the MQM and Altaf Bhai is not pleasing Mian Nawaz Sharif of Lahore and he has expressed his displeasure.
However, it must be said that we who live in Sindh, and in Karachi in particular, welcome the accord between the provincial ruling PPP and the party of the Pir of London merely because it denotes that, if it holds, there will hopefully not be any unusual violent upheavals in our lives. Things tend to get tricky when the MQM is isolated — we are understandably apprehensive.
The Mian is also unhappy — and he shows it, looking exceedingly grim in his photographs — over the matter of the reinstatement of the dismissed judges. Widower Asif Zardari is in a bind — firstly and foremost he is bound to honour the agreement made between the powers in the USA, President General Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto in which her future line of action had been laid out for her, and the same with Musharraf. The question of the judiciary and the survival of Musharraf to which it is linked is very much within the purview of the current US ‘great game’.
There can be no doubt that the minority literate and fairly well economically endowed of the nation who can afford the luxury of dwelling upon such matters is all for an independent judiciary. Mian Nawaz Sharif’s new-found passion for the independence of the judiciary has all to do with his equally passionate desire to rid himself of Musharraf.
Zardari has to say he is all for an independent judiciary and that is the democratic and right thing to say (whether one thinks so or not). But realistically, can the leaders of this country — be they civilian or military — ever afford a truly independent judiciary? The answer has to be no, as they all carry far too much baggage.
Asif, to give him his due, is open and upfront about the matter, as can be gauged from reports in the national press of a one-sided conversation held at Naudero (on the grave-visiting occasion) between himself and Aitzaz Ahsan on the matter of the judiciary. Asif made it quite clear to Aitzaz that it was not the legal fraternity and their histrionics that had removed Musharraf’s uniform and given the country free and fair elections — it was Benazir Bhutto and what she achieved whilst alive and by her death.
He was also very clear in pointing out to the besieged barrister that none of the now heroic judges had ever given him the time of the day when he was imprisoned on what he terms cooked-up charges and that they had even refused him one day’s reprieve to attend the funeral of a relative.
He also had a go at the deposed chief justice, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, who he accused, with some justification it must be said, of having politicised himself and rendered himself unfit for the high office to which he again aspires. Reportedly he also questioned the integrity and independence of some of our other honourable former judges.
As for Musharraf, Asif is right when he says he has delivered — he has, down to the last drop, which for Asif is the National Reconciliation Ordinance. Now, even the hard-cast case in the Swiss courts involving the Cotecna and SGS kickbacks and money laundering is being killed off thanks to the NRO (though with a PPP government in power Pakistan could in any case have withdrawn itself). The NRO is in itself iniquitous, it is unconstitutional, unlawful and immoral as it involves not the money of individuals but of the people of Pakistan.
What we must remember, and what the beneficiaries of the NRO in their shamelessness will not remember, are the words of Dominique Henchoz, the Government of Pakistan’s lawyer in the Swiss case. Whilst confirming to the press that Pakistan had withdrawn itself as a civil party to the case, she remarked: “Just because there has been an amnesty for the good of the country does not mean that no crime was committed.”
arfc@cyber.net,pk
By Ardeshir Cowasjee
IT is since 1971, when we lost half of ourselves, that the nation at large, with particular emphasis on those catapulted or ‘freely and fairly’ voted into power, has adopted and thrived upon the habit of visiting of tombs, with ‘figures de circonstance’ (the arrangement of faces to wear suitable but fictitious expressions of grief).
From 1948 when he died, Mohammad Ali Jinnah (never let it be forgotten that he once famously stated that he wished to be known as ‘plain Mr Jinnah’) lay deeply buried in a simple grave over which was placed a marble slab (provided by the Sind Patent Tile Factory owned by Jinnah’s friend, Jamshed Nusserwanjee) protected from the skies and the weather by a simple tent. Visitors were few and far between, one reason being that Jinnah himself had not been known to be prone to take himself off to linger at various grave-sides — at least there are no known photographs of him doing so.
The tent stood until 1960 when construction started on the marble tomb that now marks his place of burial. The rather squat structure was completed in 1971, and it was during the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that guards were posted and it became the habit and hobby of every politically connected Tom, Dick and Harriet, with their suitable figures de circonstance, to slow-march up the marble stairs for a photo opportunity (suitably surrounded by uniforms and sycophants), hands raised, eyes lowered, at the iron railings that surround the empty catafalque on the upper floor of the mausoleum — Jinnah himself lies way down, in the bosom of the earth.
It has become one of those obligatory duties, rather like proceeding on Umra at the nation’s expense, that when people are appointed to political positions they must travel to Karachi expressly to be seen at the Mazar, a place in their previous apolitical lives they had never thought to visit.
This cult of tomb-side photo opportunities is growing by the day — not a healthy phenomenon. On Saturday, in the national press were three photographs taken of the Asif Zardari-appointed prime minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani. One depicted him in traditional pose at the Mazar of Mr Jinnah, one likewise before the grave of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and the third offering fateha at the grave of Benazir Bhutto.
These three visits had taken place on one day — April 4, the 29th death anniversary of ZAB, a day that was declared a school holiday in the province of Sindh, a first-time happenstance that had never before occurred, not even during the two governments of Benazir herself.
The cult of grave-visiting is becoming graver by the day. The press yesterday, apart from the prime minister, showed numerous shots of our various luminaries at Garhi Khuda Baksh. And three days prior to this, on April 1, Asif Zardari, in a fit of forgiveness, took himself off to the Azizabad graveyard, here in Karachi, to pay homage at the gravesides of Altaf Hussain’s brother and nephew (had he ever met them?) who were murdered in Karachi during Benazir’s second premiership.
This Zardari make-up with the MQM and Altaf Bhai is not pleasing Mian Nawaz Sharif of Lahore and he has expressed his displeasure.
However, it must be said that we who live in Sindh, and in Karachi in particular, welcome the accord between the provincial ruling PPP and the party of the Pir of London merely because it denotes that, if it holds, there will hopefully not be any unusual violent upheavals in our lives. Things tend to get tricky when the MQM is isolated — we are understandably apprehensive.
The Mian is also unhappy — and he shows it, looking exceedingly grim in his photographs — over the matter of the reinstatement of the dismissed judges. Widower Asif Zardari is in a bind — firstly and foremost he is bound to honour the agreement made between the powers in the USA, President General Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto in which her future line of action had been laid out for her, and the same with Musharraf. The question of the judiciary and the survival of Musharraf to which it is linked is very much within the purview of the current US ‘great game’.
There can be no doubt that the minority literate and fairly well economically endowed of the nation who can afford the luxury of dwelling upon such matters is all for an independent judiciary. Mian Nawaz Sharif’s new-found passion for the independence of the judiciary has all to do with his equally passionate desire to rid himself of Musharraf.
Zardari has to say he is all for an independent judiciary and that is the democratic and right thing to say (whether one thinks so or not). But realistically, can the leaders of this country — be they civilian or military — ever afford a truly independent judiciary? The answer has to be no, as they all carry far too much baggage.
Asif, to give him his due, is open and upfront about the matter, as can be gauged from reports in the national press of a one-sided conversation held at Naudero (on the grave-visiting occasion) between himself and Aitzaz Ahsan on the matter of the judiciary. Asif made it quite clear to Aitzaz that it was not the legal fraternity and their histrionics that had removed Musharraf’s uniform and given the country free and fair elections — it was Benazir Bhutto and what she achieved whilst alive and by her death.
He was also very clear in pointing out to the besieged barrister that none of the now heroic judges had ever given him the time of the day when he was imprisoned on what he terms cooked-up charges and that they had even refused him one day’s reprieve to attend the funeral of a relative.
He also had a go at the deposed chief justice, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, who he accused, with some justification it must be said, of having politicised himself and rendered himself unfit for the high office to which he again aspires. Reportedly he also questioned the integrity and independence of some of our other honourable former judges.
As for Musharraf, Asif is right when he says he has delivered — he has, down to the last drop, which for Asif is the National Reconciliation Ordinance. Now, even the hard-cast case in the Swiss courts involving the Cotecna and SGS kickbacks and money laundering is being killed off thanks to the NRO (though with a PPP government in power Pakistan could in any case have withdrawn itself). The NRO is in itself iniquitous, it is unconstitutional, unlawful and immoral as it involves not the money of individuals but of the people of Pakistan.
What we must remember, and what the beneficiaries of the NRO in their shamelessness will not remember, are the words of Dominique Henchoz, the Government of Pakistan’s lawyer in the Swiss case. Whilst confirming to the press that Pakistan had withdrawn itself as a civil party to the case, she remarked: “Just because there has been an amnesty for the good of the country does not mean that no crime was committed.”
arfc@cyber.net,pk
Friday, April 4, 2008
Geo Maze se, Dubai men. Baqi Sab ko Marne Do
Dubai based "Beacon of free Press, Geo Tv" Never reported the following or similar attrocities in the Persian Gulf States of UAE. But Dawn did. Shame on GEO. or its Geo Maze se Dubai me Baqi Sab ko Marne DO.
Asian workers grilled over Sharjah unrest
Dawn April 04, 2008 Friday Rabi-ul-Awwal 26, 1429
DUBAI, April 3: Authorities questioned dozens of Asian labourers after hundreds of workers clashed with police during a protest against their living conditions in the emirate of Sharjah, media reported on Thursday.
Police “brought calm” to the al-Nahda district of Sharjah where the workers’ protest took place on Wednesday night at the site of a number of residential towers under construction, the state news agency WAM reported.
It said the workers, from the Tiger Contracting Company, climbed one of the unfinished buildings and threw stones, bricks and other construction equipment at police.
The head of Sharjah police, Brig Gen Humaid Mohammed al-Hudaidi, called the incident “an act of rioting” that had “nothing to do with labour disputes,” WAM reported.
The English language newspaper Khaleej Times reported 600 workers were arrested, but WAM did not mention arrests.
A witness, living next to the site of the protest, said the workers were angry because they were forced to live on the construction site where they worked. The witness said he saw the workers climbing the structure and shouting.
Strikes are illegal and unions are banned in the UAE. Protesting labourers complain of poor salaries that are diminishing in value because of the falling US dollar. The Emirates’ currency – the dirham – is pegged to the dollar.
WAM said police were alerted to Wednesday’s unrest by an anonymous motorist who said “a group of people” had blocked a road between Dubai and Sharjah.
After “verifying the information through the observation cameras which were activated at the site, Sharjah police found the rioters were Indians, Bengalis, Afghans and Pakistanis working for the company,” WAM said.
The Khaleej Times said on Thursday the workers felt the building site was not an appropriate accommodation. It said about 800 workers were involved in “destruction of property, blocking traffic and posing security threat to drivers” and that police had arrested more than 600 workers.
It also said the workers had to live in the two building sites as a temporary measure due to maintenance work in the camps they normally live in.
WAM said Sharjah authorities started questioning workers who were “involved in the riot” to find out the reasons behind “the subversive act.”
“The UAE security forces will never allow any individual or group to jeopardise the country’s stability and security and whoever attempts to do so and violate the law will be strictly dealt with,” Al-Hudaidi said.—AP
Asian workers grilled over Sharjah unrest
Dawn April 04, 2008 Friday Rabi-ul-Awwal 26, 1429
DUBAI, April 3: Authorities questioned dozens of Asian labourers after hundreds of workers clashed with police during a protest against their living conditions in the emirate of Sharjah, media reported on Thursday.
Police “brought calm” to the al-Nahda district of Sharjah where the workers’ protest took place on Wednesday night at the site of a number of residential towers under construction, the state news agency WAM reported.
It said the workers, from the Tiger Contracting Company, climbed one of the unfinished buildings and threw stones, bricks and other construction equipment at police.
The head of Sharjah police, Brig Gen Humaid Mohammed al-Hudaidi, called the incident “an act of rioting” that had “nothing to do with labour disputes,” WAM reported.
The English language newspaper Khaleej Times reported 600 workers were arrested, but WAM did not mention arrests.
A witness, living next to the site of the protest, said the workers were angry because they were forced to live on the construction site where they worked. The witness said he saw the workers climbing the structure and shouting.
Strikes are illegal and unions are banned in the UAE. Protesting labourers complain of poor salaries that are diminishing in value because of the falling US dollar. The Emirates’ currency – the dirham – is pegged to the dollar.
WAM said police were alerted to Wednesday’s unrest by an anonymous motorist who said “a group of people” had blocked a road between Dubai and Sharjah.
After “verifying the information through the observation cameras which were activated at the site, Sharjah police found the rioters were Indians, Bengalis, Afghans and Pakistanis working for the company,” WAM said.
The Khaleej Times said on Thursday the workers felt the building site was not an appropriate accommodation. It said about 800 workers were involved in “destruction of property, blocking traffic and posing security threat to drivers” and that police had arrested more than 600 workers.
It also said the workers had to live in the two building sites as a temporary measure due to maintenance work in the camps they normally live in.
WAM said Sharjah authorities started questioning workers who were “involved in the riot” to find out the reasons behind “the subversive act.”
“The UAE security forces will never allow any individual or group to jeopardise the country’s stability and security and whoever attempts to do so and violate the law will be strictly dealt with,” Al-Hudaidi said.—AP
Is PPP trying to protect Musharraf?
The News Friday, April 04, 2008, Rabi-ul-Awal 26, 1429 A.H.
By Ansar Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: A PPP minister has been going around meeting some of the deposed judges in Islamabad’s Judges Enclave to seek assurances that once restored they would not re-open cases against President Musharraf, it is learnt.
More:The News
By Ansar Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: A PPP minister has been going around meeting some of the deposed judges in Islamabad’s Judges Enclave to seek assurances that once restored they would not re-open cases against President Musharraf, it is learnt.
More:The News
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Qabailistan, Seraikistan and Pakhtunkhwah
The Frontier Post Tuesday, April 1, 2008, Rabi ul Awwal 23, 1429 A.H.
Dr Naeem Chishti
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced at the floor of the National Assembly on March 29, after taking a unanimous vote of confidence, that the Concurrent Legislative List will be abolished from the Constitution within a year. This is indeed a very courageous statement and is a right step in the right direction. Our final objective indeed is an invincible Pakistan which is strong both internally as well as externally. Although military might is essential for a strong state but the real strength comes from the people and not weapons. Conversely, a state can still be strong without its artillery, armour and weaponry but it cannot stay long if its people are disunited and dissatisfied with their political system. This is all the more true in case of federal states. It is for this reason that democracy is regarded as the most suitable form of government for federal states. Federalism aims at devolving powers between federating units in such a manner that only the bare minimum powers are retained by the centre while the rest of the powers are allocated to the provinces. It is in accordance with this spirit of federalism that the 1973 Constitution divided the legislative lists into two categories. While the legislation on the subjects contained in the Federal Legislative List could be made by the Parliament, the legislation on the subjects not contained in any Legislative List was the prerogative of the Provincial Assemblies only. As far as the Concurrent Legislative List is concerned, both the Parliament and the Provincial Assemblies could legislate on any of the subjects contained in it. However, in case of clash between two laws, the bill passed by the Parliament would take precedence. The Concurrent List contains as many as forty-seven subjects. All these subjects are essential to be allocated to the provinces to give them autonomy. After the abolition of the Concurrent List, the Provincial Assemblies will be able to make or amend the civil, criminal and industrial laws and procedures in their provinces without any interference from the federal government. Furthermore, they will also be able to legislate exclusively on subjects such as education, electricity, press and publications, and legal medical and other professions. Abolition of the Concurrent List would mean that the federal government’s powers will be restricted only to the subjects contained in the Federal Legislative List while all other subjects will be governed by the provincial governments. Although Federal Legislative List is quite comprehensive but the abolition of the Concurrent Legislative List will not be a bad beginning. The underlying idea of the abolition of the Concurrent List is to give more autonomy to the provinces so that they can focus on their development. At the same time, the federal government will also be able to give more time to fundamental issues like defence, foreign affairs and fiscal management. However, abolition of Concurrent List alone will not solve the fundamental problems of the people. If we look at our political system, we will see that the pattern of development in our country has always been vertical and not horizontal. What it means is that there are certain areas in different parts of Pakistan which have traditionally been more developed at the cost of other areas. Therefore, while we can see some very developed regions in a province we can also see other regions too which are in complete contrast and do not appear to be a part of the same province. At least two examples can be quoted in this regard. The first example is that of the tribal areas of the NWFP while the other one is that of the Seraiki belt of the Punjab. If we travel either from Peshawar to FATA or from Lahore to the Seraiki belt, it would look as if we have come into another province especially as far as their political, economic and social development or backwardness is concerned. These areas inter alia need to be recognised as separate provinces. In old times, a province used to be a territory with a distinct culture. However, the concept of a province has undergone change in modern times. These days, the provinces are created for better administrative management rather than for their distinct cultures or geographic boundaries though those could be taken into consideration among other factors. The creation of new provinces is a regular feature of a federal state. In fact, the more the provinces the stronger the federation will be. It is so because it will offer more efficient administration and will afford a better opportunity to the people to participate in the horizontal development of their provinces. It is for this reason that we can always see truly federal states yearning for more provinces whenever it can reasonably be done. In this regard, we can present the examples of the United States and India. The United States of America at the time of its creation comprised of thirteen states only but today it has fifty-one states. Similarly, our neighbouring country India comprised of eleven provinces only at the time of independence form Britain but today it has as many as twenty-eight provinces. Pakistan has for the most of the time been under military dictatorships. Our military rulers spent their professional lives in very centralised and disciplined or closed environments. Therefore, they always believed in a very strong centre. They failed to realize that running a country was quite different, if not quite opposite, from having the command of a force. Therefore, they always abhorred the idea of creating new provinces. This was just their lack of knowledge and foresight. There is absolutely nothing wrong in creating new provinces in the country. In fact, the catastrophe of East Pakistan would have perhaps been avoided if the experiment of ‘One Unit’ had not been attempted by Governor General Ghulam Muhammad through his ‘Cabinet of Talents’ in which Iskander Mirza and Ayub Khan sat as Interior Minister and Defence Minister, respectively. We must not repeat our past mistakes and must willingly recognise FATA and the Seraiki belt as separate provinces after ascertaining the desires of the people of those areas. As far as the names of the new provinces are concerned, we should give the locals an opportunity to choose the names of their own provinces. For that matter, there is no harm even if the NWFP is renamed as Pakhtoonkhawah. To remove the doubts, let me clarify that I am neither a Qabaili, nor a Pakhtun, nor even a Seraiki. Therefore, my support for Qabailistan, Seraikistan or Pakhtoonkwah is based purely on my objective study and love for Pakistan. It is my candid opinion that Pakistan will be further strengthened by recognising FATA, Seraiki belt and other underdeveloped homogeneous regions as separate provinces. I have already presented the case for a new province comprising of Federally Administered Tribal Areas in my article ‘Qabailistan – Fifth Province of Pakistan’ published in these columns on October 24, 2007. I touched upon this issue again in my analysis titled ‘Repeal of FCR’ published in the Frontier Post on March 31, 2008. Incidentally, our Chief Editor Rehmat Shah Afridi has also supported the idea of a separate province for tribal people in his comments on ‘Abolishment of FCR’ published in the Frontier Post on March 31, 2008. Rehmat Shah Afridi hails from FATA and belongs to the famous Kamberkhel tribe. Therefore, his comments should be treated as a representative voice of the tribal people.
Dr Naeem Chishti
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced at the floor of the National Assembly on March 29, after taking a unanimous vote of confidence, that the Concurrent Legislative List will be abolished from the Constitution within a year. This is indeed a very courageous statement and is a right step in the right direction. Our final objective indeed is an invincible Pakistan which is strong both internally as well as externally. Although military might is essential for a strong state but the real strength comes from the people and not weapons. Conversely, a state can still be strong without its artillery, armour and weaponry but it cannot stay long if its people are disunited and dissatisfied with their political system. This is all the more true in case of federal states. It is for this reason that democracy is regarded as the most suitable form of government for federal states. Federalism aims at devolving powers between federating units in such a manner that only the bare minimum powers are retained by the centre while the rest of the powers are allocated to the provinces. It is in accordance with this spirit of federalism that the 1973 Constitution divided the legislative lists into two categories. While the legislation on the subjects contained in the Federal Legislative List could be made by the Parliament, the legislation on the subjects not contained in any Legislative List was the prerogative of the Provincial Assemblies only. As far as the Concurrent Legislative List is concerned, both the Parliament and the Provincial Assemblies could legislate on any of the subjects contained in it. However, in case of clash between two laws, the bill passed by the Parliament would take precedence. The Concurrent List contains as many as forty-seven subjects. All these subjects are essential to be allocated to the provinces to give them autonomy. After the abolition of the Concurrent List, the Provincial Assemblies will be able to make or amend the civil, criminal and industrial laws and procedures in their provinces without any interference from the federal government. Furthermore, they will also be able to legislate exclusively on subjects such as education, electricity, press and publications, and legal medical and other professions. Abolition of the Concurrent List would mean that the federal government’s powers will be restricted only to the subjects contained in the Federal Legislative List while all other subjects will be governed by the provincial governments. Although Federal Legislative List is quite comprehensive but the abolition of the Concurrent Legislative List will not be a bad beginning. The underlying idea of the abolition of the Concurrent List is to give more autonomy to the provinces so that they can focus on their development. At the same time, the federal government will also be able to give more time to fundamental issues like defence, foreign affairs and fiscal management. However, abolition of Concurrent List alone will not solve the fundamental problems of the people. If we look at our political system, we will see that the pattern of development in our country has always been vertical and not horizontal. What it means is that there are certain areas in different parts of Pakistan which have traditionally been more developed at the cost of other areas. Therefore, while we can see some very developed regions in a province we can also see other regions too which are in complete contrast and do not appear to be a part of the same province. At least two examples can be quoted in this regard. The first example is that of the tribal areas of the NWFP while the other one is that of the Seraiki belt of the Punjab. If we travel either from Peshawar to FATA or from Lahore to the Seraiki belt, it would look as if we have come into another province especially as far as their political, economic and social development or backwardness is concerned. These areas inter alia need to be recognised as separate provinces. In old times, a province used to be a territory with a distinct culture. However, the concept of a province has undergone change in modern times. These days, the provinces are created for better administrative management rather than for their distinct cultures or geographic boundaries though those could be taken into consideration among other factors. The creation of new provinces is a regular feature of a federal state. In fact, the more the provinces the stronger the federation will be. It is so because it will offer more efficient administration and will afford a better opportunity to the people to participate in the horizontal development of their provinces. It is for this reason that we can always see truly federal states yearning for more provinces whenever it can reasonably be done. In this regard, we can present the examples of the United States and India. The United States of America at the time of its creation comprised of thirteen states only but today it has fifty-one states. Similarly, our neighbouring country India comprised of eleven provinces only at the time of independence form Britain but today it has as many as twenty-eight provinces. Pakistan has for the most of the time been under military dictatorships. Our military rulers spent their professional lives in very centralised and disciplined or closed environments. Therefore, they always believed in a very strong centre. They failed to realize that running a country was quite different, if not quite opposite, from having the command of a force. Therefore, they always abhorred the idea of creating new provinces. This was just their lack of knowledge and foresight. There is absolutely nothing wrong in creating new provinces in the country. In fact, the catastrophe of East Pakistan would have perhaps been avoided if the experiment of ‘One Unit’ had not been attempted by Governor General Ghulam Muhammad through his ‘Cabinet of Talents’ in which Iskander Mirza and Ayub Khan sat as Interior Minister and Defence Minister, respectively. We must not repeat our past mistakes and must willingly recognise FATA and the Seraiki belt as separate provinces after ascertaining the desires of the people of those areas. As far as the names of the new provinces are concerned, we should give the locals an opportunity to choose the names of their own provinces. For that matter, there is no harm even if the NWFP is renamed as Pakhtoonkhawah. To remove the doubts, let me clarify that I am neither a Qabaili, nor a Pakhtun, nor even a Seraiki. Therefore, my support for Qabailistan, Seraikistan or Pakhtoonkwah is based purely on my objective study and love for Pakistan. It is my candid opinion that Pakistan will be further strengthened by recognising FATA, Seraiki belt and other underdeveloped homogeneous regions as separate provinces. I have already presented the case for a new province comprising of Federally Administered Tribal Areas in my article ‘Qabailistan – Fifth Province of Pakistan’ published in these columns on October 24, 2007. I touched upon this issue again in my analysis titled ‘Repeal of FCR’ published in the Frontier Post on March 31, 2008. Incidentally, our Chief Editor Rehmat Shah Afridi has also supported the idea of a separate province for tribal people in his comments on ‘Abolishment of FCR’ published in the Frontier Post on March 31, 2008. Rehmat Shah Afridi hails from FATA and belongs to the famous Kamberkhel tribe. Therefore, his comments should be treated as a representative voice of the tribal people.
Pakistani American activist named Woman of the Year
'Pakistan Times' Political Desk
WASHINGTON (US): A Pakistani American community activist, Moina Shaiq, has been named as Woman of the Year in California by State Senator Ellen Corbett (Democrat-San Leandro)in recognition of her outstanding social welfare work.
“I felt very overwhelmed and humbled on getting this recognition,” Shaiq said. “I feel very honored because my goal is to work toward the common good of the community. I want to build bridges and contribute to our community as much as I can.”
Read More: Pakistan Times
WASHINGTON (US): A Pakistani American community activist, Moina Shaiq, has been named as Woman of the Year in California by State Senator Ellen Corbett (Democrat-San Leandro)in recognition of her outstanding social welfare work.
“I felt very overwhelmed and humbled on getting this recognition,” Shaiq said. “I feel very honored because my goal is to work toward the common good of the community. I want to build bridges and contribute to our community as much as I can.”
Read More: Pakistan Times
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
1,000 Nameless graves found in held Kashmir
The Daily Times
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Nearly 1,000 nameless graves found in Indian-held Kashmir
* Rights group wants graves opened to find ‘disappeared’
* Indian army says group’s report aims to malign security forces
Read More: The Daily Times
BBC
Kashmir police refuse body demand
Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have rejected a demand for the identification of up to 1,000 bodies, said to be buried in unmarked graves.
Read More: BBC
Geo TV
Nearly 1,000 nameless graves found in held Kashmir
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
SRINAGAR: Human rights workers have found the graves of nearly 1,000 unidentified people scattered in cemeteries across held Kashmir, a prominent rights group said saying some may hold the bodies of innocent people killed by government security forces.
Read More: Geo TV
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Nearly 1,000 nameless graves found in Indian-held Kashmir
* Rights group wants graves opened to find ‘disappeared’
* Indian army says group’s report aims to malign security forces
Read More: The Daily Times
BBC
Kashmir police refuse body demand
Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have rejected a demand for the identification of up to 1,000 bodies, said to be buried in unmarked graves.
Read More: BBC
Geo TV
Nearly 1,000 nameless graves found in held Kashmir
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
SRINAGAR: Human rights workers have found the graves of nearly 1,000 unidentified people scattered in cemeteries across held Kashmir, a prominent rights group said saying some may hold the bodies of innocent people killed by government security forces.
Read More: Geo TV
Osama bin Laden and US Elections 2008
'Osama bin Laden is Planning Something for the US Election'
SPIEGEL INTERVIEW WITH US AUTHOR STEVE COLL
'Osama bin Laden is Planning Something for the US Election'
Read More://Der Spiegel
SPIEGEL INTERVIEW WITH US AUTHOR STEVE COLL
'Osama bin Laden is Planning Something for the US Election'
Read More://Der Spiegel
Pakistan rejects Afghan minister's statement on nuclear waste
People's Daily Online
+ - 21:48, April 02, 2008
Pakistan on Wednesday termed as baseless a statement from an Afghan cabinet minister that Pakistan had dumped nuclear waste in southern Afghanistan during Taliban period.
Afghanistan Parliamentary Affairs Minister Farooq Wardag was quoted as saying that Pakistan had buried nuclear waste in Kandahar and Helmand when Taliban were ruling the areas.
"The Afghan minister regarding dumping of nuclear waste by Pakistan in Afghanistan was baseless," Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said at the weekly news briefing here.
He said disposal of nuclear waste was strictly regulated in accordance with the international standards.
"Our nuclear power stations are under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards which not only keeps an oversight on their operations but also on storage of nuclear waste which has to be fully accounted for," Sadiq said.
Source: Xinhua
+ - 21:48, April 02, 2008
Pakistan on Wednesday termed as baseless a statement from an Afghan cabinet minister that Pakistan had dumped nuclear waste in southern Afghanistan during Taliban period.
Afghanistan Parliamentary Affairs Minister Farooq Wardag was quoted as saying that Pakistan had buried nuclear waste in Kandahar and Helmand when Taliban were ruling the areas.
"The Afghan minister regarding dumping of nuclear waste by Pakistan in Afghanistan was baseless," Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said at the weekly news briefing here.
He said disposal of nuclear waste was strictly regulated in accordance with the international standards.
"Our nuclear power stations are under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards which not only keeps an oversight on their operations but also on storage of nuclear waste which has to be fully accounted for," Sadiq said.
Source: Xinhua
Russian bid to replace Pakistan as supply route: War in Afghanistan
Dawn
April 2, 2008
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, April 1: At the Nato summit, which begins in Bucharest on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to offer an alternative route for supplying US and Nato troops in Afghanistan.
The proposal, if accepted, will change the course of the war in Afghanistan and will also have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan as Nato’s 43,000 troops in Afghanistan rely heavily on supplies transported via Pakistan.
Diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that Russian and Nato diplomats have already held a series of “productive and successful” talks on a plan that would allow non-military material – such as clothing, food and petrol – to cross Russia by land.
The plan, however, could later be expanded to include ammunition and light weapons as well, the sources said.
Russia’s new ambassador to Nato Dmitri Rogozin played a key role in selling this plan to the members of this US-led alliance, telling them that this will be a reliable alternative route free of violence and political troubles.
While America’s European allies have shown great interest in the proposal, the Americans are still reluctant as they do not want to bring Russia back to a region from where it was forcibly ousted in 1989, after battling Afghan freedom fighters (now Al Qaeda and Taliban militants) for almost 10 years.
Despite Washington’s reluctance, the Nato has held intensive talks with Russian officials on the precise routes to be used and hopes to reach agreement at this week’s summit in Bucharest.
If approved by the summit, the supplies can begin as soon as Nato wants as the Russians already have a functioning route passing through Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Under the proposed agreement, Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, a military alliance of former Soviet republics, will jointly guarantee an interrupted supply of essential goods to the Nato forces.
Western diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that Nato sees the proposed route as a good alternative for supplies going through Pakistan which faces political uncertainty and may not be a reliable route for long.
The Pakistan route, according to these sources, passes through the Taliban-infested tribal zone and has become increasingly dangerous. Last Sunday, militants blew up a convoy of 36 oil tankers meant for US forces in Afghanistan.
Russian diplomats promoting their proposal also have underlined a so-called “crisis of trust” between the United States and Pakistan, where the new government plans to engage militants in a dialogue opposed by Washington.
They also argue that Russia has always had a strong interest in seeing the Nato mission in Afghanistan succeed because Moscow wants to prevent Muslim extremists enter the former Soviet republics.
But there are others in Washington who warn that an attempt to disassociate Pakistan from any plan for Afghanistan may have dangerous consequences.
In an article published on the eve of the Nato summit, Karl F. Inderfurth, a former US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, describes Pakistan as “one country that can make or break (Nato’s) mission” in Afghanistan.
He notes that Nato’s Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has promised to visit Islamabad as soon as the new Pakistan government is in place.
“After Bucharest there is no better destination to reinforce Nato’s Afghan mission,” says Mr Inderfurth while backing the proposed visit.
Mr Inderfurth urges Nato leaders to work on a “new compact” that addresses Afghanistan and Pakistan’s political, economic and security concerns and seeks to neutralise regional and great power rivalries.
To attain this, he proposed an UN-sponsored, a high-level conference of all Afghanistan’s neighbours and concerned major powers for talks on a multilateral accord that addresses Pakistan’s concerns about developments in Afghanistan.
The proposed accord should recognise Afghanistan’s borders with Pakistan, pledge non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, recognise Afghanistan as a permanently neutral state and establish a comprehensive international regime to remove obstacles to the flow of trade across Afghanistan.
Mr Inderfurth also warns that any large-scale outside military intervention in Pakistan’s tribal areas would be disastrous for the Pakistani state and US interests.
Instead, he urges working with Pakistan’s new leadership to integrate the tribal region into the Pakistani political system and provide substantial assistance to build up their economy and social infrastructure.
April 2, 2008
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, April 1: At the Nato summit, which begins in Bucharest on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to offer an alternative route for supplying US and Nato troops in Afghanistan.
The proposal, if accepted, will change the course of the war in Afghanistan and will also have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan as Nato’s 43,000 troops in Afghanistan rely heavily on supplies transported via Pakistan.
Diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that Russian and Nato diplomats have already held a series of “productive and successful” talks on a plan that would allow non-military material – such as clothing, food and petrol – to cross Russia by land.
The plan, however, could later be expanded to include ammunition and light weapons as well, the sources said.
Russia’s new ambassador to Nato Dmitri Rogozin played a key role in selling this plan to the members of this US-led alliance, telling them that this will be a reliable alternative route free of violence and political troubles.
While America’s European allies have shown great interest in the proposal, the Americans are still reluctant as they do not want to bring Russia back to a region from where it was forcibly ousted in 1989, after battling Afghan freedom fighters (now Al Qaeda and Taliban militants) for almost 10 years.
Despite Washington’s reluctance, the Nato has held intensive talks with Russian officials on the precise routes to be used and hopes to reach agreement at this week’s summit in Bucharest.
If approved by the summit, the supplies can begin as soon as Nato wants as the Russians already have a functioning route passing through Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Under the proposed agreement, Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, a military alliance of former Soviet republics, will jointly guarantee an interrupted supply of essential goods to the Nato forces.
Western diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that Nato sees the proposed route as a good alternative for supplies going through Pakistan which faces political uncertainty and may not be a reliable route for long.
The Pakistan route, according to these sources, passes through the Taliban-infested tribal zone and has become increasingly dangerous. Last Sunday, militants blew up a convoy of 36 oil tankers meant for US forces in Afghanistan.
Russian diplomats promoting their proposal also have underlined a so-called “crisis of trust” between the United States and Pakistan, where the new government plans to engage militants in a dialogue opposed by Washington.
They also argue that Russia has always had a strong interest in seeing the Nato mission in Afghanistan succeed because Moscow wants to prevent Muslim extremists enter the former Soviet republics.
But there are others in Washington who warn that an attempt to disassociate Pakistan from any plan for Afghanistan may have dangerous consequences.
In an article published on the eve of the Nato summit, Karl F. Inderfurth, a former US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, describes Pakistan as “one country that can make or break (Nato’s) mission” in Afghanistan.
He notes that Nato’s Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has promised to visit Islamabad as soon as the new Pakistan government is in place.
“After Bucharest there is no better destination to reinforce Nato’s Afghan mission,” says Mr Inderfurth while backing the proposed visit.
Mr Inderfurth urges Nato leaders to work on a “new compact” that addresses Afghanistan and Pakistan’s political, economic and security concerns and seeks to neutralise regional and great power rivalries.
To attain this, he proposed an UN-sponsored, a high-level conference of all Afghanistan’s neighbours and concerned major powers for talks on a multilateral accord that addresses Pakistan’s concerns about developments in Afghanistan.
The proposed accord should recognise Afghanistan’s borders with Pakistan, pledge non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, recognise Afghanistan as a permanently neutral state and establish a comprehensive international regime to remove obstacles to the flow of trade across Afghanistan.
Mr Inderfurth also warns that any large-scale outside military intervention in Pakistan’s tribal areas would be disastrous for the Pakistani state and US interests.
Instead, he urges working with Pakistan’s new leadership to integrate the tribal region into the Pakistani political system and provide substantial assistance to build up their economy and social infrastructure.
PPP, MQM forgive each other
The Nation
April 2, 2008
NISAR MEHDI
KARACHI - Muttahidda Qaumi Movement(MQM) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) announced on Wednesday that both parties have forgiven each other and promised to save Pakistan for the future generation.
This was announced by PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and MQM founder leader Altaf Hussain at a Press briefing at Nine-Zero.
PPP delegation was led by Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari who held talks for over an hour with the MQM delegation.
More....The Nation
PPP, MQM decide to forgive and forget
The News
By Fasahat Mohiuddin
Zardari visits Nine Zero after 20 years; Altaf describes Qaim Ali Shah as ‘Sindh CM’, calls for foiling conspiracies; committee formed to discuss political changes, future line of action. More: The News
Asif, Altaf agree to forgive and forget
Dawn
April 03, 2008 Thursday Rabi-ul-Awwal 25, 1429
By Azfar-ul-Ashfaque
KARACHI, April 2: Asif Ali Zardari and Altaf Hussain have vowed to initiate a “new journey” for the sake of Pakistan, “pardoning” each other for the bitterness of yesteryear.
“We have forgiven each other and also pardoned our enemies. We will not take our revenge on the people … we will avenge ourselves by changing the system,” said Mr Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, in a speech at the MQM headquarters Nine Zero on Wednesday night. Read More: Dawn
April 2, 2008
NISAR MEHDI
KARACHI - Muttahidda Qaumi Movement(MQM) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) announced on Wednesday that both parties have forgiven each other and promised to save Pakistan for the future generation.
This was announced by PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and MQM founder leader Altaf Hussain at a Press briefing at Nine-Zero.
PPP delegation was led by Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari who held talks for over an hour with the MQM delegation.
More....The Nation
PPP, MQM decide to forgive and forget
The News
By Fasahat Mohiuddin
Zardari visits Nine Zero after 20 years; Altaf describes Qaim Ali Shah as ‘Sindh CM’, calls for foiling conspiracies; committee formed to discuss political changes, future line of action. More: The News
Asif, Altaf agree to forgive and forget
Dawn
April 03, 2008 Thursday Rabi-ul-Awwal 25, 1429
By Azfar-ul-Ashfaque
KARACHI, April 2: Asif Ali Zardari and Altaf Hussain have vowed to initiate a “new journey” for the sake of Pakistan, “pardoning” each other for the bitterness of yesteryear.
“We have forgiven each other and also pardoned our enemies. We will not take our revenge on the people … we will avenge ourselves by changing the system,” said Mr Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, in a speech at the MQM headquarters Nine Zero on Wednesday night. Read More: Dawn
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Conspiracy to break country still at work
Pakistan Observer
PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s first visit to Jati Umra on Sunday has special significance in many respects. It is quite evident that the top leadership of the two major Parties in the new coalition exchanged views on crucial issues regarding formation of the Government in Punjab as well as their strategy to deal with the challenges ahead. However, by saying that the visit was aimed at offering Fateh at the grave of father of Sharif brothers, Mr Zardari has inculcated a goodwill gesture that would bring the two sides still closer.
During their joint news conference, the PPP leader made some of the very significant statements including the intention to change the system. This is what the country needs to overcome the multi-directional crises that confront us today. Genuine reforms in police and judiciary is the surest way to bring about a revolution for the good of the common man who is fast getting alienated because of the discriminatory culture that favours the rich and influential class. However, on this occasion, Mr Zardari thought it appropriate to sound alarm bells by saying that assassination of Benazir Bhutto was a conspiracy to break the country and it is still at work. Such a statement coming from a person of Zardari’s stature, who is head of the ruling Party, is bound to cause anxiety and concern in different circles. We don’t know whether it was just a rhetoric and off-the-cough remark or the PPP leader has substantial evidence with him to say so. But in any way, we believe, Mr Zardari being important part of the system, should adopt cautious attitude in the selection of words while answering ticklish questions. This is because such a perturbing statement has far-reaching implications for the society and the country. It not only undermines confidence of the people in the future of the country but also sends wrong signals to prospective investors. Pakistan is lucky that almost the entire political leadership of the country has joined hands at the Centre and in Provinces and this offers unique opportunity to address all sorts of challenges and thwart nefarious designs of our enemies. The leadership should, therefore, make deliberate attempts to boost confidence of the people, as this will prove to be an asset in overcoming the problems facing the nation.
PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari’s first visit to Jati Umra on Sunday has special significance in many respects. It is quite evident that the top leadership of the two major Parties in the new coalition exchanged views on crucial issues regarding formation of the Government in Punjab as well as their strategy to deal with the challenges ahead. However, by saying that the visit was aimed at offering Fateh at the grave of father of Sharif brothers, Mr Zardari has inculcated a goodwill gesture that would bring the two sides still closer.
During their joint news conference, the PPP leader made some of the very significant statements including the intention to change the system. This is what the country needs to overcome the multi-directional crises that confront us today. Genuine reforms in police and judiciary is the surest way to bring about a revolution for the good of the common man who is fast getting alienated because of the discriminatory culture that favours the rich and influential class. However, on this occasion, Mr Zardari thought it appropriate to sound alarm bells by saying that assassination of Benazir Bhutto was a conspiracy to break the country and it is still at work. Such a statement coming from a person of Zardari’s stature, who is head of the ruling Party, is bound to cause anxiety and concern in different circles. We don’t know whether it was just a rhetoric and off-the-cough remark or the PPP leader has substantial evidence with him to say so. But in any way, we believe, Mr Zardari being important part of the system, should adopt cautious attitude in the selection of words while answering ticklish questions. This is because such a perturbing statement has far-reaching implications for the society and the country. It not only undermines confidence of the people in the future of the country but also sends wrong signals to prospective investors. Pakistan is lucky that almost the entire political leadership of the country has joined hands at the Centre and in Provinces and this offers unique opportunity to address all sorts of challenges and thwart nefarious designs of our enemies. The leadership should, therefore, make deliberate attempts to boost confidence of the people, as this will prove to be an asset in overcoming the problems facing the nation.
Of Politics and People
Pakistan Times
By Hashim Abro
"IN the game of politics, it’s usually the public that loses and politicians do nothing but play politics with the people”.
These words of one of my professors of International Law and Contemporary politics are still on my mind. These words depict a clear picture of the present political scenario in the country where the Co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Mr Asif Ali Zardari is struggling for this sole defined purpose that the public may not become the loser thi#s time too, as in the past, hence he is cobbling up all together but reported rather disinformation launched by the anti-PPP and anti-people lobbies in the media regarding the growing factionalism over the nomination of premiership in the party has demoralized the staunch workers of the party.
The PPP loyalists and disciples expect from the Makhddoom of Hala and others to re-write new history of loyalty and attachment. Positions are not important it is the attachment and loyalty which becomes quotable in the annals of history.
Of course, as the political parties grow old they become unable to take care of the interest of all their party members. Those in the inner circle form cliques and usurp all the privileges, while those at the periphery are pushed into weaker positions.
More....: Pakistam Times
By Hashim Abro
"IN the game of politics, it’s usually the public that loses and politicians do nothing but play politics with the people”.
These words of one of my professors of International Law and Contemporary politics are still on my mind. These words depict a clear picture of the present political scenario in the country where the Co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Mr Asif Ali Zardari is struggling for this sole defined purpose that the public may not become the loser thi#s time too, as in the past, hence he is cobbling up all together but reported rather disinformation launched by the anti-PPP and anti-people lobbies in the media regarding the growing factionalism over the nomination of premiership in the party has demoralized the staunch workers of the party.
The PPP loyalists and disciples expect from the Makhddoom of Hala and others to re-write new history of loyalty and attachment. Positions are not important it is the attachment and loyalty which becomes quotable in the annals of history.
Of course, as the political parties grow old they become unable to take care of the interest of all their party members. Those in the inner circle form cliques and usurp all the privileges, while those at the periphery are pushed into weaker positions.
More....: Pakistam Times
US spy agencies hire Google's services
The Nation April 2008
Asif Mehmood
LONDON - World's famous search engine Google has been recruited by US intelligence agencies to help them better process and share information they gather about suspects.
Agencies such as the National Security Agency have bought servers on which Google-supplied search technology is used to process information gathered by networks of spies around the world.
More: The Nation
Asif Mehmood
LONDON - World's famous search engine Google has been recruited by US intelligence agencies to help them better process and share information they gather about suspects.
Agencies such as the National Security Agency have bought servers on which Google-supplied search technology is used to process information gathered by networks of spies around the world.
More: The Nation
Altaf demands probe into 1992 operation against MQM
The News
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
By our correspondent
Karachi
All political parties should accept the mandate of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), because it is “the third-largest political party in Pakistan,” MQM founder Altaf Hussain said Tuesday during a telephonic address delivered to traders and industrialists of Karachi.
Hussain also demanded that the prime minister constitute an inquiry commission, comprising judges from the International Court of Justice, to inquire into the June 19, 1992, operation against the MQM, as well as the mayhem of May 12, 2007, and the “loot, plunder and murder” on December 27, 2007.
“The MQM has extended all-out cooperation in the larger interest of the country, but has received only cold shoulders. The party will never compromise its dignity or respect,” Hussain said. “The MQM withdrew its prime ministerial candidate, Dr Farooq Sattar, on the request of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari, and also voted for the PPP-nominated prime minister in the national assembly.”
The MQM does not believe in a policy of confrontation, Hussain said, adding, however, that the people who think they can “push us into the sea are living in a fool’s paradise.”
Pakistan is not the property of a few families or feudal lords; it is the “country of 170 million people,” the MQM chief said. He lashed out at Pakistan Muslim League ñ Nawaz (PML-N) chief, Nawaz Sharif, and said that even though he (Sharif) had not accepted the mandate of Karachi in the 2008 general elections, “we accept their mandate wholeheartedly.”
Sharif has, meanwhile, continued to issue provocative statements against the MQM, particularly with reference to May 12, Hussain said.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
By our correspondent
Karachi
All political parties should accept the mandate of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), because it is “the third-largest political party in Pakistan,” MQM founder Altaf Hussain said Tuesday during a telephonic address delivered to traders and industrialists of Karachi.
Hussain also demanded that the prime minister constitute an inquiry commission, comprising judges from the International Court of Justice, to inquire into the June 19, 1992, operation against the MQM, as well as the mayhem of May 12, 2007, and the “loot, plunder and murder” on December 27, 2007.
“The MQM has extended all-out cooperation in the larger interest of the country, but has received only cold shoulders. The party will never compromise its dignity or respect,” Hussain said. “The MQM withdrew its prime ministerial candidate, Dr Farooq Sattar, on the request of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari, and also voted for the PPP-nominated prime minister in the national assembly.”
The MQM does not believe in a policy of confrontation, Hussain said, adding, however, that the people who think they can “push us into the sea are living in a fool’s paradise.”
Pakistan is not the property of a few families or feudal lords; it is the “country of 170 million people,” the MQM chief said. He lashed out at Pakistan Muslim League ñ Nawaz (PML-N) chief, Nawaz Sharif, and said that even though he (Sharif) had not accepted the mandate of Karachi in the 2008 general elections, “we accept their mandate wholeheartedly.”
Sharif has, meanwhile, continued to issue provocative statements against the MQM, particularly with reference to May 12, Hussain said.
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