March 22, 2008
THE REAL STORY OF 'CURVEBALL'
How German Intelligence Helped Justify the US Invasion of Iraq
By Erich Follath, John Goetz, Marcel Rosenbach and Holger Stark
Five years ago, the US government presented what it said was proof that Iraq harbored biological weapons. The information came from a source developed by German intelligence -- and it turned out to be disastrously wrong. But to this day, Germany denies any responsibility.
More:Der Spiegal In English
. März 2008 webnews Yigg folkd Mister Wong Linkarena Del.icio.us Schrift:
IM VORFELD DES IRAK-KRIEGES
US-Offizielle werfen BND Versagen vor
Fünf Jahre nach dem US-Einmarsch im Irak entbrennt eine neue Debatte über das Versagen der Geheimdienste. Ehemalige US-Offizielle behaupten, der BND habe mit seinen Informationen über angebliche rollende Biowaffenlabore eine der zentralen Rechtfertigungen für den Waffengang geliefert.
Der Spiegal
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Asif Ali Zardari
The New York Times Topics > People > Z > Zardari, Asif Ali
Asif Ali Zardari was described by his wife, Benazir Bhutto, as "the Mandela of Pakistan." But while she was prime minister Mr. Zardari earned another nickname: "Mr. 10 Percent," for his reputation of demanding kickbacks on government contracts.
The marriage in 1987 was an arranged one, in the Muslim tradition; her mother acted as marriage broker. Mr. Zardari came from a modest business family that owned a cinema.
Ms. Bhutto herself spoke soberly of what an arranged marriage entailed, saying that her five years under house arrest and, briefly, in prison under Gen. Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, had left her with little opportunity for courtship. But friends watched with fascination as her relationship with Mr. Zardari developed. Handsome, with a macho style that Ms. Bhutto told friends she thought at first was ridiculous, he became an important figure in her two governments, serving in her cabinet in her second term in a role that gave him a major role in approving foreign investment.
Pakistani investigators to accuse her and Mr. Zardari of embezzling as much $1.5 billion from government accounts.British and American private investigators working for the government of her political rival Nawaz Sharif, produced a thick volume of documents tracing what they said were multimillion-dollar kickbacks paid to the couple in return for the award of government contracts, and a web of bank accounts across the world that were used to hide the money. Ms. Bhutto and Mr. Zardari vehemently rejected the allegations, saying their accusers wanted to drive her from power.
While his wife went into exile, Mr. Zardari spent eight years in prison; his release by President Pervez Musharraf in 2004 was seen as an early sign in a possible alliance between Mr. Musharraf and Ms. Bhutto. When Ms. Bhutto returned to Pakistan in October 2007, Mr. Zardari came with her. After she was assassinated at a political rally, it was Mr. Zardari who accompanied her casket in a procession to the family burial site. — Dec. 28, 2007
Asif Ali Zardari was described by his wife, Benazir Bhutto, as "the Mandela of Pakistan." But while she was prime minister Mr. Zardari earned another nickname: "Mr. 10 Percent," for his reputation of demanding kickbacks on government contracts.
The marriage in 1987 was an arranged one, in the Muslim tradition; her mother acted as marriage broker. Mr. Zardari came from a modest business family that owned a cinema.
Ms. Bhutto herself spoke soberly of what an arranged marriage entailed, saying that her five years under house arrest and, briefly, in prison under Gen. Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, had left her with little opportunity for courtship. But friends watched with fascination as her relationship with Mr. Zardari developed. Handsome, with a macho style that Ms. Bhutto told friends she thought at first was ridiculous, he became an important figure in her two governments, serving in her cabinet in her second term in a role that gave him a major role in approving foreign investment.
Pakistani investigators to accuse her and Mr. Zardari of embezzling as much $1.5 billion from government accounts.British and American private investigators working for the government of her political rival Nawaz Sharif, produced a thick volume of documents tracing what they said were multimillion-dollar kickbacks paid to the couple in return for the award of government contracts, and a web of bank accounts across the world that were used to hide the money. Ms. Bhutto and Mr. Zardari vehemently rejected the allegations, saying their accusers wanted to drive her from power.
While his wife went into exile, Mr. Zardari spent eight years in prison; his release by President Pervez Musharraf in 2004 was seen as an early sign in a possible alliance between Mr. Musharraf and Ms. Bhutto. When Ms. Bhutto returned to Pakistan in October 2007, Mr. Zardari came with her. After she was assassinated at a political rally, it was Mr. Zardari who accompanied her casket in a procession to the family burial site. — Dec. 28, 2007
UNSC may consider request for probe: US
By Masood Haider
NEW YORK, March 25: Zalmay Khalilzad, US Ambassador to the United Nations, said on Monday that the world body can consider Pakistan’s request for a UN investigation into the December assassination of Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto.
Talking to journalists at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, Mr Khalilzad said it all depended on the 15-member Security Council after it received such a request.
Responding to questions about the US-led war on terror, Mr Khalilzad said that the war could be re-calibrated by the new government keeping the new ground realities in mind.
On Monday, new Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani had expressed intention to seek a UN investigation into the assassination of Ms Bhutto. He asked the new National Assembly to pass a resolution calling for a UN investigation.
Pakistan government’s own investigation and a probe by the Scotland Yard blamed the militants in the tribal areas for the murder of Ms Bhutto, but their conclusions failed to satisfy the PPP leadership which continued to demand UN-led investigations.
Dawn
Comment: I think Gilani should conduct UN Security council investigation on all other open/Closed corruption/nepotism etc cases/charges on all politcal and military persons, live or dead.
NEW YORK, March 25: Zalmay Khalilzad, US Ambassador to the United Nations, said on Monday that the world body can consider Pakistan’s request for a UN investigation into the December assassination of Pakistan People’s Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto.
Talking to journalists at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, Mr Khalilzad said it all depended on the 15-member Security Council after it received such a request.
Responding to questions about the US-led war on terror, Mr Khalilzad said that the war could be re-calibrated by the new government keeping the new ground realities in mind.
On Monday, new Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani had expressed intention to seek a UN investigation into the assassination of Ms Bhutto. He asked the new National Assembly to pass a resolution calling for a UN investigation.
Pakistan government’s own investigation and a probe by the Scotland Yard blamed the militants in the tribal areas for the murder of Ms Bhutto, but their conclusions failed to satisfy the PPP leadership which continued to demand UN-led investigations.
Dawn
Comment: I think Gilani should conduct UN Security council investigation on all other open/Closed corruption/nepotism etc cases/charges on all politcal and military persons, live or dead.
American duo’s surprise visit
Dr Naeem Chishti
The United States’ anxiety on Pakistan’s changed political scene can be witnessed from the fact that it has sent a high-powered team to Pakistan comprising of Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher. Negroponte and Boucher arrived on an unannounced visit to Pakistan on Monday.
The Frontier Post Peshawar Pakistan
The United States’ anxiety on Pakistan’s changed political scene can be witnessed from the fact that it has sent a high-powered team to Pakistan comprising of Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher. Negroponte and Boucher arrived on an unannounced visit to Pakistan on Monday.
The Frontier Post Peshawar Pakistan
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Workers stage violent protest in Sharjah
The Dawn BlogClose to 1500 workers torched offices and vehicles during a violent labour protest in Sharjah, the official Wakalat Anba’a al-Emarat(WAM) news agency said ...
Workers stage violent protest in Sharjah
Geo TV Should raise some serious voice and stage series protest against these unjust done, After all its Geo aur Jeene do. Otherwise it should be changed to Geo Maze se Dubai men, Baqi sab ko marne do.
Workers stage violent protest in Sharjah
Geo TV Should raise some serious voice and stage series protest against these unjust done, After all its Geo aur Jeene do. Otherwise it should be changed to Geo Maze se Dubai men, Baqi sab ko marne do.
The luck of the leprechaun
After this recent acquittal, only three cases remain pending against him. The remaining cases include the murder case of Murtaza Bhutto and seven others, Alam Baloch murder case of Hyderabad and the Special Federal Anti-Corruption Court case for smuggling artefact.......
luck of the leprechaun
luck of the leprechaun
Monday, March 24, 2008
PM’s Ist order: release judges
PM’s Ist order: release judges
* Gillani to seek UN probe into Benazir’s assassination
* Wants resolution seeking apology over ZAB’s political murder
Indeed Great Day for Pakistam.
What PM Gilani do beside restoring the Judiciary and 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.
* Gillani to seek UN probe into Benazir’s assassination
* Wants resolution seeking apology over ZAB’s political murder
Indeed Great Day for Pakistam.
What PM Gilani do beside restoring the Judiciary and 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.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Great move by Zardari, killed three bird with one sling shot
Great move by Zardari, killed three bird with one sling shot,
1. PM from Punjab, a Saraike man who will promote the Saraike Province cause, taking some air from Punjab
2, Took air off Amin Fahim.
3. Took air from Pir Pagara, his son is being married to the grand daughter of Pir Pagara.
It is generally assumed that Gilani will be PM until Zardari will orchestrate his election into the Pakistan National Assembly and hence takeover as the next PM. This presumable move by Zardari may bite him back. Remember Ayab Khan and Zulfiqar Bhutto, and ZAB appointing “Lota General Mard-e-Momin” Zia ul Haq who then was killed in an air crash.Benezer Bhutto was fired by her own man the then President Farooq Lagari. Zia’s protégé Sharif appointing “Bhaiyya General” in an army of Panjabis and Phaktoon’s.. What happened next, everybody knows the rest of the story.
Gilani wins the race for PM The News
1. PM from Punjab, a Saraike man who will promote the Saraike Province cause, taking some air from Punjab
2, Took air off Amin Fahim.
3. Took air from Pir Pagara, his son is being married to the grand daughter of Pir Pagara.
It is generally assumed that Gilani will be PM until Zardari will orchestrate his election into the Pakistan National Assembly and hence takeover as the next PM. This presumable move by Zardari may bite him back. Remember Ayab Khan and Zulfiqar Bhutto, and ZAB appointing “Lota General Mard-e-Momin” Zia ul Haq who then was killed in an air crash.Benezer Bhutto was fired by her own man the then President Farooq Lagari. Zia’s protégé Sharif appointing “Bhaiyya General” in an army of Panjabis and Phaktoon’s.. What happened next, everybody knows the rest of the story.
Gilani wins the race for PM The News
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Nepotism in Pakistan
The HIR
January 23, 2008
Nepotism in Pakistan
Filed under: National Politics, South Asia — Kiran Bhat @ 2:55 am
As an American of South Asian descent, dynastic politics at the highest levels of government is something I’ve grown quite accustomed to. As far as I can remember, a Bush or a Clinton has sat at the top of American politics. In India, the Nehru/Gandhi family has dominated, interrupted only a few times since independence. And even with its history of military leaders and democratic turmoil, the trend towards dynasty has emerged in Pakistan as well.
Under the pretense of stability, the late Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) quickly named the slain leader’s 19-year-old son Bilawal its new chairman. Bhutto had named her husband Asif Ali Zardari heir to the chairmanship in her will, a strange choice considering the time Zardari spent in jail on charges of corruption and blackmail (which, in fairness, he claimed were politically motivated). However, Zardari insisted on giving the official title to his son. This was an even stranger choice in that Zardari will continue to run the PPP’s day-to-day affairs and that Bilawal currently has no experience, no qualifications, and no intention of running the party before he graduates from Oxford.
All of this left the outside observer only one logical conclusion: Bilawal was appointed only to ensure the longevity of the Bhutto family’s hold on the PPP. Since the PPP is the only party to consistently mount opposition to Pervez Musharraf and realistically have a chance at beating him in a fair election, the Bhutto family’s hold on the PPP is by extension a hold on Pakistan’s democratic politics. Needless to say, Bilawal’s appointment smacked of severe nepotism.
That’s why it’s refreshing to see pieces such as this one, which features an interview with a politically-oriented Bhutto who, ironically enough, recognizes the harm that cronyism can do to the democratic character of a nation. Fatima Bhutto, Benazir’s 24-year-old niece, is currently an opinion columnist and critic of the Musharraf regime and is cutting her teeth in print and in efforts to enfranchise Paksitan’s masses before turning to politics. This Bhutto sounds like she wants to earn her way to a leadership role - and if that’s true, then who cares that she is part of a powerful political family? Fatima demonstrates that there is nothing wrong with dynastic politics per se if it means that earnest and competent individuals come to power. Pakistan can only hope that Zardari and Bilawal won’t demonstrate everything that is wrong with keeping things in the family.
January 23, 2008
Nepotism in Pakistan
Filed under: National Politics, South Asia — Kiran Bhat @ 2:55 am
As an American of South Asian descent, dynastic politics at the highest levels of government is something I’ve grown quite accustomed to. As far as I can remember, a Bush or a Clinton has sat at the top of American politics. In India, the Nehru/Gandhi family has dominated, interrupted only a few times since independence. And even with its history of military leaders and democratic turmoil, the trend towards dynasty has emerged in Pakistan as well.
Under the pretense of stability, the late Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) quickly named the slain leader’s 19-year-old son Bilawal its new chairman. Bhutto had named her husband Asif Ali Zardari heir to the chairmanship in her will, a strange choice considering the time Zardari spent in jail on charges of corruption and blackmail (which, in fairness, he claimed were politically motivated). However, Zardari insisted on giving the official title to his son. This was an even stranger choice in that Zardari will continue to run the PPP’s day-to-day affairs and that Bilawal currently has no experience, no qualifications, and no intention of running the party before he graduates from Oxford.
All of this left the outside observer only one logical conclusion: Bilawal was appointed only to ensure the longevity of the Bhutto family’s hold on the PPP. Since the PPP is the only party to consistently mount opposition to Pervez Musharraf and realistically have a chance at beating him in a fair election, the Bhutto family’s hold on the PPP is by extension a hold on Pakistan’s democratic politics. Needless to say, Bilawal’s appointment smacked of severe nepotism.
That’s why it’s refreshing to see pieces such as this one, which features an interview with a politically-oriented Bhutto who, ironically enough, recognizes the harm that cronyism can do to the democratic character of a nation. Fatima Bhutto, Benazir’s 24-year-old niece, is currently an opinion columnist and critic of the Musharraf regime and is cutting her teeth in print and in efforts to enfranchise Paksitan’s masses before turning to politics. This Bhutto sounds like she wants to earn her way to a leadership role - and if that’s true, then who cares that she is part of a powerful political family? Fatima demonstrates that there is nothing wrong with dynastic politics per se if it means that earnest and competent individuals come to power. Pakistan can only hope that Zardari and Bilawal won’t demonstrate everything that is wrong with keeping things in the family.
Bilawal, Fahim in cat and mouse game
Bilawal, Fahim in cat and mouse game
The News
By Asim Yasin
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reached Islamabad Thursday evening to make final announcement of party candidate for the Prime Minister while Makhdoom Amin Fahim flew to Karachi.
As Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reached Islamabad, Makhdoom Amin Fahim flew to Karachi, which made it clear that meeting between Bilawal Bhutto and Makhdoom Amin Fahim was not expected. Sources indicated that the final announcement of the party candidate would be announced by Saturday or Sunday. Just after reaching Islamabad, he held meeting with top leadership of the party to finalize the candidate for Prime Minister.
Sources hinted that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would hold a formal meeting with the parliamentarians of the party today (Friday) to seek their point of view on the question of party candidature for the Prime Minister.
As there were four candidates still in the race including Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar but sources said that the real contestants of the race were Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Makhdoom Amin Fahim.
Sources in the PPP led quadrangular alliance told The News that PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari also sought the suggestions from PML-N, ANP and JUI-F about the party nominee and most of them favoured Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani as a best choice.
However, hopes of Makhdoom Amin Fahim was being diminished with the election of Dr Fahmida Mirza, who also hails from Sindh. Besides this, Makhdoom Amin Fahim also gets a poor response from within the party. Meanwhile, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will accelerate the final round of discussions with the top leadership of the party to decide the final candidate.
The News
By Asim Yasin
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reached Islamabad Thursday evening to make final announcement of party candidate for the Prime Minister while Makhdoom Amin Fahim flew to Karachi.
As Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reached Islamabad, Makhdoom Amin Fahim flew to Karachi, which made it clear that meeting between Bilawal Bhutto and Makhdoom Amin Fahim was not expected. Sources indicated that the final announcement of the party candidate would be announced by Saturday or Sunday. Just after reaching Islamabad, he held meeting with top leadership of the party to finalize the candidate for Prime Minister.
Sources hinted that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would hold a formal meeting with the parliamentarians of the party today (Friday) to seek their point of view on the question of party candidature for the Prime Minister.
As there were four candidates still in the race including Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar but sources said that the real contestants of the race were Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Makhdoom Amin Fahim.
Sources in the PPP led quadrangular alliance told The News that PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari also sought the suggestions from PML-N, ANP and JUI-F about the party nominee and most of them favoured Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani as a best choice.
However, hopes of Makhdoom Amin Fahim was being diminished with the election of Dr Fahmida Mirza, who also hails from Sindh. Besides this, Makhdoom Amin Fahim also gets a poor response from within the party. Meanwhile, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will accelerate the final round of discussions with the top leadership of the party to decide the final candidate.
Bilawal to the rescue
Bilawal to the rescue sounds like Buzz Lighter to the Rescue from The Toy Story.
The news, Bilawal to the rescue
The news, Bilawal to the rescue
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Rally held to nominate Fahim as prime minister
Rally held to nominate Fahim as prime minister
The Post Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Our Correspondent
BADIN: The PPP Badin workers took out a rally on Tuesday to nominate PPP Central Vice President Makhdoom Amin Fahim as Prime Minister.
"Amin Fahim has sacrificed a lot for the party so he deserves more for the premier slot, besides it is also in accordance with the will of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, said the rally leaders Muhammad Jatt, Ali Murad Bachal and others while speaking to the rally participants.
Motorbike, mobile snatching on the rise: The incidents of snatching motorcycles and mobiles are growing in Badin city. The citizens are much worried over the situation as the theft of motorbikes is frequent while a large number of people are deprived of their mobiles daily.
While talking to the newsmen, the residents stated that police had failed to maintain law and order in the city. On the occasion, they demanded the high-ups to take notice of the situation and rid the citizens of this menace.
DPO transfers 3 cops on public complaints: At least three police officials have been transferred throughout the Badin district on public complaints.
According to police sources, Badin District Police Officer (DPO) Abdullah Shaikh has transferred Matli SHO Liaquat Jiskani and appointed him as SHO Tando Bago and Asghar Jatt has taken the charge of new SHO Matli.
Reportedly, Talhar SHO Nand Lal has been transferred to Gulab Legahri and has been replaced by Raj Kumar as new SHO Talhar while SHO Qasim Panhwar has been transferred to District Dadu.
Meanwhile, Matli police station head constable Shabbir Chandio has been suspended and asked to report at police line Badin.
People protest against LHV: A protest demo was staged by the residents of village Jafar Khoso near Pangrio against the Lady Health Visitor (LHV) of Rural Health Centre Pangrio.
The protestors, under the leadership of Meer Muhammad Khoso, Muharram Khoso and Abdul Sattar, alleged that the LHV treated the patients carelessly forcing them to visit her private clinic. On the occasion, the protestors demanded of the health authorities to transfer the LHV Pangrio and replace her with a more dutiful and efficient lady health visitor
The Post Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Our Correspondent
BADIN: The PPP Badin workers took out a rally on Tuesday to nominate PPP Central Vice President Makhdoom Amin Fahim as Prime Minister.
"Amin Fahim has sacrificed a lot for the party so he deserves more for the premier slot, besides it is also in accordance with the will of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, said the rally leaders Muhammad Jatt, Ali Murad Bachal and others while speaking to the rally participants.
Motorbike, mobile snatching on the rise: The incidents of snatching motorcycles and mobiles are growing in Badin city. The citizens are much worried over the situation as the theft of motorbikes is frequent while a large number of people are deprived of their mobiles daily.
While talking to the newsmen, the residents stated that police had failed to maintain law and order in the city. On the occasion, they demanded the high-ups to take notice of the situation and rid the citizens of this menace.
DPO transfers 3 cops on public complaints: At least three police officials have been transferred throughout the Badin district on public complaints.
According to police sources, Badin District Police Officer (DPO) Abdullah Shaikh has transferred Matli SHO Liaquat Jiskani and appointed him as SHO Tando Bago and Asghar Jatt has taken the charge of new SHO Matli.
Reportedly, Talhar SHO Nand Lal has been transferred to Gulab Legahri and has been replaced by Raj Kumar as new SHO Talhar while SHO Qasim Panhwar has been transferred to District Dadu.
Meanwhile, Matli police station head constable Shabbir Chandio has been suspended and asked to report at police line Badin.
People protest against LHV: A protest demo was staged by the residents of village Jafar Khoso near Pangrio against the Lady Health Visitor (LHV) of Rural Health Centre Pangrio.
The protestors, under the leadership of Meer Muhammad Khoso, Muharram Khoso and Abdul Sattar, alleged that the LHV treated the patients carelessly forcing them to visit her private clinic. On the occasion, the protestors demanded of the health authorities to transfer the LHV Pangrio and replace her with a more dutiful and efficient lady health visitor
Naveed Qamar refuses to nominate Makhdoom Amin
Naveed Qamar refuses to nominate Makhdoom Amin
The News
By By Rauf Klasra
3/19/2008
ISLAMABAD: Heartbroken and depressed Makhdoom Amin Fahim (MAF) was shocked when the man he had groomed in politics, Naveed Qamar, MNA, refused to sign his nomination papers for the slot of the prime minister.
When contacted by The News, Amin Fahim opened his heart before this correspondent as he was found reconciling with the unexpected betrayals at the hands of his old friend. In a very heartbreaking tone, he said, "Yes, this is true that Naveed Qamar has refused to sign my nomination papers for the election of the prime minister."
Fahim had met Naveed Qamar (NQ) to get his signature on the official papers, which he plans to submit in the NA Secretariat to contest the election to defy the nomination of Asif Zardari (AZ).
Now a totally transformed Naveed Qamar, dreaming to become the finance minister who, otherwise, has been winning the elections on the basis of political strength of MAF in his constituency, is said to have preferred Zardari over his old sponsor in the fast unfolding political dramas within the four walls of the Zardari House.
To further explain his inner feelings over the refusal of his most-trusted friend whom he always backed since 1988, Fahim quietly read out a widely-quoted couplet of the late poet Perveen Shakir: "Kaisay Keh Doon Keh Mujhay Chor Diya Hi Uss Nay, Baat Tu Sach Hai, Magar Baat Hai Ruswai Ki".
The most-unexpected refusal of NQ to sign his nomination papers is said to have reminded many sympathisers of Fahim in the ranks of the PPP that party stalwarts (Naveed) from Sindh had once again established the time- tested proverb that "there is no permanent friendships in politics except everlasting political interests".
This unlikely refusal of Qamar in whom Fahim had great faith because of his past personal relationship is said to have landed Amin Fahim in big political trouble as he is yet to find someone from the ranks of PPPP to sign his nomination papers, in case he decides to contest the election for the post of the prime minister to defy the nomination of Asif Zardari. This refusal of NQ has also revealed that MAF now stands isolated in the ranks of the PPP, after he refused to accept the decision of AZ to nominate someone else as the prime minister.
The only consolation MAF can have in these days of political betrayal is the public declaration of PPP Senator Enver Baig that what come may, he would not leave his 37-year-old friend Amin Fahim in these testing times. The rest of PPP leaders remain silent or indifferent to his ordeal, as they all seem to have adopted the policy of wait and see.
Like a pure pragmatic politician, a shrewd Naveed Qamar is believed to have simply preferred political considerations over his old friendship with Fahim. These days, Qamar, who spent a considerable time in jail on account of serious charges of corruption by the NAB, is now desperately trying to capture the top slot of the finance minister. This single consideration alone is believed to have led him to betray his patron and benefactor from Hala.
Though, Ishaq Dar is also being considered for this job keeping his expertise and abilities in view, Qamar was still hopeful of capturing the slot by his own manipulation within the ranks of the party.
Top-level sources said if so far Fahim had asked anyone to sign his nomination papers within the ranks of the PPP, it was Naveed Qamar as Fahim had been playing a major role in his election victory because of the presence of his spiritual followers in Sindh.
Earlier, a confident Fahim went to bewildered Naveed Qamar to sign his nomination papers for his election for PM. As a puzzled Qamar tried to justify his refusal, a visibly-shocked Fahim told him in a changed tone to reply him in "yes or no". After reading a big NO on the face of Naveed, a hurt Fahim simply walked away to hide his own emotions.
This correspondent made calls to Naveed Qamar but he did not attend. This correspondent also sent him a text message but he did not reply.
Meanwhile, Fahim revealed that Syed Qamar Zaman Shah, the father of Naveed Qamar, was his friend. He brought Naveed to him in 1988 or 1990 after he returned from the US after completing his studies in computer related subjects, etc. Qamar Zaman requested Fahim to arrange some job for his young son within the PPP. Fahim took a young Naveed to Benazir Bhutto, who at the personal request of Amin Fahim, gave him assigned him under Naseer Shah, a retired ambassador, who was then collecting applications from candidates. Later, Amin Fahim arranged his full induction into the party and enabled him to contest the election from the area where he had big number of spiritual followers. Fahim said he had always been backing Naveed Qamar in all these elections that he had won.
"If I don't support Naveed in his constituency, he may not win the election," Fahim said and added, "I was the one who had actually got him inducted into the party, but today he simply refused to sign my papers. This is something that hurts but a fact, too," Amin Fahim said. "It’s better if you don't ask me any more things on this subject," MAF asked this correspondent in a disheartening voice.
MAF also read out one more couplet: "Go Zara See Baat Pay Barsoon Kay Yaaranay Gaye, Laikin Itna Tu Hoa Kuch Log Pehchaney Gaye".
The News
By By Rauf Klasra
3/19/2008
ISLAMABAD: Heartbroken and depressed Makhdoom Amin Fahim (MAF) was shocked when the man he had groomed in politics, Naveed Qamar, MNA, refused to sign his nomination papers for the slot of the prime minister.
When contacted by The News, Amin Fahim opened his heart before this correspondent as he was found reconciling with the unexpected betrayals at the hands of his old friend. In a very heartbreaking tone, he said, "Yes, this is true that Naveed Qamar has refused to sign my nomination papers for the election of the prime minister."
Fahim had met Naveed Qamar (NQ) to get his signature on the official papers, which he plans to submit in the NA Secretariat to contest the election to defy the nomination of Asif Zardari (AZ).
Now a totally transformed Naveed Qamar, dreaming to become the finance minister who, otherwise, has been winning the elections on the basis of political strength of MAF in his constituency, is said to have preferred Zardari over his old sponsor in the fast unfolding political dramas within the four walls of the Zardari House.
To further explain his inner feelings over the refusal of his most-trusted friend whom he always backed since 1988, Fahim quietly read out a widely-quoted couplet of the late poet Perveen Shakir: "Kaisay Keh Doon Keh Mujhay Chor Diya Hi Uss Nay, Baat Tu Sach Hai, Magar Baat Hai Ruswai Ki".
The most-unexpected refusal of NQ to sign his nomination papers is said to have reminded many sympathisers of Fahim in the ranks of the PPP that party stalwarts (Naveed) from Sindh had once again established the time- tested proverb that "there is no permanent friendships in politics except everlasting political interests".
This unlikely refusal of Qamar in whom Fahim had great faith because of his past personal relationship is said to have landed Amin Fahim in big political trouble as he is yet to find someone from the ranks of PPPP to sign his nomination papers, in case he decides to contest the election for the post of the prime minister to defy the nomination of Asif Zardari. This refusal of NQ has also revealed that MAF now stands isolated in the ranks of the PPP, after he refused to accept the decision of AZ to nominate someone else as the prime minister.
The only consolation MAF can have in these days of political betrayal is the public declaration of PPP Senator Enver Baig that what come may, he would not leave his 37-year-old friend Amin Fahim in these testing times. The rest of PPP leaders remain silent or indifferent to his ordeal, as they all seem to have adopted the policy of wait and see.
Like a pure pragmatic politician, a shrewd Naveed Qamar is believed to have simply preferred political considerations over his old friendship with Fahim. These days, Qamar, who spent a considerable time in jail on account of serious charges of corruption by the NAB, is now desperately trying to capture the top slot of the finance minister. This single consideration alone is believed to have led him to betray his patron and benefactor from Hala.
Though, Ishaq Dar is also being considered for this job keeping his expertise and abilities in view, Qamar was still hopeful of capturing the slot by his own manipulation within the ranks of the party.
Top-level sources said if so far Fahim had asked anyone to sign his nomination papers within the ranks of the PPP, it was Naveed Qamar as Fahim had been playing a major role in his election victory because of the presence of his spiritual followers in Sindh.
Earlier, a confident Fahim went to bewildered Naveed Qamar to sign his nomination papers for his election for PM. As a puzzled Qamar tried to justify his refusal, a visibly-shocked Fahim told him in a changed tone to reply him in "yes or no". After reading a big NO on the face of Naveed, a hurt Fahim simply walked away to hide his own emotions.
This correspondent made calls to Naveed Qamar but he did not attend. This correspondent also sent him a text message but he did not reply.
Meanwhile, Fahim revealed that Syed Qamar Zaman Shah, the father of Naveed Qamar, was his friend. He brought Naveed to him in 1988 or 1990 after he returned from the US after completing his studies in computer related subjects, etc. Qamar Zaman requested Fahim to arrange some job for his young son within the PPP. Fahim took a young Naveed to Benazir Bhutto, who at the personal request of Amin Fahim, gave him assigned him under Naseer Shah, a retired ambassador, who was then collecting applications from candidates. Later, Amin Fahim arranged his full induction into the party and enabled him to contest the election from the area where he had big number of spiritual followers. Fahim said he had always been backing Naveed Qamar in all these elections that he had won.
"If I don't support Naveed in his constituency, he may not win the election," Fahim said and added, "I was the one who had actually got him inducted into the party, but today he simply refused to sign my papers. This is something that hurts but a fact, too," Amin Fahim said. "It’s better if you don't ask me any more things on this subject," MAF asked this correspondent in a disheartening voice.
MAF also read out one more couplet: "Go Zara See Baat Pay Barsoon Kay Yaaranay Gaye, Laikin Itna Tu Hoa Kuch Log Pehchaney Gaye".
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