DEMOCRACY IS THE BEST REVENGE

A WEEK ON STREET

2009-11-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

As a PPP activist we are witnessing a complete media blackout of our democratic and peaceful public procession in this trouble times which itself is an great effort on the behalf of workers considering the security situation of the country . Jiye Worker !

we stand by Co Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and we condemn heinous blackmailing of Shaheen Shebai and Dr Shahid Masood and we will unfold evil intentions behind their series of newspaper articles and TV programmes suggesting there will be no major reaction in Sindh if Asif Ali Zardari's government is dismissed today .I want to warn them if they think by starting get Zardari campaign sindh will be not disturb then that is their big mistake by doing so not Sindh ,Punjab ,NWFP and Baluchistan but It will also effect Democratic process of Gilgit-Baltistan and a recent removal of FCR will become irrelevant from tribal areas and it will jeopardize proposed party based election in there .

source

NA body unanimously passes Competition Bill

2009-11-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

NA body unanimously passes Competition Bill

Wednesday, 11 Nov, 2009

Chairman CCP Khalid Mirza said the bill prohibits abuse of market dominance, anti-competitive agreements, deceptive market practices and mergers of undertakings that substantially reduce competition. - File photo

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Wednesday thoroughly deliberated and examined the Competition Bill, 2007 (Competition Ordinance, 2007) and unanimously passed the bill.

The committee met here with Fauzia Wahab in the chair to re-consider and re-examine the Competition Ordinance, 2007.

Chairman Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) briefed the committee and said that enactment of the Competition Bill, 2007 and establishment of a dedicated competition agency is a need of time.

The promulgation of the bill itself is a stepping stone towards achieving improvement in the competition law and policy of the country.

The bill primarily based on the Treaty of Rome has been tailored to take into account the socio economic realities.

However, by doing so, it is still on all counts in accordance with international best practices and conforms to the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international regional bodies, he added.

He further said that it prohibits abuse of market dominance, anti-competitive agreements, deceptive market practices and mergers of undertakings that substantially reduce competition.

It avoids procedures that may pose unnecessary transaction or compliance costs on firms, obstacles to beneficial mergers and acquisitions and unnecessary restrictions on innovative horizontal and vertical arrangements among firms.

The meeting was attended by MNAs including Nafisa Shah, Khalida Mansoor,Riaz Fatyana, Aftab Shaban Mirani and Arif Aziz Shaikh besides other senior officials from Ministry of Finance and Competition Commission of Pakistan.—APP

SOURCE

SUGAR FIASCO

2009-11-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Blog by: Humza Ikram

The recent sugar fiasco shows the volatile civil administrative structure of our society. In terms of western capitalist economist point of view it’s a result of non-documented trade which exists in our trade culture and lack decision making in real time environment. But the even worse part of the story is our reaction to the problem.

A very bad trend has emerged in the society where whenever a problem occur in the country suddenly everyone becomes a Prophet and the television anchors becomes the chosen one who gets the revelation from God. And then race starts every anchors tries to prove his revelation is real and pure and other tries to prove his God is real and he doubts the others God’s actual existence. This happened in the series of event his happened in recent history.

Right from the Lal Masjid episode these TV anchors tried to outdo the others. And one anchor (Kamran Khan) did the unimaginable he tried to offer mediation between the cleric and government official. And thank to him we saw 24/7 reality television like no where in world. Same pattern can be observed in the event followed that like Lawyers movement, Brigader Imitiaz episode, High treason case against musharaf, minus one formula and even the administrative issues like Petrol development levy (PDL) issue and the recent sugar crises.

When some liberal writers and commentator used to advise them not to glorify Taliban; they termed them as a western agent like in the case of Prof. Pervez HoodBhoy and social commentator Nadeem Farooq Paracha. And I remember when BB raised her voice against lal masjid activities and showed her concern we saw round the clock television analyzes why BB is raising her voice from London on these innocent Muslim missionaries.

From these patterns you can conclude one thing and to describe that I want to Quote Colin Powell famous telephone call to Musharaf “either you are with us or against”. Same goes for these television anchors. These television anchors are authority on law, business, investment, security, defense, diplomacy you name it they know everything and trust me they do their home very well you can which can be seen in recent case of national embarrassment because of Talat Hussain’s stupid arguments with Hilary because of his incorrect stats . Thank God Zaid Hamid was not in the panel.

The even worse phenomena which is developing is the superior courts are also following the act of the media and respected judges are trying to become like chief economist of the country that can be seen with carbon surcharge case which was part of this budget and which also the only few unanimous budgets of our history like the year 2008-09. Which was later challenged by PML_N in the Supreme Court on the second thought after they voted for it the parliament days before that after they were humiliated by TV anchors of showing impotency while passing the budget? And Supreme Court judges acted like the chief economist of country.

Let us analyze the recent sugar crisis and the role of media, government and judiciary.

WEEK 1: TCP delayed the decision to import sugar to benefit some key politician.

Stance of media and which was later adopted by Punjab government: it’s the negligence of federal government what can we do.

WEEK 2: key politician are hoarding sugar. Punjab government responded quickly and started series of operation on mills and distributors .they received acclaimed from all over Pakistan and media teams even started to count the quantity of sugar collected by Punjab Government each day and one poor lady TV anchor even said in one of her program if Punjab government can confiscate four months of required sugar for Pakistan in a week whether we actually required to import sugar. Later news reports suggest PML-N MPA’s were storing sugar at the places and report of Sheikh Mumtaz Hashmi and his brother in law involved in hoarding 600 bags of sugar, story become instant hit at youtube and social networking sites like Facebook.

WEEK 3: Peshawar and Lahore High courts took suo mou moto action against hoarding.

WEEK 4: week four ended with all kinds of speculation what could be the court judgment.

WEEK 5: finally the wait was over the courts announced there decision.

Client features of court decision
• NWFP government should look into smugglings of sugar to Afghanistan. (this remarks actually negates the LHC remarks if Punjab government is failed to stop inter-provincial smuggling of sugar how could NWFP could stop smuggling of sugar to Afghanistan where price is huge as compare to Punjab TO NWFP and where NWFP does not have control over Tribal Areas since there is no provincial police.

• There was no actual shortage of sugar.
• LHC CJ khawaja sharif suggested to bring back nationalization of sugar mills if sugar mills , not actually confronting his argument but I want to remind him he was previously Attorney general of Zia in Punjab and his previous boss and mentor Zia use to say “Socialism is haram”.

• Most astonishing was the LHC out did the PHC they also calculated the price ex mill price of the sugar.

WEEK 6: Week six provide to be the contradiction of week 1 now all the brilliant TV commentators were convinced that there was no sugar shortage in the country and funny part is if they are now convinced that there is no sugar shortage why the media brigade humiliated Watoo?

WEEK 7: Sugar mill association went to Supreme Court because they felt court didn’t listen to them and announced the decision in haste.

Current situation sugar have reached from 47 to 100 at some please since the courts intervention which halted the normal market mechanism and actually give provided the environment for the opportunist for hoarding and to earn quick buck .and the million dollar question is where is all the sugar which Punjab government confiscated.

WEEK 9: from late decision of importing sugar to no sugar shortages we have reached the debate of good governance mixed with kerry lugar bill, NRO and other legislative issue to finally stage which can be described in article of Shaheen Shebai “have counted already started ?”To suggest Asif Ali Zardari’s days at presidency are over.”

In my opinion media did not bother to address the real problem they are actually running a campaign to show governments inability to run the state affairs. My suggestion we should once and for all have to decide whether we will remain hostage to their 24/7 campaign or try to understand things objectively.

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act

2009-11-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act bill is approved in the National assembly its a part of effort to protect working woman rights and other important bill in this regard called WORKING WOMAN HARRASAMENT BILL is also expected to be presented in the parliment in next session after it was approved in sindh assembly. Former Minister Sherry Rehman produced this bill in the parliment last year.

NA passes bill on harassment against women

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4 (APP): National Assembly Wednesday unanimously passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2009 to amend Pakistan Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure and provide protection to women against harassment at workplace.

Minister for Law and Justice, Muhammad Afzal Sindhu moved the bill to the House as passed by the Standing Committee, and all of its three clauses were passed unanimously with opposition neither opposing it nor proposing any further amendments.
The bill provides protection to working women at workplace from sexual advances and intimidation and violators will be punished with three years imprisonment or Rs. 500,000 fine or both.
The Bill states, ‘whoever makes sexual advances, or demands sexual favors or uses written or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which intends to annoy, insult, intimidate or threaten the other person or commits such acts at the premises of workplace, or makes submission to such conduct either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, or makes submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual, a basis for employment decision affecting such individual, or retaliates because of rejection of such behavior, or conducts such behavior with the intention of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or fine up to Rs 500,000 or with both.’
In the next clause the bill elaborate the dispensation mechanism for the bill where the word ‘sexual harassment’ has been included to already existing entries of ‘uttering word or making any gesture intended to insult the modesty of women etc.
The same clause clarified the fine amount to Rs 500,000 also elaborating that the accused will not be arrested without warrant, warrants will be bailable and the case will be presented to the court of Magistrate of First Class.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons reveals that the amendment will not only make the public and work environment safer for men and women but will open up the path for more women in particular to pursue their livelihood with dignity. It will reduce poverty as more and more women will get the courage to enter the job market.

This amendment will also open up opportunity for private and the government sector to get competent human resource that will result in better production and improved quality of service. The social benefits, as a result of providing protection against harassment will become a major contribution to the development of the country.

THENEWS Editorial :

A win for women

Friday, November 06, 2009
It is easy to say that we have a situation in which there is virtually no governance at all. This is true in most spheres, but there are exceptions. One of these is in the passage of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of women and other vulnerable groups, including children. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, passed unanimously by the National Assembly, amends existing legislation to impose a jail sentence up to three years and a fine of up to 500,000 for sexual harassment. Previously, the crime was rather loosely defined and provided for a sentence of up to a year. The law is the second within three months which seeks to improve the situation for women victims of violence. In August a bill on domestic abuse was adopted by both houses of parliament. Another bill, seeking penalties for harassment in the work place, is also likely to be tabled within weeks.

The credit for all this goes to women activists, both within and outside parliament, who have worked tirelessly for a cause they believe in. According to the figures from international human rights groups, up to 80 per cent of women in the country face violence in one form or the other, and this goes to show how significant this legislation is. The passage of the laws highlights advantages of having a larger number of women in parliament. It is true that only a handful among them are directly elected and that a significant number are the relatives of key male politicians. But despite this their presence has resulted in issues that have an impact on the lives of women being discussed far more frequently, thus giving a louder voice to 50 per cent of citizens who so often go unheard.

CRITICAL REVIEW OF NAJAM SETHI ON KERRY LUGAR BILL

2009-10-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

check out this link and review the bill your self.

http://www.awaz.tv/playvideo.asp?pageId=5747

Myths and facts about Kerry-Lugar bill

2009-10-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

The reactionary media and right wing political parties are distorting the facts of the kerry lugar bill .

Myths and facts about Kerry-Lugar bill

By Our Correspondent
Saturday, 10 Oct, 2009

US Senator John Kerry. — AFP Photo

World

No oversight of transfers, promotions in army: Kerry

WASHINGTON: US Senator John Kerry, one of the co-authors of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act, has issued a list of 'myths and facts' about the proposed legislation also known as the Kerry-Lugar bill.

This is how he explained the bill:

Myth: The $7.5 billion authorised by the bill comes with strings attached for the people of Pakistan.

Fact: There are no conditions on Pakistan attached to these funds. There are, however, strict measures of financial accountability on these funds that Congress is imposing on the US executive branch — not the Pakistani government, to make sure the money is being spent properly and for the purposes intended.

Such accountability measures have been welcomed by Pakistani commentators to ensure that funds meant for schools, roads and clinics actually reach the Pakistani people and are not wasted.

Myth: The bill impinges on Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Fact: Nothing in the bill threatens Pakistani sovereignty.

Myth: The bill places onerous conditions on US military aid to Pakistan that interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs and imply that Pakistan supports terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

Fact: The conditions on military aid reinforce the stated policy of the government of Pakistan, major Pakistani opposition parties, and the Pakistani military and are the basis of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

Myth: The bill requires US oversight on promotions and other internal operations of the Pakistani military.

Fact: There is absolutely no such requirement or desire.

Myth: The bill expands the Predator programme of drone attacks on targets within Pakistan.

Fact: There is absolutely nothing in the bill related to drones.

Myth: The bill funds activities within Pakistan by private US security firms, such as Dyncorp and Blackwater/Xe.

Fact: The bill does not include any language on private US security firms. The issue of how private security firms operate in Pakistan has nothing to do with this bill. The laws governing such firms —which are employed by many US embassies and consulates throughout the world — are not affected by this bill in any way.

Myth: The bill aims for an expanded US military footprint in Pakistan.

Fact: The bill does not provide a single dollar for US military operations. All of the money authorised in this bill is for non-military, civilian purposes.

Myth: The United States is expanding its physical footprint in Pakistan, using the bill as a justification for why the US Embassy in Islamabad needs more space and security.

Fact: As the US Embassy in Islamabad works diligently over the next five years to properly distribute the $7.5 billion to the people of Pakistan, it will need to take into account its own personnel and security needs to make sure it has the right staff with the right expertise on hand. This is common sense.

source:

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/04-Myths-and-facts-Kerry-Lugar-bill-qs-02

Zardari emerges as the most popular personality: Survey

2009-10-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

President Zardari's popularity ascends: Survey

Zardari emerges as the most popular personality: Survey
	ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has emerged as the most popular personality on the Pakistani political landscape as 51 percent of the people terming President Asif Ali Zardari as the most popular personality. While 67 percent people said that to accept the conditions on Kerry-LugarBill is not to surrender to the policies of the US, 64 percent people termed President Asif Ali Zardari’s address in the United Nation in accordance with Democratic Norms, while 58 percent said that the Friends of Democratic Meeting in New York remained fruitful. Democracy International and Public Poll International have conducted a survey to gauge public opinion about President Asif Ali Zardari to US and Kerry-LugarBill. The first question was about the popularity of President Asif Ali Zardari. The findings revealed that 51 percent of the respondents’ favoured President Asif Ali Zardari, 47 opposes it while 3 percent showed no response. The second question was about the President Asif Ali Zardari visit to USA and his meetings with US officials. The results showed that 33 percent favoured it while 60 percent go against his visit. The third question about the President Asif Ali Zardari address in UN. The findings showed that 64 percent favoured it while 33 go against his address. The fourth question was about the Friends of Democratic Pakistan. The findings revealed that 58 percent answered “Yes, it was fruitful” while 40 percent answered in the negative.—Agencies http://www.regionaltimes.com/05oct2009/frontpagenews/zardari.htm http://express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1100729549&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20091005

Gilani appoints Saba Khattak as member Planning Commission

2009-09-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

First Pashtun and that also a woman Dr Saba Gul Khattak is appointed as a member of planning commission of Pakistan .

Gilani appoints Saba Khattak as member Planning Commission

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has approved the appointment of Saba Gul Khattak as member of the Planning Commission.

She is a prominent social worker belonging to NWFP. In the Planning Commission, she will be member for social sector.

Dr Saba Gul Khattak

Dr Saba Gul Khattak is a human rights activist and has a PhD in Political Science. Dr. Khattak provides regular policy advice on women, governance and refugee issues to the government.

Currently she is the Exucutive Director of SDPI and serves on a number of national and international committees in a voluntary capacity.

Dr Khattak has undertaken research in areas like:

Gender and Security,

Trafficking of Children in Pakistan,

Forms of Child Labor in Pakistan,

Education and Child Laborers,

Food Security for Refugees,

The Rehabilitation of Refugee Affected Areas in the NWFP and Balochistan,

The effects of structural adjustment policies on women in Pakistan

and Violence aginst Women

Dr. Khattak specializes in comparative politics and her research is a political economy approach to development, feminist and political theory with a focus on state theory.

Her work is concentrates on issues of women’s economic empowerment, peace and violence, governance issues, refugee issues, and labor rights. She actively contributes to dialogues on these themes at different fora in Pakistan and abroad. Dr Khattak also delivers lectures on Gender and Development and has taught International Relations and Comparative Politics at the University of Peshawar and the University of Hawaii.

Dr. Khattak also undertakes solicited research and has recently completed work on . She has also worked on corruption issues in Pakistan and recently conducted a dialogue on the future policy options and durable solutions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

She regularly contributes to journals and books and has presented her work at national and international conferences.

Currently she has coauthor the book, Hazardous Home-based Work: A Story of Multi Tiered Exploitation (OUP, 2005).

Her publications include,

“Inconvenient Facts: Military regimes and women’s political representation in Pakistan”, (SDPI, 2005),

“Adversarial discourses, Analogous Objectives: Controlling Afghan Women” (Cultural Dynamics, 2004); and “Insecurity: Afghan refugee camps and politics in Pakistan” (Journal of Critical Asian Studies 2003).

you can find her articles from the following link :http://www.thenews.com.pk/editorial_arc1.asp?wn=Saba%20Gul%20Khattak

AFTER CHICAGO ,ROME STREET IS NAMED AFTER BENAZIR BHUTTO

2009-09-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

Chicago Street named after Benazir Bhutto

WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (APP): A portion of the Clark Street in Chicago (Roger’s Park district) has been named as “Benazir Bhutto Way” (Honorary) in recognition of the martyred prime minister’s long struggle and services for promotion of democracy in Pakistan . The local Pakistani‑American community initiated the proposal and got it approved from the city through the support of Mr. Joe Moore, the local area Alderman (Counsellor).

The unveiling ceremony of the plaque was jointly performed by Dr. Aman Rashid, Consul General, Pakistan Consulate Chicago, Alderman Joe Moore and Mr. Ijaz N. Farrukh, Senior Vice President of PPP , USA who traveled from New York to attend this event, a news release said Tuesday.

The ceremony was preceded by a small reception held in a hall at the Roger’s Park Auto Shop. It was attended by community leaders, activists and representatives of the local print and electronic media.

US Commission on International Religious Freedom confers award on Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s Minster for Minorities

2009-09-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Shahbaz Bhatti received an award from US Commission on

international religious freedom but this big news is missing

in our reactionary print and electronic media.

Minister ready to die for religious freedom

Saturday, 19 Sep, 2009

Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti was awarded a first-of-a-kind medallion by the Commission on International Religious Freedom in Washington for championing the rights of Pakistani minorities. — Photo by AFP

PAKISTAN

‘Minorities’ protection bill to be tabled in NA’

WASHINGTON: The Minister for Minorities Affairs promised on Thursday to work to amend blasphemy laws and said he was ready to die fighting.

Shahbaz Bhatti visited Washington at the invitation of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which awarded him a first-of-a-kind medallion for championing the rights of minorities in Pakistan.

‘The stand of the Pakistani government is to review, revisit and amend blasphemy laws so it will not remain a tool in the hands of extremists,’ Mr Bhatti told commissioners from the bipartisan US government agency.

‘They are using this law to victimise minorities as well as Muslims of Pakistan. This law is creating disharmony and intolerance in our society.’

Mr Bhatti said he had received threats for his work.

‘I personally stand for religious freedom, even if I will pay the price of my life,’ he said. ‘I live for this principle and I want to die for this principle.’ — AFP

source dawn

Packed schedule awaits Zardari in New York

2009-09-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

Packed schedule awaits Zardari in New York

* Arrives today to attend UN General Assembly
* Expected to meet Holbrooke, Hillary, Gates, Spanish and Dutch PMs and NATO chief among others
* Will co-chair FoDP summit, attend UN’s ‘major troop-and-police contributing countries’ meeting

ISLAMABAD: A packed schedule awaits President Asif Ali Zardari, who will arrive in New York today to lead the Pakistani delegation to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is set to deal with some pressing global challenges.

The president would attend a string of summit-level conferences and hold talks with his counterparts from around the world, top US and UN officials, and attend a ceremony where late Benazir Bhutto would be posthumously honoured, according to a press release.

Zardari's delegation would include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, National Reconstruction Bureau Chairman Asim Hussain, Environment Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi and Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, as well as other senior government officials.

Talking to reporters, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Abdullah Hussain Haroon said on Friday that the president's programme had to be fixed within the brief period between Eidul Fitr and the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, scheduled for September 24 to 25. "The schedule is very, very tight," Haroon said.

Co-host: He said the president would be co-hosting a summit meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) group with US President Barack Obama and British PM Gordon Brown, which aims at helping the country overcome the economic and security challenges that it faces.

The September 24 meeting, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, would mark the first anniversary of the initiative that Zardari took in September 2008.

The invitees include: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the European Commission, European Union, United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and World Bank.

On Thursday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who would attend the meeting, called for supporting Zardari's government as it continued to fight terrorism.

The president's would also hold bilateral meetings with Spanish PM Jose Luis Rodriguez, Netherlands PM Jan Peter Balkende, US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayid Al Nahyan. US Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke would also be meeting the president.

Haroon said efforts were being made to accommodate more heads of state who wanted to meet Zardari.

The president would also attend a debate at the Clinton Global Initiative, which brings together world leaders to take action on global challenges. The initiative was launched by former US president Bill Clinton in 2007.

Peacekeeping operations: Zardari would address the UN General Assembly on September 25 and participate in a summit-level meeting of ‘major troop-and-police contributing countries’ being convened by Obama for a review of the UN peacekeeping operations.

With around 11,000 troops, Pakistan is one of the largest troop contributors, constituting 11 percent of the total UN Peace-keeping Force. "We welcome the initiative of the US president in convening a summit-level conference of troop-contributing countries," Haroon said. "We hope this conference will go a long way in creating a better understanding about the role of peacekeeping," he added.

More than 20 heads of state and representatives from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, France, United Kingdom, the United States, Russia and China were likely to attend the conference. The objective of the conference was to get the input of troop contributing countries on reforms and up-gradation of UN peacekeeping activities.

Zardari would be the keynote speaker at the 4th Global Creative Leadership Summit of the Louise Blouin Foundation, where Benazir along with Matti Vanhanen – former PM of Finland – Bruce Mau – a creative director – and Dr Craig Venter – a leading scientist known for decoding the genome of the first living organism – would be conferred awards at a ceremony to be attended by several world leaders. Haroon said the president had designated the environment minister to represent Pakistan at the high-level meeting on Climate Change, convened by the UN chief and scheduled for September 22. Ban Ki-moon has been pushing world leaders to "seal the deal" on a greenhouse gas emissions treaty at a climate change conference later this year. app

source dailytimes

BLASHEMPY LAW AND RIGHT WING RESISTENCE

2009-09-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since the Gojra tragedy the human right ministry with joint effort of minority ministry and National commission for human development is trying to develop consensus on amending blasphemy law's. the right wing religious ,political and legal fraternity has increase there pressure and influence to support these evil laws and chief justice of lahore court is leading the campaign .

Religious parties slam Taseer

Friday, September 18, 2009
LAHORE

Punjab Governor Salman Taseerís demand to repeal blasphemy laws to ‘protect minorities’ evoked strong reaction from religious quarters on Thursday, who accused him of implementing western conspiracy in an attempt to please his masters in Washington and the western countries.

Religious leaders held that conspiring against blasphemy laws was tantamount to committing blasphemy, calling for the Punjab governorís resignation immediately. They asked him to withdraw his blasphemous remarks, failing which they threatened to launch movement for his ouster as the governor.

JI ameer Syed Munawar Hasan said Salman Taseer and western funded NGOs had unmasked their real intentions against blasphemy laws by taking advantage of incidents of violence against minorities. Accusing the governor of actually committing blasphemy, Munawwar said love of the Noble Propeht ( PBUH) is the part and parcel of a Muslims’ faith and no faithful could tolerate blasphemy of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and all other prophets.

Tahaffuz Namoos-e-Risalat Mahaz (TNRM), an alliance of over two dozen Sunni parties, threatened to launch “Go Taseer Go” campaign if he did not withdraw his demand immediately.

JUP Punjab president Allama Iqbal Azhari Pir Ashiq Hussain Bukhari and Pir Hasnain Farooq Shah Allama Noor Ahmad Sial and Dr Javed Awan said Salman Taseer had disqualified himself from holding the post of governor by revealing his real intentions against the honour of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and he must resign forthwith since any person having blasphemous thoughts could not hold any public office in any Muslim country. JUP-NS president Engr Salimullah Khan said Salman Taseer had bared his averseness to Islamic tenets, and as such he could not hold public office in an Islamic country. —Asim Hussain

Transcript: Interview with Asif Ali Zardari

2009-09-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

By Farhan Bokhari and James Lamont

Published: September 15 2009 16:25 | Last updated: September 15 2009 16:25

Farhan Bokhari, the FT’s Pakistan correspondent, and James Lamont, the FT’s south Asia bureau chief, interviewed Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari at the presidency in Islamabad on Wednesday 9 September 2009. Below are Mr Zardari’s written responses to questions.

FT: What have you achieved after a year in office as president of Pakistan? What prospects do you see for the future of Pakistan’s democracy?

Asif Ali Zardari: The democratic government on assuming power inherited a huge portfolio of challenges that confronted the nation. The structure of democratic institutions had collapsed. The judicial crisis threatened the legal fibre of the country. The system of delivery of social services had collapsed. The macro economic instability was threatening country’s economic and financial foundations. Unemployment pushed the people below poverty line. Inflation was in the vicinity of 24 per cent. Pakistan’s international credibility was at its lowest ebb. The existence of the state was threatened by the terrorists and militants. The governance both at the federal and provincial level had collapsed.

Pakistan, thus, was facing political economic and social crisis that had to be addressed. In this backdrop, the government has achieved modest but tangible results during its first year in the office.

In these silhouettes of despair the only hope was to rise above the party politics, achieve census on national issues, cool down political tempers and restore sanity in the political conduct within the country.

Gradually, political tempers have cooled down. The national consensus on the fight against terrorism has been achieved. With the help of international community, Pakistan is fighting the menace of terrorism. Under the stewardship of the political leadership, the armed forces’ Swat operation has been a success. The militants there have been defeated. The writ of the civil government has been restored. The government moulded public opinion against terrorism.

The process of dialogue and consultation with the political parties within the parliament and outside the parliament remains a source of strength for the polity of Pakistan. This in turn, has strengthened the democratic institutions. The judiciary is independent and media is free.

FT: How fragile is the economy?

AZ: On the economic front, Pakistan has achieved a turn around. The macroeconomic indicators have improved considerably, leading to upgrades in outlook by the international credit rating agencies. The foreign exchange reserves are now around US$14bn to offset import of 5-6 months. The inflation is under check and has been brought down from 24 per cent to 11 per cent. Stock exchanges are buoyant. This has given confidence to the international corporate citizenry of Pakistan for investment in the country.

The acute problem of power shortage is being addressed. By the end of December, we hope to overcome this problem through short-term and long-term measures. The water shortage in the country is being addressed also. Massive allocations have been made in the water and power sector to overcome water shortage and to increase the productivity and achieve food self-sufficiency.

Under the Benazir Support Programme poverty issue is being addressed. The dysfunctional system of delivery of services has been checked.

To regain the confidence of our international development partners, we initiated the forum ‘Friends of democratic Pakistan’. FoDP is not a donor’s club. It is a platform for strategic support by the international community to Pakistan. It also provides a forum for continuous dialogue for identifying economic challenges that confront our nation.

On the international political landscape, there is better understanding of Pakistan’s political economic and strategic issues. We aspire to promote peace and harmony with the region. These measures are not an end itself. We cannot be complacent. We would continue to support international efforts to defeat terrorism.

FT: How serious is the challenge from your political opponents, notably the PML-N [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz]?

AZ: I have always advocated the process of dialogue with the political parties, including PML-N to resolve the political issues. The continuity of this dialogue has created an understanding among all the political parties of Pakistan that democracy needs to be strengthened.

Political disagreements, if any, are to be addressed and resolved through this process to strengthen the democracy and democratic institutions. PML-N is playing its role within the democratic polity. Political disagreements have the colour and fragrance that normally is seen and felt in a political bouquet, while remaining united on one issue that democracy is the future of Pakistan.

FT: What were the lessons learned in the Swat campaign? What is the level of the current threat from militants to you and your government? Has your government foiled any terrorist plots against you personally? Could you give some details?

AZ: We are following a three “Ds” policy to deal with terrorism.

First, dialogue. With tribal elders and those who lay down arms and do not challenge the state. As “political will” is must to defeat terrorism, we called the All Parties Conference and a national consensus to fight terrorism was achieved. Upon the request of provincial Government, Ilan-e-Swat (Swat declaration) was approved. But the militants mistook our offer of dialogue as our weakness and started expanding their operations to other areas. At this point the civil population was also alarmed and even those who had shown some understanding of the Taliban mindset in the past began to worry. As consensus of all political parties was with the government, so we decided to use force to establish writ of the government. After violating the peace accord, the actual face of militants was exposed and support of masses was evinced to carry out an operation against the militancy.

Second, development. Development of the areas to address to the root cause of militancy and extremism. During operation in Swat millions of citizens were displaced. Our government took extra care to cater for this unpleasant outcome of militancy. With our effective management, successful Operation, support of international community and Friends of Democratic Pakistan, a major population has returned to their homes. Rehabilitation of these persons is a major challenge. We have drawn up a rehabilitation and reconstruction plan for Malakand costing nearly $2.5bn. We expect the international community to support it.

Third, deterrence. To use force against militants. After the violation of Ilan-e-Swat, the main operation was started on 7 May 09 which is now almost over. Mopping up operations in rural areas is continuing. Intelligent cooperation and support of local people is helping in preventing any untoward incident.

The threat is perpetual. We have lost our former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and countless of our troops and people have laid down their lives. We are not complacent. We are determined to pursue and chase the militants to the finish.

FT: How seriously do you regard President Karzai’s offer of resuming a peace dialogue with Pakistan after the elections?

AZ: We have warm and cordial relations with the people of Afghanistan and Afghan leadership. We signed the declaration of Bilateral Relations in January 2009 with Afghanistan during my visit to Kabul. The declaration has provided a framework for our multifaceted relationship. Pakistan will continue to work towards strengthening our bilateral relationship.

FT: How could peace be achieved with India during Manmohan Singh’s premiership? What steps need to be taken?

AZ: The meeting between me and Prime Minister of India in New York on 24 September 2008 led to the resumption of the fifth round of the Composite Dialogue. In the aftermath of the Mumbai incident in November 2008, India once again placed a pause on the dialogue process. Soon after re-election as prime minister in May, 2009, Manmohan Singh accused Pakistan of involvement in [the] Mumbai incident. These allegations were rejected by Pakistan.

I met prime minister Singh in Yekaterinburg, in June 2009. Later, prime minister Gilani met Mr Singh at Sharm el-Sheikh on 16 July. Both leaders have reaffirmed the desire to improve bilateral relations.

In our view, the resumption of a sustained engagement and dialogue with India could ally each others’ concerns. Both Pakistan and India need to avoid hostile propaganda and confrontation against each other.

Pakistan is ready to cooperate with India to punish the perpetrators of terror attacks in Mumbai. Pakistan has assured that it would not allow its territory to be used against India for any acts of terror. India must also reciprocate and address our concerns which are very genuine. Dialogue is the only way forward. Absence of dialogue leads to tension.

FT: How significant was the death of Baitullah Mehsud? Will it make a difference to Pakistan’s campaign against terror especially in the border areas?

AZ: The death of Baitullah is very significant. Due to his death the Taliban leadership is in disarray. On the issue of Baitullah’s succession, there is a significant division among the Taliban leadership. The major suicide bomb network and Taliban patronage has been disrupted. The acts of terror have considerably decreased in the border area.

FT: What do you consider your government’s major economic policy successes?

AZ: Over the past year, Pakistan has successfully achieved macroeconomic stability under exceptional circumstances. The key highlights are:

– The fiscal deficit has been brought down from 7.6 per cent of GDP in 2007-08, to 5.2 per cent of GDP in 2008-09, and is targeted to be lowered further to 4.9 per cent in the current fiscal. Adjusted for expenditures related to the military’s ongoing counter-terrorism operation, and for the upkeep and rehabilitation of over 2.5m Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) – the largest IDP population in the world the underlying fiscal deficit for 2008-09 was substantially lower, indicating a significant fiscal adjustment in a space of 12 months.

– Since late 2008, foreign exchange reserves have improved, rising from US$6.7bn in October, 2008, to over US$13bn as of end august 2009. As a result, the rupee has also stabilised after recording a nearly 25 per cent decline in 2008.

– Inflation has exhibited a strong trend of improvement over the past few months, declining from a high of 25 per cent year-on-year in October 2008 to 11.2 per cent in July 2009.

– Finally, market confidence has visibly improved. Pakistan’s sovereign rating has been upgraded one notch by S&P, while Moody’s has revised the outlook to “stable”. Spreads on Pakistan’s outstanding Euro bonds have narrowed over 1,700 basis points from their peak in December 2008, while net portfolio investment has rebounded sharply in August. Pakistan’s benchmark equity index, the Karachi stock Exchange’s KSE-100 index, has risen slightly over 53 percent since January this year.

FT: Do you share your finance minister Shaukat Tarin’s concern about the high costs associated with larger US aid flows? Is this an issue you will raise with US president Barack Obama when you meet him next month in the US?

AZ: The concern regarding high intermediate costs is a general one, and does not pertain to US aid flows alone. The fact that up to 45 percent of the aid disbursement is not spent on the recipient country but is instead utilised on goods and services sourced from a donor country is a matter of concern regarding the effectiveness of international aid.

Given the severity of the international security challenge, and the associated spillover effects that Pakistan faces, the country needs maximum support from the international community. This should translate into not just a higher quantum of assistance but also higher quality of aid - ie, Pakistan needs more grant assistance than loans; soft terms for assistance in the form of loans, and less “tied” aid.

FT: Are you disappointed by the failure of the Friends of Pakistan Group to begin delivering the money they had promised in Tokyo earlier this year? If the pledges do not come in full, what would be the implications for Pakistan’s economy?

AZ: We are indebted to the international community/Friends of Democratic Pakistan for the generous pledges made in Tokyo amounting to $5.27bn. We also recognise that converting those pledges into actual disbursements of aid can be a cumbersome process.

However, Pakistan does not have the luxury of time. Given the severity of internal security challenge the country is facing, it is critical that the economy is provided a strong stimulus as quickly as possible so that the maximum number of jobs are created in the shortest time.

Pakistan does not have the fiscal resources to provide for the stimulus; hence, the importance of international aid flows. If these are delayed beyond the next few months, the country will be forced to cut development spending as well as the provision of critical social services. You can then imagine how big a setback that could be for the global war on terror.

FT: Are you still worried about the proliferation network operated by AQ Khan? Do you share US concerns about the safety of the nuclear arsenal?

AZ: Dr AQ Khan now lives a private life and has nothing to do with the country’s nuclear programme. We have strengthened our export controls and Command and Control Systems. So, concerns, if any, regarding the safety of our nuclear arsenals are unfounded.

FT: What was the substance of your talks with Gordon Brown during your recent visit to the UK?

AZ: Apart from bilateral ties we discussed a whole range of issues including Afghanistan and Pak-India relations. Pakistan-UK have substantive ongoing cooperation in many fields. We have a 1m Pakistani diaspora in UK. We are exploring ways and means towards engaging them in Pakistan’s long term socio-economic development. This is one area where Britain can be of great help to Pakistan.

FT: How do you see China’s involvement in Pakistan during your tenure as president and going in to the future?

AZ: China is our longstanding friend and a traditional partner. There is complete understanding between us on regional and international issues. The depth of our political understanding has, however, not been fully translated in to our economic ties.

It has been my endeavour to translate our relations in the economic sphere. I have visited China four times since assuming office last year. The purpose of my visit to the major provincial hubs of China is to learn from their growth model and to identify areas of commonality where we can cooperate. The emphasis of my government is to take advantage from the Chinese experience in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, energy, infrastructure, development, health and high efficiency irrigation. We have made progress in these areas. Chinese investment and expertise would be forthcoming in these areas. We are committed to further strengthen our ties to truly make it a model relationship through strong institutional linkages.

FT: Do you see a difference in US engagement especially with Richard Holbrooke’s appointment as Washington’s envoy for the AfPak region? How much difference has been made by Richard Holbrooke personally?

AZ: Afghanistan and Pakistan are distinctly different countries and should not be lumped together in the generic label of AfPak.

Pakistan and US share a strategic relationship which is based on mutual interest. The democratic government of Pakistan is committed to building a long-term, broad-based relationship with the US which benefits the people of both the countries. Anybody who pursues this agenda is welcome from our side. We had earlier welcomed the appointment of Mr Holbrooke as President Obama’s special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and we continue to work with him to promote the mutual interest of our two countries.

Our interaction with the US side has increased with the appointment of Mr Holbrooke who brings with him a unique focus on relations with Pakistan. We also appreciate the emphasis of the Obama administration on our economic and energy issues and look forward to working with them to resolve some of the chronic issues facing our economy.

Abolishment of capital punishment

2009-09-17T02:53:00.000-07:00

President seeks recommendations to abolish death penalty

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari wants to replace capital punishment
with 24 to 30 years of imprisonment, and he has called on provincial
governments to submit recommendations on the matter, a private TV
channel quoted Sindh Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ayaz
Soomro as saying on Wednesday.

According to the channel, the minister said the Sindh government would
look into the matter from an Islamic point of view. He said that
amnesty for a criminal was even allowed in Islam. He said a meeting of
the Sindh Assembly would be called soon after the first week of Eid,
and all suggestions on the matter would be heard.

SOURCE DAILYTIMES

NAJAM SETHI EDITORIAL ON PRESIDENT CHINA DIPLOMACY

2009-09-17T02:36:00.000-07:00

Editorial: Zardari’s China diplomacy

Talking to the Chinese newspaper Guangming Daily, President Asif Ali Zardari has detailed the results of his frequent working visits to China, saying he had identified more than 50 new initiatives and signed three dozen MoUs during one year of his out-of-protocol tours of China. He spoke of Chinese advances in the field of agriculture, signalling his intent of expanding cooperation in that field.

Mr Zardari’s diplomacy is careful while being focused on Pakistan’s self-interest. He mentions the founder of the PPP, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, as the architect of Pakistan’s China policy; but the difference this time is that there is no Cold War polarity to contend with. His diplomacy with the United States and the United Kingdom is equally focused on the national interest.

Unfortunately, however, few in Pakistan are concerned with the dynamic behind President Zardari’s intensification of contacts with China. Such is the strength of the destabilising factors in Pakistan that his visits to China are either ignored or described as the pursuit of a dubious “personal” programme. In the past, visits to China by Pakistani leaders were hardly ever criticised. But now even that restraint is gone.

Apart from the problem of terrorism that destabilises Pakistan by undermining public trust in the state, there are two very strong additional factors of instability. The first is the lingering political vendetta that characterised the politics of the 1990s and isolated Pakistan internationally. The second is the trend of using this politics for media trials. The more the charges brought against the government are disproved, the more frequent and intense they become.

The media seduces the inward-looking politician into agitation with its slanted coverage and personal attacks by TV hosts. Every time the politician realises the folly of walking behind the hosts blindly, he beats a retreat from his hostile position, but this is only temporary. Anger rather than opinion is freely expressed on TV, persuading the viewing public to adopt a similar attitude towards the government.

Prior “free market” problems of a faltering economy are blamed on the government without suggesting a way out, apart from bringing back the statism that had failed to resolve Pakistan’s poverty dilemma. Somehow President Zardari is constantly referred to. His visits abroad are resented as if his presence in Pakistan was more important than that of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. But at the same time he is also criticised for usurping the prime ministerial role!

The uproar about corruption is another such case. It may turn out to be justified but at some point, proof of the allegations levelled against the PPP government and indirectly against President Zardari must also be presented. An orchestrated campaign about the Rental Power Producers (RPPs) was mounted against the water and power minister, accusing him of kickbacks, even mentioning the house he had bought abroad. But when the showdown actually took place on a TV channel, the vilification campaign failed to convince.

The state is being taxed with acting in unfamiliar ways. It is first accused of allowing the Americans of planting their mercenary non-state actors in Islamabad in order to target and destroy Pakistan’s nuclear programme; then it is asked to take action against the United States to prove that Pakistan is sovereign. Similarly, the government is rebuked for not getting the states in the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to cough up the promised funds when the fact is that the money in question was targeted but not actually pledged.

There was a time when the critic never tired of the “perfidy” of America in walking away from Pakistan when most needed. This was made the ground for delinking Pakistan’s interests from the US, without however defining an alternative strategy that would offset the political and economic losses thus entailed. Today, as the US admits that it was wrong in abandoning Pakistan in the past and wishes to beef up its presence, the critic insists that America’s exit from Afghanistan and leaving Pakistan alone would be the right scenario.

President Zardari is pilloried if he makes a friendly overture to India; a similar overture made by Mr Nawaz Sharif is either ignored or actually praised. Retired generals and retired bureaucrats whose “stand-still” strategy with India in the past has brought Pakistan to its present crisis point, have crept out of their retirement to express their shock at how President Zardari is harming Pakistan through his diplomacy with China, the United States and the European Union.

Pakistan needs a lot of placatory diplomacy, not hostile “action”, given its past failed strategies. President Zardari is on the right path in his efforts to woo the international community, especially China and the US. Certainly, that is how the world looks at him. *

Nawaz Sharif ordered murder of Pak Army officer?

2009-09-12T01:50:00.001-07:00

Lahore: Former Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif, recently buffeted by a controversy over receiving an alleged payoff from ISI, has been accused of "ordering the murder of an Army officer" in a petition filed in the Supreme Court, a charge termed by his PML-N party as "politically motivated”.

Freelance journalist Shahid Orakzai alleged in his petition that a sitting judge of the apex court had abetted Sharif in the murder of his brother, Major Khalid Saeed Orakzai, in 1993.

Orakzai further alleged in his petition, which was filed yesterday, that Sharif ordered the murder of his brother after a "political kickbacks deal" turned sour. The judge in question should be made a respondent in the case and stopped from performing his duties till the court gives its decision, he said.

"My brother was murdered because I went public with a kickbacks deal in 1993 and this annoyed Sharif and some senior PML-N leaders," Orakzai said.

The PML-N has dismissed the allegations. "This is a false and totally politically motivated accusation," said Ahsan Iqbal, the spokesman for the PML-N.

"This is only the latest in a series of recent accusations against Sharif. The presidency and hidden hands are trying to pressurise him into backing down on his demand for prosecuting former President Pervez Musharraf," Iqbal said.

Orakzai, who was a media consultant for Sharif in the early 1990s, said he had arranged a deal between Sharif's party, then known as the Pakistan Muslim League, and seven parliamentarians from the tribal areas to install the PML's candidate as speaker in the National Assembly.

"The deal involved the payment of Rs 17.5 million to the parliamentarians in return for their support for Sharif's candidate for the post of speaker. The party paid Rs 2.5 million each to four parliamentarians but reneged on the payment to the other three after the Pakistan People's Party candidate won the election," Orakzai claimed.

After that, Orakzai made the deal public and moved the apex court to take action against Sharif. The court accepted that the deal had taken place and Orakzai's actions led to awkward questions and embarrassment for Sharif, who had just started his second innings as premier.

"After the court's observation, the PML men were after me. My brother was a major protection for me against their harassment, and that was why they first removed him from the scene. He was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Kohat in October 1997," Orakzai said.

In his petition, Orakzai has named Sharif, his brother Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Saifur Rehman, Sartaj Aziz and Gohar Ayub for allegedly being involved in the murder of his brother. "I am hopeful that I will get justice from the independent judiciary," he said.

Source

....

Nawaz Sharif faces murder inquiry

By Syed Shoaib Hasan
BBC News, Islamabad

Pakistan's Supreme court is set to hear petitions seeking the prosecution of the main opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, for murder.

According to documents obtained by the BBC, the court will hear the accusations against Mr Sharif and then decide whether to pursue the charges.

The petitions call for Mr Sharif's arrest and prosecution.

He has denied ordering the murder of an ex-army officer after an alleged political kickbacks deal turned sour.

Nawaz Sharif, twice elected as Pakistan's prime minister, has recently been acquitted of similar criminal charges by the Supreme Court.

The court's decision was made on 21 July but it is expected to begin its inquiries imminently.

'Vindication'

"This is a false and totally politically motivated accusation," Ehsan Iqbal, spokesman for Mr Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, told the BBC.

"This is only the latest in a series of recent accusations against Mr Sharif.

"The presidency and hidden hands are trying to pressurise him into backing down on his demand for prosecuting (former President) Musharraf."

However, the main petitioner in the case, Shahid Orakzai, said that the court ruling was the vindication of a long struggle.

"It has taken 12 years for the truth to prevail," said Mr Orakzai.

His brother, Maj Khalidsaeed Orakzai, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the northern town of Kohat in 1997.

Shahid Orakzai, a freelance journalist, says his brother was murdered because he went public with a political kickbacks deal.

The deal dates back to 1993 and allegedly involved Mr Sharif and senior party leaders.

At that time Mr Orakzai arranged a deal between them and parliamentarians from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

The deal involved the payment of 10 million rupees to the parliamentarians in return for their support for the PML-N candidate for Speaker of Pakistan's parliament.

But the PML-N reneged on payment after the the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) candidate won the election.

This led to Mr Orakzai going public with the deal and asking the chief election commissioner (CEC) to take action.

However, the CEC refused and the matter ended up in court.

Eventually, the court accepted that the deal had taken place and Mr Orakzai's persistence led to awkward questions for Mr Sharif.

Mr Orakzai alleges that Mr Sharif subsequently ordered his brother to be murdered.

"It is utter rubbish and just part of a scheme to launch a character assassination of Mr Sharif," said Mr Iqbal.

"Mr Orakzai has often made himself part of petitions against Mr Sharif and everybody knows his connections to the intelligence agencies.

"If we are issued notices, we will deal with them, although we aren't too worried about them."

Murder case petition against Nawaz

Wednesday, 09 Sep, 2009 (Dawn)

The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions seeking the prosecution of the main opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, for murder.The BBC claims in a report by Syed Shoaib Hasan from Islamabad that it has obtained documents which say the court will hear the accusations against Mr Sharif and then decide whether to pursue the charges.

The petitions call for Mr Sharif’s arrest and prosecution. He has denied ordering the murder of an ex-army officer after an alleged political kickbacks deal turned sour.

“This is a false and totally politically motivated accusation,” Ahsan Iqbal, spokesman for Mr Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-N, told the BBC.

“This is only the latest in a series of recent accusations against Mr Sharif. The presidency and hidden hands are trying to pressurise him into backing down on his demand for prosecuting (former president) Musharraf.”

However, the main petitioner in the case, Shahid Orakzai, said that the court’s decision was the vindication of a long struggle. “It has taken 12 years for the truth to prevail,” said Mr Orakzai.

His brother, Maj Khalid Saeed Orakzai, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Kohat in 1997.

Mr Orakzai, a freelance journalist, says his brother was murdered because he went public with a kickback deal that dated back to 1993 and allegedly involved Mr Sharif and senior party leaders.

At that time Mr Orakzai arranged a deal between them and parliamentarians from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

The deal involved the payment of Rs10 million to the parliamentarians in return for their support for the PML-N candidate for speaker of the National Assembly.

But the PML-N reneged on payment after the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate won the election.

This led to Mr Orakzai going public with the deal and asking the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to take action. However, the CEC refused and the matter ended up in court.

Eventually, the court accepted that the deal had taken place and Mr Orakzai’s persistence led to awkward questions for Mr Sharif.

Mr Orakzai alleges that Mr Sharif subsequently ordered his brother to be murdered.

“It is utter rubbish and just part of a scheme to launch a character assassination of Mr Sharif,” said Mr Iqbal.

“Mr Orakzai has often made himself part of petitions against Mr Sharif and everybody knows his connections to the intelligence agencies. “If we are issued notices, we will deal with them, although we aren’t too worried about them.”

SIMON REEVES NEW BOOK :"THE NEW JACKALS"

2009-09-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

The unholy alliance of Nawaz, Osama, Gul and Khawaja

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: After claims of close ties between Osama bin Laden and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif by the British author and journalist Simon Reeves, a former Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) officer named Khalid Khawaja has revealed similar facts during his interview to different media outlets including a Pakistani TV channel.

According to the information given by Simon Reeves in his book “The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousaf, Osama bin Laden and the future of terrorism”, backed by that of Khalid Khawaja, Bin Laden not only sponsored the election campaign of former prime minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif in 1988 but paid him large sums of money to ensure protection of Al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan and to “Islamise” the state and society.

Khawaja, who also runs a non-government organisation with the name of Defence for Human Rights, has claimed in an interview to a local TV channel that Bin Laden had held five meetings with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.

He further stated that he had arranged these meetings between the Al Qaeda leader and Nawaz on the former prime minister’s request. He also said that he could produce evidence of these meetings to counter the denial by PML-N spokesman Siddique ul Farooq who said that no such meetings ever took place.

However, Khawaja denied that he ever stated that Osama gave more than Rs 500 million to Nawaz Sharif. He said hopefully Nawaz Sharif would not “tell a lie” in this regard, and added that the statement of PML-N spokesman Siddique ul Farooq was untrue that no such meetings had taken place.

Khawaja said that he used to be a close associate of Bin Laden in the past and might have met him more than a hundred times but he never met him after the 9/11 terror attacks.

A blogger at ABCNews.com had previously quoted the former ISI official as stating that Nawaz took a million dollar payoff from Bin Laden for turning a blind eye to Al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan.

ABC News also confirmed the same incident of payoff by quoting former FBI agent Jack Cloonan who used to interrogate one of the key Al Qaeda operatives in US custody, Ali Muhammad.

Cloonan, who is currently working as an ABC News consultant, claimed that Ali had once told him that Bin Laden paid Nawaz’s representatives $1 million for not cracking down on the militants in the Northwest Frontier Province.

Simon Reeves states in his book that after re-establishing Al Qaeda, one of Bin Laden’s first actions was to try and guarantee the security of his men living in Pakistani refugee camps by throwing money at the election campaign of Nawaz Sharif, “an energetic Pakistani politician” standing for the election of Prime Minister.

He also states in his book that Nawaz had received the money from Bin Laden with a promise to convert Pakistan into a strict Islamic state.

An American website named History Commons Website has not only confirmed Cloonan’s claim but has also mentioned another book by Scott-Clark and Levy, claiming that General Hameed Gul had contacted Osama Bin Laden who was then known to provide financial support to the Afghan mujahideen, to pay for a coup and assassination of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

A lonely father facing mother of all troubles

2009-09-08T03:22:00.000-07:00

A lonely father facing mother of all troubles

Tuesday, September 08, 2009
By Sharmila Faruqui

‘My husband is a friend of friends,’ .... Benazir Bhutto Shaheed described her high profile, highly victimised and grossly demonized Asif Ali Zardari in one of her last remarks. Indeed, she was right. He has proved her correct at every stage, suffering immensely at the hands of both friends and foes.

Zardari, a firm believer of ‘never say die’ has proved his detractors wrong time and again. This week the much-maligned Zardari is completing one year in office as the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a country of 180 million at war against terrorism and with itself, craving to win for its existence. The man deserves credit for spearheading the most difficult war of the 21st century. The war mongers have miserably failed to snatch the broad smile that baffles his greatest detractors. Even in a pensive mood he keeps smiling that baffles his greatest critics and arch rivals.

His smile has kept this beleaguered nation alive to the grave day-to-day ground realities of Pakistan in the last quarter of 2009. It has never been a bed of roses for the father of Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Asifa, who has had to act as their mother as well since the tragic death of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.

One year is no period to judge a president, who presides over a struggling nation that witnesses crisis after crisis at regular intervals starting from the judicial upheaval to sugar, wheat and flour shortages to unpredictable power breakdowns to sometimes wavering overseas friends but he always manages the last laugh.

He has boldly faced an unending tirade of wild charges, fake scandals, unsubstantiated corruption stories and sensational media trial. He has braved ferocious and pervasive attacks by the ‘friendly opposition’ in collaboration with untamed and furious right wing media organisations. This is typical of Zardari; he knows when to play on the front foot and when to avoid rushing unannounced bouncers. He is a player of his own class ... almost peerless. Despite usual hiccups, for this nation and for the whole world the most satisfying factor is his winning the war of terrorism that was unleashed against Pakistan by an enemy that knew no boundaries and has no limits of its brutality and cruelty.

Zardari himself is a victim of this war on terrorism. He lost his own wife Benazir Bhutto. Millions cried for the angel that fell on the fateful evening of December 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi.

Another Karbala that the people shall always remember as they pay her tribute day and night and cherish her great memory. No doubt the president of Pakistan is hundred per cent serious and determined to finish the job and bring the culprits to book that they rightly deserve. One such merchant of death Baitullah Mahsud was killed few weeks before Zardari completes his first year in office; the world is a safer place since Mahsud was annihilated in a drone attack at his hideout. This one achievement is sufficient to judge Zardari’s caliber for the highest office and definitely the most difficult job on this planet.

To accomplish Shaheed Benazir’s grand mission of ‘Roti, Kapra and Makan’ Asif Ali Zardari is virtually running from pillar to post; one morning he is in London the next he is found on the Atlantic shores from where he jets towards the Mediterranean and then to the Middle East. The man leaves no stone unturned to bring money for his country. He never takes a begging bowl rather he negotiates the significance of his country as a bulwark against highly funded terrorism. He urges the United States to expedite reimbursement of $1.6 billion worth outstanding payment in the Coalition Support Fund, an early passage of Kerry-Lugar Bill to the quick legislation to set up reconstruction opportunity zones in war-torn areas of Pakistan.

He seeks payment assistance for the energy sector and massive $2.5 billion plan for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. He talks to ‘Friends of Democratic Pakistan’ and makes urgent pleas for the much needed help. And the world leaders help him; they know they are helping a real friend in need, from the US president Barrack Obama to Saudi monarch King Abdullah to Chinese President Hu Jin Tao to Gordon Brown of the UK; he is at ease with all and they trust him immensely.

Asif Ali Zardari has gained this trust due to the fact that he is sincere to this country and to his nation as he takes it out of the woods. He is no despot, he is a democrat, a tolerant to the core leader, legally, constitutionally and democratically elected president of Pakistan for a full five-year term. Overseas friends and partners have total faith in the man who was no candidate for the top slot. Even his detractors agree that in the post-Benazir era when the chips were down and prophets of doom were forecasting a gloomy scenario, he took up the challenge to steer this nation out of troubled waters as he raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ with misty eyes as the whole world was watching him in Larkana, the land of Bhuttos who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan.

True, the task ahead is gigantic and against all odds. There are long queues for wheat flour and sugar. The petroleum prices have just witnessed a hike and subsidies are to be removed over gas and electricity yet there is a silver lining; the Karachi Stock Market is bouncing back. 100 index has crossed the psychological barrier of 8600 points that was down to half a year ago. This alone is no mean achievement. A lot has to be done indeed.

Benazir Income Support Programme and Benazir Behan Basti Programme are just a few among the many projects launched to provide much needed relief to the downtrodden womenfolk of this country; Friends of Democratic Pakistan are lunging forward to help. They all trust the man who treats this nation and its people like he treats Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Asifa.

He believes in forgetting and forgiving; following a reconciliatory policy. He is a leader in his own right and has proved it without a shadow of doubt. He is a lonely father who is facing mother of all troubles, chin high. This is Asif Ali Zardari.

9th Sept 2008 to 9th Sept 2009. Happy Birthday Mr President.

Pakistan Khappay

The author is an adviser to the Sindh chief minister

"My death will serve as a catalyst for change " Benzir Bhutto

2009-09-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

"My death will serve as a catalyst for change" was the dying words of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.

When BB came back from exile in 2007 the very existence of Pakistan was on stake . and the country was divided , whether to call sucide bomber a Matyr or Evil. The Mullah Military Alliance surrender the province of NWFP to taliban but one person stood steadfast against increasing talibanization of Pakistan and this evil mindset and to fight for a pluralist society which we once were.

Signs of improvement

Dawn Editorial
Sunday, 06 Sep, 2009 | 08:05 AM PST |

The law and order situation in the NWFP has seen a marked improvement since the army took on the Taliban. — Photo by AFP

PROVINCES

Clashes in Swat, Buner leave 9 militants dead

INTERACTIVE: SWAT TALIBAN

Rise and the fall of a religious militia

Doom and gloom is to be expected in a country dominated by rapacious politicians and brutal dictators. Democracy has been strangled in Pakistan, the rule of law violated at will and the poor left oppressed. At the same time a particular class has been patronised so it can gather all the spoils. Religion has been exploited to give the unempowered a sense of belonging, to make the unprivileged think that they are equals in an inequitable society.

Gen Ziaul Haq, aided and abetted by the US, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, encouraged the forces of obscurantism to further his illegitimate rule. Our intelligence agencies pursued a policy of ‘strategic depth’ in Afghanistan that created Frankensteins we could no longer control. ‘Talibanisation’ entered the nomenclature and, for a time, the country was held hostage by semi-literate clerics and their armed supporters.

But things are getting better. The law and order situation in the NWFP has seen a marked improvement since the army took on the Taliban in Malakand. A report in this newspaper, relying on statistical evidence, illustrates that more may have been achieved in three months than what Gen Musharraf could muster over several years. It is now becoming increasingly clear that Mr Musharraf played a double-game with the West, keeping the threat of Talibanisation alive to force Washington and London into thinking that he was indispensable.

His rule as dictator, and favoured ally of the Bush administration, was marked by deals and bargains with the enemies of Pakistan. He could have thrown down the gauntlet, as the current government and army chief have, but he instead kowtowed to the militants and pushed Pakistan to the brink of ruin. What we have seen in the last few months reinforces the idea that where there is a will, there is a way. It has finally sunk in that the Taliban cannot be mollycoddled — they must be defeated. The Pakistan Army has now taken to the battlefield in right earnest and the Taliban are on the run. If the engagement doesn’t lose momentum, the people of Pakistan will emerge victorious.

2009-09-06T10:55:00.001-07:00

An assessment of President Asif Zardari by Abbas Mehkari

Gilani's visit to Libya

2009-09-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Gilani's visit to Libya

WAQAR MEHDI

ARTICLE (September 06 2009): Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived in Tripoli on 31 August on a three-day official visit to the Libyan capital to attend the 40th anniversary of the Libyan revolution. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Minister for Privatisation Syed Naveed Qamar also accompanied him.

Pakistan and Libya enjoy close brotherly and friendly ties, the seeds of which were sown by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto with the OIC summit in 1974, in which Libya President Muammer Qaddafi also participated. Libya has traditionally been a strong supporter and ally of Pakistan, with the two supporting each other on various international fora.

Libya, an oil rich state and the current chair of African ,Union has a strategic location as it lies in the vicinity of the Europe on the Mediterranean Sea. However, Libya's strategic importance for Pakistan has been enhanced by recent events. Since Libya signed "a comprehensive claims settlement" with the United States in August 2008, Libya's relations with the US and the rest of the world have witnessed a positive change.

The agreement provided a process for compensating the victims of attacks, ranging from the 1988 bombing of the Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, to the US air strikes on Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986. It thus removed a final hurdle to Libya establishing normal diplomatic and economic ties with the West and opened the way for the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Tripoli in September 2008.

Since then, private US companies expressed interest in investing in Libya and in November 2008, the US Senate confirmed Gene A. Cretz as the first US Ambassador to Libya in over 35 years. Libya's significance is enhanced by the fact that on October 16, 2007, Libya was voted to serve on the United Nations Security Council for two years, starting January 2008. Besides, it is set to join the nuclear co-operation deals with Canada, France and also possibly the US.

A bulwark of secular government and anti-fundamentalism in a North Africa that is struggling to contain the spread of Islamic extremism, Libya is of strategic importance to Europe and the US, beyond its oil riches, notwithstanding the overwhelming significance of its energy resources.

Fully aware of its growing importance in an oil-starved world, Libya is expected to use that advantage to the full and it will no doubt guard, with Gadhafi at the forefront, its sovereign rights vociferously and assiduously.

Thus, Prime Minister Gilani's first ever official visit to the North African country was attuned to recent international developments concerning Libya specifically and more generally, an opportunity for him to meet with fellow world leaders.

The Prime Minister met with Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi, his Libyan counterpart Baghdadi Ali Al Mahmudi, ministers and notables during which he held talks on issues of mutual interest. At an Iftar party hosted by Pakistan Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan, on Monday night, Prime Minister Gilani stressed the need for increased trade and investment co-operation between Pakistan and Libya in various fields, including oil and gas, housing, construction, tourism, agro-industry and defence for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The Pakistani business leaders, who were representing major Libyan companies in construction and oil and gas sectors, including Mecko, CKT, Camco, ENI and Zveltina, discussed with Prime Minister Gilani the prospects of business opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the fields of oil and gas, agro industry, tourism and construction-related industries.

They assured the Prime Minister of full co-operation and support in promoting trade and economic co-operation between the two brotherly countries. The Prime Minister said as the Libyan government was investing US $147 million for the construction of housing units, over next five years, Pakistan can export cement and other related material to Libya.

The Pakistani business leaders also pointed out some problems and delays in the issuance of visa by Libyan authorities for Pakistani businessmen. The Prime Minister said he would raise the issue with the Libyan side. He said that the Libyan Labour Minister would soon undertake a visit to Pakistan, which would help boost the export of Pakistani manpower to Libya.

The Prime Minister said that with Pakistan having a good gas distribution system and Libya working on exploration, the two countries can also share each other's expertise in the oil and gas sector. He said Pakistan's PPL and the OGDCL are interested to get a licence for exploration in Libya.

Among the world leaders visiting Tripoli for the celebrations, Prime Minister Gilani met with President George Abella of Malta, Philippines President Mrs Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and President Mahinda Rajapakse of Sri Lanka. Since Malta is a member of the European Union, as well as the Commonwealth, Prime Minister Gilani sought the support and co-operation of President Abella in getting GSP Plus facilities for Pakistani products to the EU market.

As Pakistan, along with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the EU was seeking a GSP Plus status to have greater market access European markets, Malta can be a hub for the access of Pakistani products to North Africa and Europe. The Malta President said his country would fully support the Pakistani case for GSP Plus at the forthcoming EU ministerial meeting Stockholm. There was also an agreement on the need for exchange of trade delegations to achieve enhanced trade and economic co-operation.

In his bilateral meeting with the Philippines President Mrs Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Prime Minister discussed the prospects of enhanced bilateral co-operation in diverse fields. The two-way trade between the two countries has witnessed a significant increase during the last two years, with Pakistan's exports to Philippines reaching $92.8 million in the July-March period of 2007-08, as against $31 million realised in the whole year of 2006-07.

The Philippines President stated that her country was interested in procuring the supply of pharmaceuticals for the local market. It was agreed that their private sectors need to interact to help facilitate the enhanced export of medicines from Pakistan to Philippines. The two countries have been supporting each other's view point, on various issues, at the international fora, with the recent example of their close co-operation for an inter-faith dialogue at the UN.

Prime Minister Gilani also sought the co-operation and support of Philippines for Pakistan in getting the full dialogue partner status at ASEAN. Pakistan, which is following a look-East vision, became the sectoral dialogue partner at ASEAN in 1997, whereas Philippines has basic membership of ASEAN since 1967.

Pakistan, during the recent OIC FMs meeting in Damascus, supported Philippines' bid for getting an Observer status at the OIC. Prime Minister Gilani also invited the Philippines President to visit Pakistan. The last visit of a Philippines President to Pakistan was in 1997.

In his fourth meeting with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse of Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's strong desire to further strengthen multi-faceted ties and co-operation in various fields, including trade, education, pharmaceuticals, engineering, railways, diplomatic training and defence. The two leaders appreciated the fact that bilateral trade between the two countries had experienced a quantum jump after the Free Trade Agreement.

They agreed to broaden the scope of FTA to services and investment. Pakistan's exports to Sri Lank reached $214 million in 2007-08, as against $97.8 million in 2003-04, after the FTA between the two countries became effective in 2005. Prime Minister Gilani also assured the Sri Lankan President that once the investigations into the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore are completed, Pakistan would share this information with Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Gilani said that Air Blue would start flights to Colombo, adding, that the Foreign Minister would also meet the Sri Lankan Aviation Minister during his visit to Colombo for the RCD (Regional Co-operation Development) meeting in October this year. Besides his meetings with world leaders, Prime Minister Gilani's visit to Tripoli was a follow up to President Zardari's visit in May 2009, during which one agreement and six MoUs were signed.

On 2 May 2009 Pakistan and Libya signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and an agreement on extradition, employment, human resource development, higher education, culture and information, political consultations and abolition of diplomatic visas. Under the MoU, on labour and manpower, Pakistan will export to Libya about five to ten thousand manpower in the next two years to work in different fields.

According to the MoU on political consultations, the Foreign Offices of two countries would hold dialogues on issues of diplomatic importance. Under the MoU on Human Resource Development, Pakistan would offer professionals including doctors and engineers to Libya to contribute to their development.

Whereas under the MoU signed on higher education, Pakistan would offer scholarships to Libyan students. Under the MoU on visa abolition, diplomats and officials will be exempt from visas. The single Agreement signed was on exchange of prisoners, inked by Pakistan's Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar and Libyan Minister of Planning Dr Abdul Hafeez al-Zalitni.

(The writer is Special Assistant to the CM Sindh for Press and Media) waqar_mehdi2000@yahoo.com

BRIGADER IMITIAZ GIVE NAWAZ SHARIF A CLEAN CHIT AND NOW SAYS NAHID KHAN TOOK THE MONEY ....

2009-09-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

B

Gives Nawaz a clean chit

By Mazhar Tufail

ISLAMABAD: Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Brig (retd) Imtiaz Ahmed has said that Nawaz Sharif, as prime minister, never gave him any target for the character assassination or persecution of politicians or opponents.

“During my tenure in the IB, only once Mian Nawaz Sharif referred a case to me at the request of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, who met me but I excused and the prime minister did not ask me about that case again,” said Brig (retd) Imtiaz, who has caused a stir in the national politics by making some ‘controversial’ disclosures, in an exclusive talk with this correspondent at his residence here on Tuesday.

Brig (retd) Imtiaz, who has also served in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), said that some people with vested interest were responsible for creating a communication gap between him and Nawaz. However, he still considers the twice-elected former prime minister a true, patriotic Pakistani.

He claimed that he utilised a minimum amount from the secret funds during his three-year tenure as the IB director. He never gave funds to any politician, he said, adding Masood Sharif, who was additional director IB, had given funds to former minister Muhammad Hanif Khan, Nahid Khan and several others, including opposition MNAs, in 1990.

About his alleged links to President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Senator Rehman Malik, the former IB director said this was a ridiculous and baseless impression. “As far as Rehman Malik is concerned, he had not only resorted to character assassination against me and my family, but also instituted cases against me during the first tenure of Benazir Bhutto. In revenge, Rehman Malik crossed all the limits. How can I contact such people now? The gulf created between me and the PPP by some people still exists,” he said.

Brig (retd) Imtiaz said he had tendered resignation from the Army in March 1989 because of differences on the basis of principles. Gen Aslam Beg and Lt-Gen Hamid Gul wanted him to withdraw the resignation but, when he expressed his regrets, his resignation was referred to the Ministry of Defence by the GHQ. He claimed that Gen (retd) Naseerullah Babar had put his resignation in cold storage and he was retired from the Army, along with Major (retd) Amir, on the grounds of the operation ‘Midnight Jackal.’

“The impression is completely baseless that my disclosures have weakened the position of the Army and that I have done all this to avenge my removal from the Army. I had decided to join the Army because of my adoration of ‘Khaki’. The record of my 30-year military career will testify as to how much this institution is sacred for me,” the former spymaster said. “As a former intelligence officer, who knows it better than me that the Pakistan Army is guardian of the country’s security and survival?”

The former IB director said that if an act of omission of commission of any officer in his personal capacity becomes topic of discussion because of directly or indirectly linked to the national issues, such debate did not have a negative impact on the credibility of the Army.

He said the way in which the incumbent competent leadership of the Army fought terrorism with courage and steadfastness while staying away from the politics had restored the dignity of the Army in the eyes of public as it was badly damaged during the tenure of Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf. The martyrdom of officers and Jawans has instilled a new spirit in the Army, he remarked.

When asked about former army chief Gen (retd) Aslam Beg, the former senior ISI official said he has now retired from the Army. He said some steps during his tenure as the army chief were in fact taken in the personal capacity and linking those steps with the institution would be wide off the mark. He said the analysis of the steps having direct link with the internal politics of the country is the demand of the national interest and could not have any negative impact on the institution of the Army.

“I did neither work with Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani nor had any contact with him but on the basis of my 15-year experience as intelligence officer I can confidently say that he [Kayani] is a thorough professional. And currently all his attention is focused on galvanising professional capabilities of the Army and welfare of Jawans in particular,” Brig (retd) Imtiaz said in response to a question by The News.

2009-09-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Denouements galore

By Kamran Shafi
Tuesday, 01 Sep, 2009 | 01:26 AM PST

'Shujaat Hussain, with Mushahid ‘Mandela’ Husain faithfully by his side, had some gall to say that Nawab Akbar Bugti’s coffin should now be handed over to his family.' – APP File Photo

IN his book Memoirs and Reflections, Dr Justice Nasim Hasan Shah, former chief justice of Pakistan and a member of the hanging bench, writes (all italics mine):

'I can now tell for the first time how the chief justice and I made an attempt to save Mr Bhutto’s life. With four judges (hailing from the Punjab) apparently in favour of upholding the judgment of the LHC convicting Mr Bhutto and sentencing him to death, while the remaining three judges (all non-Punjabis) being of different viewpoint, the responsibility and strain on the shoulders of CJ Anwar ul Haq was overwhelming.

'Being a patriot to the core he was deeply distressed and disturbed by the news reaching him that in case the court decided to hang Bhutto a very negative impression would be created in other provinces especially the province of Sindh … he conceived a device which he considered might salvage the situation … he knew my relations with Justice Dorab Patel were very cordial … it was suggested that I might have a detailed talk with him regarding the case and the general situation in the country.

'Being the senior-most judge of the faction favouring the view that Mr Bhutto was not guilty, he was in a position to handle the situation.

'The proposal put forward by Anwarul Haque was that a unanimous verdict may be handed down by the court so as to obviate all provincial acrimony.

'According to him the fairest solution would be if the Punjab judges could be persuaded to agree to the awarding of a lesser sentence to Mr Bhutto (thus saving his life) while the pro-Mr Bhutto judges might agree to hold him guilty….
'Being of the same view and eager to save Mr Bhutto’s life who had been very kind to me personally in as much as he had selected me to lead the Pakistan delegation to an international conference abroad, and also chosen me to be an ad hoc judge in the SC, I readily agreed to approach Justice Patel for ascertaining his views regarding the proposal.

'Both of us got together at his Islamabad residence and discussed the whole matter over an excellent dinner he hosted for me. Justice Patel was not at all agreeable to the proposition made by the CJ. According to him the question of a judge’s judgment was a matter of his conscience and that this may not be discussed.

'I emphasised the fairness of the CJ’s offer pointing out that it was consistent with the facts and law; however, unanimity in the larger interest of the federation should not be ignored…. I told Justice Dorab Patel that finding Mr Bhutto 'not guilty' was not consistent with the thinking of the four Punjabi judges; since all of them had come to the conclusion that the evidence in the (Punjab) High Court of the officials of the FSF who had participated in the killing proved their guilt ... undoubtedly, it was only the wish of Mr Bhutto which they had carried out. I, therefore, emphasised that no attempt was being made to change or modify the judgment of any judge.

'Despite an 80-minute conversation in a friendly and courteous atmosphere … I came home very disappointed.

The next day, as Yahya Bakhtiar was continuing his pleading for Mr Bhutto, I asked him to address the court on the matter of the sentence and the mitigation considerations for reducing the sentence. He totally ignored my interjection and stated rather rudely that he was only concerned in establishing that Mr Bhutto was not guilty and deserved to be acquitted.

'It is my view that the CJ and I threw two lifelines to Mr Bhutto, and his supporters on the bench, more especially Justice Dorab Patel, and his panel of lawyers disregarded both of them. The Bhutto family and its supporters regarded the four Punjabi judges as the villains in this tense drama whereas the truth is quite the other way.

'The persons actually responsible for the sad outcome of this Greek tragedy were his friends and sympathisers who obstinately stuck to an unwise and incorrect course of action.'

So, Justices Dorab Patel, M. Haleem, and Safdar Shah, who acquitted Bhutto, were responsible for his premeditated murder?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch Oh what fun(!), as we see the head spooks of yesteryear, all of them belonging at one time or another to the Mother of All Agencies and before that to the poor Pakistan Army which has been made to bear the crosses for all of these scoundrels, tear into one another with a vengeance that can only be the product of dysfunctional organisations.

What really, really gladdens my heart is to see retired majors say to retired lieutenant generals’ faces that they are lying!!

They can kill each other for all I care, as long as they leave our political leaders alone, be it Nawaz Sharif or Asif Zardari. One has lived in this Land of the Pure long enough to know full well that far worse is yet to come. Just you wait until cooked-up personal stories come out in the press. We know, for we have seen it all, ad nauseum, before.

But try as they might, they will only fall flat on their faces as always. They should realise that this is no longer the Pakistan of the 1990s when there was hardly any access to the Internet. This is another country, and the more they persevere with their stupid and self-destructing ways the more they will harm themselves and their institutions. Well Godspeed to you sirs, for the sooner you self-destruct the better for this poor country and its hapless people.

PS Shujaat Hussain, with Mushahid ‘Mandela’ Husain faithfully by his side, had some gall to say that Nawab Akbar Bugti’s coffin should now be handed over to his family. He was sitting in the Commando’s lap when the nawab was committed to his grave in a wooden coffin padlocked with the cheapest Chinese lock, with just eight ‘security agencies’ people looking on. Just when will these people stop insulting our intelligence?

kamranshafi1@yahoo.co.uk

2009-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Gilgit-Baltistan, a de-facto province
MAHMOOD ZAMAN

ARTICLE (September 01 2009): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani issued a landmark proclamation on August 29 joining his voice with those of more than 1.5 million people of Gilgit-Baltistan for self-rule, which they have been yearning for six decades.

Now that the people of this hitherto Federally Administered Northern Areas virtually have a de-facto province enjoying political, administrative and financial rights, with constitutional and legal guarantees with the appointment of governor, chief minister and a judicature.

Besides, a 33-member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly has also been ordered in place; 24 of the members are to be elected directly on a party-based poll, while six seats have been reserved for women and three for technocrats in the assembly, which will have its own Rules of Business.

The new legislative assembly has been empowered to enact laws on 61 subjects. The 'province' will also have a six-member cabinet that will have the power of making and approving its annual budget. Steps have also been taken to give constitutional and legal cover to the new province.

The new entity has been established under the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order, 2009, approved by a special committee of the federal cabinet, which will replace the Northern Areas Legal Framework Order of 1999 for the purpose of the new administrative unit to function in complete legal harmony. Article 54 of the Constitution has been invoked to empower the new council and the assembly, in financial matters and under Article 55 of the basic law, a Gilgir-Baltistan Consolidated Fund has been created.

The establishment of Gilgit-Baltistan is by no means a small achievement in the malady of constitutional, local and international issues facing the country since its inception. The positive side of this story is that all the political parties worth their name have welcomed the decision that perches squarely on a subject that has been sensitive in nature and only a bold pragmatic decision could resolve.

This means that the country's political leadership has matured to a degree as to understand that if it wanted to keep the fire of a dispute aflame, for no material gains, or realistic ally resolve to overcome the problem. Such an empowerment has been the hallmark of PPP policies, which especially focused on conferring powers on Federally Administered Northern Areas to exercise, their political, administrative and financial powers through their elected representatives. Once again, it is to the credit of a PPP government to decide the constitutional status of the areas once a part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The status of these areas remained undetermined for decades, but is now a de-facto province as decided by the cabinet's special committee. It was not mere coincidence but a calculated and determined effort to reform the political, administrative and legislative rights of these areas, with PPP in power.

The first step to ensure some sort of legal rights to the people of these remote areas in the north, bordering China, was also taken by the PPP government headed by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who ordered the merger of all the seven states in the region into a single geographical entity in 1972-73.

The late Bhutto also initiated a set of economic reforms in these areas and territories of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, under a project that was aimed at establishing a number of industries, mostly fruit preservation, fruit juices and slices in cans, match-box factories, timber industry, in addition to promoting tourism in these valleys of exquisite beauty, by way of government-sponsored hotels, motels and restaurants.

The Bhutto government also involved the United Nations Development Programme in projects and this world body selected a few places in Dir and Swat for launching a high-profile project that encompassed almost all the FATA, FANA and PATA. This mountain outback has been split into five districts, Gilgit, Skardu, Diamir, Ghizer and Ghanche.

Its population of 1.5 million inhabits a vast area of 72,495 sq kms. Sparsely populated as the area is, a variety of ethnic groups, like Baltees, Shinas, Vashkuns, Mughals, Kashmiris, Pathans, Ladhakhis and Turks live here and speak languages like Balti, Shina, Brushaski, Khawer, Wakhi, Turki, Tibeti, Pushto and Urdu. Before independence, Northern Areas were part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir whose people successfully rebelled against the Maharaja of Kashmir and supported full integration into Pakistan in 1947.

Almost 60 years later, Pakistan's military, insists that the Northern Areas remain part of the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir and that any delineation of the region's constitutional status will have to wait for a solution of the Kashmir dispute. As a result, the Northern Areas are not included in the Pakistan constitution and are not represented in parliament.

COUNCIL: The first step to give these areas a certain amount of representation was taken in 1994 under the Legal Framework Order by the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto government which gave an elected council to these areas, then comprising 24 members. For the first time, the federal government then appointed a chief secretary and four secretaries. Party-based elections were held for the first time in 1994. A member of Pakistan People's Party got elected as Deputy Chief Executive.

The PPP and Tahrik-i-Jafaria Pakistan also sent two advisors each, while Muslim League (Junejo group) had one. They were assigned public departments. Rules of Business were also framed to regulate official matters. The PPP government, in 1994, took the decision about these areas, when the region's inhabitants were, after the Zia era, were embittered by Islamabad's unwillingness to devolve power to its elected representatives. A nationalist movement, which sought almost independence, was gaining ground.

The rise of sectarian extremism, caused mainly by General Zia's dictatorial regime, was an alarming consequence of this denial of basic political rights in a region where Sunnis, Shias and Ismailis had peacefully coexisted for several centuries.

SUPREME COURT: Then came a landmark judgement of the Supreme which directed the federal government on May 28, 1999, to extend, within six months, fundamental freedoms to the Northern Areas, allowing its people to be governed by their elected representatives.

However, the apex court did not pass a definite direction about the kind of government in those areas in view of "the very sensitive location." The government of Nawaz Sharif was in the process of a package and a decision to hold another election of the council when the military took over.

However, the Sharif's government also contributed to the delay, by introducing amendments to the Legal Framework Order 1994, which gave legislative council to these areas, and was made nine months after the six-month period as stipulated by the Supreme Court. Under the amendment, the Northern Area Council was renamed Northern Area Legislative Council and was authorised legislation in 40 items; its membership was raised to 29, five of them reserved for women.

Notwithstanding, the scope of the rights to be exercised by the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and the executive council for the present, in view of certain international and constitutional expediencies, the very fact that the right of the people has been acknowledged by a leadership that is not averse to taking bold initiatives in the wider human rights context, itself speaks of the earnestness that the ruling PPP has demonstrated. Such an attitude holds high promise and no-one can be unsure of the scope of these rights to keep on enlarging.

BENAZIR BEHAN BASTI

2009-09-01T02:21:00.001-07:00

KARACHI: The PPP-led government has announced another welfare scheme, the Benazir Behan Basti Programme (BBBP), for poor women.

President Asif Ali Zardari announced this new scheme in a meeting with Sindh government officials at the Bilawal House here on Monday. The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Ishratul Ebad, provincial ministers Pir Mazharul Haq, Dr Zulfikar Mirza, Agha Siraj Durrani, Murad Ali Shah, Manzoor Wasan, Ali Nawaz Shah, Jam Mehtab Dahar, Ayaz Soomro and Shazia Marri.

Zardari directed the provincial authorities to launch the programme from Sindh. Under the new scheme, poor women holding Benazir Income Support Programme cards will be given land by the government. Financial assistance would be sought from the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum for this scheme.

The meeting also focused on providing housing facilities to police personnel. Various development programmes for Lyari were also reviewed and the president asked the authorities to make functional the Cardiovascular Unit in the Lyari General Hospital.

Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad and CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah informed the president that an area of one thousand acres will be vacated on the Maripur Road. The president said the vacated land should be used for the construction of the Lyari University.

In a separate meeting with Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, the president emphasised the need for all political parties to work together. He also directed that all coalition partners should be taken into confidence on major decisions.

2009-09-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

analysis: A step in the right direction —Rasul Bakhsh Rais

Since Gilgit-Baltistan was part of the Jammu and Kashmir state, its fate became linked to which way the disputed state would go. This was implicitly the reason for the six-decades-long delay in restructuring the governance of the region

Granting a sort of autonomy, or self-rule, to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is the first critical step in the right direction. This is something that the people of the region have been demanding for a very long time.

But is the proposed structure of self-governance that is going to be implemented through a presidential ordinance enough, or do we need more in terms of autonomy from the outset of reforms than wait for further political demands? Have we, in this sense, neglected Gilgit-Baltistan?

The people of this rugged and difficult region have their own individuality and a sense of ethnic identity that has been shaped by history and geography over a long period of time. There is no doubt that this sparsely populated, vast region has diverse communities within it, but at the same time there are overlapping bonds of religion, language and social networks.

Parallel to unifying themes, there are also distinctive feelings among communities at the local level, a pattern similar to the social patchwork that we see in mountain communities.

Unlike tribal communities, the social networks that we have observed in Gilgit-Baltistan are essentially non-feudal, less hierarchical and more open to social change and development than even mainstream areas in the rest of Pakistan. One is greatly impressed by how local communities have embraced the idea of education, community organisation and development, often in competition to outdo others in achieving social and developmental objectives.

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan rightly take pride in liberating themselves from the Raja of Kashmir in 1947 and unconditionally acceding to Pakistan. This region like many others in the subcontinent had changed hands among local and foreign rulers before the Raja of Jammu and Kashmir annexed it in his ambitious quest of empire building.

Since Gilgit-Baltistan was part of the Jammu and Kashmir state, its final fate became linked to which way the disputed state would go. This was implicitly the reason for the six-decades-long delay in restructuring the governance of the region. In fact, equally crucial was the act in 1948 to separate Gilgit-Baltistan from what became known as Azad Kashmir or the Pakistani part of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir state.

It is interesting that Kashmiri nationalists on both sides of the Line of Control claim Gilgit-Baltistan as an inherent part of the Jammu and Kashmir state. The Indian government also took a similar position when it raised questions about Pakistan’s border demarcation agreement with China in 1963. In fact, Pakistan and China while signing the border agreement added a proviso that it was subject to the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

In the coming weeks and months, we will see a storm of protest from Kashmiri nationalists and even mainstream Kashmiri leaders over granting self-rule to Gilgit-Baltistan. One of the fundamental reasons Gilgit-Baltistan couldn’t get the status of a province was our interest in placating Kashmiris’ feelings.

There are two important issues that we need to discuss in this regard. First, who should really determine who the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are? No external power and group can fix the identity of any community. What is important in this case and universally acknowledged is how the people define themselves and the identity they give to themselves.

In our part, there are two sides to such identities, territorial and linguist-ethnic. The latter is much fuzzier because the territorial units we have evolved over centuries are not ethnically exclusive but contain other ethnic and linguistic groups. Gilgit-Baltistan has a territorial identity and a deep sense of historicity. But its linguistic particularities that are natural features of mountain communities living in isolated valleys are not too sharp to divide them into smaller identities.

How do the people of Gilgit-Baltistan define themselves? They may have petty regional differences, and sub-regional identities like Hunza and Nagar, but they don’t refer to themselves as Kashmiris. The only thing apparently common with the state of Jammu and Kashmir is their being subject to foreign rule against their will, and against which they rebelled and secured their freedom. But their freedom from the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir was unfortunately followed by direct federal rule from Islamabad in an independent Pakistan. But then the complex triangle of Kashmir, India and Pakistan and the sensitivities of the Kashmiri leaders that we have supported unconditionally at a great cost and may continue to do so were resistant in recognising the historic name and character of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The name sounds so natural and comes so easy on tongue than the bureaucratic characterisation of this historic people as the “Northern Areas of Pakistan”. The title Islamabad gave to this region and its people was devoid of human touch, as if territory mattered more than the people who have lived there for thousands of years.

The people in fact matter when they are granted the identity they wish to adopt, freedoms, and autonomy within a national framework of the state. There is no conflict and cannot be conflict between a national government and a region and province when powers are adequately devolved to the units to their satisfaction. This kind of federalism is a necessity in ethnically diverse countries like Pakistan.

Recognising self-rule for Gilgit-Baltistan should be considered a first instalment of governance reform with the objective of giving it the full status of province. The region has all the essential features, strengths, resources and more importantly political aspirations to become a province. The size of population should never matter in recognising such an historical realities; just cast a look at the variations in the sizes of American states: what matters is history for Rhode Island, Delaware and New Hampshire and not their demographic strength compared to California and New York.

The decision that the PPP and its coalition partners have taken in recognising rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is courageous and politically mature. More than that it will pull the people of this region out of administrative mumbo-jumbo and set them on a clear path of political evolution to a province. It would be better and more far reaching if provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan is settled in the constitutional reform package now, than to leave it for future political dispensations.

Finally, Kashmiri nationalists lack sound reasons for tagging Gilgit-Baltistan to Jammu and Kashmir. In their own struggle, what matters is their sense of identity, constitutive elements of community and historical facts that they believe separate them from the rest. Why then do they deny the same right to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to define who they are and what type of political arrangements they want for themselves?

Dr Rasul Bakhsh Rais is author of Recovering the Frontier State: War, Ethnicity and State in Afghanistan (Oxford University Press, 2008) and a professor of Political Science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. He can be reached at rasul@lums.edu.pk

2009-08-31T02:22:00.001-07:00

Editorial: Rescuing the Northern Areas

Some people think that the self-governance reforms package for the Northern Areas announced on Saturday is already too little too late. But given how many things are nowhere near solution in the country, the PPP government has taken the right step. The Northern Areas will be Gilgit-Baltistan from now on, with its own elected Assembly, albeit in parallel to an independent Council working under a centre-appointed governor.

The PMLN could have opposed it simply because the change will favour the PPP, but it hasn’t, which is a sign of maturity. In its earlier tenure in power, the PPP had allowed party politics in the region, which had immediately led to the dominance of the party there. But in democracy, some things done for short term political gain finally turn out to be good for everyone in the long run. The important thing for this increasingly disturbed border region is that it has got self-rule.

The PMLN has welcomed the big change of status. It is quite clear why it has done so. During its rule it had discovered that the Northern Areas were ruled entirely from the point of view of “national security” and there was little that the central government could do — despite the political parties’ activities there — because the locus of power in Gilgit was firmly in the hands of the army.

The Northern Areas’ nationalism has developed in opposition to the constitutional limbo in the region. It was accepted by the state as a part of Kashmir in international treaties. Azad Kashmir claimed it for that reason and challenged an early law of 1949 that had separated it “administratively”. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan claim they had liberated themselves from Kashmir at Partition and want the status of a separate province. Like Balochistan and the NWFP, this nationalism too is focusing on the possession of natural resources and water and energy assets. Because they were representationally suppressed, a fringe began to call for “Free Balawaristan”.

Representation and freedom of party politics will undo some more serious damage done by two military rulers. General Zia-ul Haq, fighting a relocated Iran-Saudi sectarian war, allowed Sunni lashkars into the region in 1988 to cut the Shia majority down to size. This was a useless bloodletting in an area where the people were generally peace-loving. The Ismaili ethos of tolerance and tranquility represented by Hunza prevailed even among the Twelver Shia.

The tragedy of Gilgit-Baltistan sprang from its designation as an area of “strategic importance”. It faces Ladakh across the border in Indian-administered Kashmir. For countless years, the Pakistan Army eyed Ladakh for a set-piece battle with India, and each army chief was presented with a scenario of victory. Then General Musharraf came along and thought he could pull it off. In the process, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan went into another phase of sectarian massacres.

General Musharraf did not care that some of the “non-state actors” he was using at Kargil were savagely anti-Shia. After the fiasco of Kargil, sectarianism has never stopped raising its ugly head in the region and will take the salve of democracy now to heal. Religious leaders were killed under General Musharraf. Textbooks prescribed by bureaucrats were rejected. People arose against choices made in Islamabad of fundamentalist commissioners at Gilgit. And the local military commanders applied the iron fist indiscriminately.

If there is extremism in Gilgit-Baltistan today it should not surprise us. But the process of election, good governance and sense of participation will gradually lead to acceptance. The Karakoram Highway has opened up the region economically; the construction of Basha Dam will bring wealth and prosperity. Above all, the opening up of this heretofore “strategic” area to the media will tell the people of Pakistan for the first time what has been going on there and what should be done to bind the old wounds.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has opposed the self-governance package because it hopes to liberate Jammu & Kashmir from both India and Pakistan and give it the status of a sovereign state. But anyone who has taken a close look at the people of Gilgit-Baltistan knows that their demand has been for a separate province within Pakistan, based on their belief that they are not Kashmiris. The JKLF can fight the next Gilgit-Baltistan election and see where it stands with the people. That is its right. *

NAJAM SETHI EDITORIAL

2009-08-31T02:17:00.000-07:00

‘Billa’ causes predictable dissension

The PMLN Information Secretary, Ahsan Iqbal, has swallowed the bait and interpreted the “multi-directional” attacks made by ex-ISI and ex-IB officer Brigadier (Retd) Imtiaz Ahmad alias Billa and accused President Asif Ali Zardari of running a Dirty Tricks Special Cell in the Presidency to slander Nawaz Sharif and other PMLN leaders. But all is not what it seems to the PMLN.

What is the objective of this “slander unit”? To cut down Nawaz Sharif’s massive popularity, says Mr Iqbal. He added to the conspiracy one more unnamed element scared of “the impending two-thirds majority that the PMLN chief would get in the next parliamentary polls”. Other gains from this evil machination are: “distraction of public attention from the huge corruption in the rental power projects and demands for Musharraf’s trial on high treason charges and undoing of the 17th Amendment”. For good measure he has added to the uncanny Army-Zardari combine inside the Presidency a third party of conspirators: the PMLQ as the front for General Musharraf who wants to avoid being punished and may want to stage a comeback by maligning the PMLN. Mr Iqbal has also claimed that his party had “hundred times more” scandals of the PPP up its sleeve, “but it followed principled politics”.

But the fact is that Brigadier Billa has squirted his allegations around indiscriminately and his victims are an all-parties affair. The PMLN should have kept quiet as it did when Rehmat Shah Afridi was allowed his moment in the sun. The TV channels are trotting Billa around to sell their time, but the man will get nowhere in the end. Mr Iqbal should have listened to Prime Minister Gilani when he said Billa was out to discredit all politicians.

The unwitting distraction offered by Billa is from the “national consensus” on hanging Musharraf. But hanging Musharraf may not be the top priority all over the world. For instance, the Friends of Democratic Pakistan, who keep us economically alive, think that the demand to “hang Musharraf” is a distraction from the more urgent task of fighting terrorism. *

Reinventing history —Dr Hasan-Askari Rizvi

2009-08-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

The current debate in the electronic and print media on the 1992 security operation, first in rural Sindh and the then in Karachi, is not a non-partisan, fact-based study. The debate is highly polemical and divisive, which could undermine interactions among the political partiesPolitical developments in Pakistan over the last couple of weeks show that there is a deliberate attempt to reinvent history regarding the 1992 security operation in Karachi, ISI funding to anti-PPP political leaders in 1990, and Pervez Musharraf’s trial for high treason. This is being done against the backdrop of the “minus one, two or all” formulas and the stories about dubious American presence in and around Islamabad.The key issue is why these stories are being re-told. Is the aim to search for the truth or are these narratives meant to demonstrate how the army/intelligence agencies can manipulate and buy off politicians?Perhaps some retired officers want their role as history-makers acknowledged, as none of them seems to regret the fact that they helped undermine democracy and caused distortions in politics and society. These stories may also aim to divide political leaders and parties by reminding them of their ‘free-for-all’ struggle for power during the 1990s civilian interlude between the Zia and Musharraf military governments.The past is relevant to the present and the future if history is examined in a dispassionate, comprehensive and non-partisan manner to understand historical processes in their proper contexts.Many political groups adopt the ‘pick and chose’ approach towards history to justify the on-going political expediency. Those wanting to dominate the present and the future often want to control the past in order to justify their current agendas.The current debate in the electronic and print media on the 1992 security operation, first in rural Sindh and the then in Karachi, is not a non-partisan, fact-based study. The debate is highly polemical and divisive, which could undermine interactions among the political parties whose role is crucial to the smooth functioning of the on-going political order.There is nothing new in the information on the ISI funding some anti-PPP political leaders prior to the 1990 general elections. Its details are on record at least since June 1996, when the then Director General ISI submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court. This issue is being revived thirteen years later ostensibly to add to the current political controversies. Most political leaders denied accepting any money from the ISI when their names became public in 1996. They are not expected to change their position now. However, the revival of the issue engages the attention of political leaders of all kinds.The third issue dominating the current political discourse is the prosecution of General Pervez Musharraf for high treason under Article 6 of the constitution in light of the Supreme Court judgement of July 31, 2009. The PMLN is spearheading the campaign for the trial of Musharraf, although it is clear to its leadership that they are not going to succeed. The Jama’at-e Islami is also championing this cause. The Jamiat-e Ahle-e Hadees (another Islamic party) and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf are also supporting a trial of Musharraf.This issue has polarised the political forces. The PMLN and the JI are using this issue to build pressure on the PPP-led government at the federal level. The PMLN and the MQM are engaging in polemical exchanges on the issue as well, because the MQM is opposed to the PMLN proposal for the trial of Musharraf.The ‘minus one, two or all’ formulas for removal of top people in the government have evoked interest in political quarters. Some would like to see Asif Ali Zardari removed from power, while others would prefer the entire PPP government to be removed. This is being coupled with a propaganda campaign about increased corruption in various government agencies; and some are going to the extent of accusing people in and around the presidency of involvement in shady financial deals.It would be interesting to track the source of these ‘minus’ proposals. If they were floated by some political circles opposed to President Zardari, there is not much to worry about; they can be described as part of the polemical debate between the government and some elements in the opposition. However, it becomes a serious matter if some elements in the ISI or the MI have directly floated the proposal or encouraged some political elements to do so. That could have serious implications for the future of the political system.On top of all this is the issue of expansion of the American embassy in Islamabad, including the presence of some American troops. A section of the media, along with Islamic political parties and circles, has described this as the setting up of an American military outpost that would be a challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty. This debate, based less on facts and more on emotions, deflects attention away from Pakistan’s current acute problems and increases political pressure on the government.The simultaneous surfacing of these five issues does not appear to be accidental. It is a planned effort to divide and fragment political forces. The underlying idea is to divide them so sharply that they are no longer in a position to work together.The major political parties have shown much restraint in their interactions after the February 2008 elections. Despite their differences and complaints against each other, they have not resorted to free-for-all war against each other because they now recognise that unrestrained competition would uproot the democratic experiment, and all of them would lose to religious extremists and the military-bureaucratic elite.If the dynamics of the current effort to reinvent the conflicts of the 1990s is not fully appreciated by the political forces, they will fall into the trap of those who have no stake in the present system or want to weaken it to wrest the political initiative. It is interesting that the 1990 ISI funding and the 1992 episode are being reinvented though retired army/intelligence officers who could hardly be sympathetic to the present-day political leadership.The experience of the 1990s suggests that all minus-prime minister formulas were implemented with the blessings of the army chief, and prior to the removal, stories of corruption and mismanagement appeared in the press.If the minus one or all formula does not have the blessing of the army/intelligence agencies, there is nothing to worry about, because such formulas cannot be implemented without their support. If the formulas have the blessings of some elements in the army and its intelligence agencies, this reflects a shift in the orientation of the top brass from professionalism to cautious dabbling in politics. It would be unfortunate if some elements have started toying with such an idea because, under the present circumstances, the military will be confronted with a more complex situation, compromising its capacity to counter terrorism.

Dr Hasan-Askari Rizvi is a political and defence analyst!!

PML-N wants Musharraf, Kayani tried under Article 6

2009-08-30T05:15:00.001-07:00

PML-N wants Musharraf, Kayani tried under Article 6

LAHORE: The PML-N wants the trial of former president Pervez Musharraf and all his abettors, including then ISI DG and present COAS Gen Ashfaq Kayani, under Article 6 of the constitution, a private TV channel reported. Talking to the channel, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif’s spokesman Zaeem Qadri said the PML-N wanted the trial of Musharraf’s aides for abetting his unconstitutional actions. Asked if that meant trying Gen Kayani as well, Qadri said Kayani fell under the category of Musharraf’s aides as he had also seconded Musharraf’s actions in his capacity as the ISI chief. daily times monitor

"Smokers’ Corner: Democracy’s last stand"

2009-08-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

During the tail-end of the first Benazir Bhutto government, a series of ads stormed the pages of the leading newspapers. These were professionally designed ‘anti-corruption’ ads pinpointing the areas where they claimed the Bhutto government was involved in practising fraud.
The ads were said to be released by ‘concerned citizens’, even though soon it became clear that it was the work of a bunch of businessmen, industrialists and Ziaul Haq loyalists in the ISI and the media. Even though there is evidence to prove this — starting with the confession of the former ISI chief, Hamid Gul, that his agency bankrolled the anti-PPP political alliance, the Islami Jamhoori Ithehad (IJI) in 1988 — there was also evidence to show that the first Benazir government was marred by corruption.
However, those bemoaning corruption at the time forgot to mention, rather purposefully, that corruption was very much part and parcel of the legacy left behind by the 11-year dictatorship. The Benazir regime’s main failing was not corruption alone; it was more its failure to put into practice policies that could have checked and neutralised the deep-seated culture of corruption it had inherited.
The press, due to the dictatorship’s many curbs, was left fighting dictatorship on a more macro, ideological level; the relative freedom that it got after Zia’s death made it go all micro now that it was able to name names. The press was right in doing so as the watchdog of society, but what was missed in the process was the fact that corruption scandals that suddenly erupted in newspapers and magazines were really not broken by objective reporters.
This was the beginning of a dangerous trend in which only those journalists who were said to have had dubious connections with intelligence agencies were able to get the best of most crackling stories—a practice that still holds true. Again, evidence is ripe, but it is also true that though much of the rancour was aimed at the two Benazir Bhutto governments, backed by the opposition led by Nawaz Sharif and the Jamat-i-Islami, it came back to bite Sharif himself during his second stint as prime minister.
By 1999 counter-democratic forces — politicised intelligence agencies and their lackeys in the industrialist/ business communities, political clergy and sections of the media — seemed to have decided that they had built the ground for democracy’s toppling, good enough to even send their once darling democrat, Nawaz Sharif, packing and bring back the normative fold of dictatorship.
A sudden eruption again in the media (mostly electronic) of various incidents of corruption (though not always incorrect), and a new set of buzzwords echoing in drawing-rooms, such as ‘minus-one formula,’ is reflective of the itch felt by counter-democracy forces. The electronic media has become explosively popular. However, it has yet to really come of age. It remains somewhat anarchic and thus continues to offer windows of opportunities to elements reflecting frustration among sections of society that refuse to tolerate even a year of populist democracy.
Funny thing is, for a year since the 2008 elections, these elements were cheering their former client, Nawaz Sharif, but since his reaction to the stinging he got in 1999 still seems to be fresh, suddenly he too has now come under the fold of the ‘eternally corrupt’ and ‘incompetent’ right, alongside President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani. No matter how loud the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly shouts, there is no doubt that the Sharif brothers now believe that they too are on the same boat as Zardari and Gilani, and indeed the ANP and MQM.
What is being ignored by the cynics is that, perhaps for the first time ever, nearly all democratic parties in parliament are on the same page as far as their understanding of Pakistan’s recent political history is concerned. This is owing to their understanding that each one of them will be a loser when certain counter-democratic moves are set afoot by exploiting the differences and grudges among them.
This is a refreshing phenomenon. It can be the main spoiler for counter-democratic forces bouncing between non-parliamentary parties and individuals, even patronising certain media men in their desperate move to send democracy packing — because the system breeds corruption.
Rational observers must remind themselves that there will be corruption, scandals, some good things and disasters during a lifetime of a democratic set-up. Action in this respect should be reformist not Bonapartist. Criticism should not bear the tone of a demagogue advocating government’s toppling, but that of a conscientious reformist.
The final decision must be left with voters. Let them decide when the time comes who or what was good or bad. The public’s right to effect change must not be handed over to a loud group of journalists, intelligence agencies, politicians with little following, mullahs and businessmen.

Written by Nadeem F. Paracha (SOURCE: DAWN).

2009-08-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

2009-08-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Reform package for NAs receives wide applause
	Saturday, 29 Aug, 2009 11:13 pm

GILGIT : People across Gilgit-Baltistan including public representatives, ulema, notables, political leaders and intellectuals have widely welcomed the new Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order, 2009. The high-powered Committee under the chairmanship of Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas (KANA) prepared the reforms package to provide autonomy to the area. Syed Mehdi Shah President PPP Gilgit Baltistan, Haji Fida Muhammad Nashad Member NAs Assembly Raja Jalal Hussain, Chairman District council Skardu, Ahmad Ali Chairman Municipal Committee Skardu said the package would go a long way in development and empowerment of people of the area. Senior Parliamentarian of Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Fida Mohammad Nashad expressed satisfaction over the package, saying it was a landmark decision that would swiftly address the grievances of the public in this region. Talking to APP, Haji Fida Mohammad Nashad, who is also the parliamentary leader of PML-Q in Northern Areas Legislative Assembly, said it was a longstanding demand of the people of the area, which was fulfilled by the present government. While senior politician and President PPP District Gilgit, Mohammad Mosa congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and thanked the federal government for the historic decision. Talking to APP, he said the package was prepared after lengthy consultations with all stakeholders and it was fulfilling all requirements of the area. He said as a result of the package the area would enjoy autonomy and an independent judiciary and would protect fundamental rights of the people. He said it was only Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) takes care of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan because it took always revolutionary decisions in the history of the area. He said all the major improvements for Northern Areas were made during the period of PPP including the first Northern Areas Council Legal Framework Order 1974-75 by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and further democratisation through Northern Areas Legal Framework Order 1994 by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Addressing a big gathering of notables, workers of PPP here at Shaheed Chowk, former MNA Legislative Assembly and President Peoples Party Astore District, Muhammad Naseer Khan hailed the federal government for announcing the package for the Gilgit-Baltistan region. He said that the people of this region had been deprived since long of their due rights, but today’s announcement of the present government, had proved that it was a democratic government and sincere for the progress and prosperity of the people of this area. A member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, leader Muslim Leaque-Q, Dr Muzafar Railey and MNA Nasrullah Khan while talking to APP here said that the decision of the provincial like set up taken by PPP government, has won the hearts and minds of the people of this region. The President Muslim Leaque-N and former MNA Legislative Assembly, NAs Mahboob Ali Khan while talking about the decision said: “We expressed the hope that the announcement would prove helpful for the people of the area.” According to the order’s salient features, the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly will formulate its own Rules of Procedures, while legislation on various subjects pertinent to governance will be done by the Council and Assembly in their respective jurisdiction. The area would be given full rights as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, however it could not be given provincial status as per the Constitution. The Order has fifteen major parts, while the new name of Northern Areas of Pakistan shall be Gilgit-Baltistan as proposed under Article-2(f). There shall be a Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan as proposed under Article-20 and shall be appointed by the President of Pakistan. Till the election of the new legislative Assembly, Federal Minister for KANA will act as the Governor. The chief minister will be elected by the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, who will be assisted by six ministers. There shall be a provision of two advisors to the Chief Minister. The Legislative assembly will have directly elected 24 members, besides six women and three technocrats seats. The decision will empower the Gilgit-Baltistan Council and Assembly to make laws. The subject under which the Assembly shall now have power to make law has increased from 49 to 61 while the Council shall have 55 subjects. To empower the Council and the Assembly on financial matters, there shall be a Council Consolidated Fund under article 54, and Gilgit-Baltistan Consolidated Fund under article 55. Regarding annual budget, he said a detailed item-wise budget shall be presented before the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly as being practiced in Pakistan and shall be accordingly voted upon as suggested in Article 56. The Chief Judge of Supreme Appellate Court shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Council on the Advice of the Governor and other Judges shall be appointed by the Chairman on the Advice of Governor after seeking views of the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge and Judges of the Chief Court shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Council on the advice of the Governor on the same pattern as it is being practiced in AJK. The number of judges had been increased from three to five. The tenure of the present judges of the Supreme Judiciary has been protected in the draft. Another step forward to empower the people of the areas, is the establishment of Gilgit-Baltistan Public Service Commission and Gilgit-Baltistan Services under Article-80 and 81. Auditor General Gilgit-Baltistan will be appointed by the Governor on the advice of Council as the case in AJK. There shall be a Chief Election Commissioner under Article-82 as well as Auditor General besides emergency provisions under article-83 and 87 respectively.

Province-like admin structure approved for NAs. Thank you, PPP.

2009-08-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

Long live democracy, long live PPP. Historical reforms for the Northern Areas of Pakistan approved by the PPP Government.

Province-like admin structure approved for NAs

ISLAMABAD: The province-like administration structure has been approved in federal cabinet with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair, Geo News reported Saturday.

Addressing a press conference flanked by Federal Information Minister Qamaruz Zaman Kaira, he said 15-member administrative council will see about the matters of Northern Areas; the council will choose the chief minister.

The PM said a committee has been constituted for the Northern Areas, adding all the stakeholders have been taken in confidence on Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment Act.

Previously, it was Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) that worked for Northern Areas, the PM said.

The Northern Areas, renamed in cabinet meeting as Gilgit-Baltistan will have a Chief Minister and six ministers along with three technocrat seats and two women seats, he informed.

The cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan will approve their budget; however, the federation will appoint the governor.

He said Auditor General and election Commissioner would be appointed in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Commenting on secrets unfolded by former military officers, he said these statements should lead us to question why these today’s speakers kept silent for that long period, adding, ‘We want to abolish 17th amendment and 58-2B.’

‘We want harmony in powers of President and Prime Minister..and all the national institutions including military are working in their deputed jurisdiction,’ he added.

Cabinet to approve NA reforms tommorow

2009-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

I would like appreciate the gesture of Federal Government to finally approve this very important legislation and thank God, the Miniser for Kashmir and Northern Area is no more viceroy of Gilgit and Baltistan.

Cabinet to approve NAs reforms tomorrow

Friday, August 28, 2009
By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has approved proposals for political and administrative measures for the Northern Areas to give the special status with appointment of governor, chief minister and converting its Legislative Council into Assembly.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the committee on Northern Areas Governance Order held under the chairmanship of the prime minister here on Thursday.Sources said a special meeting of the federal cabinet has been summoned on Saturday to give the final approval to the Northern Areas Governance Order.

According to sources, under the proposed administrative measures for the Northern Areas, the president will appoint the governor on the advice of the prime minister while the Legislative Assembly will elect the Chief Minister.

Sources said the Council of the Northern Areas would also be established and the prime minister would be its chairman.The legislative Assembly will consists of 36 members, 24 would be elected directly, while seven seats each reserved for the technocrats and women.

Sources said the issue would be taken up in the special cabinet meeting and after getting its nod; the presidential ordinance will be issued to give a special status to Northern Areas.The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and KANA, Qamar Zaman Kaira; Federal Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Zaheer-ud-Din Babar Awan; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan; Minister of State for Law & Justice, Mohammad Afzal Sandhu; Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar and Secretaries Interior and KANA.

(The News)

PML-N shamelessly reludes direct rejection of taking money from ISI and avoid seeking apology from the nation.

2009-08-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

PML-N not to step back from its ‘principled stand’ despite propaganda: Ahsan

LAHORE: Central Information Secretary of Pakistan Muslim Leagu-N Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that his party will not step back from its principled stand regarding former president Pervez Musharraf’s trial and repeal of 17th amendment despite all the propaganda against the PML-N and Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Addressing a press conference, Ahsan Iqbal said PML-N would not hesitate to go for the extreme step of launching another long march to push for its demands.

“The propaganda was initiated against Muslim League on its demand for holding Musharraf accountable,” he maintained, adding “fifteen years old fictitious stories and dead characters in renewed shape are being presented again.”

To a question, Ahsan Iqbal eluded direct rejection of taking money from the ISI and avoided seeking apology from the nation, saying PML-N has already sought apology for its past mistakes through Charter of Democracy (CoD) in 2006.

Ahsan Iqbal said PML-N can come up with 100 times serious allegations which will be based on facts, but it is not doing so for stability of democracy in the country.

Brigader Imtiaz "get Nawaz" consipracy

2009-08-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

A recent flurry of interviews to TV channels by ex-ISI operative and ex-IB chief Brigadier (Retd) Imtiaz Ahmad Billa — at his urging — has caused discomfort in a lot of quarters. Brig Billa’s “disclosures” are flying in all directions, indicating that the old spy has once again not employed his brains while strategising his public appearances after having languished in jail for eight years.

Brig Billa has turned out to be the proverbial loose cannon. In fact, if someone wants to give an example of how a not too well intellectually endowed person can shoot all over the place, he is the perfect reference. Known for his loyalty to the PMLN leader Mr Nawaz Sharif, he has criminally mistimed his “absolution” of the MQM from the Jinnahpur charge at a time when the PMLN was crossing swords with the MQM in parliament.

Clearing himself of the role he played in Operation Midnight Jackals against the PPP government, he has offended ex-army chief Aslam Beg and ex-ISI chief Hamid Gul too. Both had painstakingly removed from themselves the stigma of having toppled an elected government when the people are being told by Brig Billa that they had put him up to it. In a TV discussion he has admitted that he was “partly” wrong in hating the PPP government!

He thought the Jinnahpur “disclosure” would not go against “his leader” Mr Sharif, but it has done exactly that. Tuesday night, on a TV discussion, he actually had a spat with Khwaja Muhammad Asif of the PMLN and ended up threatening him with public disclosures about Mr Asif’s person.

In the course of the discussion that followed, Brig Billa ended up blackening the name of the ISI too. Tough verdicts were passed on ISI officers who were a permanent danger to democracy because their view of state security was an in-house concept that had nothing to do with the security of the people of Pakistan.

Brigadier (Retd) Imtiaz Ahmad Billa has caused a ‘get Nawaz’ conspiracy theory to raise its head. If this is not what he wanted — and we don’t know the truth — he has done exactly that because of his lack of intellectual gifts. God save us if there are more like him in the army. (Daily Times)

Ex-ISI officials come out with new versions on MQM operation

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officer Major (r) Nadeem Dar claimed on Wednesday he had recovered maps of Jinnahpur from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters, a private TV channel reported. Meanwhile, former ISI director general Lt Gen Asad Durrani told another private channel then president Ghulam Ishaq Khan had ordered an end to the military operation against the MQM to deny political mileage to the Pakistan People’s Party.

Dar told the channel he had personally recovered the Jinnahpur maps from Nine-Zero during the 1992 military operation in Karachi. This contradicts claims by Brigadier (r) Imtiaz, who had claimed that he had informed then premier Nawaz Sharif there were no maps of Jinnahpur. Separately, Durrani told a channel the government was informed about every step of the military operation against the MQM. He claimed the MQM-Haqiqi had also supported the military in the operation. He alleged the 1992 military operation had been launched for ulterior motives and Jinnahpur had been used as a scapegoat. (Daily Times)

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Fazl-e-Hussain article in Daily Nawaiwaqt on the 1992 Karachi Operation against MQM:

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Editorial :Revisitng Mehrangate :hating the PPP

2009-08-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The national media is revisiting Mehrangate, involving bribes paid by the ISI under the then army chief, General Aslam Beg, in 1990 for the creation of the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) to foreclose the possibility of the PPP again coming to power after its dismissal by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan.

What has triggered this new media interest in Mehrangate is the latest statement by the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Justice (Retd) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqi that no one among the recipient politicians had denied receiving the bribe. The debate has also been given a fillip by revelations made by the ex-ISI officer and ex-IB chief, Imtiaz Ahmad, about how the army had interfered in, and damaged, the democratic process in Pakistan.

The whole affair started when the PPP’s General (Retd) Naseerullah Babar told the National Assembly in 1994 how the ISI had disbursed funds among politicians to manipulate the 1990 elections, form the IJI, and bring about the defeat of the PPP.

At the summit of power, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan was providing the legal cover. It is his name which was mentioned at the Supreme Court as the Chief Executive who ordered the disbursement.In 1996, Air Marshal Asghar Khan petitioned the Supreme Court against ex-army chief General Mirza Aslam Beg, ex-ISI chief Lt General Asad Durrani, and Younus Habib of Habib Bank and then Mehran Bank, concerning “the criminal distribution of the people’s money for political purposes”.

When the Supreme Court proceeded with the case General Asad Durrani submitted the famous affidavit containing names of the “recipients”.That list is now being brandished on TV channels. From the “best prime minister”, the “best leader of a religious party” to the “most popular political leader in the country”, everyone figures on it. In some cases the sums are so small that it seems ridiculous that our politicians can sell themselves so cheaply. Why should the generals stay put if the lure of “interference” is uncontested by any social and moral restraint? The generals already had power and made money; the politicians wanted power to make money.

Writing in Daily Times (January 22, 2006) columnist Ardeshir Cowasjee revealed a large number of disbursements made from Mehran Bank to General Aslam Beg and his organisation FRIENDS. This was actually a bank account sheet provided to the Court during its initial hearings by General Naseerullah Babar. It also included the fee General Beg had to pay to the lawyer who defended him in a case of contempt against the Supreme Court earlier.

Brigadier (Retd) Imtiaz Ahmad has confessed on a TV channel to having hated the PPP on the basis of his institution’s sense of “national security”. Ms Benazir Bhutto has already revealed in her memoirs how she was not allowed to rule under the Constitution and how General Beg had warned her away from Afghanistan and India policies handled by the army through the ISI. (Extrapolating from the de facto situation, Justice (Retd) Siddiqi was compelled to say on Wednesday that the ISI was a military organisation which should be separated from the civilian government.)

The Mehrangate case is still pending at the Supreme Court. The revelations are tonic for us today as we confront the task of understanding what Pakistan has become over the years. But the TV channels too must draw correct lessons from the information being regurgitated. Is the PPP still a “hated” party? Political accountability is an imperative that the PPP must submit to at all times, but “hatred” of the PPP is not a fair emotion on the basis of which to judge an elected government. Aslam Beg is still good for sound bytes if the PPP has to be pilloried for being an American or Indian “lackey”.

Quoted in Nawa-e-Waqt (August 24, 2009) Gen Aslam Beg said that America used Gen Musharraf against the Taliban, later it bought Baitullah Mehsud, Sufi Muhammad and Ajmal Kasab to fulfil its designs in the region. Is this a fair comment to publish? During a discussion on a TV channel about his handling of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, he defiantly advocated the policy of “outsourcing” the programme.With the passage of time, this mismatch between the thinking of our retired top brass and the survival of the state is becoming clear. We should be careful what lessons we draw from the Mehrangate scandal. *
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\08\28\story_28-8-2009_pg3_1

Judicial Revolution of Pakistan: Facts, Fantasy and Farce!

2009-08-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

“It’s a victory of justice” these were the magical words that PML-N’s MP Miss Shumaila Rana uttered outside the LHC . Miss Rana was accused of credit card theft and was caught in act of crime by the CCTV whose footage was shown on national TV. I guess those words really define our society today, it is victory for someone but the question is , can it be called a victory for Justice?
Can present judiciary make unbiased decisions especially in the cases of those who supported the cause of old PCO judges [these honourable judges took oath under PCO issued by General Pervez Musharaf when he dismissed the right wing bonapartist regime of Mr Nawaz Sharif and legalized his martial law, gave him the power to rule the country in uniform and to amend the constitution at his will and after first restoration allowed him to contest the presidential election in uniform] like lawyers and political parties.Let us take the case of Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday his brother the former attorney general of Pakistan an sitting MPA of PML-N from Toba Tek Singh his son (Raza Farooq) was made attorney general of Punjab against the established criteria of competency and skill just for his and his family’s time tested affiliation with the Sharifs .
Can we expect the justice when uncle is a Judge with political views, [right wing] nephew Attorney general and father former attorney general and now a very important MP of party in power. To find out an answer thankfully we don’t have to search hard. Justice Ramaday had answered that in one of his many television interviews [ A practice which itself is deplorable in British judicial tradition from which our judicial system has evolved] he said, “I never gave a judgment against Asif Ali Zardari because my brother then the Attorney general was defending Nawaz Sharif government.” I have a problem with that Mr Ramaday because justice delayed is justice denied, isn’t? If you were so sure Mr Asif Ali Zardari has done something wrong you should have convicted him

under the law. When you were not giving decisions in cases of Mr Asif Ali Zardari to prove the twisted logic of your impartiality, you were in fact hindering his release and his bail. Mr Asif Ali Zardari spent 11 years in prison without being convicted setting a record in judicial persecution. It was not you impartiality your honour, ill beg to say that the truth is you never did that because it was not in the script that Saif-ur-Rehman had written. The plan was never to fight corruption , or to serve justice, rather it was to delay justice, to drag the cases for long time to keep Asif Ali Zaradari in jail during the prime of his married life to break the will of Ms Benazir Bhutto, to continue a media trial of Bhutto-Zardari family , to destroy their popularity hence finish the PPP.The cases were fake and weak and you never would wanted to give your judgment and your brother was buying time from your respected court for his brilliant colleague Mr Saifur Rehman to manhandle and torture Mr Zardari , so that he breaks, either divorce Ms Bhutto or accept the allegations of massive corruption. [Mr Asif Ali Zardari was tortured in custody without any intervention from the courts, in one instance his tongue was slit using a sharp object, his also suffered a permanent spine injury due to torture]
He was kept in prison for 11 year to break him so that either he divorces

BB or accept the allegation, but he stood firm, when the Sharif family ran away from the country like cowards , Mr Nizami of Nawa-e-waqat, one of the worse enemy of Bhuttos called Asif Ali Zardari Merd-e-Hur.you can’t deny that Sharifs are enjoying full support of judiciary in Punjab. Recently magistrates were appointed by Punjab government the appointment criteria was political support of PML-N, this was the clear violation of new judicial policy but no court acted. All the laws and morality comes into play only when PPP is involved, there is a lot of hue and cry against “jiyala judges” but when it comes to judges who are sympathizers of PML and JI not a single word is uttered.
The Pundits in Islamabad are already talking about regime change and “minus one” formula in Islamabad.Why Benazir and Asif Ali Zardari are not acceptable? The roots of it lies in the structure of Pakistani state, which have been called a “National Security State”.
The reason is BB was not part of national security state the idea which civil-military bureaucracy had carried forward since our first war with India in 1948. BB was termed as a threat to national security. Now let us determine theory of national security state.• India is our enemy number one.• America will give us funds, so that we remain a national security state because its in our interest and if we serve American interest its not problem as long India remains our enemy.
Now let analyze internal factors which protects national security state .
Military ,intelligence agencies , courts ,religious parties and right wing media they roughly form what left wing analyst use to call “establishment” whose meaning has been distorted by the channel mafia. I remember in recent television interview of Mr Majid Nizami [editor and own of Nawa-e-waqt group one of the leading media business houses of Pakistan which controls Urdu and English news papers and a television channel ]was saying we can never be friend with India and we should not waste our time we should fire our all nuclear weapons towards India . what worse can happen in the process we are already dying because India has stopped our water supply. A similar Media Pundit, Mr Javed Chaudhary always concludes his popular programme by saying “we can never be friends with India”.
Coming back to our original discussion why BB was a threat to a national security state .Reason number one she never considered India as enemy number one , her first state visit to India was first step towards normalization and thankfully Mr Rajiv Gandhi also rose to the occasion and acted very sensibly . This was a direct threat from BB to national security state because the whole Idea of national security state revolves around India (enemy ) .Agencies never accepted BB olive branch towards India . Her first government was dismissed , her role in normalization and her meeting with Mr Gandhi was part of the charge sheet along with the allegation of appointing great Urdu poetess Fehmida Riaz, the “Indian agent” in minister of culture. One of the first act of Mr Sharif’s government was to confiscate Miss Raiz’s passport and persecute her.
Now we are left with role of judiciary in protecting national security state. BB’s government was overthrown on charges of corruption and judiciary endorsed that decision but the decision was different for Mr Sharif whose government was one of the most corrupt and repressive.
The Chief Justice which restored Sharif’s government was Nasim Hassan Shah, one of the judges who hanged Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He later confessed on tv , that his decision was flawed and motivated by anger.
His decision to restore Sharif’s government was hailed as a “judicial revolution” which destroyed the “doctrine of necessity” for ever. What happened after that is history
Forget about all this, General Hameed Gul on national television had said BB was a threat to national security so he created IJI and funded it till the end.
Now one IB chief Breg Imtiaz made stunning confessions on TV which proves that the establishment itself created ethnic tensions in Karachi by creating the stunt of “Jinnah Pur”. This led to brutal military operation, the ethnic hatred it created still is burning Karachi. This shows how far this state can go for its security objective, even if it means to kill its own people.
So now we come to present situation president is not going to dissolve assemblies , the government of Pakistan Peoples Party despite all the propaganda and ill faith about it which exist in the Urban chattering classes has shown remarkable progress. Some things must be mentioned which this government achieved
1) It sent Pervez Musharraf home
2) Faced with the worse global economic meltdown whose scale and effect was unmatched in human history , Peoples Party government didnt let the country collapse. Not a single bank or big corporation sank in Pakistan.
3) This government was able to defeat Right wing on war against Taliban, its strategy of signing Nizam-e-Adel exposed Taliban and its supporters and for the first time public opinion in Pakistan shifted in support of war against Taliban
4) After Mumbai attacks, its was soley due to presence of democratic PPP government that India showed restraint. A war was avoided.
5) Benazir Income Support programme, may be inefficient and riddled with errors but it has sowed the roots of a welfare state in Pakistan. After 30 years of Neo Liberalization PPP government once again put the concept of “responsibility of state towards the poor” back on agenda. It is a great achievement.
This government cannot be defeated by political means, a martial law is practically impossible, establishment’s hope are on Yousaf Reza Gilani to persuade him to become the next Farooq Legari. I hope he will not follow his footsteps esp looking at his political fate. If this card fails they have only one card left. Its the judiciaryOnly judiciary can protect our national security state and they are in a position to bring down this government. Judiciary’s recent decisions on Nawaz Sharif and Hafiz Saeed have reaffirmed their comittment to the ideology of “national security state”.
if pakistaan and india becomes friends then from where army and intelligence agencies will loose all their strength. One needs to read Dr Ayesha Siddiqa’s landmark book to understand the real character of Pakistan Army
Pakistan cannot afford to live in illusions, the judiciary must understand that it should not try to control the democratic regime. It has to show impartiality which unfortunately is not visible any more!

Xeno is a Lahore based student of Engineering, his interests includes politics and history and he is a supporter of Pakistan Peoples Party!

Gilani appoints Saba Khattak as member Planning Commission


ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has approved the appointment of Saba Gul Khattak as member of the Planning Commission. She is a prominent social worker belonging to NWFP. In the Planning Commission, she will be member for social sector.