Archive for March, 2008

General Mirza Aslam Beg Warns of Conspiracies Against Pakistan

March 29, 2008 at 6:52 pm · Filed under Army's Involvement, War Against Terror

The set-up at Faizabad (Badakhshan) holds over 350 personnel mainly Muslim soldiers, engineers and workers from India. It serves as the training camp for the Chinese dissidents from the Xinjiang province.

After the occupation of Afghanistan in October 2001, a large
intelligence support base was created at Jabal-us-Seraj, north of Kabul.
It provided the much needed intelligence to the occupation forces, who failed to consolidate their hold over the territories of Afghanistan, except the garrisoned cities of Kabul and Kandahar and the few air bases. The areas in the north from Herat to Mazar-e-Sharif to Badakhshan are virtually under
the control of the warlords. In the south, areas bordering Pakistan are practically controlled by the Taliban.

Afghanistan, as such presents a sad picture of a fractured society and ‘free for all’ smugglers, narcotic dealers, conspirators, intelligence agencies and NGOs, to operate with
impunity.

US and India signed the Strategic Partnership Deal in 2003,
with the declared objectives, “to contain and curb the rising military and economic power of China and the increasing threat of Islamic extremism in the region.” In this respect, both found harmony and commonality of interests in pursuit of these objectives. However, as the military situation
worsened, attention got focused on the larger objective of the occupation forces, to establish the intelligence network in Afghanistan, to destabilise Pakistan and other neighbouring countries such as, China, Russia, Central Asian States and Iran. It was at this time that the US state department
declared that “Afghanistan, which has been part of Central Asia geo-politically, henceforth, will be considered as a part of South Asia.”

The implicit purpose was to bring Afghanistan, within easy reach of India, to use it as the base for intelligence network against the neighbouring countries. For this purpose, the intelligence network, which has since been established and is fully operational.

We have enough information to identify this intelligence
network inside Afghanistan, fairly accurately, to determine the dimensions of this Great Game, of the civilised world. The nerve centre is at Jabal-us-Seraj, manned and operated by CIA, Raw, Mosad, MI-6 and BND (German intelligence). It’s a huge set-up with concrete buildings, antennas and all
the modern electronic gadgetry one can conceive of. Its out-posts are Sarobi and Kandahar against Pakistan. Faizabad, against China; Mazar-e-Sharif, against Russia and Central Asian States and Herat against Iran.

Intelligence Network of Occupation Forces in Afghanistan
against Pakistan . Sarobi is the nerve centre headed by an Indian General officer, who also commands the Border Road Organisation (BRO). Its forward bases are, Ghazni, Khowst, Gardeyz, Jalalabad, Asadabad, Wakhan and Faizabad. BRO has built an all weather road from Sarobi to Asadabad to
Faizabad. Sarobi network, targets the province of NWFP, Pakistan.

Dissidents from Pakistan, are trained at Sarobi for missions inside NWFP. Wakhan salient has been infested with dozens of electronic outposts, covering Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Kandahar has its forward bases at Lashkargah and Nawah .
Their target area is the province of Balochistan. The dissidents from Balochistan are trained at Lashkargah for undertaking missions in Balochistan as well as in support of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

One of their tasks is to target Chinese working in the province, particularly at Gwadar, Sandak and Hub. The American anchorages, on the Pakistani coast at Jiwani and Kalamat, jointly plan operations with BLA inside Balochistan. They also use the Pakistani out-posts at Mand, for operations inside Iran. The American warships in the Arabian Sea and
their intelligence base in Muscat, provide the back-up support. The facilities at Jiwani and Kalamat were provided by Pakistan, as logistic support bases to the Americans for operation in Afghanistan, but the same are now being used,
to destabilise Balochistan and Iran.

The set-up at Faizabad (Badakhshan) holds over personnel mainly Muslim soldiers, engineers and workers from India.
It serves as the training camp for the Chinese dissidents from the Xinjiang province. Indian Ulemas impart motivational education, giving the impression that the entire out-fit at Faizabad was run by Pakistanis. The recently acquired facility for military deployment by India, across the border in
Tajikistan at Kalai Kumli, adds a meaningful capability to India to operate inside Tajikistan, as well as Uzbekistan.

Against Russia. The intelligence base at Mazar-e-Sharif is
run jointly by CIA, RAW, Mossad and BND. Chechnyan dissidents and agents from Turkmenistan are trained for operations in these countries. Rasheed Dostam and Ahmad Zia Masood are very active supporters of such activities
in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Against Iran. The forward base at Herat and Farah are manned by CIA, RAW and Mossad for subversive activities inside Iran. Jointly operating from these bases and the bases inside Pakistan, such as Kalamat, Jiwani and Mand, they have been able to undertake actions inside Iran, killing a number of security forces personnel in the last few years. The terrorist organisation named Jandullah has been used for conduct of such operations inside Iran.

Pakistan and Iran are being blamed for supporting terrorists
in Afghanistan, whereas Afghan territory is being violated so blatantly to destabilise the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, by nations, who claim to be the flag bearers of the ideals of international norms of justice and fairplay. This is the worst kind of ‘Terrorism Through Consensus’, by the
so-called civilised nations, in occupation of Afghanistan. The brutal violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty for the shameful purpose of destabilisation of Pakistan and the regional countries, is condemnable.

Was this the purpose of the strategic partnership deal between India, United States and NATO”?

My argument is based on the research and study, which may
not be as accurate as the information held by the government of Pakistan.

Yet it is surprising that after so much of suffering at the hands of foreign saboteurs, the Government of Pakistan has woken-up now, to say that “foreign hands are involved in the recent killing of the Chinese.” And on the floor of the assembly, the finger was pointed also towards the CIA. Why this announcement has come so late? Why such culpable lack of responsibility to protect our national interests allowing our enemies to set up a web of espionage and conspiracies that undermines our national security. It has been rightly said: “The peak of tolerance is most readily achieved by those
who are not burdened with convictions.” (Alexander Chase)

The writer is former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of a
Think Tank FRIENDS. Email:fr786pak@isb.comsats.net.pk

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Kashmir: Right of Self Determination Supported by OIC

March 29, 2008 at 6:34 pm · Filed under Indo Pak Relations

oic.jpg

Dakar, Senegal.  15 March 2008. OIC Kashmir Contact Group meeting was held.  Member States of OIC in general and Members of the Contact Group in particular in their opening remarks at the plenary expressed their concern about the unresolved dispute of Kashmir. The secretary General of OIC, Mr. Ekmelledin Ahsanoglu, in his address to the plenary explicitly asserted his view point that the dialogue between India and Pakistan should focus their attention towards the centrality of this dispute. 

In a similar manner, Dr. Abdullah Gul, President of Peoples Republic of Turkey was highly concerned with the plight of Kashmir. Tajikistan pleaded for the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir. The Chairman of the host country in his opening remarks referred to the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Contact Group Meeting was a reflection of an overall concern about Kashmir at the OIC Summit.  The meeting was chaired by the Secretary General OIC, Turkey, Pakistan, Niger, Saudi Arabia and Senegal were represented. 

Kashmiri delegation included Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman, All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Jammu & Kashmir; Professor Nazir Shawl, Executive Director, Justice Foundation/Kashmir Center, London; and Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive director, Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center, Washington.

Addressing the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir Prof. (Dr.) Ekmeleddin Ahsanoglu asserted, “We reaffirm our full support for and solidarity with the people of JAMMU & Kashmir in their legitimate struggle for their fundamental human rights including the right of self-determination. In fact, the question of Jammu & Kashmir has been one of the oldest unresolved issues on the agenda of the OIC and the continued support of the organization to the Kashmiri people in realizing their aspirations has remained strong and unwavering and this is why the issue has continued to feature in all Islamic Summit and foreign ministers conferences.”

He further said, “OIC continues to encourage (peaceful and negotiated settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute and to sustain and push forward peace process in order to resolve all outstanding issues while associating the Kashmiri people in a result oriented dialogue.”

Mr. Inaamul Haq, the foreign minister of Pakistan said, “Pakistan remains deeply concerned over the widespread and continued human rights  violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir.  He further said, “In South Asia durable and lasting peace can be achieved only by amicably resolving the core dispute of Jammu & Kashmir in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

Dr. Ali Baba Jan, the foreign minister of Turkey welcomed the India-Pakistan engagement but said any negotiation can move forward by recognizing the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Dr. Madani, The State Minister of foreign affairs said Saudi Arabia favors the realization of the Kashmiri aspirations in letter and spirit and the legitimate right of the people of Jammu & Kashmir should be redeemed in lie of their aspirations.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman, All Parties Hurrieyt Conference said, “Post 11th September terrorist attacks in the United States have drastically transformed the international environment.  OIC condemned these attacks, so did the All Parties Hurriyet Conference.  We as Muslims believe that terrorism is against the spirit and the belief system of Muslims.  We must condemn terrorism in all its shades and manifestations.”

Mirwaiz said that “a reiteration to reassure all the struggles for self-determination is very essential.  The right to freedom never gets extinguished.  In this context recent declaration of independence by Kosovo is just a whiff of fresh air which is still blowing all over the world.  We welcome this new member nation and hope that entire international community in general and the OIC in particular will stand in solidarity with the people of Kosovo.  The people of Kashmir stand encouraged by this historic development.”

Professor Nazir Shawl while speaking on the occasion said freedom is our undying dream and we believe in the realization of our cherished dreams.  OIC must reassure support to the people of Jammu & Kashmir in their noble just struggle for the realization of right of self-determination.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai reiterated that India and Pakistan by themselves cannot and should not reach a settlement of the dispute over Kashmir without associating the genuine and accredited leadership of people of Jammu and Kashmir in all future negotiations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq presented a memorandum on behalf of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to the Chairman OIC Kashmir Contact Group.
The Kashmir declaration already discussed by the members of the Contact Group was approved and submitted to Islamic Summit.

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Let us Not Sell Ourselves to the Americans

March 29, 2008 at 6:26 pm · Filed under War Against Terror

By Dr. Haider Mehdi 

http://www.masroor.com.pk/Tribal/Tribal.html (If you wish to see a few photographs of the tribal areas)

 The news all over the media is that the US army “is developing a plan to send around 100 trainers to work with a Pakistani para-military force that is the vanguard in the fight against Al Qaida and other groups in Pakistan’s restive tribal areas.” This report further states that “US trainers initially would be restricted to training compounds, but with Pakistani consent could eventually accompany Pakistani troops on missions ‘to the point of contact’ with militants as American trainers now do with Iraqi troops in Iraq.” Eventually, the Pentagon plans to build a training base and spend more than $400 million over the next several years on this project. US officials are giving the impression that all of this is being planned as a benevolent act of American altruism and generosity to help a friendly country (Pakistan) to fight a counterinsurgency that is threatening its very existence.

 

In other words, in America’s view (and of the apologists for Musharraf’s and the US perspective in Pakistan), Pakistan is facing so-called “extremism” and “terrorism” on its soil and the war against it will have to continue indefinitely. The implicit message is that the “war on terror” is neither only an American war nor one of General (retd) Musharraf’s exclusively designed political doctrine — it is Pakistan’s war, where a specific segment of its citizenry (especially Pashtuns in the northern area of the country) have gone ideologically berserk (because Islam is violent) seeking martyrdom for “hoors” (heavenly beauties) in the life hereafter.  The road to this imaginary Heavenly Kingdom is sought by these misled miscreants by identifying Bush’s noble and cavalier America as the enemy.  In addition, all those who support Bush’s so-called worthy enterprise of democracy and freedom are on the death list of these gone-mad Muslim terrorists.

 

Indeed, this whole approach is absurd. In fact, all this anti-Islamic propaganda is a set-up to plan American military presence in Pakistan that will expand gradually with time and finally give the Americans a permanent military base (or bases) from which to conduct its global agenda of economic-military-political expansion all the way to the Central Asian Islamic States. It is precisely for this reason that the Americans are supporting Musharraf’s presidency and prefer to deal with a dictator rather than a democratic establishment in Islamabad.

 

If Pakistan has to survive as a peaceful progressive democratic nation then four matters will have to be settled at once:

First, General (retd) Pervez Musharraf will have to go immediately; this will deprive the Americans of their vital contact and present control over instant decision-making in Islamabad (in accordance with their dictates).

Equally important is the need to develop political processes by which all matters relating to any kind of military or civil engagement with the United States will have to be decided in the Pakistani parliament  by a competent and appropriate legislative body.

Three, Pakistan’s military establishment from now on should have only an advisory role (through parliamentary hearings) even when business with the US is purely of a military nature.

Fourth, in all matters pertaining to American engagement with Pakistan, the media’s involvement as a forum of debate will have to be an integral mechanism of political decision-making in this country.  This will promote the democratic process and public input in national policy-making.

 

However, the immediate concern that Pakistan’s newly elected parliament should have is the Pentagon’s plan to send over 100 American trainers to the work with and train the Frontier Corps, paramilitary forces of nearly 85,000 members recruited from ethnic groups on the border. For God’s sake, don’t let this happen.  It is a plan, if it materializes, that will have catastrophic effects and lasting impacts on Pakistan’s recently elected democratic establishment’s ability to promote its own independence, free of American pressures, and to pursue its national interests in all of its political-military decision-making vis-à-vis the US.

 

What Pakistan generals, successive political establishments and foreign-policy managers have failed to understand, time and again, are the American political strategies and fundamentals that operate behind its military planning. It would be instructive for the in-coming Pakistani government in Islamabad to have an in-depth review of American intensions, historically documented, that the placement of military advisors and trainers is a first step towards procuring permanent military bases all over the world. This is always projected as benevolent behavior of a super-power towards a friendly country (in fact, towards pro-American orchestrated dictatorships and elitist regimes). It happened in the pre-and-post WWII era. It happened all over Latin and South America. It happened in the pre-and-post Vietnam war. It happened in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and in every nook and corner around the world wherever the Americans could spread their reach for economic and political exploitation and the promotion of ideological capitalism. It is happening now in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and has been happening in the Middle East forever. The American appetite for political control and economic exploitation is insatiable.

 

 It is to be thoroughly understood that the US is a country that thrives on the continuation and expansion of conflicts and promotes them globally as a part of its foreign policy enterprise. The plan to send 100 military trainers to Pakistan is an integrated part of the American conflict-promotion venture that would escalate internal political strife and antagonism and would eventually give the US an opportunity to expand its military presence in this country — a step towards its future plan to subdue the entire region from Pakistan all the way to Central Asia.

 

With the possibility of Musharraf gone, the newly elected Pakistani political leadership has a historical chance to alter the nature of future global politics. History has its own precious moments — visionary leadership can capture this golden opportunity thrust on it by the fast changing events and transform its own destiny as well as have an impact on humanity’s future.

 

The issue of 100 American trainers coming to Pakistan, at its face-value, seems inconsequential and of rather marginal importance. But the fact of the matter is that it is NOT — consult anyone who understands American history, its temperament, its arrogance, its plans and strategies and, above all, its ability to inflict terror and you will be told:

  The Nation, March 11, 2008 

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Nepal: Maoists Manifesto

March 29, 2008 at 4:02 pm · Filed under South Asia

Nepali people have been carrying out vibrant and continuous struggle for the Constituent Assembly. The declaration by king Tribhuvan in 1951 to conduct CA polls was bypassed eight years later by his successor king Mahendra and instead announced to conduct parliamentary elections. Prominent leader of Nepali Congress (NC), late Bisheswsar Prasad (BP) Koirala, some factions of the then Communist Party of Nepal and other parties participated in the parliamentary polls bow-down their heads in front of the then king’s vested unethical interest and desire. The bitter fruit of the participation was borne after three years, as Mahendra staged a coup and established the autocratic so-called ‘party-less’ Panchayat system. After a lapse of 51 years, in 2001, CPN (Maoist) proposed for CA polls among other demands during the first talks with the Multi-party system government led by NC. However, the Deuba government out rightly rejected the proposal. Then the talks was broken. The ambitious King Gyanendra again staged a coup d’état by dissolving the parliament, ousting the mainstream political parties from power and house arresting the leaders in February 1, 2005. The political party leaders, ousted from state-power were quivering like fish without water, went to sign the 12-point Understanding on November 22, the key agenda of which was CA polls, so as to repair the ladder to power. The 19-day Popular April Movement II overthrew Gyanendra from his throne in 2006 and the mainstream political parties climbed the power ladder. The CA polls was scheduled for mid-June 2007, but was cancelled by the Election Commission because of lack of time. The polls scheduled for November 2007 for the second time was cancelled because the Maoists demanded for declaration of republic prior to polls. The third schedule was announced for April 10, 2008. There have been debates and discussions on whether CA polls would be conducted because of Madhes Movement. The key Madhesi organizations staged a strike throughout Madhes from February 13, 2008, which was ended through an eight-point agreement with the government on February 28, 2008. Those who were skeptical of CA polls due to Madhes crisis have become silent, as the Madhesi parties have registered their direct and proportional lists of candidates. UML was the first to form a Committee to draft the election manifesto, but CPN (Maoist) became as the first to declare on March 8, 2008 its 39 pages long document entitled ‘Public Commitment’. Maoists’ prime slogan is ‘New Ideology and Leadership for New Nepal’. It is divided into four parts.

§   End to commercialization of education and provision of free education till grade 12; education shall ensure a fundamental right; loan sanction without collateral to students for higher education§   Eradication of illiteracy within 5 years §   Emphasis to Technical and polytechnic education§   Open University shall be established for the youths involved in 10-years war to have an access education§   There shall be at least one University in each Autonomous State§   International outstanding education and research centers in Agriculture, Forestry, Engineering, IT, Management, etc. shall be established also to attract foreign students§   Special initiatives to respect Martyrs shall be undertakenSpecial measures shall be adopted to promotion of sports from the schools and village

§   Implementation of Health for all as a fundamental right§   Free basic health services to all§   Special provisions to develop allopathic, homeopathic, aruvedic, unani and acupuncture/acupressure, natural healing and yog therapies shall be made§   There shall be allopathic, aruvedic, natural healing centers at each VDC§   Private and community sectors shall be encouraged to establish well-equipped hospitals in the tourism sectorExport of processed herbs instead of raw.

§   Guarantee of inheritance rights to women including special privilege in society, economy and all the agencies of State as well as equal participation§   Provision to include women along with men in the land deeds and citizenshipWomen, Family and Juvenile Courts shall be established.

The people throughout the world are anxious to know about the first-ever election manifesto issued by CPN (Maoist). It is obvious that everyone is interested to learn about it, since they entered the peace process after 10-year long armed struggle. This manifesto is radical in comparison to documents and/or manifestos of other mainstream political parties in Nepal, which has guaranteed all fundamental rights and freedom including social security. Their focus is towards the Poor, Marginalized, Disadvantaged and Vulnerable people together with destitute, elderly and differentially abled. However, the manifesto has raised not only the economic, social and cultural rights that tend to Scandinavian model, but also civil and political rights similar to world’s largest democratic country – India. It has nothing relating to foreign relations with countries other than India and China.

The Maoist’s 40-point demands of February 13, 1996 had focused mainly to nationality[i], people’s democracy[ii] and people’s livelihood[iii]. Their demands were more aggressive towards India. Although they are vocally still hostile towards India, their document is silent. In the past, they regarded I/NGOs as encroachment of impearlism and hegemonism. The manifesto neither has support nor has opposition to I/NGOs. The document is centered to positive discrimination based on ethnicity, linguistic and regional federal autonomy. In terms of languages, the model resembles more or less to Switzerland. Madhes has been divided into three sub-states linguistically that tends to Swiss style Federation where 64% Swiss are German speakers, 20% French and 6% Italian and so on. Germany is the official language where it is predominant in 17, French in 4, one Italian and 4 is a mix of German and French out of 26 cantons[iv]. In contrast to this, other languages are predominantly spoken in Madhes too. Maithili speakers are 12.3%, Bhojpuri 7.5% and 2.5% Awadhi in Nepal. Nepali speakers are 49%. Similarly, 6% speak Tharu. The deep cultural pluralism of Nepal consists of at least 61 castes, sub-castes, ethnic and sub-ethnic groups[v]. There are 102 caste/ethnic population, 90 languages and 10 religious communities[vi]. Professor Tej Ratna Kanskar advocates for 141 linguistic groups, but, Armit Yonjan, language expert, differs with 112 groups[vii]. But, the 2001 census identified 92 languages as mother tongue[viii]. The manifesto states that all the languages in Nepal are national and some federal autonomies are created based on languages. The public commitment is itself in contradictory. In that case, other languages have been discriminated against, could not this raise conflicts in future?After the recent past 16-day economic block to Kathmandu and general strike called by Madhesi regional groups, the inhabitants of Kathmandu including diplomatic missions are fearful. What would happen if this trend repeated again after the autonomy granted to the Madhes or Tarai without including hills and mountains? The capital is still not relaxed of petro-products and so forth due to Madhes movement.

[i] (1) Abrogate Nepal India Treaty 1950 and all other unequal agreements. (2) Abrogate Integrated Mahakali Treaty (IMT). (3) Regulate the open border between Nepal and India and prohibit entry of Indian number-plate vehicles. (4) Abrogate Gorkha recruitment. (5) Implement work permit and set up priority to Nepali workers. (6) Abolish monopoly[i] of foreign capital in Nepali economy. (7) Implement self-reliant national economy. (8) Ban objectionable foreign media and control cultural pollution and (9) Stop imperialist/hegemonic[i] encroachment through NGOs and INGOs (Pathak, Bishnu. 2005. Politics of People’s War and Human Rights in Nepal. Bimipa publication: Kathmandu)
[ii]  (10) Establish a new constitution (republican) through people’s democratic system. (11) Abolish  the special Royal privileges. (12) Bring the army, police, and administration under people’s control. (13) Cancel all the repressive acts. (14) Dismiss all the framed-up cases and release all political detainees. (15) Stop white terror. (16) Penalize the culprits for the missing political cadres and compensate the victims’ families. (17) Declare the political workers killed as martyrs and compensate their families. (18) Declare Nepal as a secular state. (19) Abolish gender discrimination and exploitation (set up property rights to daughters). (20) Install self-government for ethnic communities and stop racial discrimination. (21) Abolish discrimination against dalits. (22) Ensure equal opportunity to all dialects and design courses up to higher education. (23) Guarantee freedom of speech and press. Make the state media fully autonomous. (24) Guarantee academic freedom. (25) Abolish regional discrimination. Maintain a balance between rural and urban areas. (26) Empower local institutions (Ibid).
[iii]  (27) Provide land to the tillers and redistribute the land seized from feudals among the landless. (28) Nationalize comprador/bureaucratic capital and invest it for industrialization. (29) Guarantee employment to all and provide for unemployment allowance. (30) Set up minimum wage for workers. (31) Arrange for proper settlement to homeless people. (32) Waive off the loans provided to poor farmers. Arrange loans to small entrepreneurs. (33) Make available seeds and fertilizers at cheap rates. Ensure fair price and markets. (34) Manage relief for flood and draught-affected areas. (35) Provide free scientific health services and education for all and abolish commercialization of education. (36) Control price hike. Provide easy access to consumer goods. (37) Ensure arrangement for drinking water, road, and electricity for all villages. (38) Protect/promote domestic and cottage industries. (39) Abolish corruption, smuggling, black marketing, bribery, and commission. (40) Protect orphans, disabled, elderly, and children (Ibid).
[iv] Regmi, Avantika. February 19, 2008. Federalism. In Kathmandu Post. Kathmandu: Kantipur Publication.
[v] Pathak:2005:303
[vi] Basnet, Lalitpur Bahadur. October 16, 2005. Restructuring State based on Caste/Ethnicity. Kantipur. Kathmandu: Kantipur Publication
[vii] Rai, Dhan Brd. October 27, 2006. Question on Indigenous List. Kantipur. Kathmandu: Kantipur Publication.
[viii] Population Monograph of Nepal 2003. 2003. Kathmandu: Central Bureau of Statistics.

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Trying to Create Life

March 26, 2008 at 5:23 pm · Filed under Religion

van_gogh-starry-night2.jpgA Newsweek article mentions that computer engineers and scientists are trying to create life from scratch or as Newsweek puts it, Life 2.0.
As if life were a piece of hardware and a software bundle. Life 1.0 is defined to be the life as we have it today, all the result according to evolutionists of one primordial or original cell that through multiplication and mutation led to all forms of life that we know. From the simplest plant to the “complicated” human being. An awesome engineering job, isn’t it? Scientists have only started to discover part of the design.
Scientists are unravelling the detailed composition of that cell. Genetic manipulation allows to create changes in existing life forms. But some scientists want to go a step further and create new life out of nothing that existed before. A new kind of original cell, so to speak. Out of synthetic material and programmed by computer software. Will that lead to the brave new world promised us? Will synthetic biology or synbio – as it is called – become a new revolution?
Creationists believe that God created the world. They consider these scientists to be playing God and as trying to compete with a genius that cannot be equalled.
Are we so fed up with what we have on this planet, that we have to create new life and start all over again?
Will the scientists build in sufficient controls not to let Life 2.0 take over the entire planet, maybe in the span of a few decades? Will they build in mechanisms to revert the process if things start to run out of control?
Besides, do these scientists have the humility to admit that it will be impossible to programme also the invisible side to life, like intelligence and emotions in all their richness.
Life 1.0 is certainly not perfect, but beautiful and it is hiding still a lot of secrets. Treating Nature more respectfully could lead it to reveal some of those secrets. Besides, most of the imperfections were man-made. Man can repair most of them, but should be willing to do so. Drastically reducing all kinds of pollution would help.
Showing that Life 1.0 is the nearest to perfection as you can get and showing that we care more about it, will keep these scientists from developing life forms that might take away all life from Earth. Some laboratory experiments run too high a risk of uncontrolled new life (like bacteria) endangering existing life, including human beings. Will scientists create new cells to introduce into the human body to kill cancer cells? Why not attack cancer at the origin, as it is due to the mainly man-made pollution of the environment we live in?
Will they create new plants that can be converted into fuels? But that are still based on combustion and thus cause contamination of our environment? Why not use renewable energy sources like the sun, waves and tides that are truly green and in tune with Nature?
There are too many unanswered questions about Life 2.0. Danellandia has a few answers to questions that have not yet been asked.
Danellandia hopes the world will start to appreciate Life 1.0 more again and see to it that Nature is helped to restore itself to its full splendour.
Danellandia
for healthy people on a healthy planet

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Resolution for Restoration of Judges in National Assembly

March 26, 2008 at 4:30 pm · Filed under Army's Involvement

History is being made in the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Speaker was elected and the debates have already begun. True to the pledge given to the voters to restore the chief justice and all the other judges who were ousted, a resolution has already been drafted and is being discussed now.


The draft resolution reads as:

 “The National Assembly of Pakistan.   Whereas the elected representatives of the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan acknowledges and honour the long and arduous struggle for the return to democracy and rule of law by the ordinary citizens of our beloved country.“

And whereas, we pay tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and thousands of brave members of the legal fraternity, the civil society, the media and political activists across the country who made the ultimate sacrifices and laid down their lives or suffered imprisonment for the cause of restoration of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan.  We shall not let their sacrifices go in vain.

“And whereas, this assembly is mindful that the foundation of democracy cannot survive without a return to the rule of law.  We are mindful that the rule of law cannot survive the rule of the gun unless we have an independent judiciary.  And, we are cognizant that we shall never have an independent judiciary if judges of the superior courts of this country are imprisoned at the whims of a lone individual.“

And whereas, we as members of the National Assembly have taken oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as it stood on 2nd November 2007 and we shall not waive from this oath.

“And whereas, Article 209(7) of the Constitution provides in no uncertain terms that ‘a judge of the Supreme Court or of a high court shall not be removed from office except as provided in this article’.

“Therefore, as opined unanimously by leading former Chief Justices and Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, actions of November 3, 2007, seeking to remove and restrain the Chief Justices and Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and High Courts is void ab initio and has no sanctity in law.

“We, therefore, bound by the mandate given by the people of Pakistan on February 18, 2008 and the oath taken by us on 17th March 2008 to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as it stood on 2nd November 2007, do hereby RESOLVE and call upon the Federal Government to remove all illegal restrictions placed on the Chief Justices and all Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and High Courts on and after November 3, 3007 with immediate effect.

“History shall not forgive those, who even now, may seek to obstruct the irreversible path to constitutional rule in our great country.

“Therefore, we further RESOLVE, and call upon the Federal Government to perform its obligation under Article 190 of the Constitution and act in aid of the Chief Justices and all Judges of the Supreme Courts who were illegally restrained or purportedly removed on and after November 3, 2007, so that they may resume their judicial functions in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

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Inform All Your Friends About the New Airport Security Norms in America

March 26, 2008 at 4:27 pm · Filed under Terrorism in Pakistan, War Against Terror

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Bangladesh: Raising Civic Awareness & Supporting Democracy

March 26, 2008 at 4:25 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

High Commissioner Richardson distributing stickers to the rickshaw pullers
High Commissioner Richardson distributing stickers to the rickshaw pullers

To reinforce this democratic process that will offer approximately 90 million eligible Bangladeshis a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives, a month long campaign to raise awareness about voting and civic responsibilities was organized by the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka. And with preparations for the December 2008 elections now revving up, the timing could not have been better.

High Commissioner of Canada Barbara Richardson was recently on hand in Dhaka to inaugurate the civic awareness campaign in a street launching ceremony.  To highlight the importance of registering on the voter’s list and voting in the upcoming election, the High Commissioner handed out sports caps and reflective stickers with the slogan Your Vote is Your Fundamental Right/Obligation - ‘Apnar Vote, Apnar Odhikar’ in Bangla – to rickshaw pullers and the general public.

Local Dhaka NGO and students
Local Dhaka NGO and students

The month long campaign also made its way to Chittagong, Jessore and Khulna with the help of three NGO project partners: the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) in Dhaka; Young Power in social Action (YPSA) in Chittagong, and Uttaran in Jessore and Khulna. 

By involving local volunteers and having partner NGOs talk to the general public about the importance of registering and voting in the upcoming election, the campaign was a true display of grass-roots outreach and advocacy. 

School students distributing the stickers and caps to rickshaw pullers and other vendors
School students distributing the stickers and caps to rickshaw pullers and other vendors

Over the course of the one month campaign, a total of 28,100 caps and reflective stickers were distributed, with a focus on rickshaw pullers.  As rickshaws offer an affordable form of transportation to millions of people in the country, they were the perfect vehicle – literally – to raise awareness among the masses.

In Khulna and Jessore rallies were organized with opening remarks in both English and Bangla from Election Commission representatives, representatives from the High Commission of Canada and NGO co-ordinators.  The rallies were in turn followed by a procession of approximately 200 volunteers and rickshaw pullers around the city core.   

School students distributing the stickers and caps to rickshaw pullers and other vendors
School students distributing the stickers and caps to rickshaw pullers and other vendors

The civic awareness campaign to promote one’s democratic right to vote was warmly received by the public, with many remarks made about the fun and unique approach to raising civic consciousness, and the relationship with the local community was strengthened as a result.  There was also a considerable amount of positive media coverage, which only added to the success of the campaign by increasing awareness about the importance of voting. 

Supporting the democratic process in Bangladesh and working towards ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election process is a priority for the Canadian Government.  The civic awareness campaign is one step in the right direction. 

Source: Canadian High Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh,  2008-01-31

Ahmed Hussen
Director of Communications
Canadian International Peace Project

1027 Finch Avenue West
P.O. Box 30088
Toronto, Ontario
M3J 3L6
Canada

E-mail: cipp@canadianipp.org
Website: www.canadianipp.org

The Canadian International Peace Project ( CIPP) is a novel and unique non-partisan organisation that has brought together diverse groups and individuals to work on issues and projects relating to local, national and international peace, security and development . Through partnership on events and projects, the CIPP fosters mutual respect and sustainable relationships among diverse groups including those in conflict with each other. 
This article is for informational purposes only.

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Pakistan – US Relations

March 18, 2008 at 4:25 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

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High-Priced Real Estate in Islamabad

March 18, 2008 at 4:22 pm · Filed under Pakistan

cid_13989206335web56604mailre3.jpg Q Isa Daudpota

EIAs, like ISO certifications, are a racket in Pakistan. Companies who do these generally train the company seeking certification to follow paperwork requirements but the real spirit is absent

Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) is flushed with money from the sale of high-priced real estate, which it is allowed to spend on its projects. These only require the approval of an eight-member board, which has no public representation. While they may be men of extensive experience, their theoretical knowledge of modern urban planning and management is not adequate to run a large city efficiently.

Fundamental to good urban management is the idea of holistic planning. This takes into account inter-linkages of different systems within and external to the city. Upper-most is the idea of sustainability, which determines the scale of a city’s size, based on its resource-base and the ability to manage the complex interacting systems that form the city.

Development should take place at a human scale which is in harmony with nature and backed by good management and public participation. Given the scarcity of good, honest managers in Pakistan and the lack of good institutional systems, Islamabad is already larger than can be managed properly — making it as big as in the original plan of the 1960s would lead to further chaos. Rather than focusing on expansion, CDA ought to improve and maintain what exists.

With population pressure rising, there is a need to build new independent towns and cities in the vicinity of the capital. Electronic communication between cities should be used to reduce vehicular traffic between and within these new developments.

Islamabad itself urgently needs an efficient public transport system. Merely widening roads, as has been done with great abandon cutting into green belts in the city, is short-sighted and wasteful.

The government has failed to factor the real social and environmental cost of cheap loans for cars, which is now evident in the pollution and overcrowding of roads in Islamabad. The impact is far worse in other cities. Here then is a stark example of compartmentalised planning, which failed to see the impact of low-interest loans on the environment.

Our planners are ever-ready to make a beeline for grand projects. The nature and huge scale of such a project can be assessed by visiting its website: www.thecentaurus.com, where its picture is shown to appear on the prestigious government annual publication, the Pakistan Economic Survey 2006-2007, with the caption ‘Centaurus — The Identity of Pakistan’.

At the public hearing to assess the environmental impact assessment of the project, its managing director said that this project carried out the vision espoused by President Pervez Musharraf of transforming the skyline of Islamabad. The idea being that high-rise luxury buildings are a marker of progress! The MD was reminded that a Kakul-educated general or an imported banker are neither qualified nor entitled to impose their idea of ‘progress’ and ‘development’ on the capital. Only the people and city development experts ought to do this.

For many who are conscious of the environment and issues of fairness and equity, the Centaurus mega-project is inappropriate for a poor, resource-strapped country. To set up a luxury structure wholly for the elite, using significant public money to provide it with utilities and other subsidiary facilities, is hugely divisive. It sports a 7-star hotel aping the extravagance of the Gulf. This is a city that has made no decent provision for its labourers and poorer sections of the population who live in unauthorised katchi abadis within and on the outskirts. Such a stark differential in provisions for the rich and poor only creates ill-will, leading to societal instability.

The other issue is the huge physical size of the project which dwarfs everything in its surroundings. It goes against a truism that small is beautiful. Only when structures and systems are of a human scale, and within the management capability of those whose job it is to manage them, should they be set up. The demand by Centaurus on water, sewage disposal and electricity will be unprecedented, and will strain the already suffering and malfunctioning systems of the city.

The Pakistan Environment Protection Act stipulates that no work can begin on the site until an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is completed along with its public hearing and the satisfaction of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Authority (PEPA). This has been violated. Further, Hagler Bailly, the company that did the EIA, saw a large amount of digging being done during the period it was working on the assessment, considered it illegal, but continued to remain associated with the project. In their report, they state that no work should have started before proper clearance by PEPA. But by not withdrawing from the project while considering it illegal, it is clear that the current EIA report is ‘poisoned’ and should not be accepted by PEPA. Ideally, a new report ought to be commissioned.

EIAs, like ISO certifications, are a racket in Pakistan. Companies who do these generally train the company seeking certification to follow paperwork requirements but the real spirit is absent. EIA companies, for example, are not even required to be certified by the Pakistan Engineering Council, or any such body. Almost anyone can set up shop to do EIAs. The almost non-existent number of rejected EIAs by PEPA will give some idea of how this system is given to huge distortion.

PEPA itself is weak and under the thumb of the Ministry of Environment, often headed by rather ill-informed and less-than-honest ministers. There is an urgent need to strengthen it and to make it autonomous.

The author is an Islamabad-based physicist with an interest in issues of environment, education and science

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\10\28\story_28-10-2007_pg3_4

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