Archive for Politics of Pakistan

Jeay Sindh Mahaz Calls for Right of Self-Determination

December 4, 2009 at 2:27 pm · Filed under Politics of Pakistan ·Tagged , ,

Jeay Sindh Mahaz in a statement has claimed that Pakistan is not a naturally grown country, but that it is rather a man-made state that came into existence through a contract between different people. And that contract, everyone knows, is the 1940 Lahore resolution; also called the Pakistan resolution.

In civilized world, for different peoples to live together, a social contract happens to be the guiding and binding force. And to work together, make progress and live in peace and harmony that social contract is mandatory to be followed while in a country like Pakistan that itself came into existence through a contract, strict compliance to this social contract becomes even more important and necessary. But the Pakistani state has traversed in wrong direction since day one. In fact the story of Pakistan is a story of violations, breaches, and betrayals.

The first and foremost violation came with regard to the ‘Pakistan Resolution’ when the new state was created as per 1935 India Act. After few days that (1935) Act also stood violated. 1956 constitution was imposed arbitrarily wherein, negating all the arithmetic of the world, 54 percent population was made equal to 46 percent. Only after two years this ‘holy book’ was also buried thanks to the first of the many Martial Laws the country has seen.

Designed to suit the whims and wishes of a general, the so-called constitution of 1962 was enforced only to be scrapped with the help of second Martial law.

At this stage the most motivated and freedom-loving nation of the subcontinent, the Bengalis, decided that ‘enough is enough’ and an independent country of Bangladesh came into being.

 On the other hand, a unilateral declaration of coining ‘New Pakistan’ was made without consulting the national units (Sindhis, Balochs and Pakhtoons) who had originated the ‘Old Pakistan’.

In the new constitution (1973) of the new Pakistan, new promises were made though this was the most centripetal of all the constitutions through which all the rights of the federating units were usurped in the name of centre.

No need to say that from day one the state of Pakistan has been dominated and monopolized by Punjab, so the 1973 constitution strengthened Punjab’s hold, in the name of centre, over the rights and resources of Sindh, Balochistan and Pakhtoonkhawa. Even this constitution was changed and altered, by civil and military dictators, as frequently as they would change the servants of their house.

The biggest violation that comes in the range of a betrayal, committed during Pakistan’s life was when the very identity of the national units, to whom this country owes its existence, was erased in the name of national solidarity.

In short it can be said that the arbitrary, dictatorial and domineering mode of governance has rendered Sindh to the status of a colony and Pakistani has been turned into a colonial state, the way Britain ruled India.

All the natural resources and the sources of income of Sindh have been appropriated by the central government, every possible action is taken to wipe out Sindhi Language, culture and history, the process of bringing people from other provinces and other countries and settling them in Sindh to convert Sindhis into minority on their own soil and keep them in permanent subjugation is underway through state patronage in the same way as the occupying forces did in Palestine, Fiji, Northern Ireland and Western Sahara.

And most importantly Sindh’s political autonomy and the will & decisions of Sindhi people have been thrown in the mud. The status and standing of Sindh Assembly is lower even to that of the local council of a sovereign and democratic state and the laws and resolutions passé by this assembly have been thrown in dustbin like tissue paper by the little people sitting in the big houses of Islamabad.

The Capital City Karachi has been made, for all practical purposes, a no-go-area for Sindhis. The writ aid control of Sindh government over the institutions based in Karachi is zero and in order to get education, employment and abode in Karachi, the indigenous people are made to seek certificate from those coming here as refugees.

An idea of the status of Sindh and the authority of Sindhi People in the state of Pakistan can be had from the statement of Sindh’s elected Chief Minister where-in he said that Sindh gives country 67% of the revenue but we have to beg from the central government for every small thing.

On raising voice for the restitution of their rights sindhis were branded anti-state and anti-islam. Some rulers ridiculed their culture by declaring it as that of camel and donkey graziers, while others called them uneducated and ignorant. This situation can only be described as nothing but colonialism and colonialism is neither acceptable nor bearable to sindhis in any case. In fact for their national emancipation Sindhis have made great sacrifices and paid heavy prices and are ready and willing to do so again.

During their 5000-year long history Sindh has been occupied many a time but sindhi people have never surrendered to the fate. We struggled against the British colonialism and servitude not for becoming subjugated by their lackeys. We don’t want to live as beggars and dependants. We are ready and willing to live with all the nations as equals and as partners. On the other hand the state of Pakistan, owing to continuous breaking of promises and consistent violations of the (social) contracts, its arbitrary, dictatorial and domineering way of governance and its colonial character, has lost legal political and moral justification to rule over Sindh and sindhis. Now we are being ruled on the force of gun. Twenty first century is the century of peace, freedom and equality.

Hence it is time to change the colonial structure of Pakistani state and end its imperialistic role-character. Sindh is not an occupied territory. Sindh had opted to join Pakistan on the basis of 1940 Lahore Resolution, with its free will where-in it was unequivocally declared that Constituents Units shall be sovereign and autonomous. Sindh had decided to share its sovereignty with the neighbouring nations of the region in order to work jointly for peace, equality, progress and prosperity in Sindh, in Pakistan, in the region and in the world as whole. But the 62 years rule has resulted in war, terrorism, inequality, discrimination, domination, exploitation, poverty, beggary and national insult.

Therefore, Sindhi People want to restitute and reestablish their sovereignty so that they can be able to decide their destiny with their free will.

Jeay Sindh Mahaz considers it their foremost duty and historical responsibility to stand by Sindhi People in their struggle to achieve this goal. Hence Jeay Sindh Mahaz and its workers pledge to expend all their time, all their abilities, all their energies and all their resources to help Sindhi People get and use their universality recognized inalienable right of self determination. At the same time we call upon the democratic and progressive people from Punjab to break their silence and strengthen our voice as in a Pakistan-like multinational country national question happens to be the prime question of democracy. Also we hope and expect that peace-loving, humanist, secular, progressive and enlightened people of the world would extend their political and moral support to our cause.

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PML-n is Establishment’s Pet

November 28, 2009 at 4:11 pm · Filed under Politics of Pakistan ·Tagged , ,

Chaudhry Nisar was involved in toppling government of PPP, through his links with Army as he would sit for hours with Army officers as he is doing now.  His secret meeting in dead of night with Army chief along with Shahbaz Shareef is talk of town. 

While Nawaz Shareef the Groom of Establishment who never goes to jail claims that he will not be with Army, he secretly makes liaison with them through his brother .  Although they claim otherwise. I have termed this PML-N, as Punjabi Munafiqs League – Nawaz.  

Can we count the number of years PML has worked with establishment of Army since 1947? 

If they are so sincere in wiping out corruption, PML-N should leave the sugar held in their mills to Awam at 40 /Kg . 

Can they go to thier own Accountability Committee of which Ch Nisar is leader and ask about 15 Billion dollars  that was misappropriated during Musharaff days. They will never do that as they are establishements groom and PML is establsihements pet. They did not even call the generals to commitee even when it was demanded. 

Why they are crying hoarse over just tiny 1.5 Billion Dollars, when there are more then 15 billion dollars to worry about. 

Punjabi Munafiq League’s truth was exposed when they stopped just short of punishing Gen Musharaff after Saudia and America put foot on their tails. Arent they America stooges, and mainatin interests of American and Oil companies? Aent they making noise after Iranian Pipe Line deal was signed?  

Why isnt it surrendering financial autonomy to Provinces and maintaining centre grip to please Punjabi establishment. 

Even the Terrorist dont target them as they seem to have liason with them, while ANP and PPP leders are targeted at will. 

So PML-N is clearaly establishemtn pet .

Dr Khurrum Shaukat Yusafzai.
Email : Khurrumuk@gmail.com

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May Be We are Better Off Without This Kind of Democracy

November 28, 2009 at 7:01 am · Filed under Politics of Pakistan ·Tagged , ,

In a country like Pakistan with its half of the population totally illiterate and  57 percent of the population living below poverty line what does democracy mean in terms of the representation of these poor in the system?

How do the teeming millions in Pakistan without adequate food to meet minimum calorie count, potable water, education, health care, immunization, security, commutable roads, and sanitation and waste water drainage systems, relate to this democracy?

According to UNDP report, 65.5 percent population of Pakistan earns less than two dollars per day. 88 percent of Balochistan population, 51 percent of NWFP, 21 percent of Sindh and 25 percent of the Punjab’s population is prey to poverty and deprivation. Rural poverty is 49 per cent while the urban poverty ratio is 23 percent, in Punjab, the poverty ratio of rural areas is 30 percent while the urban areas’ poverty ratio is 26 per cent. 

In sharp contrast  the ruling elite of Pakistan coming to power “democratically” enjoying the luxurious lifestyle fit for oil rich Arab rulers or the late Mughal emperors. What promise does the democratic system hold for a common Pakistani when billion of rupees of this country teeming with poor is being spent on the perks and privileges of the select few.

The head of the major parties are mostly first generation billionaires who have no qualms about living in sprawling private mansions like demigods. As for government resources, in this debt ridden country the (allocated) entertainment expenditure of Prime Minister and President House was over Rs. 220,700,000 in the budget 2008-09. This is besides the budget allocated for the upkeep of the palatial residences of the PM and President in Islamabad where they reside with an army of servants in both the monstrous buildings including gardeners, cleaning staff, master chefs, cooks, kitchen assistants, white gloved waiters, protocol staff,  maintenance staff, handy men, personal valets to carry their slippers, laundry staff, chauffeurs and many, many other servants and this does not include the dozens of security staff, special branch officials to keep an eye on them and personal private security staff to keep an eye on both.

Huge areas around their residences are cordoned off in the name of security when the common man is bathed in his own blood on the streets. The democratic leaders ride in expensive bullet proof luxury cars with huge entourages on cordoned off empty roads while the common people pushed down the road and forced to wait for hours until his “representative” safely drives by, watches in misery cursing the day he was born.

The fact is that elections and the resulting governments are not considered as an opportunity and a responsibility by the politicians but rather like a trophy after winning a competition and hence to be enjoyed to the fullest as much as possible within the shortest possible time before the next round. The self proclaimed champions of democracy in our unfortunate country do not even want to provide cheap plastic slippers to the barefoot, hungry and landless slaving on their estates for centuries but only know how to make empty speeches where the barefooted people can chant slogans in their favour.

 Democracy as a social system is actually all about the celebration of the individual and his choices. It encourages the freedom of the individual and guarantees his rights. Democracy ensures that people rights are respected by the legal system of the land and no discrimination made against him on the basis of class, colour, creed or social class. In our country it is the exact opposite. The choices of the individual are crushed by the society in the name of conforming to the traditions of the family or clan. Making individual choices is still considered to be nothing less than a rebellion. The individual is not even given the right to make a choice for his own marriage. Marrying someone out of choice is still considered a matter of social shame for the parents who have been denied this privilege by their son or daughter. Elopement is punishable by death in most parts of the country across all social classes and the daily the newspapers contain stories of “honour killings” as a consequence of elopement or love marriage. In a society where love marriage is a crime and marrying someone you love becomes can eventually end in murders, why do we even pretend to believe in any democracy.

The commodification of women is entrenched in the very fabric of society and to the extent that even the very rich and very educated families have failed to alleviate themselves from the shackles of its psychological bonds. This commodification has made it positively impossible for the women to make individual political choices especially in confrontation to their men folks. Women are categorically told by their men folks of what symbol they have to stamp on their votes on the Election Day and that’s exactly what they do. The free and fair election is nothing but a figment of imagination. There can be no possibility of any free election when half of the population of Pakistan comprising of adult women voters have no idea what free will is.

The ugly truth is that when the society does not allow the individual to choose the length of his hair, or the colour and cut of their dress drastically different from the acceptable norms of their families how can they be expected to make individual political choices. The casting of votes is still driven by all other factors than the choice of the individual. People are exploited and harassed by the powerful to cast votes in their favour in order to perpetuate the cycle of greed and power.

When society does not accept democracy as the a way of life and a philosophy of life then it cannot become the system of governance.

In the west the democratic societies and democratic culture has evolved into a democratic system of government also which reflects the same spirit of the respect of the individual and rule of law.

Without the assurance of basic human rights, free and fair judiciary, speedy justice, eradication of poverty, massive improvement in education and health sector, immunization and prevention of diseases, reduction in the unemployment rate, massive land reforms, rapid rural development, improved governance and total restructuring of the political parties there is no hope for any democracy in this country. It is a shame that all political parties are essentially autocratic and dictatorial in their structures. What hope is there for the people to make a choice of the rulers when they are living in sub human conditions and have no chance of finding any light at the end of the proverbial tunnel? 

Dictatorship is not in any military uniform but a mindset and we see that mindset prevalent in all parties. After joining any political party, defending the party unconditionally becomes a given and considered to be a sign of loyalty and allegiance to the leadership. This is the reason the party members of any particular look like fools all talking in the same tone, repeating the same phrases and giving the same justifications on any issue. Disagreement with the leadership is considered to be suicidal politically and hence quite non kosher.

The perception that the people make a choice in the Election Day is also a fallacy. The choice of the party ticket holder and candidate has nothing to do with the ordinary worker of the party but made by the party leaders and a few select allies in their drawing rooms behind closed doors without consultation with the party workers. Consequently the system ensures the smug triumph of the rich and powerful and their inclusion to the parliament considered to be the ultimate elite club. The only merit of the party candidate is his capability to win the seat. That is the reason why the present ruling parties had no hesitation of allocating party tickets to the cabinet members of Musharraf regime for example,  Gen Retd Hamid Nawaz, Hina Rabbani, Dr Ashiq Awan, Manzoor Watoo to name a few. So is there any real choice for the people on the Election Day, I’m afraid there is not. It is really more like a reshuffle of the same lot.

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Zardari Got His Court Hearings Adjourned 256 Times on Medical Grounds

November 28, 2009 at 6:41 am · Filed under Asif Ali Zardari ·Tagged

Every profession or job in the world requires a certain level of credibility, physical and mental fitness. 

President Zardari was formally diagnosed and treated for ‘dementia’ and mental health problems. He has got another tool (defence) up his sleeves ‘pleading insanity’ on the basis of his mental health. 

The Supreme Court of Pakistan and Parliament should implement the Constitution under which the mental capacity of the President and Commander in Chief with his ‘finger on the nuclear button’ must be fully functioning beyond reasonable doubt? 

According to reports unfortunately, President Zardari is apparently suffering from diabetes and dementia (shrinking of brain) which are both irreversible. His permanent grin is suggesting that, “I don’t suffer from insanity but enjoy every moment of it”. 

Someone said, ‘advantage of having a bad memory is that one can enjoy same joke many times’. 

As far as Mr Zardari’s reported self certified psychiatric problems are concerned, one should be sympathetic with him. He should not be discriminated due to his mental health problems and mental capacity. His lawyers should submit his full risk assessment and psychiatric review to the Election Commission as evidence to prove his full recovery from mental illness. Unfortunately ‘dementia’ (shirking of brain) is irreversible and full recovery is almost impossible. Now if he has submitted fake medical certificates in the British Courts ‘he’ has committed a criminal offence. If the mental health and psychological assessments are correct and no new assessments are presented, is he suitable for the Presidential role? 

According to media reports Zardari adjourned his court case hearings in Pakistan approximately 256 times mostly on medical grounds by presenting medical certificates. 

Keeping in view the above he is not fit to be a ‘cinema ticket clerk’ let alone President of a nuclear state and Commandant in Chief of the Pakistan Armed Forces? 

“His doctors have declared him medically fit to run for political office and free of any symptoms,” said Wajid Shamsul Hassan, Pakistani high commissioner in London reported The Financial Times. Perhaps the High Commissioner is unaware that entry and exit points in the mental health treatment are sometimes years apart depending on the illness especially ‘dementia’? As Financial Times published on 26th August 2008, Mr. Zardari submitted his medical and psychiatric reports/certificates to British High Court claiming incapacity to stand trial and inability to attend hearings. 

In March 2007, Stephen Reich, a New York state-based psychologist, diagnosed Mr Zardari with dementia, major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. He (Mr. Zardari) had difficulty focusing, concentrating and paying attention is persistently sad, chronically anxious and apprehensive. He (Mr Zardari) stated that he has had suicidal thoughts, but has not made any suicide gestures. Mr Reich re-examined Mr. Zardari in June 2007 and September 2007, each time reporting that he had made progress but still had problems that might make it impossible for him to testify in court”. Another diagnosis in March 2007 by Philip Saltiel, a New York City based psychiatrist said, ‘emotional and neurological problems suffered by Mr. Zardari because of medical treatment and imprisonment had resulted in “emotional instability” and “deficits in memory and concentration”. His risk assessments suggest, “I do not foresee any improvement in these issues for at least a year.”  (Financial Times).

Zardari’s position becomes more suspicious after the targeted killing of Khalid Shenshah Hussain, Benazir Bhutto’s personal security officer who was making ‘cutting throat signs on camera while Ms Bhutto was delivering her last speech few hours before the murder’ (See YouTube) and targeted killing of police inspector Haq Nawaz Sial, main witness of Murtaza Bhutto’s murder. On both occasions Asif Zardari was in power!  Khalid Shenshah was reportedly a US Citizen and Zardari’s prison mate! Why was he eliminated and what was he trying to tell? 

Who in their right state of mind would say and do things what Zardari and his team members are doing? According to US media reports on 10the May 2009, President Zardari reportedly said in Washington, ‘he never considered India as a threat and would move troops from Indian border to Afghan if necessary’. 

There was a clear conflict of interest when Zardari’s own government withdrew cases against him and others, not to mention the benefits from NRO amnesty? Did those acquittals serve true sense of justice? In actual fact he lost Swiss Case of money laundering either way. He should tell the people of Pakistan how he managed to build more than $2 billion Empire and from where he got $60 million to deposit in Swiss account? He and late Ms Bhutto have been denying for years to the world that they have nothing to do with Rockwood Estate ‘Surrey Palace’ but then one day his lawyer ‘Farooq Naik’ claimed ownership. 

When it comes to his academic qualifications first New York Times and then Dawn reported on 21st March 2008, “British officials responsible for maintaining record of all educational institutions in the country have failed to find any trace of the institution (London School of Economics and Business) in London from where Asif Ali Zardari is claimed to have received his graduation or equivalent qualification in 1976. In a written response PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar said: “Mr Zardari studied business and economics in a school in London now called (the) London School of Economics and Business.” In a written response to questions about London School of Economics and Business, an Edubase official said: “In order to ascertain whether or not an institution exists, I conduct a search on three registers, Edubase, The Register of Education and Training Providers and the UK Register of Learning Providers. I have been unable to find evidence of this institution.”

So where and what is he graduated in? It is not an issue if he has graduated or not but why is he unable to prove the existence of institution he claimed to have been attending?

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Nawaz Sharif is on the Right Track?

November 26, 2009 at 6:36 pm · Filed under Politics of Pakistan ·Tagged , ,

The so-called minus and plus formulas is unlikely to solve any problems. 

The present system is obviously not ideally democratic, and many of the expectations from system are yet to be fulfilled. The 17th Amendment still lingers as an ugly reminder of the Musharraf era and we are yet to implement the Charter of Democracy. 

There is also growing frustration over the law and order situation, the erratic load shedding, and a catalogue of crises both internal and external. Some might say that better governance could have resulted in more “visible” changes that democracy can bring to a common man’s life.

As a television journalist I often speak to various political leaders. A few days ago I spoke to Nawaz Sharif, and he seemed clear that those floating such conspiracies do not mean well for democracy. “I do not believe in the minus one formula” he told me. This may have surprised many political observers who expect him to take a more radical stand against Zardari. They argue that his stance is not only hurting his popularity, but also giving his party labels like “friendly opposition”. Maybe they have a point, but as a visionary leader Nawaz Sharif can see beyond this short-term view. He realizes this is not the time to play popular politics, and today Pakistan needs stability more than anything else.

Our brave armed forces are engaged in a battle against extremism and we cannot afford further political instability. In my view, Nawaz Sharif’s stance represents the sort of positive politics that Pakistan needs at this time when leaders have to look beyond their own political gain and put national interest before their own. 

However, as he continued to speak I could also sense some disappointment in his voice too, particularly when he spoke about the Charter of Democracy that he had signed with Benazir Bhutto.

The Charter of Democracy provides an ideal starting point for this journey to begin but more would have to be done to show the people that democracy can really improve the quality of their lives. It should be seen to be resolving the challenges that face them on a daily basis. We all know what these challenges are and I will not repeat them here. But I will talk about opportunities. People also expect democracy to create opportunities for better education, employment and healthcare.

A recent survey by British Council suggests that our youngsters feel despondent. Such feelings should not be allowed to simmer. Despondency must be replaced with hope. This hope can come from a culture of positive politics. The PPP and PML-N, as the two largest parties can lead the way for this positive political culture. That is the only way in which the “formula mongers” can be silenced.

Javed Malik is a television journalist and Executive Director of The World Forum. He can be reached on JavedMalik78@yahoo.com

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8 Cases Against Zardari were Disposed of under the NRO

November 21, 2009 at 8:59 am · Filed under Asif Ali Zardari, Corruption ·Tagged ,

Eight cases against Asif Zardari were disposed of under the NRO.

The charges concerned kickbacks from SGS PSI company

Grant of licence to ARY Gold

Corruption in purchase of Ursus tractors under Awami Tractor Scheme

Award of pre-shipment contract to Cotecna

Assets beyond means

Kickbacks received from former Steel Mills chairman Sajjad Ahmed

Construction of a polo ground at the PM house 

Money laundering in SGS Swiss case

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Washington Post Says Zardari May Go

November 21, 2009 at 8:52 am · Filed under Asif Ali Zardari ·Tagged ,

Pamela Constable’s has written an article titled ‘For Pakistani president, goodbye to goodwill’ in the Washington Post (November 16, 2009). She is suggesting that the US-Zardari romance seems to be over.

According to Pamela, “military officials are unhappy over Zardari’s compliant relationship with Washington – while the poor and working-class Pakistanis blame government for protracted shortage of gas, electricity and staple food. They also feel increasingly unprotected, as suicide bombing has killed more than 350 people in the last two months.”

However, Pamela shy away from mentioning the close relations Benazir Bhutto, Asif Zardari and his interior minister Rehman Malik and Pakistan’s ambassador Haqqani has with the Jewish Lobby in the US.

The Pamela repeated the same old ‘democracy crap’, which has proved to be a sham after how Washington handled the democratic process in occupied Palestine, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iran, Egypt, “Zardari’s deepening unpopularity has put Washington in a bind because of its avowed commitment to bolster democratic in Pakistan after a decade of military rule. If he is forced from power, either on old corruption charges or through a collapse of the ruling coalition, Washington might have to deal with new leaders who are less friendly and no better able to solve Pakistan’s problems.”

Pakistan’s all four military rulers (Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, Yahya Khan, and Pervez Musharraf) were supported and protected by Washington.

She, like Fareed Zakaria, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington (known as US ambassador in Washington), Husain Haqqani, is an ‘Islamophobe’.

Haqqani in his book ‘Pakistan Between Mosque and Military’, wrote: “From the point view of Islamists and their backers in ISI, Jihad is on hold but not yet over. Pakistan still have an agenda in Afghanistan and Kashmir.” I wonder why Haqqani forgot to mention India and Israel from his list? According to some government insiders, Haqqani is about to be replaced by princess Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, the former ambassador to Washington.

Fareed Zakria in an article for the Newsweek (May 2, 2009), titled ‘Change We Can’t Believe In’ had advised Washington: “If Washington hopes to change Pakistan’s world-view, it will have to take much tougher line with the military while supporting the country’s civilian leaders, whose vision of Pakistan’s national interests is broader and less paranoid, and envisioned more cooperation with its neighbors.”

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Zardari Receives $4.3 Million as Kickbacks for Buying 3 French Submarines in 1994

November 12, 2009 at 12:37 pm · Filed under Asif Ali Zardari, Corruption ·Tagged ,

The French newspaper Liberation has accused President Zardari and military authorities of having received millions of dollars in kickbacks from the 1994 sale of three French submarines to Pakistan Navy.

This is actually new regurgitation of an old story which was already contradicted by French President Mr Sarkozy on July 11 this year as ‘untrue’, ‘malicious’ and ‘mischievous’. 
 
According to the report in French daily Liberation, President Zardari is suspected of having received millions of dollars in kickbacks from the 1994 submarines deal.

In addition, investigators believe that the non-payment of the full amount of the agreed kickbacks may have led to the death of 11 French nationals in a 2002 terror attack in Karachi.

The newspaper says it has acquired documents that show that Mr Zardari allegedly received $4.3 million in kickbacks from the sale of three Agosta-90 submarines for 825 million euros (currently $1.237 billion).

The documents which were sent to the Pakistani National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by British authorities in April 2001 indicate that Mr Zardari received several large payments into his Swiss bank accounts from a Lebanese businessman, Abdulrahman Al-Assir, in 1994 and 1995.

The Liberation report quoted a former executive of the French naval company DCN as saying that French authorities had chosen Al-Assir to act as intermediary in the deal and he allegedly deposited a total of $1.3 million in Mr Zardari’s bank accounts between Aug 15 and Aug 30, 1994, one month before the submarine contract was signed, and then $1.2 million and $1.8 million one year later.

According to DCN employees who testified in the terror attack investigation, the kickbacks to Pakistan in the deal totalled 10 per cent of the purchase amount, with 6 per cent, or $49.5 million, going to the military and 4 per cent, or 33 million euros, being funnelled to political circles.

In 2001, Pakistani Navy’s former chief of staff Mansour-ul-Haq was arrested for his part in the deal and forced to repay $7 million, the daily says.

Legal proceedings against Mr Zardari were dropped in April 2008, several months before he was elected president. He was imprisoned from 1997 to 2004 on corruption charges unrelated to this affair.

The president, according to the report, is one of his country’s richest men, with a net worth estimated at $1.8 billion.

The ongoing investigation in Paris into the May 8, 2002, terrorist attack that killed 11 DCN employees in Karachi may shed new light on the submarine purchase.

The victims were in Karachi to complete work on the three submarines. According to French media, the magistrate looking into the bombing has rejected the theory that it was the work of Al Qaeda.

He is now considering the possibility that it was carried out by Pakistanis, either because only 85 per cent of the agreed kickbacks to politicians had been paid or because of negotiations carried out by French authorities to sell submarines to India.

In any case, some French parliamentarians are now demanding to be allowed to look into how the submarine contract with Pakistan was negotiated and executed.

Shahjee Home in Doha

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Why Do People Hate You: Q to Pak Politicians

October 31, 2009 at 9:15 am · Filed under Politics of Pakistan ·Tagged

“Why Do people Hate You?”

l_42c7cbab2b084fb986aabef1b1971fddThis was the question a 9-year-old fourth-grader asked President Obama at a town hall meeting. Obviously the boy must have been exposed to the right wing propaganda and mounting criticism of Obama these days, on TV, by Republicans and other quarters, not happy with his proposed health care plan, the unemployment and recession that doesn’t seem to be going away, and his handling of the Afghanistan war.

The question the boy asked temporarily silenced the crowd, an awkward silence, but Obama, the wordsmith that he is, flashed a broad smile at the audience, gave a little hug to the boy and skillfully turned the question into a teaching moment. Addressing the boy as if he were talking to an equal, Obama said: “Well, first of all, I did get elected President, and not everybody hates me; I got a whole lot of votes. If you’re watching TV lately, everyone seems mad all the time. Some of it’s just what’s called politics. One party wins, the other party feels it needs to poke you to keep you on your toes. You shouldn’t take it too seriously. People are worried about their own lives, losing jobs, health care, homes, and feeling frustrated. When you’re President of the United States you’ve got to deal with all of that.” The audience largely cheered the president, and the boy later told the reporters that the president’s answer made him feel good.

Handling difficult and embarrassing questions and turning them to one’s advantage, is a skill that can be learnt, that is, if one wants to and tries to learn.

Clearly, Obama has that skill. Of course, the right kind of education — not just a degree — and conviction of one’s political beliefs and integrity also helps. Watching Obama’s performance, I wondered how some of our top leaders, if confronted with the same question in a crowd, would answer the situation.

Here is how our leaders would have answered the question:

Pervez Musharraf, twitching his lips and glowering at the boy: “Who says people hate me? This is not true. I am 120 percent certain people love me. In fact, they want me to come back and be their president once again. And, I will! I am not a coward. I always kept national interest uppermost. (Raising both his fists in the air) Sab say pehlay Pakistan!”

Asif Zardari, taking out a portrait of Benazir from his breast pocket, holding it to the boy and speaking, breathlessly, without a pause: “My party has made huge sacrifices for democracy. Shaheed Bibi gave her life. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave his life. I spent 11 years in jail. But I always said, ‘Pakistan khappay’. I did this for Pakistan. I did this for democracy. Democracy is the biggest revenge!” “My army, today, is fighting the terrorists in Waziristan. I shall fight them in the mountains; I shall fight them in the caves; I shall fight them in the fields. I shall never surrender to these hate mongers.” “You must have seen large ads in newspapers, with my portraits and that of my whole family, put out by my ministers and advisors, congratulating me for what I am doing for Pakistan. That shows, not all people hate me.” “I come from the land of saints. I have nothing but love for everyone, and malice towards none. I extended this message even to Sarah Palin when I met her in New York, even though I knew she won’t get elected. I am told, of all the world leaders she met, she still remembers me kindly. That is the power of love.”

Nawaz Sharif, bending down to the boy with a pained smile on his face: “Beta, who told you this? This must be a rumor spread by the enemies of Pakistan. How can they hate me? I stood up to the US pressure when no one could. Bill Clinton called me five times, yes, five times! I was counting. But I went ahead and did the dhamaka, anyway. Do you think that coward Musharraf could do that?” “And do you remember, I also sacked a serving army chief when he opened his mouth publicly against me? Who else could do that? In fact, if you study history, which you would when you go to higher classes, the only other person who sacked a senior army general was President Truman of America. He fired General MacArthur for bragging publicly. Truman was a tough and stubborn man, like myself. He made difficult decisions. He also did a dhamaka over Japan. Actually, I didn’t know these things about Truman. I don’t get much time to read. It was my information minister who told me this. He said I was tough like Truman. He also once compared me with Sher Shah Suri. But he turned out to be a Lota — not Sher Shah Suri, but my information minister.” “I believe in the supremacy of democratic civilian government. That’s why I signed the Charter of Democracy. I hate self-serving politicians and lotas hobnobbing secretly with the army generals and trying to stab democracy in the back. I have also told Shahbaz Saab not to meet the generals secretly anymore. If he has to, he should meet them in open kutcherries — or, preferably, in a good tikka joint, in which case I might also join them. I believe Khakis love good food, particularly barbecued quail and male sparrows, just like I do. “ “Don’t worry about Musharraf. I will bring him back to Pakistan, handcuffed to the aircraft seat, and try him under Article 6. I don’t talk much about him anymore because the Big Brother advised me not to. It’s always good to listen to the Big Brother. No one knows, when we might need him again. That is what I advise Shabaz Saab, too.”

Clip_5Imran Khan, with an expression that varies between a smirk and a grimace: “You see, you have got to understand the root cause of hate. It is all because of the American presence in Afghanistan. Before the Americans came to Afghanistan, there was no problem. The wolf dwelt with the lamb and the Taliban would distribute bottles of milk and honey on street corners to men, women and children.“ “I have traveled extensively throughout FATA. I know these people better than anyone else. Even if I don’t understand their language, I can read their mind. They are my people. “ “Don’t be confused by their rhyming names – Baitullah, Hakimullah, Fazlullah. They are basically good people, harmless as cows. All they want is to have a jirga system and nizam-i-adlestablished throughout Pakistan, with them running the system. They want quick and cheap justice. Murderers to end up hanging on lampposts or trees, thieves on chopping blocks, rapists on chopping blocks, too. No parliament, no judiciary, no nonsense. You see, lampposts and chopping blocks are far cheaper than building courts and hiring judges and lawyers. Once we have enough lampposts and chopping blocks, there will be peace and love all around.”

Maulana Fazlur Rehman: Barkhurdar, when you grow up and start studying science, you will know that mixing oil with water is not easy. Oil always floats on the surface, be it kerosene, gasoline or diesel. Similarly, religion does not mix with tourism. I have this tightrope to walk. That’s why some people are not happy with me.

Chaudhry Shujaat, in dark glasses. One can’t make out whether he is looking at the boy or the wall: “Ugah, mugah, wugah, Jerry Luger, Looter, wugah, ugha, mitti paao, ugah, mugah, raat gayee, baat gayee, phoomph!”

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Is Ahsan Iqbal Behind PkPolitics.com?

September 19, 2009 at 11:52 am · Filed under Politics of Pakistan ·Tagged ,

The blog Media Guru says that 48-hour-warning-fame MNA Ahsan Iqbal of PML-N is in fact pulling the strings of website pkpolitics.com’s Ghulam Mustafa aka Cyber Jeera Blade to demonize journalists in order to discredit them in the public eye. 

ahsan-iqbalOne will never find a single news against ‘The House of Sharifs’ on pkpolitics.com. However, there will be no dearth of filthy language and phrases against PPP and its leadership. The website even forged a survey to appease their paymaster Ahsan Iqbal by declaring him the most popular participant in Pakistan on any television show. One can only laugh at this type of surveys. 

Ahsan Iqbal was the first PML-N leader who had made telephone calls to Pakistani police and media persons to get himself arrested on cameras when the plane of Nawaz Sharif was about to land in Islamabad airport on September 10, 2007. He did this to avoid reaching the Islamabad airport and faked his arrest on cameras to build his image in the eyes of his leader. 

Trained by fascist Islami Jamiat Tulaba, student wing of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal is now the media bluffmaster in PML-N. Recently, he has to lick the dust when his bluff tactics were publicly disowned by not other than Nawaz Sharif. 

When Nawaz Sharif moved to London from Jeddah, Ahsan Iqbal, the bluffmaster, found a new role for his jamoora of pkpolitics, and he was entrusted with a task to to launch a blogsite to disseminate Nawaz Sharif’s message to the overseas Pakistanis and do a covet stinking propaganda against PPP and its leadership. Here born the pkpolitics.com. 

The question however was that how to make people visit the site. But one has to admire jamatias for their art of manipulation. In educational institutions they trap students under cover of admission helpdesks and religious education while at the bluffmaster’s brainchild pkpolitics.com they prepared the booby trap of pirated current affair talk shows. 

zia-ul-haqAhsan Iqbal doesn’t utter even a single word against mother of all evils Gen Zia-ul-Haq and that is perhaps because of his mother, Jamat-i-Islami Pakistan’s stalwart, Appa Nisar Fatima’s close association with the late dictator.

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