Sunday, July 5, 2009

Criminals are not afraid of law enforcement authorities in Sindh...

What are these guys doing? Providing Law and Order I guess...
With such an impressive number of police officers one would imagine that people in their areas enjoy excellent law and order. One would expect that no body is looted on the way by persons on mobikes or even cars as it happens in Karachi, no mobiles or valuables are snatched and no body comes knocking on the door with weapons nor any body dare kidnap any one for ransom.

One expects the criminals to be scared to death of law and its enforcement. When one is afraid of the consequences one is afraid to do a crime. When no one is scared all hell breaks loose and that is what has happened in Sindh. So what are these guys doing here?

The way they enjoy life for supposedly providing security to the people is enviable. You see police officers going about in luxury Land Cruisers enjoying all the perks that a Government job provides. But are they doing any thing? Are they earning it? Do they deserve it? They can have all that if they are delivering. If not that guy sitting in the middle in this picture, chairing the meeting, must pull them up as a good commander or chief executive.

Their job is to provide law and order of the best kind. They are getting paid for it. Are they providing even the lowest level of security to the man on the street or at home, one wonders. My experience is entirely different in Karachi for instance. I have yet to find a person male or female in Karachi who does not have a story of woe, of theft, dacoity, hold up at gunpoint, being looted on the way, going to mosque or returning from it, going for a walk in the park or just doing any thing any where, going for shopping etc. etc. He or she is at huge risk. In front of a gun anybody is helpless.

No body is safe any where. Who is next no one knows. You just keep praying for safe return home. And any time you could have a knock at the door of men with guns. All the time you hear or read so and so has been kidnapped for ransom and what terrible consequences have befallen them? If you are a resident of Karachi or Sindh you will testify to every single word you are reading here. Is this what these gentlemen in uniform are being paid for? Yes Sir that is what they are giving to the people of Karachi and Sindh whose taxes are paying for their luxuries.

Even a lay man can think what all can be done. Rest later, time permitting.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

First seal the borders so that Taliban don't enter Pakistan...

US strike in Aghanistan may cause more problems in Pakistan...
US is trying in Afghanistan since 2001. The results are not at all satisfactory. Russia lost and UK never succeeded in ruling them.

Now hopefully they are going with a winning strategy. Whatever you do make sure you do not let Taliban get into Pakistan where already there is a huge problem. Army personnel are dying and more and more IDPs are created. Taliban in Pakistan are not getting caught and we don't know if how many are dying.

Their strategy has always been when in trouble just disperse and disappear just to re-group and take on the army another day. What ever you do please do a good job if you can, otherwise simply leave and do development. Right now they have nothing to loose. Once developed they will know what they will loose if they go back to their old ways.

First secure the borders before you go full blast in Afghanistan.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Lobbying... Pakistan always got bad press Internationally...

The diplomats never did their job, just enjoyed postings and perks...

What a shame really. All Pakistan has gotten so far is bad press world wide. It is always in the news for all the wrong reasons. Except for a little while in the mid sixties, Pakistan has been shown in negative light whether it is drugs, terrorism or nuclear affair. I used to think Pakistan never lobbied. But now it seems it has spent a fotune on lobbying. But it seems it has put the money for the wrong reasons and at wrong places or in officals pockets.

Whether it is Europe, America or Middle East Pakistan is reported negatively. Do the Pakistan officials not know what they want and what to expect of PR companies lobbying. I was most surprised to note even the so called Press Attaches who have all the perks in the world just do not know what to do. One such character was Charag A. posted in Jeddah as a Press Attache who had said he had no work. While The Indian Consulate in the same city had 7 press attaches and all were too busy.

The result - positive reporting was done for India with excellent damage control and negative reporting was done for Pakistan with no idea of damage control or country promotion. When people at helm are as what they are, what else can you expect? Now they are spending State Funds that is people's money on projecting a positive image of The President Asif Ali Zardari not Pakistan.

The dimplomats posted all over the world just do not do the job they are supposed to do. They just enjoy their perks. One must most certainly consider the reports published in The News and reported in Geo on the lobbying scam. Link: http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=22972

And we blame others for our ills. All conspiracy theories propounders must think and set their own house in order.

Friday, June 26, 2009

The legend passes away...

You have made millions smile... may Allah have mercy on you...
No words to express grief for his untimely and early death. He was a legend in his lifetime. What energy my God. He is one of his kind in this world. Another Michael Jackson is highly unlikely. It saddens me when people talk of his problems instead of focusing on his achievements. Long live the king of Pop in the hearts of millions round the world. Amen.
Concerts in Michael Jackson's memory... Don't cancel them!
They must not cancel these 50 concerts but let it go on with imitators and who knows one will give us a near enough alternative. From the ashes will rise the Phoenix. From the proceeds his debts must be paid off and a huge monument built in London, L.A., New York and Washington and other cities where it is possible. Please do not cancel the concerts already sold in his name.
The show must go on in his name and memory. That will be a fitting tribute to this great guy Michael J. Jackson.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Pakistan T20 Champion 2009

Wow! What a win despite all odds... Congratulations!
Congratulations to the whole muslim world. A beautiful moment in otherwise so troubled times. It brought a smile on the face of the 3 million internally displaced persons too. May we have many such moments.

When Pakistan had lost to England so tamely people wouldnt believe that we could make it. But I had hopes because we could not go down any further. I said like in 1992 when we qualified because West Indies lost to Australia something like this was going to happen again. My hopes have been fulfilled and position vindicated.

All credit goes to A. Qader who resigned on principle. He is a great man. Let's not forget his greatness. He resigned for the good of the country. Now it seems he was preparing the team for the next decade. In this moment of glory lets not forget him.

Karachi is exploding with joy. You go to any Chowringi (cross roads) it is going gaga over the win whether it is The Bahadurabad Chouringi or Clifton Boat Basin or Nazimabad or Sorabgod all the places are going crazy. You can't buy ice cream any more, it is exhausted. You can't finds sweets any more they are finished.
Indian TV pays tribute to Pakistan Cricket. Must watch.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Cricket is evolving...

Dilshan's improvised stroke lofting the ball over his helmet and the wicket keeper's, for a four against West Indies.
See how T20 is changing cricket?
The beauty of T20 is all the sloggers have failed. While new risky strokes have been developed, those who are not making cricketing strokes are all failing. Great example of the already once legendry Afridi. He was just not connecting the other day. Even today while Jaisurya and Dilshan played brilliantly both fell to unorthodox strokes - the reverse sweep.

But T20 is having a wholesome or otherwise effect on The ODIs and Tests. In ODIs you are getting tall scores. Some of the daring of T20 is manifesting itself there. Tests are also being affected. You are seeing better scores, more lively batting and lesser draws. Now if that is good or bad I do not know.

The biggest benficiary seems to be India. Their bench strength has increased no ends. IPL is giving a lots of young boys in India to taste international cricket and rub shoulders with the greats of cricket like Gilchrist, Shane Warne and the like. Govt. ban on no more than 4 international players per team has worked for them.

Like it or not T20 has come to stay. The T20 that started in Karachi due to paucity of grounds caught up in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah, Riyadh, Yanbu and other towns have at least three leagues in excess of 150 teams. It is unfortunate there is no mechanism by which those boys can show off their talent internationally.

T20 is entertainment par excellence. I only hope it does not kill ultimate form of the game The Test. But if people like Tendulkar keep playing till they drop dead unlike Gilchrist, Lara and Hayden who left at peak, the chances are test will face challenging times.

Israr Sahab aap bhi?... Nahi Nahi...

Israr Sahab people follow you, you can't afford to be irresponsible and speak without proofs...

I have heard you for years now. There are thousands who just take your word for granted. You are not an ordinary person but an acknowledged scholar and opinion leader. When you say anything, it acquires authority. Thus, you carry a huge responsibility on your shoulders.


The other day, I was listening to your talk on Indus TV. This time you surprised me no ends. If someone with lesser credentials said what you did, I wouldn't give it a thought. Because your views bear a stamp of authority, with utmost respect I must point out that you must refrain from saying anything that lacks credentials. In your interview, you offered all sorts of explanations why the Taliban adopted militancy.


The reality is that a crime does not change its definition, whatever shape, and form or circumstance it may manifest itself. How could you justify violence and murder? Do destruction and killing have anything to do with justice? The Talibans’ action led only to one conclusion that their purported call for “Nizam e Adl” (justice) was just a facade to establish their own hegemony. How could you justify blowing up schools that were built over a period of hundred years.


Now who is going to undo the damage? Who is going to rebuild? Sufi Mohammed, once interviewed on Waqt News -- the channel that gives much time and space to such people – said that his job was to blow up buildings and it was the government’s job to build them. Upon hearing it, one could only feel angry. In your Indus TV talk, Israr Sahib, you have somehow sided with such ignorant characters. I could not stop wondering, was it the same scholar that we have known for so long?


In these times of gloom, scholars like you are our last hope. Please don't disappoint us like that. The only thing against the military operation is that it was delayed by a full year and a half that gave enough time for the terrorists (you call them extremists, militants or Taliban to lessen to their crimes) to re-organise, re-group, re-arm and be as ruthless and deadly as possible. How else could you handle them if not with a military operation? Latoun kay bhooth batoun sey nahi man’tay. (Devils, who only understand force, will not listen to reasoning.)


Did you want another Lal Masjid like fiasco where armed thugs inside the Masjid/Madrassa complex were fighting the Pakistan Army? The Lal Masjid issue got out of hand because there was no timely and decisive action. The prolonged negotiations process only led to a sorry state of affairs. Any more delay in Swat would have only further emboldened the terrorists. The military operation may not be perfect particularly with respect to IDPs but what choice did we have? You must come out with guns blazing against lawlessness and terrorism and not give space to them at all. Israr Sahab, this is what the silent majority wants from you.


In conclusion of your interview, you aired some conspiracy theories. The reality is that those who use crutches cannot walk on their own legs. Similarly when one does not understand issues and fails to analyse any further, he or she attributes it to a conspiracy theory. The moment one alludes to a conspiracy theory, we must simply count him out because he has proved that he is unable to observe, think and analyse.


Sir, you said 9/11 was done by the Americans themselves and blamed on the Muslims. Do you have a proof for advancing such a claim? Two wrongs do not make a right. Now let us examine what you mean by “we” or “us”? Are you one with Osama Binladin? He does not even consider you as a Muslim. You are not in the reckoning at all. I wonder why we Muslims should find common cause with him. We are not part of him. He landed in Afghanistan after having been driven out of Saudi Arabia and then the Sudan. None of us knows what his arrangements were with the CIA when he fought the Soviets.


Here is someone who has no understanding of the issues. His only virtue is his wealth and arrogance compounded with his ignorance. He is not a state and he wants to solve problems. When all 52 Muslim countries put together cannot even design a screw, how this de-naturalised citizen of Saudi Arabia can to take on the sole superpower.


When quixotic ideas, such as Osama Binladin’s, are floated around, the results are as catastrophic as they have been. We lost Afghanistan and then Iraq. We solved none of our problems. On the contrary, we compounded them. Neither the Palestine, and nor the Kashmir issues were solved. These two problems are at the core of Muslim problems. His actions have hurt both causes. Can you deny it?


Who created Israel? Was it the Jews? Yes, partly. But who played the critical role in weakening the Muslim ummah? There is no denying that it was the Arabs themselves. During the Khilafat, the British offered Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey, the choicest areas of its empire for one little concession which was to let Jews settle in Palestine. The Sultan said "over my dead body". Similarly, the Sultan was unmoved when Rothschild offered him all the wealth in the world. Then the Jews and British set about dismantling the Sultanat e Osmania. They said "we will have you dead".


They sent T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia fame) to conspire and oust the Turks with the help of the Arab chieftains on the west and propped up Abdul Aziz from East to conquer the Arabian Peninsula. In the process, the British mandate helped Jews to settle in Palestine. It is also a fact that due to lack of education and sophistication, some Palestinians sold land to Jews; and even agreed to move to America but were actually dumped in South America (where their progeny still survive). Yes, some Palestinians were expelled by force. The Turks were defeated with the help of the local Arabs themselves, and as a result they got a cruel master - Israel.


So who made Israel? The Arabs. Had they not conspired against themselves - the Muslims, today the scene would have been entirely different. The Arab regimes were always stooges and tools in the hands of the West. Even today the scenario has not changed. Isn’t it Hosni Mubarak who is blocking essential supplies to Gaza? Isn’t King Abdullah of Jordan playing partner to Israel? Didn’t Saddam attack Iran to destroy the Islamic Revolution? So does it help Binladin to go and do what they did? The right thing for the Arabs is to first free themselves from the yolk of these corrupt Arab regimes, develop themselves truly and then take on their enemies, America or whatever.


Your suggestion that 9/11 was an insider job is highly erroneous. People are lead to believe what you say and in the end we as Pakistanis and young Pakistanis who to West for studies etc. have to pay a very high price. They are questioned at the airports made to sit for hours on end etc. etc. Thank God the neocons are not in the White House but see what our younger generation had to endure. This figment of imagination has our next generations no ends.


On few other occasions again you went grossly wrong . You have time again said 91,000 Muslim force never laid down arms in history and that it was a matter of great shame for the Muslim World History that we did it. India had bloated up the number for obvious reasons. You swallowed it hook line and sinker without going into details. You should have at least read A.A.K.Naiazi's Betrayal of East Pakistan where he has given full details of fighting forces and civilians.


They were no more than 34,000 and for that huge area the numbers were pathetic. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to malign the army for political scenario then, had also bought the Indian figure. You talk of Allah and the Rasool MPBH you cannot tell anything without being 100% sure factually. It does not matter what you think. There is always a huge gap between fact, fiction and POV (point of view).


Then you started this prophecy of Mehdi Akhir Uzzama. Every thing came to a naught. Asrar Saheb you are a serious scholar and must stick to your speciality? I know you are medical doctor but you took on religion. If it is religion, so be it. Stick to it. Why dabble into areas you are not too familiar with? Least of all you must not get into justifying terrorism one way or the other. Aiding and abetting is as much a crime. They have killed people by thousands, blown up schools and police stations and what not? Do not side with them.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In all these years, international affairs have changed immensely. You have many means now of fighting the enemy. But do we do that? Do we even know what the new tools are?


You are supposedly an educated man why do you side with the shortsighted terrorists? We do not expect this from you Sir.


Rest later, time permitting.


We shall presently discuss that threadbare. Soon Inshallah. I shall continue. Keep watching this. It will get very interesting. I promise.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Even a donkey could see we did not send the best team...


Shoaib Akhtar, Asif, Yousuf, Imran Nazir and the best are not playing... What result could you have?
I really pity the great batsman captain Younis Khan. He is heading a team that can never be rated as the best in Pakistan. He should have gone with the best team that Pakistan can have although his captaincy skills are also yet to be honed.

It is distressing to see the kind of selection committee and The Cricket Board we have. They could never manage the big players. They destroyed the world's best fast bowler. What business did  The PCB have of not giving the Central Contract to Shoaib Akhtar from where all the problem started. It is sad that no body talks of the root cause of the problems. If The Management is the best selection is on pure merit there is no way Pakistan will loose.

Our batting was pathetic and so was bowling. Fielding - the less we talk about is better. They could neither field nor throw the ball to the stumps. All the shots were hitting the fence and while we were batting all the shots were landing with the England fielders. That was the difference in field placements too.

Now let's hope Pakistan beat Nederlands with a wide enough margin of 50-60 runs to make it to the super eight. 
We can only pray and wish for miracles to happen.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Obama in Middle East...

He is probably the best US President that the Muslim World can have... Make the best of him!
But please do not think he is going to do exactly what you want and definitely not want the zealots or the religious parties may wish. Remember he is not elected on your votes. 

He will do what is best for America and cannot much change the policies to our total liking. But he shows so much of understanding and is one the best educated head of State we do think he will make a positive impact on the thinking in the Western and the Muslim World. He already commands great love, affection and respect, for what he stands for and is doing.

We must now show understanding and make the best of his presence. Particularly with respect to Pakistan he and the administration ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF314o-ZtQ0 )are showing great support and all the time trying to help with more and more money. The way our media has gone beserk at the behest of religious parties by calling the fight against terrorists as some body else's war is very misleading and may drive our friends away from us.

Yes the Bush days were very bad but then look at the support our terrorists have supported little edcuated militant people of AlQaeda. Pakistan had to come in the line of fire and suffered. Now very sensibly let's get out of that vicious circle.

Taliban kidnaps school kids...

Desperation knows no bounds... Makes them cowards!
Unable to face the onslaught of the Pakistan Army, Taliban are now kidnapping school children. They have kidnapped scores of school kids and half a dozen teachers and are holding them to ransom. This is yet another in the list of their heinous crimes. 

I think they must not be flushed out as Rehman Malik says but they must be captured, tried and hanged on trees till they die. At any cost they must not be allowed to escape. Any body showing any soft corner for terrorists and criminals by words or deeds are equally culpable and must be dealt with sternly as per law. 

No supportive voices must be aired on electronic media lest it send a wrong signal to people and terrorists alike. Criticising the operation must be declared illegal.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Justice demands that a rule or a law or a principle applied without discrimination...

Apply law equally...
When no body can drive a taxi or open a shop or buy land in NWFP, then why do they drive and buy all over Pakistan?
You open up, we open up. When the Punjab Govt. wants registeration and so does Sindh Government what is the problem? Why are these people resisting? In the first place there is no need to go to far off places from where they will find difficult to return if nothing for logistical reasons.

If they are going temporarily then they should go to nearby places from where they can go back easily. Not travel to 1,200 miles and unable to return just settle there thus taxing the resources in your host area. Water, electricity, roads and sewage couild be a great problem. Theer is no harm in registering. You won't resist if you are sincere. Accepted it is quite an inconvenience but it is far better than having no help when there are schemes of rehabilitation.

Guests are welcome but not for ever. They have contributed to the problem by not helping the government fight the terrorirsts. They did have a soft corner for them. Look where you are landed now.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Bad governance leads to such problems...

The problem was coming for an year why did they not plan it?
The way things were going for an year now,  it was quite expected that we had to act. And the way they were armed they were not going to go down tamely.  They had already terrorised the populations and subdued them by killings and murders and blowing up over 300 schools and police stations. Not to forecast events and take precautionary measures is the height of mismanagement and poor governance.

The State Government had to be dismissed for bad governance, Governor's rule promulgated, emergency declared and forces moved in quickly under cover of darkness and people secured well in advance. The mass movement was expected. Contingency plans demanded alternative residences to be created in advance. The way it was done smacks of apathy at the state of affairs in the affected areas. If we had a more imaginative administration there was no way this catastrophe would have taken place.

Instead of making contingency plans they were wasting their time in negotiating with the devil who was not at all representative of the people. Who do you make peace with? With shadows weilding sophisticated weapons defying all laws? Why was so much luxury afforded to the terrorists? On top of it the powerless Sufi Mohammed addresses people and declares every thing illegal, even our constitution. Precious time was lost which is the main cause of todays tragedy afflicting three million people.

Friday, May 22, 2009

PPP encashing tragedy...

Help people without politics...
Distribution of Benazir Cards is not the answer to their needs but a way of establishing a vote bank.
This is not the time to politicise a tragedy that is affecting thousands of people displaced due to the actions of the terrorists.

India gets it free...

Zardari's biggest blunder...
Pakistan should have negotiated directly with India not through US!
The president goes to US and teh first major news we get is "India gets Transit Rights". What the heck? If at all we should have given this concession to India from Islamabad. This via deal has repurcussions you cannot fathom at this moment of time.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Peshawar Jirga comes heavy against terrorism...

Thank you Peshawar!
It is a great day for Pakistan. Intellectuals in Peshawar held a jirga in which they give full support to the military operation against the terrorists. I do not want to give these terrorists any level of respect by calling them extermists or even militants. They are hard core terrorists. They have killed people, blown up schools, demolished police stations, blew children as suicide bombers, bombed mosques, wonder who is going to pay for all the loss and the eventual reconstruction?

At last we were hearing what we wanted to hear. They even went to the extent of advocating boycotting such persons naming Imran Khan and some others for supporting the terrorists by suggesting talks with them. We cannot talk to armed killers. They must lay down their arms, be tried, be duly punished by courts and then we will talk to them, not until then. It was so heartening the jirga gave no support to the terrorists and condemn them to the fullest. Bravo, well done.

There was some good news from Islamabad too when the Ulema Conference also condemned it in unequivocal terms. I am so glad the people like Jamath e Islami's Munawar Hasan and the like are side lined. If you are a law abiding people how could you support people who keep illegal weapons and fight the State, terrorise people and collect exorbitant taxes. Sorry we cannot show and sympathy or have soft corner for the terrorists.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Push hard and bring them to justice...

Don't buckle under pressure!
Terrorists must not raise their heads again and bring them to justice for blowing up 300 schools and killing and terrorising thousands...
Better late than never. The reaction to these terrorists must have been much earlier. They had gained such a strong foothold and people were terrorised. What is amazing is that their fuel was not stopped, their FM channels were not seized or even blocked. From where were they getting the money and weapons? This was the height of a weak government. Mr. Haider Khan Hoti must have resigned long ago. For a starter sack him.
Why do the religious parties support terrorists? They must be tried for aiding and abetting!
Isn't it nauseating when you hear guys like Munawar Hasan and other JI guys and Imran Khan opposing the action and supporting terrorists. Each time some action is taken they make a hue and cry. They have managed many times earlier to stop action and let the problem grow. Why do they do this? Why do they support such terrorists elements who are weilding the msot sophisticated weapons.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Why don't these Pakhtoons stay at home? An analysis.

60,00,000 Pakhthoons do not live at home but elsewhere, what is the problem?
When a few people move out, it is not such a big problem. When no less than 60,00,000 people do not live in their homes it is a cause of concern. One has to examine why is it so?

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Freedom of the Press in Pakistan...

Freedom of the Press!
Whether you like it or not, he is the guy who did it. I am no admirer of military men taking over power but lets be honest and call a spade a spade. No body gave this freedom of the press like he has. And it is a myth that any body tried or struggled for it. He gave it on a platter. This is one of his major achievements along with first time ever massive development in Baluchistan like the rest of the country.

And that very same media worked against him. The media did not show responsibility in handling their new found freedom. But still it is a scared media. Despite the freedom it is a scared media, scared of the landed class. That is the reason you do not see any campaign to rid the country of feudalism. They are scared of the armed people like the Taliban and somehow softens their crime. 
On this Press Freedom Day lets resolve to show more responsibility in journalism and daring too.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Terrorists are terrorists they are not extremists or militants...

Call the spade a spade...
Terrorists must be called Terrorists and not militants or extremists. They are dahshatgard and not Askariath Pasandor Inthiha Pasand.
Media must show responsibility. When the State of Pakistan is fighting the scourge of terrorism and our soldiers blood is flowing why is it our electronic media glorifying the terrorists and traitors by not calling them terrorists "dahshathgard". Calling the "Inthiha Pasand" or "Askariath Pasand" is in a way you are softening their image. 
Let our people know who they are. Any one fighting the State of Pakistan is a terrorist and a traitor, however dirty and long his robe may be and must be dealt with accordingly.

Develop FATA and NWFP to help Karachi from exploding and bursting at the seams...

Mr. Haider Khan Hoti who failed to govern in NWFP yeilded to the terrorists instead of defeating them and made a deal with the devil, he ought to have resigned but didn't. They must develop their own areas to help Karachi not becoming another Ilaqa Ghair.
Ilaqa Ghair - The ungoverned area
Mass movement of population within the country it stretches resources creating tensions... 
The City is bursting at the seams...
See how lawlessness creates problems for people...
When you ignore issues forever that affect people, the issues then confront you when you no longer can solve them. What is happening in Karachi now is the result of decades of ignoring the issues in FATA and NWFP. Government ignored law and order there for decades. It is called "Ilaqa Ghair"!. The result was there was no development in those areas with disastrous consequences for Karachi over a thousand miles away.
When resources are the same how do you cope with the influx of population...
There is joblessness in those ungoverned areas. What do the people do? They move out. Where do they go? Not to Islamabad or Lahore or Punjab nor to Quetta but straight to Karachi. Now if any city takes people at the rate of 10,000 to 100,000 (estimates vary) per day how can it cope with the resources? It is the same water, gas, electricity, sewage, road network, police and above all food. Water, electricity, roads, sewage, police is not increasing to cope with the influx of people from upcountry. The Federal Government and The Provincial Governments have lent a blind eye to this problem.
Infrasturcture does not increase with increase in population...
What happens when the infrastructure is remaining the same while population has exploded at an alarming rate? The city bursts at the seams. Medical facilities, schools and other infrastructure remain the same. What remains is canibalisation. There is a limit to the extent a city can take people. Something has to be done. Now.
Where is the extra electricity, water, sewage its...
Imagine how many police can you depute per 50,000 citizens for law and order say. How do you give law and order? How do you provide for extra water? Already it is tankers that are providing drinking water in Karachi. You already know about the acute electricity problem. How can we cope for the extra electricity when there is already a huge problem. What about the roads? They get clogged that does not bode well from our economy.
Karachi is free for all they say while Punjab is for Punjabis and Sindhi for Sindhis, Baluchistan for Baluchis and NWFP for Pakhtoons...
And if these people come armed to the teeth what will be the feeling of those people already living in that area. Obviously they resent it. I have heard many times that they are not allowed to settle down in Punjab or Baluchistan but when it comes to Karachi it seems it is free for all. I was shocked to hear on TV yesterday that in Punjab there is no problem as all are Punjabis and similarly in Baluchistan and interior Sindh and the same person goes on to say that Karachi is different. It belongs to every one. Now that was very interesting because nobody does anything for Karachi. There was a complete draught of development untill recently.
Islamabad must stop un-necessary movement of population within Pakistan...
When outsiders settle down in any place in such large numbers they create tensions. Talibanisation or no Talibanisation the outsiders who have stormed into Karachi have created problems. Most dangerous is that they are all armed. How can citizens of any area take it when they are swarmed by people not exactly friendly and armed. I think Islamabad must ensure that people do not just swarm into Karachi to save our most important city in the Country unless you want to create one more Ilaqa Ghair. They will bring the same ideas and with arms.
Develop FATA and NWFP so that they go back home...
We are all Pakistanis and want to and must and do live with love and affection with our co-citizens. There are issues but the problems are not unsurmountable. The solution lies in having development plans for FATA, NWFP and all those places from where people are storming into other areas particularly Karachi. Give them industries and employment. For that law and order is the corner stone othewise who will invest? Start with excellent law and order.
Fight the ideology that has made matters so bad...
For law and order it is an ideology that has to be fought. That is the ideology of The Taliban which is again derived from The Wahabi doctrine of Najd. Fight the deology so that it does not muddle minds of our young minds. I see people shirk from recognising this issue and keep beating about the bush.
Government must act when there is mass movement of population from any area... lest it create econmic and social problems...
While Pakistan is for all citizens, it can create economic and social problems when there is mass movement from one area to another. Governements must immediately take notice and recognise why people are moving. The best example is when Taliban enter an area people start moving out as it happened in Swat and Buner. They moved because there was a problem. The moment Taliban move in, people move out. Government must immediately remove the cause of movement whatever it is. If the Government does not act in time it creates problems for future generations.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Show no mercy to the gun toting terrorists...

President Sir this is your moment of truth, Show courage and firmness...
Whenever Pakistan Army takes action, the religious parties headed by guys like Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Munawar Hussain, Liaquat Baloch or Imran Khan and so many anchors on Pakistan TV channels and writers in Urdu Press start a chorus to stop action and give time and space to the terrorists who are fighting the State, to run away, hide, re-arm and re-group to yet again terrorise the people when the army is gone. 
They will tell you to sleep with the devil for the sake of peace...
They even suggest talks and advise us to sleep with the devil and that too for the sake of peace at gun point. This has happened at least twice before. The Government this time must have the political will to finish the job. Annihilate them so that the ugly head of terrorism does not rise again. Do not stop and show no mercy to the murderers.
Do not buckle under pressure... and half hearted effort never works... go full blast!
They will put media and political pressure on you. For God's sake do not buckle this time. If you do, The Army will never again have the upper hand and will never trust you nor forgive you. The soldiers will loose all confidence in the political leadership. They will be frustrated when they will not have the opportunity to take a campaign to the logical end and declare victory. Remember Sir, you can talk to people who understand and who are legal representatives of the people. Not these gun toting terrorists masquerading as religious crowd.
You cannot talk to the ignorants carrying weapons...
You cannot talk to a shadow and certainly not to those who do not understand reasoning and logic. You cannot talk to people who do not accept the constitution and are proud of their ignorance and arrogance. You cannot talk to people with a one track mind. Mindless of their ignorance they think they know all. You cannot talk to people who have no respect for others views. You cannot talk to people who have blood on their hands. You cannot talk to people who are carrying weapons.
Show no mercy if you really want rule of law and hence peace...
See the terrorists who are masquerading as the defenders of the faith threaten The State: http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/11-pakistan-begins-military-offensive-against-taliban--07  Now how and why should they ever be shown mercy? Each one of them must be hunted down and brought to justice for murdering thousands of people, blowing up 300 schools and infrastructure and fighting the State. Tell me which State allows armed rebellion and terrorising of its citizens?The government should not listen to the terrorists supporting media and the so called religious people.
Do not allow media to air and reflect views of terrorists...
Any media using the freedom given to them by Pervez Musharraf, air views of the gun toting terrorists who are hell bent on destroying the peaceful and cultural fabric of Pakistan must be closed from publishing or broadcasting. All such anchors and guest should go behind bars if they air or reflect views of terrorists there by aiding and abetting them. You can easily pin them down as pro and anti terrorists journalists, if they are journalists at all. I shall soon be giving an article on it Inshallah.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

He says he welcomes Osama Bin Laden...

There is nothing Islamic about it!
He is Muslim Khan the spokesman of Sufi Mohammed the outlawed head of TNSM who the State Government made a deal with. Deal with the terrorists! Isn't it unique? So next time you want anything from The Government of The Nuclear Pakistan just blow up 300 schools, a few hundred houses, roads, bridges, brutally and publicly kill thousands of people, hold the media in awe and fear and you get what you want. 

Fear nothing. No army will ever fight you because they don't want to give up their perks and colonial luxuries and defence plots where they can make lavish homes and live happily ever after. Who wants to fight and risk death? All they need is money and that they are getting. Is there anything Islamic about all this?  

The article will continue Inshallah. 

Friday, April 17, 2009

At last a little piece of good news...

Let's hope this money is spent on the country wisely and does not go into personal pockets!

This guy is dangerous...

He is at his old tricks again... 
He must be dealt without mercy lest he engulf the entire country into anarchy...
The guy has been released. One wonders how. He is someone who is responsible for so much of disaster in The Capital.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

You don't give in like this Mr. President... You are encouraging the terrorists by not punishing them but rewarding them...

The Parliament has rewarded those who fought The State...
It is a terrible precedent. You see there are always views on any subject for or against. Civilised way is to sit down and talk within legal norms. Educated people do it. Educated nations do it. But these guys forced you to do it by knife at your throat. Where is democracy? It is fear Sir, fear. It is terror. Terror all over. Do the people want it? No. Never. Their views were never taken. There was no referendum. This was injustice on the innocent and lovely people of Swat.

The legisators and government could not govern and caved in. There was not even a formal debate on it. So much on our quality of legilators and our democracy. You have shattered the last hope Mr. President. It is all gone. You have condoned the blowing up of 300 schools. Jamath e Islami's Mr. Liaquath Baloch says only 174 schools were blown up. As if that is not enough. No body is apprehended and punished for the destruction deaths and murder - cold blooded murder.

Now it is only a matter of time before the entire country will be engulfed with fire. They are hard core terrorists. We have seen the so called Sharia in Saudi Arabia. Does one want to follow them? Now the prayer timings will change daily and the shops will close down regardless of the inconvenience to any body. If somebody dies for petrol because the station is closed for prayers, so be it .  This is their brand of Islam. We Pakistanis are more advanced and a civilised nation not like some bedouin in the deserts of Najd.

They will never un-arm themselves. Just not showing weapons in open is not un-arming. Sorry, me a law abiding person who believes and lives by rule of law will not take it Sir. I want Sharia as evolved over 1,400 years not the raw Najadi doctrine as is being trying to be imposed. This is all the handiwork of the hollow and the shallow who have no understanding of Islam. As the saying goes. Aqal badi ya bhains? They say obviously Bhains (Brain is bigger or buffalo, buffalo of course).

If it was through a democratic process I would have taken it. But not like this. Who are these partially literate people to dictate to The State and people of Pakistan? Was there a referendum? No. Every one is scared, nothing else. See the girl who was flogged in public, had not the courage to own it. The family knows the consequences. Every single person is terrified. On top of it the guys the so called religious people are supporting it for "peace". 

You were not supposed to sue for peace but defeat them Sir. They should have been forced to lay down their arms, had the luxury of a fair trial and sentenced as per law for killings and blowing up of schools and the people's infrastructure. Who is going to rebuild it? Who is going to pay for it. We, so that they blow it up again.

This is the worst thing that has happened in 60 years. Pakistan is already the only Muslim country to have Sharia as the source of law. Now why do we need to be taught law by these people? Are they any example to be followed? No. They are killers. We want the Aswae Hasna of our beloved prophet PBH. Did he kill any one? Never. These hard core terrorists can't even come close to demand sharia which is already there. They do not understand Islam nor the local and world issues.

It is just another way of usurping power, give dictates and satify their "ana" personal desire and glory. I would blame the media for acquiescing under pressure and not standing up to them. Channels like Waqth News, guys like Hamid Mir and that Waheed Hussain (of Waqth News) and the entire JI crowd the like who promote terrorism by siding with them one way or the other. 

Not criticising the terrorist is like aiding and abetting them with silence. And all those who sided the gun weilding terrorists of Lal Masjid must be held accountable. Instead of demonising the likes of Lal Masjid armed residents they glorify them. They are doing the same now. Allah only save Pakistan now. Amen. Summa Amen.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Flogging of a girl in Swat by the terrorists...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT8b4yTwjJE
The world condemned it but not the supporters of terrorism...
Barbaric, horrifying, chilling and painful as it is the worst part is there are some who did not condemn it in the strongest possible terms. They say it is bad... But... What "but"? I say what the hell? Isn't some one in the world out there to stop this barbarism?

I would put part of the blame on some channels like Waqth News etc. who support terrorism. They would show on their channels always some justification of terrorsts. I never suspected this channel earlier but now I do. In hindsight I realise it is where I saw the interviews of Hameed Gul the only guy to to criticise Obama's package on Pakistan, Sufi Mohammed and Baithullah Mehsud etc. etc.

Monday, March 30, 2009

At least now will the heads roll?

Marriot, Sri Lanka team attack, Jamrood and now the Police Academy will someone take responsibilty please?
This is getting too much and no body is taking the responsibility. What only after we loose the nukes are we going to wake up? It is high time the authorities concerned must resign and take responsibility if they have the minimum sense of responsibility. Minimum. But it looks like the pachyderm phenomenon is in action.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

President Zardari and President Obama

Yesterday Obama had spoken, 
today Zardari... What a contrast?
The difference is obvious. I waited the whole day to listen to Zardari as no time was given when exactly he would speak. When he did the lights went out. So all the waiting was lost. Any ways I listened and discovered later.

When Obama spoke his was a landmark speech. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aJ23skfVO0 Well thougt out, well planned and offered something substantial to all the parties. He spoke of development both for Pakistan and Afghanistan and talked at length of his plans to counter terrorism that would help not only US but Pakistan and the whole world. Here was a Harvardian speaking. Every word structured articulated, nothing loose.

When Zardari spoke he offered removal of Governors Rule. It was to go any way. That is nothing but a sop. We were hoping he would make some major announcements. We had thought he would remove 58-2B which he calls 52-8B. He can always go back and say he never offered to remove 58-2B. LOL. Well he made a committee for that and to repeal the 17th amendement. When you want to shelve an issue you make a committee and hand over is an old adage in Management.

For $1.5 Billion he says $1.5 Million. Sir it is billion and not million.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7969450.stm Listen to it.

I wish Zardari had spoken of making some structural reforms. Instead he spoke for his own survival and some apple polishing of Nawaz Sharif after having discovered his power in Punjab. We need major reforms so that we tide over the problems of energy, industry and employment that would give a fillip to economy and remove poverty in the end. 

We wanted to hear from you that from today you have empowered the people of Pakistan by introducing land ceiling and freeing the rural suppressed people of Pakistan. You did not do that. We thought you would grant free land to major corporations of the world to come and  build factories there by giving jobs to our people and earning foreign exchange for us. We thought you would annonce a clamp down on all terrorist activities and utter lawlessness that prevails in the country. You did nothing President Saheb. Just blaming the past will do you nor us any good.

I wish you made a committee that would give you recommendations on how our people can usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. I will give you some ideas here.

Friday, March 27, 2009

What an offer! Pakistan can't have it better...

Healthy departure from Bush. Excellent. Hope it is fully implemented. The offer could have been better though...
We can't have it any better. What a departure from the stunted policy of the past. Obama took time but he did the right thing. He has fallen short on two things though. $1.5 billion is too little for a beleagured country like Pakistan and he has not come down heavily on extermism that is in fact fuelling the whole divisive and destructive movement.

In times like these can we have irresponsible media in Pakistan? A ryder must be added that people just wouldn't go on television and press and talk and write irresponsibly. They are muddling the thought process of the masses and even the half cooked intellectuals. They will never understand. For example the way Hameed Gul the ex-ISI Chief was commenting. He was not in sync with the days mood. 

If Obama does not insist Pakistan to eliminate even the remotest support to the extremists in words and deed, all that you gain on the ground could be lost in the hearts and minds. What could be better? You can't have a better US administration than this. Does Mr. Hameed Gul and the likes want Bush back? We don't. We have to make the best of it. Even if it is not like the McArthur offer for Japan, it is something to look forward to.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Drone attacks... electronic media is a powerful weapon that cannot be used irresponsibly!

The role of anchors and guests is very disturbing... they are not giving the true picture!
It is about time to put facts in front of the people. The anchors and the so called Tajziakars (analysts) are muddling the issue along with the ultra-militant religious parities who have a softcorner for terrorists. The Drone attacks must be seen in proper perspective and responsible people should not play to the gallery lest they harm Pakistan irrevocably.

It has been reported today that 7 people were killed in a drone attack (http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=21153). These people were not Pakistanis. They were all foreign nationals who were using Pakistani soil to attack the allied forces in Afghanistan. US and the West are not a dead nation. They feel a threat from a direction,  they take action unlike us, let any number be looted at gun point we do nothing. They are serious in their own interests. I think we should be serious in ours.

It is totally misleading even malicious to say the drone attacks are an attack on Pakistan. They are not. They are attacks on militants and terrorists. US is going after perceived threats on the basis of intelligence. Sometimes collateral damage takes place which hurts us surely. But they have never gone against Pakistan per se. The discussion on Capital Talk and the hint of taking on the US army Mr. Hamid Mir was alluding to is very dangerous. Very. It might over turn the applecart completely. 

Just because you have to discuss something, does not mean you say any thing to fill air time. This is irresponsible journalism and the new Information Minister also put up a poor show in defending the Government. He was on the back foot when he did not have to. He could have easily played on the front foot dispatching every loose deilivery to the ropes.

The government is at the moment going fine with respect to drone attacks. We are protesting all the time. Beyond that why should we do any thing so long as they are not attacking Pakistan? It is childish to argue otherwise. First of all we do not have the where with all to take on The Super Power whose aid is also fuelling our economy. We are not self sufficient in many areas. Ours is not an industrial economy. We can't afford too many things including the luxuries of our ministers and landlords and we cannot take on America.

It is time to see things in the larger global canvas. The world is not going to keep quite and Pakistan will never be at ease so long as the terrorists threat is present in any part of Pakistan. It has to be eliminated for our children's sake if we want to give them a safe Pakistan as the founder The great Quaed e Azam envisioned it. There is no need for us to get into problems created in the world by the follies of the last century by Arabs. By not addressing the issues in time we are at this stage now.

I think the government should come down heavily on any journalist using the mass media, promoting terrorism even obliquely. Siding with any body who fights the State with weapons must be considered a crime and put behind bars. I see a lot of people siding with the gun totting residents of Lal Masjid who fought a pitched battle with Pakistan army. Can you have a soft corner for them? No, regardless of imagined conspiracy theories.

Media in general but electronic in particular is a lethal weapon that cannot be used irresponsibly lest it do permanent damage to the public psyche. Most people do not know much so please do not fill their minds with misleading inforation whose results are invariably disastrous. 

I urge utmost responsibility in every word that is uttered n the electronic media. Character assasination must also stop that guests of the anchors indulge with impunity and without proofs. A point of view right or wrong cannot be projected as fact. A POV is only a POV (point of view).

I was listening to an interview in Waqt News, late night where in Moulvi Sufi was giving ideas which were not consistent with the Constitution of Pakistan. For instance he did not believe in democracy and so forth. Destruction he condones one way or the other and while advocating people to carry weapons, holds Government responsible for infrasturcural reconstruction and law and order. How can we govern oursleves?

By the way those who want to take on America are not able to shoot down slow low flying drones and yet claim to take on a super power. This is really absurd. All they end up is blowing up schools and bridges and force local people to tow their line and follow a divisive and militant brand of Islam imported from Najd. We in Pakistan follow a more tolerant version of Islam. That is the reason we are in the majority (about 65% in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh combined) in a sub-continent that was once 100% kufr (belivers in more than one God). 

Islam here spread never with the sword but with love, affection and appeal of The Onenesss of Allah (Wahdath) and The Character (seerath) of our beloved Prophet, peace be on him. We have to preach the benevolent and peace loving Islam not the militant one.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

March 23, It was never a selfish movement...

The struggle was for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent. It was an ideological war not for land and sons of the soil...

Victory of Aitezaz and Nawaz

Judge restored. Hope the judiciary would be restored too...

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Were Pakistanis sold for $ 5,000? No.

They say that the Government sold Pakistanis for $5,000 and say Musharraf has confessed in his book. Is it true? Examine. 
I find people coming on Channels even MNAs, MP'As saying that The Government of Pakistan has been selling Pakistanis for $5,000=00 each and that Musharraf has said so in his book - In the line of fire.
Most recently, the day before on Rana Mubashir Show the guys were talking without reading the book. They were Nusrath Mirza, Khurram Dastagir, Faisal Raza Abdi. One of them was a Tajziakar (analyst), so called. They simply uttered the oft repeated slogan that Pakistan sold people for $5,000 and that Musharraf had written in his book. 

Where has he written and what has he written? Did they ever read the book? I guess not. Or probably their understanding of English is extremely poor. Or is it their wishful thinking or prejudice? Even if you hate someone you should not tell such lies. Who will trust the media?

I am attaching a picture of the page number 237 from the chapter "Manhunt" in his book. I read the book again after 2006. I did not find a single statement that they were selling Pakistanis. Yes some hard core terrorists mostly AlQaeda foreigners were hunted down and handed over to save Pakistan from utter devastation. 

I wonder what different decisions any other leadership would have made with
NeoCons in that mood soon after 9/11? What had happened in Shareef's time? Were people not handed over when 9/11 had not even happened. I forget names Kansi or somethig who were handed over by Shareef.

I am no admirer of undemocratic forces but my sense of justice and fairplay demands that we call a spade a spade, set the record straight and not make unsubstantiated allegations just for cheap publicity.

Will the President climb down or have a showdown?

Contradictory Leaks- won't help...
The news comes out that he wants to mediate and come to a settlement. Then a contradiction is released saying he wants to have a political showdown. Earlier the whole night the nation waited as the news on Channels was that The President having made a dash back from Tehran is conferring with The Prime Minister. Nothing comes of it. Now again there is talk of reconciliation. The flip flop continues.

There is news that Ms Shery Rahman has resigned on the stiffling of the media. There is no confirmation or denial. News papers have front page headlines of her resignation but contrary information appears on TV. What are we to make of it? Stop all this Mr. President, it is going to hurt you more and more.

On the ground we see all sorts of roadblocks created across the country,  so that people and lawyers do not end up in Islamabad. President Sir don't forget the Newton's Laws. The more you press the more it hits back. So please for God's sake do not be stubborn. You have gotten away in financial matters, thanks ot NRO,  now don't loose your shirt in politics. You promised something to Nawaz. Now give him what he wants, only what you agreed in writing and be done with it.

The entire nation thinks you are reneging on a done deal, including your PPP guys who are embarrassed. Yes you did not get the mandate to re-instate Iftiqar Choudhry but Sir you made a deal and a promise with somebody. So please honor it before things get worse. Do it man. Rise up to the occasion. Do not listen to your cronies. Listen to the wise people like us!

You cannot address the pressing issues of the country with this Chief Justice issue hanging on your head like a sword. You have to solve the Swat insurgency, Kashmir, Economy, Energy and so many such problems. Be brave. 

Reinstate Choudhry as CJ and remove the Jiyala judges you have appointed without due process. You will never get justice by having unjust judges.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Is it an extension of the Najd Doctrine...

Fight Terrorism at the ideological level...
The kidnappings, killings and destruction, there seems to be no end in sight. Despite an agreement there seems to be no respite. How long will this go on? God only knows. May be we are waiting for the Messiah. The people can do nothing nor can the Government nor the mighty Pakistan army. The super power can do even less. We seem to be at a loss to understand the real problem.

The destruction of Rehman Baba's shrine underscores a few points. It is time we examined it and determined what is the driving force behind all this ignorance, intolerance, violence and lawlessness. I just don't know where to begin. But let me try.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Marriot, Mumbai and now Lahore... when will the heads roll?

An opportunity missed to correct the image of Pakistan...
Such a big event. The second test with tall scores. Lovely. It was an opportunity to prove to the world that we are not we are projected as but a well governed self respecting nation. Successful Test in Karachi almost proved that. Commentators were already talking about how wrong were Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, England, West Indies and all in not visiting Pakistan. 

And look how we blew it up? What a big tragedy for Cricket. Just luckily and due to the presence of mind of the driver and policmen who died, the The Sri Lankan Cricket team was saved. The more we thank and salute these martyrs the less it is. The suspects are our enemies that include our neighbouring countries and the professional terrorists who are blowing up schools and every thing.

What is most disturbing is the attitude of the Islamists who sit on TV and speculate or write in Urdu press adnauseum of the possible conspiracy theories quite oblivious of our own short comings and the huge security lapse it has been. Instead of constantly guessing they should pressure the people responsible to resign. Never a head rolls. Marriot - not a head rolled, Bombay - not a head rolled and now this. No head rolled.

Responsible journalism should have pressed for the concerened Ministers and top police officials and even the Prime Minister and the President to resign taking the moral responsibility.  Our media does not do that while our Islmasits seem to have a soft corner for the terrorists. They ask leading questions in some way favouring the terrorists always. They will never give a definitive answer but will keep asking moot questions typical examples being 9/11 and Lal Masjid events and now Lahore.

This is mind boggling. Why do they somehow want to exonerate them? Just because they have beards or what? There should be a strict law against portaraying the gun weilding and the deadly terrorists any thing other than thugs and criminals. My complaint is not with the illiterate on the street who are very good people but the so called educated who are ill informed, biased and full of conspiracy theories.

They never try to find facts but are ever ready to blame some one else. Now also they are talking of some one else doing this to them. It is rubbish. Like this we will never get to the root of the problem. I hope and pray we get to the root of the problem and exterminate the element of terrorism from our society completely. Amen. But that will only happen when the intelligentia will not in any way have a soft corner for them.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

If you live by the sword you die by the sword...

Revenge politics has got you nowhere Mian Saheb... Stop living in the past... understand the new ground realities and don't be fooled any more...
It is high time you realised Mian Saheb that Allah does not like revenge. He says all the time "forgive as I forgive you". My father had issued an Eid Card once and sent to every body saying - Make forgiveness your creed.

The only constant in this world is change. So times change things change. One should realise that. Grasp the new realities. You were so transfixed on what Musharraf did to you in October 1999 that you could not grow beyond it and comprehend the new realities and opportunities to take advantage. Instead of doing something good for the country which you are fully capable of, you were stuck on revenge with Musharraf.

The result was Mr. Zardari took full advantage of you. He literally fooled you as is the universal perception. He got every thing and you got nothing. And now he has got your government dismissed. That was the height. Even now Mian Saheb, millions love you, try to understand the situation. The president is way too smart for you. I strongly urge you to play real politics, not revenge politics if not it will hurt you and your party more and more.

First forget and forgive then see The Pakistan situation in new light. There is a lot you can do. A lot. You must have new agendas. This judiciary thing is fine. Judiciary must be free and without judicial activism but you must have other important issues too Mian Saheb. Like what? Read on this blog I have written earlier, something on economy and let me briefly repeat here.

You have public appeal so do things for the public. One thing you must do is release the people of Pakistan from the yolk of the landlords and sardars. One way to do is to bring land ceiling. You see land is limited and people unlimited. Let there be more ownership of land. More people should be owning land than few. That gives self employment opportunity to more people. More people become affluent than few. With their new found wealth they want things. Don't import. Make them locally and give them. You set in an industrial revolution.

I propose no more than 60 acres per person including no more than 15 acres of irrigated land if under a canal. Under a dam more people should have access to water than few after all it is the nations wealth that is being used to build a dam. So why should only a few benefit from a mega project? Maximum number of people must avail of the facility that will also ensure better productivity. Mian Saheb campaign for it. You will sweep the polls from Kashmir to Sindh.

Mian Saheb campaign for making the economy a manufacturing one unlike the trading one the banker Shaukat Aziz made it. Make policies such that people are encouraged to manufacture and market it nationally and internationally. Give free land outside towns with roads, electricity and water and some export incentives then see how the economy booms. We may have to bring labour from abroad like in Saudi Arabia (but without their terrible laws of course).

Campaign for conservation of foreign exchange and import substitution. Give a few years of this dose, Pakistan will be the most prosperous country in the world. Then don't be selfish help others in need. Muslims all over the world need our leadership. You can then provide it and help them in so many different ways.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Lets pray he goes past 400

Let's pray he goes past 400...
When he does that he would have atoned for the fieldset and bowling changes he made on day 1 and 2 that allowed The Srilankans to plunder runs and reach a formidable 644. Even disregarding the dropped catch of Misbah Ul Haq he should have ensured the opposition did not score so much however flat the pitch may be. The field set was bad as was the fielding. The bowling was less than mediocre. We missed Shoaib Akhtar dearly.

I hope he survives the first hour and Kamran Akmal gives him a stand till the end. We pray he does not get sentimental nor repeats the mistake of Imran Khan who had declared Javed Miandad at 289. My whole family is praying for Younus Khan to go past 400. May Allah grant our wish and prayers. Amen. Summa Ameen.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Give the devil his due...

The vexed 60 year Kashmir Issue was almost resolved with backdoor diplomacy - Washingtonpost.
Don't get me wrong. I am no admirer of any dictator or any landlords purportedly to be leaders of the people of Pakistan but let's give the devil his due which our sense of fairplay demands. Was it this desire to etch his name in history and do something for Pakistan that he somehow wanted to complete his tenure and accomplish something before he left? Probably yes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/21/AR2009022101714.html
It now transpires that he was close to a deal with India on Kashmir. I have posted the link above that will tell you all about it. Now this was no small achievement. It is terribly sad that a single mistake of Shaukat Aziz let this fellow down. This is a classic example of what happens when you are surrounded by not true leaders but cronies.

While he did a lot of good he was the victim of his own policies in so many areas, there is no denying that but one thing that hurt him most was the media that could not digest the newfound freedom granted by him. They started biting the master that freed him. So much of scorn was aimed at him so thoughtlessly that the thinkers in Pakistan were forced to think if it was not harming the national interests. Now it seems their fears were not unfounded.

The report says that there was going to be almost no border in Kashmir and Indian troops were going to be withdrawn. That was a huge success for the people of Kashmir. But then Musharraf's popularity spiralled down so much that India found it easy to wriggle out of it. One wonders how and when could we get to that point again.

It is fashionable to blame Musharraf for every thing but let's not ignore the good the guy did.
His intense backdoor diplomacy that we now know may have been the factor he wanted to cling to power as long as he could and get some results. Apart from picking on him for overthrowing an elected government you can't much attack him. He was engaging India positively, dealing with the a Neocon President in Washington - wonder if any other president could have done any different and the country was cruising ok.

While there was growing insurgency in NWFP due to the Taliban and AlQaeda factor, the country was doing well economically. I bet there was more prosperity somehow. Foreign exchange reserves were swelling, dollar was holding around Pk.Rs 60, energy was not so expensive, law and order not as bad as now, Pakistan was attracting investment too. Then comes this issue of Judical Reference against Iftiqar M. Choudhry and all hell breaks loose.

What people do not talk about which I want to do now is the way he brought back the politicians into the country. If he wanted he could have carried on somehow with Muslim League Q etc. But he brought back Benazir and in the end even brought home Nawaz Sharif. They owe their political existence to him. You may argue adinfinitum on the merits or demerits of NRO but the fact remains he ensured free and fair elections and handed over the power to the politicians.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Pakistan media responsible for the current state of affairs... tolerance to gun toting.

Irresponsible journalism has brought us to this state of affairs... Musa Khan's murder should open eyes.
My journalist fraternity may not like it but this is what it is. Sorry. When the anchors, journalists and guests ensconsed in the comfort of their studios say any thing they want to quite thoughtlessly and regardless of the effect it is having on masses, the results are obvious.

When The media was just lambasting whatever the State was doing and siding with terrorists quite unwittingly and unawares this is what happens. Starting with 9/11 the analysis in the media in Pakistan was all misleading and one way or the other condoning the accused without going into the facts but dwelling on imagination and conjecture. They would not answer a question but raise more questions only. For instance they would not tell you who did 9/11 but say "how could we do it, we didn't have the means". We? Who? Are you one with the accused?

The one you are defending does not even consider you a Muslim. We have been so much on the receiving end for so long that we now suffer from a feeling of victimisation and unable to understand the real issues indulge in conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theory is like taking crutches when one is lame. We stray so much from the real issues that we start defending the terrorists. And this trend transcends itself in our national issues too.

When it was Lal Masjid we did not totally condemn it but by asking irrelevant easy questions caste doubts in public mind and quite inadvertantly sided with the terrorists. The reporters, anchors, guests and writers did not ask what was the business of weapons and bombs in a Masjid and a Madrassah? All this adds up to public opinion for or against.

On top of it I heard from those who have a soft corner for the terrorists that the State Machinery put those weapons and publicised. And even if someone gave you as you say, why did you accept it? The sad part was media did not show responsibility and restraint. They kept on bombarding the State instead of telling the audience and build a concensus against illegal weapons and their stand. They never talked of the Government restraint for months but said they should have done this and that. The reporting was so one sided. Sad.

Army takes action, some collateral damage takes place, the media instead of highlighting the benefits of action are critical of action and in some way glorify the terrorists. Then they bring some of the so called religious parties guys who will for hours give their point of view critical of State actions without any restraint from the channel. People don't know and swallow the information as news not as a point of view of a person. The TV Channels serve as free propaganda media for terrorists.

A guy comes on TV and advocates adnauseum to bring in Sharia and every thing will be just fine. He is never moderated and the anchor does not tell him that Pakistan law is already based on Sharia and who are these bunch of guys to tell us what to do? We have a democratic constitution, let's take people's views and decide. Media never takes the lead in being positive.

Instead of demonising the terrorists they demonise the State and the army. This is what is causing the problem and I think the media is aiding and abetting the crime by silence on issues they should otherwise be beating a drum about.

Sustained such trend has lead people to believe that The State and army is always wrong and bad and these gun toting illiterates supposedly wanting Sharia are good. Media did not communicate forcefully that they are traitors to take up arms against the State. This should have been brought home with utmost emphasis.

Musa Khan Khel has paid a heavy price and so have other brave journalists. Even now the media is not strongly condemning the terrorists and I did not see guys like Qazi Hussain Ahmed coming forward and condemning the killer in no uncertain terms. This is the saddest possible day for Pakistan in general and Pakistan media in particular. Not a corner must be given to the terrorists whether they be Taliban, AlQaeda, the residents of Lal Masjid or any one toting a gun.

Weapons must be with the State and State alone, only then can we expect rule of law. And if people want to change things they should take the democratic educated route. If it comes to that let's have a referendum and go by public opinion. But for Allah's sake surrender your guns and bombs first.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Deal in Dir is a bad precedent and an encouragement of militants...

Will the deal work, they have not yet put down their arms... can there be hope? Usually they are not amenable to reasoning...
Wonder if it is the second poor decision in two days? The first being the performance of Mr. Rehman Malik with reference to Mumbai. It is a sad day that The Sovereign State of Pakistan has capitulated to the demands of people who have fought battles with The Army of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Will any country allow this? No way.

If they were fighting a constitutional war with the due process provided legally without arms, yes we could have considered. We cannot negotiate with these people who have killed people by the hordes, demolished our entire infra-structure and schools and institutions. They have destroyed the most beautiful area of Pakistan. Why should we listen to these people who want to force a way of life on others.

This insurgency should have been put down by force, the illegal fighters disarmed, put behind bars and duely punished for taking up arms against the State. And if Sharia as they describe is an issue then a referendum must be taken and decisions made according to the real wishes of the people not a few weapons weilding illiterate lot. We are sending a wrong signal encouraging others to take up arms.

The way we have dealt with these terrorists is neither constitutional nor democratic. This is fascism, forcing a point of view against the wishes of people. Do we want to make this The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with no freedom of any kind? It is time The Government and Army of Pakistan shows strength and does what is best for Pakistan.

Hope they are not just buying time as they have done five times earlier. One good thing is The President wants results. Hope he is serious. If they don't lay down arms such punishment should be given that no one ever again dare to challenge Pakistan State.
Don't capitulate in front of illegal arms.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Pakistan succumbs to US threats of aid withdrawal...

Pakistan missed an opportunity to highlight Kashmir issue and simply played into Indian hands!
India makes mistakes and yet remains stubborn for 6 decades. Pakistan despite having a UN resolution in its favour cannot bring relief to the divided people due to the incompetence of the Heads of States, Diplomats and Media. Now from the blue this Bombay incident takes place and what we do: succumb. We could not make a lemonade out of lemon. There was no need for Pakistan to succumb to Indian demands as they have done today.

Here some people died. It was sad and condemned in no uncertain terms. Some non-State persons may have done it. It is quite possible given the injustice meted out to millions of people by India and governance against the wishes of the people. While every effort may be made to bring the terrorists to justice the world community must be made to look seriously into the root causes of the problem and eliminate the cause of the disease.

We did not ask from India the details of other terrorists. We did not even call for the DNA, finger prints etc. of Kasab and others or if we have, India has not so far obliged. The way Pakistan is buckling under the US and Indian pressure is really mind boggling. Why do we not ask of the hundreds of Indian army invasions on its people where thousands have died, just because India does not allow journalists or Human Rights activists to go and report atrocities from Kashmir.

I would call it the failure of Pakistani media first not to highlight the issues. If it did, pressure would build on The Government of Pakistan to do something which otherwise is ever so lethargic. If media does not play a role in shaping the policies of the country who will? Who will reflect the aspirations of the common man? Enmity with India will lead us no where. But when India makes capital out of a tragedy I see no reason why let go India free.

Just a few days back some RAW agents were apprehended but we made no issue out of it. We could have easily made a drama out of it. We did nothing. Our media is so weak that people do remember the name of Kashmir Singh the Indian spy who we released but no one remembers the names of dead bodies of persons who had gone to see a cricket match to India. Give our media to lambaste our own leaders who they do not fear, they make a great case out of it. They even get the guy ousted. Why don't they show the same commitment to our enemies?

Yes bringing the culprit to book and justice is fine but just don't be swayed by India. India has to account for death of hundreds of thousands of people in India. How many Muslims they have killed that has gone un-noticed and un-reported. She has killed people by thousands in Kashmir by The State sponsored Terrorism by a strong army of 700,000. Why isn't this army in UP or Bihar? They have a problem there, hence the forces. We must force a solution otherwise India won't do it.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Zero Tolerence for Lawlessness and Corruption

Zero tolerance for Lawlessness and Corruption and 100% tolerance for Religious Differences. That is what we need while reverse is true sadly. Can we as a nation strive for this please?

Friday, February 6, 2009

Is he The Messiah we have been waiting for... the next hero! Can he deliver?

Great day for Pakistan! He has finally spoken of Character... Hope he is serious!
It was heartening although very surprising. The Prime Minister has finally spoken of character today. He said something the whole nation has been waiting since the new guys took up office to run the country. He spoke of people having character. He said public memory is not short as generally promoted but people do remember if there is a scandal or if a reputation is tainted.

If Mr. Geelani sets the pace of character in public office he will be a hero for Pakistan we have all been waiting for since the Qaed e Azam - the first and the last hero of Pakistan. Mr. Geelani would be only the second hero. The nation does not give hero status to Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Z.A.Bhutto, Zia Ul Haque, Benazir, Nawaz Sharif, Musharraf and Asif Zardari. The military men are discounted for being dictators and the politicians for their mismanagement and corruption allegations.

Will Mr. Geelani campaign for zero tolerance for corruption and lawlessness and 100% tolerance for religious differences? Unfortunately presently the reverse is true. There is 100% tolerance to corruption and lawlessness and zero tolerance to religious differences. Efficiency like inefficiency percolates from the top similarly if there is no corruption at the top you can hope to have lesser and lesser corruption at lower levels.

Now that The Prime Minister is setting the pace can we hope that our children will usher in an era where there is fairplay with justice, zero lawlessness and zero corruption. Can we expect that there will be no favouritism and people get opportunities based on merit. Can we hope that our natural resources are shared by most citizen not just a few, that there is more equitable distribution of national wealth. Will he say bye bye to regionalism, nepotism and favouritism?

Once this happens see how Pakistan develops. It will be the choicest destination of every one in the world. People will invest massively, industries will flourish and tourism will bring in foreign exchange which we can use not for importing consumer goods but technology that will make consumer goods, export and provide more and more employment all over Pakistan. I hope somehow my message reaches the Prime Minister and he is steadfast in what he said. Amen.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Such approach to Kashmir is not effective...

If Kashmir is not at the center stage of world media, don't expect any solution... Kashmiris will continue to suffer...
If you want to continue to celebrate The Kashmir Day like this for centuries, then continue with what you are doing. But if you want to solve this problem and give relief to the Kashmiris under occupation then you have to do something else and a lot, lot more.

Today is the Kashmir Day. Is it news on a single international daily or news channel news sites? I have checked out. There is no mention of Kashmir in the entire world media. There is no lead story nor articles in any media. Sri Lankan Tigers, Karzai etc. have hogged the news today but not Kashmir. If any thing today Kashmir should have been the lead front page atleast three colomn story in the leading papers in the world. All news channels should have reported it. But none did. So much for your efforts.

Yes in Pakistani Channels I did see some good documentaries disregarding the pathetic comments of guys like Talat Masood and Munawar Hussain, Jamath e Islami spokesmen on Express News Channel. This does not help. We ought to have ensured that Kashmir dominated the world media today. It did not. I wish The Express Documentary is made in English and shown in the major world media sans Munawar Hussain and Tala Husain portion useless comments.

Today we ought to have reminded the world what great injustice has been going on for 60 years and how people have been suffering the attrocities of the occupiers. That is the important thing to do. We do not do what we should and love to blame the enemy. Please get over the seige mentality and don't blame the enemy when he is out to get you.

See what you are not doing. Do that. Just do not dwell in conspiracy theories that lead you to wrong thinking, analysis and hence wrong decisions for action.

We have a UN resolution in our favour but it is the failure of our diplomacy and successive governments that they have not been able to make India budge and let the Kashmiris have a life of their choice. When you fail, you analyse. So let's do it.

Where did we go wrong? Let me be brief. First we did not take advantage of the UN resolution in time. Our diplomacy failed. Our diplomats in the country and abroad just enjoyed their perks but never did the job they were supposed to. We did not build public opinion worldwide and force India in a corner. We never made the right noise in the media particularly after 1965.

The heads of State most of the time kept quite and never made the right moves, demands and announcements. They could not coin a single slogan that would get on the lips of the world leaders and media like India managed with their slogan "Cross Border Terrorism" when it was not even a border. Their slogan was repeated by our media and leaders too.

We could not even turn back and tell the world of their State Sponsored and Executed Terrorism. So much so that the terrible attrocities committed by a huge brutal army is not even duly reported in the world media. We did not do our home work and never did the important things. We did not bring to the world attention to the facts on the ground. We took it easy. The entire Muslim world took it easy. On top of it was branded as terrorism.

The problem is we never responded, never in time and never forcefully with all our diplomatic and media might. We never played the Muslim card. We never made a strong case for the world community. When our presidents and Prime Ministers meet other heads of states the first important thing they talk about must be Kashmir. They never do.

The embassies and consulates must be made to do their job and they should ensure that media in respective countries gave reports of attrocities in occupied areas. Just see how Indian media made a huge drama out of the Mumbai incident and hogged positive news for itself and negative for us. Our media has a lot to learn from it.

Now the media has grown a million fold. The task has become more difficult and more complex. Yet we have to make use of it. But how? Is the case lost? While the task is difficult, I think something can be done. What?

People of Kashmir have made huge sacrifices but they should not be expected to do so for ever. It is time now to take different actions and for all Muslim countries in the world to play a role. It seems sad when I see the actions of Jamath e Islami and guys like Talat Masood etc. who would dwell on conspiracy theories. For a starter they shoukd go t the Middle East and campaign for an economic blockade of India. This is just one action but will bring results.

The Pakistan media should play an important role and force Pakistan Govenement to act. If you build up pressure then only the Government would act. not otherwise considering the laid back and not a pro-active approach they have. Then rope in all the news agencies like Reuters and AFP etc. so that every single newspaper, magazine, site and news channel runs story on Kashmir. That is how it will get on center stage.

The world would be informed and aroused and then possibly the world would act. Not otherwise. And remember when India is a corner it will offer to negotiate and defuse a situation. I hope we don't fall for it.

It is high time we solve the problem rather than just celebrating a Kashmir day and wasting children's time of study. Instead of a holiday we should be working an extra hour on that day and register a protest by informing the world with that extra money donated.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

You cannot negotiate with terrorists Sir, they must be stopped,

Who will you negotiate with Mr. Geelani?
I was amazed listening to The Prime Minister that he wants to have a dialogue with the destructive terrorists in Swat.

Mr. Prime Minister who are you going to negotiate with? Sir according to any law in the world including Sharia "any body, absolutely any body, other than the State, totting a gun or any weapon is a terrorist".

Are you going to negotiate with people who have taken up arms against the State and are fighting State forces. For the world they are not only terrorists but traitors. They are defying the State, the Law, the Constitution and every thing while making the life miserable for residents of the country.

Who finances them who supports them? Surely some body. Find out. Expose them. Let the world know who is behind them? If you do not do this then you are just falling a prey to the nefarious designs of the enemies.

They are destroying every thing, schools, colleges, hospitals, roads, bridges, buildings, you name it. Every thing is destroyed. What Sharaia are they talking about? They have destroyed the very fabric of society. Is this Islam? Is this Sharia? No. Never. This is personal gratification by force.

I appeal to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to act decisively and forcefully. You cannot talk to them until they lay down their arms. Inflow of weapons must be tightly plugged. They should be bombed into submission. No liniency should be shown to them at all. None. The law should take its course and the perpetrators brought to justice.

You negotiate with an elected body or some authority, not with a shadow. Who are these people to tell the State to do this and that. Who is not following Sharia? We are, according to our interpretation. Who are they to force us? There is no compulsion in religion. First let us do justice and hang the killers that they are.

How do they get arms and how do they get explosives? Is the police ineffective? Is the army ineffective? Are the borders porous? If so that is an utter shame. If you cannot stop them you have lost the right to govern the country. Don't even mention you want to talk to them. You must fight them tooth and nail and defeat them.
Don't talk just defeat them.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Sharia - what is it and how can it be implemented...

Is this Sharia?
We read and hear schools being demolished, buildings and people blown up, barber shops ransacked etc. etc. the list is endless. Is this any way of implementing The Sharia?

Does Sharia condone violence? Can they do this say in Saudi Arabia - a system they want to emulate? Is Saudi system Sharia? You ask the experts they have an emphatic 'no' as the answer.

Firstly there is no Kingship in Islam and secondly inhuman laws are not allowed and the Saudi system is full of it. You can fill hundreds of pages if you start enumerating the bad laws there. So just count out the Saudi model.

So is there a Sharia System you can emulate in modern times? I at least do not see a single system in our times that could closely resemble The Sharia Law System. You will be surprised to learn that the closest that comes is Pakistan. Islamists will argue. They may.

What does Islam say about who will govern? It says "The most 'Muthaquee' Pious God fearing" among you shall govern. Now who determines it? Show me one single person who can confirm to this creterion. A very difficult thing in these times. Considering the difficulty in the choice we adopted the democratic system with a constitution.

It is the only country in which Sharia is the source of all laws. Besides what are those laws that are in contradiction with Islam? Is there a study? If so where is it? There are so many contentious issues. The Saudi system is ruled out. Till now they were promoting Salafism that rejects the four jurisprudence systems (Fiqh) followed and evolved over 1,400 years by The Muslim World. After a few decades it has failed totally.

Only now they are moving away, on the directives of King Abdullah and recognise not four but six Fiqhs namely Hanafi, Shafei, Maliki, Hanbali, Jafaria (Shia) and Zaidi (Yemeni Shia). What is the other Sharia are they talking aobut? Sharia is already there. So far Fiqh is concerned this is no problem, we have the width, latitude and tolerance to accept all the fiqhs. And it is in vogue.

But what do we do for the laws in general? If there are some contradictions then let there be a body to study it and its recommendations implemented. Personal Law is no problem you adjudicate as per an agreed Fiqh. Are we not following it? We are. So we are following the Sharia any ways. Inheritance, we are following The Sharia. Where are we not following Sharia? May be traffic rules?

Even if we are not, does it justify violence? Does it justify killing? Does it justify force? All this seems very wild. Is our Islam based on an orderly system and reasoning or anarchy and fascism? Is it a civilised affair or a wild affair? The fact is Islam gave the world values and civilisation. How come we are being now perceived as unthinking terrorists and barbarians.

It is a huge dis-service these people are doing by depicting Islam as the fountainhead of terrorism while reverse is the case with Islam and The Muslim history. Contrary to the Western propaganda Islam never spread with sword unlike Christianity.

It spread with the appeal of The Onenesss of God (Wahdath) and life, character, personality and practices (Seerath) of the great prophet.

The propagators never used bad language leave alone force or violence. When they have not done this with non-Muslims who are we to force Muslims to do this and that. I for one would hate it if something is thrust on me by force.

The issue of Sharia is a binding force not a divisive.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Politicians and Media forget people's issues

There is more than just the issue of uniform and politics in Pakistan...
Why don't they talk about the problems we face daily?

Problems are really many. It is the job of the media to have a nose for them and report, comment and build a public opinion for public good. All they have done so far is to choose just a couple of issues that help politicians get to power. They have simply targeted the incumbent aimlessly. They have spoken for democracy without addressing the issues of the obstacles to democracy.

It is hardly debatable that feudalism is the biggest impediment in the way of achieving viable democracy. At best it may be called feudocracy because one way or the other issues of the poor are never considered but of only of the rich.

They never similarly talked about the number of problems people face in all walks of life from morning to evening. They have no idea of what are the macro issues that need to be addressed nor the micro. Who will do this? It is the job of the media to point out and the job of the politicians to addresses the issues in right earnestness.

Ours is classic case of indifferent and irresponsible journalism. What freedom of the press you talk about? Media is free. When I can see Tammy Haq (last week of Nov 07) calling three lawyers to the forum and they keep blasting away to glory ad infinitum The President of a country who is in power, what more freedom do they want? Although this is misuse of the freedom given to them by the same guy who they are targeting.

The lady was so unprepared and so ill informed and so timid that she could not rebut or ask any relevant questions. She was just incapable of handling them. Just putting up an accent is not good enough as you see so many speaking English with twisted tongues in Dawn News. In what hands is our media? The entire exercise is on re-active journalism instead of pro-active.

Private institutions are wasting the children's ages... just to earn more.
She as a journalist did not raise a single people's issue. Now let's try to see what are the issues and take them one by one. One such issue is the age the private institutions waste of our kids so that they can collect fees for two more years. This is most irresponsible and shameful. I would very strongly urge the media - press and electronic to take up this issue and correct the problem. Hundreds of thousands of our kids will benefit and so will the country.

What can be done in 2.5 - 3 years why should it take four. Something that can be done in one year why should it be done in two. Just to collect extra fees? Children's those two years are far more important than the extra fees they collect.

You as a reader I want to you to comment on these articles for or against and bring up issues here and we will see that the media, politicians and the government solve the people's problems.
http://thinker-thinkingoutofthebox.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

End of an era! The Nation hopes that corruption does not make a come back with the politicians...

Musharraf makes history...
The guy did it. He did what he promised to the nation. Now all the demands of the opposition are fully met. Some are still not satisfied and they won't be, come what may or until they are asked to come and occupy the seat of power. Absurdity knows no bounds. It was history in the making. It is the first time a Military man has so smoothly given up power.

It is indeed remarkable to find a military man with so much of aplomb, vision and genius. You talk to other military men you will never find them so savvy, so well informed and may I say so brilliant. Our politicians were no match to him any way.

I saw his performance in Europe and America. It was par excellence. He did us proud. I have also seen the politicians on various occasions. One clearly sees the difference in class. He outclassed them in every department. The best part was he never played to the gallery. Except the fact that he was originally an army man, if you want to call it a blemish and came to power in unusual circumstances, again created by the politicians, you can't point a finger at him.

See how much good he has already done for the nation. From a bankrupt and failed state we now stand tall among the comity of nations with pride restored. Some problems do remain. Most important Kashmir and spread of Wahabism in the northern areas and hence terrorism. Hopefully the succeeding governments take the country forward and not backward

Can we hope that the politicians do not bring back corruption in high places they are so notorious for. Hopefully we no more have the Mr.10%s and then the Mr.100%s. Amen.
http://thinker-thinkingoutofthebox.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 26, 2007

Poor shot selection in batting and poor captaincy...

Simple follies cost us the test...
This test will go down as a classic case of opportunities lost. The bowlers set it up for us but the batsmen and the captain let us down.
Why did he let Laxman settle down? When we had India on the mat at 93/5 we let them loose by poor captaincy. When Laxman and Dhoni were new at the crease Shoaib Akhtar should have been brought right back who could have dislodged Laxman who is known to be suspect to the rising delivery, before he got set. The Pakistan captain allowed him to settle down and helped India take an avoidable lead. That was the first turning point.
This is a test not a 20/20 Then our great batsman did not treat Test as a test but a 20/20. Salman Butt was out to a good ball from Zaheer. That is OK but Younus Khan had no business for that flamboyance and gifted his wicket. What was the hurry? Could he not have grafted in. Stay on the crease runs will follow. If the bowler gets you, it is ok but for God's sake don't give your wicket away.
Indian batsmen did not play a non-cricketing shot: Compare that to Indian batting. I did not see any of their batsmen going for un-necessary or risky strokes. They played for the situation. Hats off to Dravid who fell to the best ball of the test by Shoaib. He did not gift it away. Similarly Tendulkar took scores of ball and for ever to make 18 runs and crafted yet another exquisite 56 for himself and an innings to remember for his team. He took his own time 178 minutes and 110 ten balls. He accelerated only in the end. He also has all the strokes in the book but never tried any thing foolish. He was never in a hurry like a true test player.
Learn from mistakes please: If we bat like this don't be surprised we might loose the rest of the tests too. I hope and pray our players do not repeat the mistakes.
Shoaib Akhtar is great: Although the 6 wickets he got and so few runs he gave is yet no reflection of his class Shoaib today is the best fast bowler the world has. He has to be supported by a better fielding. When that happens and our batting clicks even to half potential no team in the world can beat us.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Musharraf's mistakes 2... Continued...

You should have bargained something for Pakistan too...
Now what are his other blunders? It was just unfortunate that the 9/11 disaster had to strike in his time. Sad as it was, the incident was not of our making. It had it's roots in the wider history of The Middle East. Where was the need to panic? US needed to be sympathised and indeed helped. But we did not have to buy more problems.
US could have helped in solving vexed issues...
We had to calculate our cost. A little time should have been taken and US told of our own concerns and of a problem we have been having for 50 years, despite a UN resolution in our favor. US needed to be told that if certain issues are not resolved in time the world would have more problems on it's hand.
We are paying dearly for US follies...
The frustration might all the more manifest itself in shape of further terrorism which Pakistan could ill afford. Now we are seen as doing the dirty work for United States and yet being told "do more". Are we in a position to say "no more"? No. We are in a no win situation. People are taking up arms. It is a dangerous situation now as you must be seeing in the news these days in northern areas.
All we want is a democratic solution and a bully kept at bay...
We could have at least bargained for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. You did not avail of the reciprocity opportunity. You can't possibly fight India to get Kashmir. We are not even wanting Kashmir. All we want is a democratic solution. India is holding on to Kashmir against the wishes of the Kashmiri people. US had to be told "you scratch my back I scratch yours". And why not? This would have saved Kashmiris of the sufferings at the hands of the huge Indian army. That would have given the signal to the people that Pakistan was not just doing the US bidding but was solving it's own problem. That did not happen.
I consider this a major blunder and an opportunity lost that might trigger further terrorism.


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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Police department is so stretched that ordinary peoples issues are totally neglected... Why should PPP have unfair advantage?
This no one talks about. Where are the champions of freedom of press or are they champions of the opposition particularly PPP? If a citizen has a problem and needs redressel from police it is always an exuse so and so political leader is showing up and they are not available. Now it has crossed all limits.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Musharraf's mistakes...

The blunders were too costly...
On being freed, a man went wild dancing on the street and hit the nose of a person. He went to court. The hitter defended that he was a free man and could do any thing. The judge decreed: right, but the moment his nose came in your path the other man's freedom began. So here is the punishment.
Freedom comes with responsibility Sir...
This is precisely what Mr. Musharraf and the media have not understood. Freedom of the Press is fine but they cannot go wild as they have for the past so many months. Any freedom comes with responsibility. Where is the responsibility. Where is integrity to your profession?
Inept political leadership caused the take over of military...
The media does nothing concrete and positive but simply and only criticizes the President. Yes he came to power as a military man. But the situation was created by sheer arrogance and irresponsibility of the political leadership. Who can deny this?
Mr.Nawaz Sharif's life saved...
You just can't take one thing and keep harping on it. You must also see if Mr. Nawaz Sharif had not done what he did, for which he was punished for life, the opportunity would not have been there for the Junta to take over. He left for ten years on his own and got a pardon.
Army should be in the barracks for sure but the entire blame cannot go to them alone...
I am one of those who firmly believes that the army should be in the barracks for sure. But the ground reality is different. This guy when he took over, Pakistan was about to default. There were no reserves left. Nawaz had indeed become an elected dictator. Remember what he had done with the previous Chief of Staff. So blaming The President for just belonging to the army is not fair.
Ministry of Information erred grossly... where were the guidelines Sir?
The way, without guidelines, freedom of press was given by the President was his biggest blunder. While this should have helped Pakistan and Pakistanis it has helped the opposition. Media immediately took sides. I was amazed why the media rather a few in the media were taking sides instead of being neutral and just reporting and anlyzing. They cannot conduct media trials as they have been doing.
Media trials by the unscrupulous should be stopped...
They would start with judgments "that the government has totally failed, what do you think?" Leading question. You get the desired answer not necessarily the correct one. Why are some journalists doing this, guys like Kamran Khan and Kashif Abbasi etc? They would go to the extent of that 16 crore people have passed a judgment etc. As if they have taken a poll or done a referendum. Media trials going unabated. And their holier than thou approach. My God. I was all perplexed.
The journalists are scared of PPP. Why? Where is the freedom of press then?
On hard investigation I found that they are very scared of PPP even a passing negative reference would attract a threat. Some say that they get paid extra and also get the protection. Now media is power and if such unscrupulous elements get in, they exploit. And they have. President does not take action. They know it and are having a field day. They have even abused the President and the freedom they are enjoying for the first time in 60 years. Does it happen any where else in the world?
Freedom of the press is a lethal weapon cannot be used with carelessness...
In India for instance pass a negative reference against Rahul Gandhi, then see what happens to them, leave alone Sonia and Manmohan Singh. Their houses will be burnt and they will be taught a lesson that will be a deterrence for all other journalists. Freedom of the press should have been given with due guidelines so that it did not become a free lethal weapon in the hands of the opposition. Pakistan media is like wild bull right now.
Is Muhtharama an official title of the corrupt and twice failed ex-Prime Mininisters? Media should refer to her as Mrs.Benazir that is all...
Why should Benazir be called a Muhtharama in media? Their party workers call her that, it is fine. Does one call Respected His Highness Mr. Bush or Mr. Gordon or Mr.Blair in international media? This is ridiculous. Is it some official title for the corrupt, a former Prime Minister twice removed on corruption charges and misrule or something. A Pakistani journalist is not a PPP worker. If he is then surely he or she can call her Muhtharama although corrupt people cannot be respected.
This is a major blunder of The President. Other blunders you will read later. Keep reading my blog. Thank you.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Oh Karachi!

Benazir what have you done?
Don't make a joke of the poor!
You talk of the poor. But what have you done with them. What have you given them? Hundreds cut into half and hundreds more maimed with hands or legs amputated. You and the rich are safe and fine but the hundreds of poor and scores of poorer policemen have died. Wish you had been less selfish.
You made the job of security impossible...

You were told to delay, to be careful. You had lost your own brother in your own regime. Have you forgotten that? With your foolhardiness and bravado, you made the job of the security impossible. Thanks to the security arrangements you are at least alive. The poor have died though.
Blame game won't help... it is in bad taste.

Your husband, Sheri Rahman and the irresponsible media lost no time in blaming the government. Yes they could have done more, probably. But it is always easy to be wise after the event. But in such sad moments the blame game was not in good taste. As a neutral observer I wonder what more could the government have done? PPP had an absolute free hand to do any thing. They did. They put up a fabulous show with total disregard to the inconvenience to the local traffic and local residents of Karachi. They were all inconvenienced.
It was impossible to see the carnage right in front of you...

It took me time to overcome this shock. It all happened right in front of me. There is no way I could describe my feelings. I could not even watch. Any way our blog does not write what you must have already read in the newspapers and seen on TV etc. The whole thing has been sordid and such a huge tragedy.
The living without limbs is more difficult...
My heart goes out to all those killed and more for those injured. They have to live with the injuries, disfigurement and loss of limbs etc. I wish I could do something for them. I am at my own level.
Is media scared of the PPP? Why don't you speak the truth?
We are going to talk about things the media has ignored either deliberately, under threat or bribe, I do not know. But the fact remains, media in Pakistan does show restraint when it comes to Benazir and PPP while their guns go blazing against the President. They are so brave against him. That is very good. But why are you so one sided? Be brave against the PPP too. Particularly Geo - Kamran Khan, ARY - Kashif Abbasi, Aaj, Dr. Danish in TVOne are all guilty of fear. Why don't you speak the truth?
Benazir's accusations are not well founded...
Benazir should know she was not in Dubai but Karachi where power cuts is a daily phenomenon. She complains of lights going off at dusk. A very shallow accusation. At 12:00 midnight she was not supposed to be there. Why did she not adhere to a program? At that time, after all her program, she was supposed to have been at home. The conditions were definitely not good, why did you hang on there at great risk. You escaped but the poor died.
Had you stuck to a program you could have saved lives and the suffering of poor...
You ought to have briefly made a presence on the road, gone straight to Mazar-e-Qaed made your passionate address, made your point, pleased your followers and gone home comfortably. Instead you chose the "Tamasha" fanfare. Your truck was just not able to move. When could you have reached the place, made the address and gone home? What was the program? The more time you were on the road the people were so much at risk. Had you cared for the poor, their suffering for the past three days, you would not have done this.
According to experts there were no more than 100,000 people...
One wonders how many people were there? Benazir says 30,00,000. Did she calculate? No. Just an idea. It is not too difficult to calculate. Just count the busses that arrived from the interior, count trucks, cars or whatever mode of transport. I am a media man and a marketing man I can easily estimate. As a marketing man, figures are most important, I can very roughly calculate the number of people present. As a media man I know how a few can be shown to be many. All TV personnel will testify to this. There were no more than 75,000 to 100,000 people.
The poor PPP supporters had no transport to go back nor were they paid...
What is the plight of those that were brought in by PPP leaders from interior villages and small and big towns. They were promised money. Lots of them have complained that they have been left high and dry on the streets and did not even have the transport to go back and did not have money to go by public transport. They were obliged to borrow money from locals in Karachi to go back. So much for the poor the lady talks about.

Don't forget you have failed not once but twice and twice you have been removed on charges of corruption and misrule. Your party members call you "Mothorama" meaning respected. Surprisingly media follows suit as if it is some official title. But can you call one who is accused of such rampant corruption as respected?

P.S.
There is a perception in political circles that this sordid carnage, if any thing, has only helped Benazir. Sympathy has grown, increased her vote bank while herself and the top PPP leadership has come out unscathed. The propounders of conspiracy theories see a lot of planning in it and think every thing has gone exactly as per plan. Just ten minutes before she was moved to safety. The blast was just far enough not to cause casualty to the leadership. Some people see conspiracy in this although the author does not contribute to conspiracy theories.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Do come back but don't blow up a God given chance yet again...

Miracle - yes but this time no fooling the innocent people please...
Allah has been so kind on you. I agree with you that it is a miracle. It indeed is. You are given yet another chance to lead. Now for God's sake don't blow it up. The government has helped you in so many different ways. People have come out in large numbers to greet you - whether hired or genuine is immaterial. But please do not fool around this time.

Do something for the people who love you. You talk of poor. But don't let poverty be their permanent destiny. If you mean to remove poverty then you have to start with land reforms. Are you prepared to address agricultural land reforms? You have to introduce land ceiling for which Pakistan is late by 60 years. You have to give up your lands. Feudalism will go. This will be like truely helping the poor. Are you ready to give that sacrifice so that it helps the poor in rural areas?

People say you will give them jobs. But how will you? Will merit will have a place? Will employment be generated by increasing employment by giving land to the landless, putting up industries and services or are you just going to appoint four instead of one in a job, thereby killing a thriving organisation. If you do that you will kill the economy. Expand opportunity, expand economy don't overload an existing opportunity.

If you are coming with a clear vision it is fine otherwise you will only be fooling the nation. Twice you have been removed for corruption and mismanagement. This time don't go down as the wife of a corrupt man. Now for God's sake let it not repeat. I wish the best for Pakistan and us including you.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Benazir is indeed welcome but what about Asif Zardari?

Is your husband good in national interest? Ask the nation?
This is rather embarrassing for us and must be for Benazir too. I posed this question to the hard core supporters of PPP and pat came the answer "But what to do with Asif Sain?". People are worried. Genuinely worried.

They think whatever good the lady might do will be undone thoughtlessly by this gentleman. How can people forget his exploits when Benazir was in power. However much the media may trying to sweep his deeds under the carpet it haunts people without a reminder . Let me not repeat them all here.

How can this man be stopped? Is he in national interest, is a question the lady must ask. She is getting a third shot at becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Can she let this opportunity also be squandered without making good history? I think she should not take this chance.

You know what the people on the street are saying? This baggage is coming along and the guy has his eyes on the $16 billion foreign exchange reserves that Pakistan presently enjoys. Whether her husband is corrupt or not and if he is a culprit is not the point. You cannot just ignore the perception this man has created for himself and thus sullied the lady's image.

Besides huge scams this man is linked to car thefts and how they have been recovered from Bilawal House. He may not have been convicted but no body can prove that he is all that innocent. His reputation as Mr. 10% and later 100% seems well earned. As Imran Khan had put it "bacha bacha jantha hai ke Asif Zardari chor hai". (Every child knows that Asif Zardari is corrupt). So his non-conviction is immaterial if Benazir wants to make it big into history. Can the lady ignore his reputation? No.

This time the nation wants Benazir to do things the world will remember her for. Not for corruption, loot, plunder, vendetta and utter lawlessness. The chances of her doing this will improve if she keeps her husband's greed and guile away from her and power.

Benazir, you already have enough money, now don't go for it this time left, right and center. Do some thing good for Pakistan so that you make history and people remember you as some one who was honest and did something good for Pakistan.

There is a lot of good you can do like introducing land ceiling to a maximum of say 60 acres, giving land to the landless, finishing off with the decadent feudalism, solving the Kashmir problem favorable to Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, education, industrialization, exports, better foreign policy etc. to placing Pakistan high up in the list of fast developing nations.

Let your agendas be worthy of the great nation you will be representing at the world forums.

Remember, you will never make it good in history with dishonesty and corruption. Allah is giving you another chance this time do good lest you be thrown out again by Providence.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Condoleeza Rice should mind her own business...

Don't tell us what to do...
Condoleeza Rice has no business to advise us. We are a sovereign state and we do not like orders from any body even it is a super power and a friend. And please do not even suggest that we are going to be unfair in elections. You have no business what so ever to meddle in our domestic matters and make them worse. Please let us have our dignity and do not tell us what to do. We know what to do.

You are making blunders after blunders before and after 9/11. Did we tell you any thing. You want to solve the problem of terrorism but you do not want to address the root causes of the problem. By supporting Israel illogically you created a monster. One side you talk of democracy and the other side you do not support the will of people. You allow Israel to occupy for 40 years with all attrocities. When they want a democratic solution you use veto and have done so almost 80 times for Israel. You are compromising on US security for the sake of Israel. You are serving not US interests but that of Israel. But do we tell you any thing?

You talk of democracy but do not pressure India to stop atrocities on the people of Kashmir and let the will of the people prevail. On top of it you go and reward India in so many different ways, forgetting the way it treats its minorities and the pogroms it conducts against Muslims. You give no helping hand in solving the Kashmir problem and when we are helping you, you say "not enough". What are you doing to solve the problem of people so that people do not have to take up arms. You do nothing but do we tell you anything? No.

You left Afghanistan after they liberated Soviet Union and made no efforts to develop it. You do not help people where they are in problems and yet want help all the time. Why? But do we tell you anything? No. So why do you tell us what to do? You have no right what so ever to tell us what to do?

You go and invade Afghanistan and Iraq and are responsible for unnecessary deaths of millions of people and some your own. You go in so childishly on false pretext and destroy countries. Do we tell you what to do. We don't. So why do you tell us what to do?

If Ms Rice and her predecessors had done their job right there would have been no terrorism.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Media in Pakistan is doing free publicity for the Oppositon - Irresponsible journalism! Don't take sides.

Free publicity for the Opposition...
I usually see the electronic media in Pakistan. It is fantastic the way the present Government has given freedom to the media. Media never enjoyed this freedom for the past 60 years. And mind you this kind of freedom is not there in USA, Europe or even India. Media in the pretext of the freedom of the press does not promote a party against the other. It does not even take a stand against the defined Government policy in national interest.

For instance can one talk in India against the Government stand on Kashmir? Never. Can they raise the voice of some Indians who happen to be Muslims? Never. It is all suppressed with an iron hand. Take for instance Urdu TV from India - the policy is all government propaganda. Can they reflect the mass opinions? Never. One word against the government policy, they are in trouble. So many restrictions will be employed for one reason or the other.

Pakistan media has totally gone out of control. Kamran Khan for instance in Geo, look at him, the way he beams on talking to Benazir and promoting her and the same with Kashif Abbasi of ARY. Aaj's Talat Hussein is not that partisan, although as a channel it is. They start off by saying "The Government has failed in every possible way etc." They are conducting the media trials and passing judgments on the Government and The President in particular all the time. And this is without giving the accused a chance to defend themselves.

If they are critising the Government objectively it is fine. But they are taking sides. While their issue is only the president and his uniform and re-election they do not talk about the utter mis-management and rampant corruption that prevailed at the time of Benazir's and Nawaz Sharif's governance. They don't even raise the critical issues of the people. On the contrary with the help of the audience they have they are building opinion against a party. Can media take sides to this extent?

Media is building opinions with biased views and without regard to national interests and peoples' interests. Poor are completely forgotten. Media does not talk of the pressing issues of the people and poor in particular. I think it is about time media showed maturity, sensibility and responsibility and did not take sides lest you help the corrupt and proven failures each twice. The opposition is also not spending money but getting free publicity from the irresponsible media that is not serving the people in all integrity but some vested interested.

Don't take sides.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Has the opposition gone bankrupt of ideas

Your Manifesto is not for the people... why?
It is about time we started thinking in the larger interests of the people of Pakistan and the country itself. Why is it our so called politicians only talk of issues that will bring them to power? Why don't they talk of issues that affect the people of Pakistan - the majority that is poor and does not have any political power what so ever most unfortunately.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

We want Heroes not Villains please...


Choice between Villains...
Is it our destiny that we can only choose from a list of proven villains, each twice failed. Do we not deserve heroes? Or is it too much to expect? Perhaps. Where are the heroes? Who I consider as heroes is not the hero for others. There is only one undisputed hero and that is Mr. Jinnah. Every single leader after that is tainted one way or the other.

For me Ayub was a hero, probably he was the first Pakistani leader I heard about when growing up. I sort of liked him. But you talk to people they disagree. He is accused of derailing democracy and destroying the then existing institutions.

I even attended the funeral prayers of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. But no one agrees that he is a hero. He is accused of autocracy, arrogance, vendetta, lack of vision and above all integrity. For me his biggest blunder was nationalisation of industries that crippled the economy and stunted growth. He made many industries no more viable and Pakistan lost the world export market by overnight becoming uncompetitive. He is also blamed for dismembering the country into two.

Every thing that Zia did, I wonder if he did anything besides Umras, is over shadowed by his military credentials. It is a long story what he did and didn't.

However I can't recall any thing big he did on the domestic front in Pakistan. He may have had some successes on the international arena. His Kashmir policy was a failure so was Khalistan policy after initial successes. His crowning glory is the success achieved in ousting a super power in Afghanistan. But that did not help Pakistan but we fought a proxy war for another super power that has never been nor can ever be our reliable partner.

But the price we paid for America and Afghanistan is so great that for the next 50 years we are stuck with it. The Kalashnikov Culture. So Zia is most certainly ruled out also as a hero. I would have liked to call him a hero for his humility and his histrionic talents.

But one thing is clear in my mind and that is the regimes of Benazir, (now called moothorama by media) and Nawaz Sharif. My, what periods. Truely tumultuous for its incompetence and rampant corruption. They competed against each other in loot and plunder. If one was the patron of a 10%, later cent per cent, the other was a looter par excellence. Remember his "dollar bhijao and mulk bachao".

God alone knows where all that money went. The country went bankrupt in Nawaz's time and was about to be declared a default state. In moothorama's time her husband is on record as having said "things are good today, only 50 died." This is the state of our elected so called democratic leaders. Heroes? Where are they? Villains. Villains. Villains.

Don't we have a third choice? So far none, because whatever development Pervez Musharraf might have done is disregarded because he hails from the military. He is a very strong contender though from what he has achieved on the domestic front. An assembly completing it's full term is an achievement in itself. There has been development all over Pakistan even in remote towns and villages.

My driver who hails from a remote town in Punjab says they could never have imagined, roads and drainage there and he attributes that to the present people at helm and prays for Pervez Musharraf. People have benefited. The prosperity is visible. Mega projects have been completed in record time and the work goes on. If his policies reach there logical conclusion the country will benefit enormously. History will then judge if he was a hero.

There surely are the down sides like inflation that went uncontrolled. He did not introduce any measures to remove feudalism. He failed miserably to understand the Indian psyche in solving the Kashmir problem and did not even take advantage of 9/11 in solving the same issue. He did the dirty job that America should have done for itself. Why should we have been involved in problems which Arabs create for themselves by being inactive for past 100 years. Why should we pay for their follies when they do not even consider you as Muslims.

But what ever he may do he will never be accepted as a hero publicly although in heart of hearts of poor people he could possibly be a hero. So let us leave at that.

I have not the faintest idea how we could have a hero as a leader. I am clueless for the time being. If you have some ideas how we can have a hero as our leader please post it here.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Introduce Land Ceiling


Equitable distribution of scarce resources is the key...
Land is limited and people unlimited. Land cannot increase, people go on multiplying. Arable land is still more difficult to find. That means an ever increasing demand on this scarce finite natural resource. And here we have a person or two owning thousands of acres of land. Is this fair?

The modern civilised answer is, no. More and more people should have access to these limited resources. A natural resource like land cannot be allowed to be in the hands of just a few who may and may not put it to optimum use. This may or may not contribute to national productivity. It definitely does not contribute to national revenue as they pay no taxes on agriculture.

Can land be allowed to be the fiefdom of a few? No. Why? When large tracts of land is in the hands of a few it is called hoarding. The world abhors hoarding so does Islam in no unclear terms. See the life of our prophet, what a simple life he lead. There are hundreds of Hadith that would testify to this. With one having every thing and the other nothing it creates tension in the society of haves and have not. Their results are manifest in every thing from utter lawlessness, corruption, dacoity to illiteracy, mismanagement to poor national productivity.

We cannot have a society of masters and slaves in this 21st century. It is also misnomered as the ruling class and the ruled class. In a democracy can you have masters and slaves and yet call it democracy? A ruling party and an opposition party is acceptable but not a ruling class. Give me a break.

All countries have done away with feudalism. Even the most backward of the people Egypt has also addressed this issue by abolishing land lords and the feudal system. After independence India did away with feudalism by introducing land ceiling. England did this by introducing huge death duty.

But has Pakistan taken any steps to address this anamoly? Yes there have been two attempts 1,000 acres of Ayub Khan and 300 acres by Z.A.Bhutto, the former being a little bit more successful than the later.

Now every ruling party must have in their manifesto to limit land to a maximum of 50 acres of and irrigated only say 18 acres so that more people can have land. The excess land must be taken over and distributed among the landless poor and then the Bangladesh micro-finance system introduced to help them make it a profitable business venture. Then see where the nation stands. Tall among the comity of nations.

More on this later.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Law should be for all not a few... Sanjay Dutt case


Hunt down all the murderers not a few if India is truely democratic and secular...
Thank God Sanjay is free on bail. About a hundred mostly Muslims have been convicted. But what needs to be seen is why the same commitment of hunting down the culprits was not used on the perpetrators of the crimes before and after demolition of The Historic 400 year old Mosque. They are on the celluloid but no action has ever been taken. When all are Indians is it not the responsibility of a secular democratic government to do justice and provide succor to all the sufferers. We are not saying don't convict the culprit who ever it is. But please do not leave the other murderers free. The Government knows whose hands are tainted with blood. It is about time they started hunting down the killers of Muslims in about 9,000 pogroms conducted since 1947 not just running after Salman Khan or Sanjay Dutt.

No body is above the law or is it?


You cannot be a little bit pregnant...
This wheeling dealing in politics is very disturbing. If people are corrupt they are corrupt or they are not. You are either pregnant or not pregnant. You cannot be a little bit pregnant. So is the case with Benazir and Nawaz Sharif. They are either clean or unclean.

If they want to serve the country and the people of Pakistan then they should come to the country from where they have fled, appear before the courts and acquit themselves of all the accusations. If they are guilty then they should be punished and after serving their terms they can always serve Pakistan. You can serve in many ways. Is it written in any holy book that they should only be Prime Minister? No. They also serve who stand and wait.

Since no one is above the law they like all other Pakistanis should follow the due process and why not? Pervez Musharraf has no business to pardon those who have plundered the country or those who took foolish actions against the military. The courts should decide that. He should also not withdraw any cases lest he sully his own image further. It is already in jeopardy as it is with his uniform despite the good work he seems to have done so far except in the case of Kashmir.

Two nation theory, is it permanent or temporary?

In response to some disinformation campaign
History should not be distorted to suit selfish ends...
Mr. Jinnah was never ever a selfish person. When he spoke of Pakistan he was referring to the best deal for the Muslims of India indeed. It was not to benefit a few and certainly not for a few tribes and feudals to rule and enjoy themselves. Pakistan was never made for a few tribes.

The Two Nation Theory was a permanent one. On a temporary theory you do not make such a monumental decision that affects the lives of Muslims in every nook and corner of the country - The Undivided India. He used to cry over the moth eaten Pakistan (Stanley Wolpert in Jinnah of Pakistan). He knew very well that this did not solve the problems of Muslims. He never differentiated between this Muslim and that.

When these landlords took over, they truncated the two nation theory and said Muslims cannot enter Pakistan after 1951. Was The Two Nation theory time bound? If so, it is the selfish act of a few. Mr. Jinnah was never selfish. So this cannot be true. Indira Gandhi was 20 years too late in saying "now we have thrown the two nation theory into the sea". The feudals in Pakistan did that in 1951.

A great ideological issue, not a petty land issue please...
Those in power made this great ideological issue into a petty land issue. Only two countries have been created on the basis of religion. First was Pakistan followed by Israel. While every Jew can migrate to Israel any day regardless of time, a Muslim in India cannot do the same and go to Pakistan.

However the culprits were those who had no feelings what so ever for their comrades in the same struggle. They would talk disparagingly about them and would gloat about themselves. Their typical statement will be "we are well off". That we should have been who is questioning that? Muslims in India are surely happy for us.

One wonders how you cannot feel more for our bretheren Muslims left in India. They are in an enemy land where the Government makes policies to deprive them of every thing. It is not their fault. Take a lesson from how India helped the Hindus in Fiji. They shook the world with back door diplomacy with USA, Britain, Europe and indeed the United Nations. The local that took power is now languishing in jail.

Where is our Muslimtha?
Does Pakistan have a policy that helps Muslims across the border. None. If they die they die. If they are discriminated against, so be it. We are well off what do we care? This cannot be the attitude of a good Human being leave alone of a good Muslim. Where is our Muslimtha? Their Hunduthwa works but there is no Muslimtha within us.

And then Gujarath should take place despite Pakistan is a matter of absolute shame. Not only Gujarath, about 9000 pogroms have taken place since 1947. That shows Pakistan had no policies that helped the Muslim bretheren across the border in any way. We have not moved the world. We have taken no action. What are we talking about.

Anti American feelings, think well before you take sides...

Allah rewards those who think hard, work hard and are committed, not the ignorant and the lazy...
Anti American feeling? These Islamists should think again. Don't they know that Allah is just. He rewards only those who understand the ways of the world and take actions accordingly. We are suffering for the inaction or the misdeeds of The Arab World.

Only after I read The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E.Lawrence and The Desert King by David Howarth did I understand how easily Israel was created. Read and you will know how they acted like pawns in the hands of The British to throw Turks out. Once that was accomplished it was easy to make Israel.

Now Jews are a smart people. They work hard and first they research, think and then plan hard. They have invested hundred years on USA and also UK. They cultivated the minds of five generations and continue to do so.

If these Islamists wanted to do any thing they should first understand how the world works.

It rests on three pillars. The core power to be used as a deterrence, diplomacy most of the time and media 24x7 all the time. Do they do it? No.

Remember none of this terrorism will ever make a policy change. Things will get worse and worse each time. What will work is a long term persuasive effort.

USA had not invaded a single Muslim country untill 9/11. Take a good look at history. Had these terrorists done something to change matters of their own countries things could have been a lot better. They had no brains.

How could they when they were a product of a society that is not allowed to think independently and where there is no culture of learning, debates and difference of opinion. They have closed minds and can never think out of the box.

Please do not assume I am in any way supporting the aggressive actions of the present US regime and the way they totally unnecessarily went into Iraq and destroyed a whole country. For that USA must pay 5 trillion dollars to Iraq and Mr. Bush tried like in the Nurenberg trial. If the world does not do this then they are no different than the same terrorists that are responsible for 9/11.

Yet there is no need to be anti-American, there is a lot of good there and good people, however bad and foolish the present regime is.

For Pakistanis please do not die for these Arabs thinking they are Muslims. These Najadis do not even even consider you as Muslims. Do not die for them please.

Let a commo man serve, not rule, Pakistan


In a democracy there is no place for rulers, all are co-rulers, let a common man serve the people of Pakistan...
Have the people forgotten the utter misrule and corruption in the periods, two each of Benazir and Nawaz Sharif? Do they want the country to be plundered again with wanton disregard to national interests.

If Pervez goes and if he is replaced by a commoner who feels, thinks and acts for Pakistan it makes sense, but if were to choose once again from the failed two villains then the third villain is a better choice.

There should be a struggle against the feudal system that is at the core of all the ills in Pakistan. Who ever brings in land ceiling, does away with the land lords and the vested interests we shall bring him into power. We don't want the same villains again please.

Freedom of The Press


Responsibility must precede freedom of the Press...
If you have watched Indian media you would have observed the media would never ever give a point of view that is different from the Government stand. For example in the case of Kashmir they dare not issue or refer to one statement that would reflect the Kashmiri or people's point of view. While India boasts of democracy if we talk of a democratic solution to Kashmir and fulfilling the aspirations of Kashmiris you will either be pulled up or put in jail. Not only that, you dare not talk one word derogatory of Rahul Gandhi let alone Sonia or Manmohan Singh.

And what a contrast is Pakistan. Every single vehicle in any media be it press or electronic, they target just one guy and that is Pervez Musharraf The President of a country. It is truely freedom of press. Yes fine but are you being responsible? Media like the judiciary cannot take sides. Once you take sides you can never ever be honest and objective but dishonest and biased.

Ary, Aaj and Geo are all now a part of the opposition party. They throw all kind of muck on The President but spare Benazir. As Cowasjee said openly and reflected public opinion that she is a thief. And she is called "Mohtharama", why? Can thieves be called "The respected lady". While she is so disrespectful of Pakistanis and every body else except United States. Check out her statements. She is on record having said "I am born to rule", "we know where to keep the people" as if we are her subjects.

The media has given Benazir the title "Mohtharama". Could Indira Gandhi have ever said she was born to rule despite the fact that her father was a successful and popular Prime Minister and so was her grand father. But she would always talk of serving the people and country and not ruling. She was neither foolish nor arrogant to that extent.

Has the media forgotten the utter mis-rule and corruption in Benazir's time. Why do they deliberately ignore it or are promoting her? Sir this is not the job of the media. Have they forgotten when her beloved husband had said "today things are very good, only 50 died". Why do you forget all that? I went to Rani Kote and a poor man who is the custodian there said that they had a lot a antiques till ten years back. I asked what happened, he a Sindhi like me said that "Sir Asif Saheb has taken them away". There are thousands of instances of Asif Zardari corruption. If she comes back all this corruption comes back too.

Yes indeed General Pervez Musharraf belongs to the Military Establishment but the guy has performed and no major issues of corruption have surfaced so far. He seems to be at least an acceptable villain better than the other two proven villains who failed in two terms each. Give the devil his due. He saved Pakistan from total annihilation post 9/11 although he should have bargained to get Pakistan problems solved too in which case there would not have been problems of terrorism and suicide bombings he now faces. Least of all he should have got the Kashmir problem solved and avoided bloodshed in a divided area. After all Kashmiris are as much human as Indians or Pakistanis are. There aspirations are no different. This is an un-necessary issue that is bedevilling the relations of two similar brotherly nations. I am sure both nations would be more at ease.

Why does the media not take up the real issues that affect all Pakistanis like addressing the core issues and the structural reforms that Pakistan so desperately needs. Corner stone of any economy is agriculture. It is controlled by whom? The land lords. How can the basics of economy be ignored. It is no more a secret that the root cause of all lawlessness is feudalism. Why does not the media take up such important issues.

The media should be more responsible and highlight both sides points of views and not take sides at all, if you want to be credible. The way media is behaving it has no parallel any where in the world be it US, India, UK or any other country. I hope the media, if it is responsible takes note.