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Archive for August, 2015

Faisal Qureshi’s Riposte : Indian movie called Phantom. Saif Ali Khan says he has “no faith in Pakistan”.

 
 I-am-Pakistani-and-Just-Like-You
 
 
 
 

India is releasing a new movie called Phantom. Saif Ali Khan says he has “no faith in Pakistan”. This is what I think about the movie, and Saif’s statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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In Memory of Gen Hamid Gul Asif Haroon Raja : Pakistan Think Tank Members Mourn Our Personal Loss of General Sahib

In Memory of Gen Hamid Gul

Asif Haroon Raja

 

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In Memory of Gen Hamid Gul

Asif Haroon Raja

An extremely sad, painful and soul searing event took place on the night of August 15, 2015. Renowned Gen Hamid Gul left this mortal world never to return. He was at Murree with his wife and other family members for recreation. While watching the TV program, at about 2030 hours he developed headache and his blood pressure shot up. He was rushed to CMH Murree at 2115 hours but fell unconscious en-route. The doctors couldn’t recover him and he died of brain hemorrhage at 2345 hours.  His body was brought to his residence in Askari Villas in Chaklala Scheme-3 in Rawalpindi at midnight. Very large numbers of people including high gentry kept pouring in throughout the day on August 16. Everyone was heartbroken and had a story to tell about the General. His sudden departure has left millions of mourners in all parts of the world in a state of utter shock and grief.

Funeral of 79 years old Gen Hamid Gul was held at Army Graveyard near racecourse ground Rawalpindi at 6 pm on August 16. The attendance was exceptionally large and many had to stay out due to lack of space. Gen Raheel Sharif gave shoulder to the coffin of the departed soul. He was laid to rest with honor at the best site amid touching scenes. Many were seen bitterly weeping who loved him as their father. Members of Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan which Gen Gul had patronized and is led by Abdullah Gul, came with Pakistan flags and took part in last rites with tears in their eyes.

All TV channels kept flashing the news of his death after 12 pm on the night of 15/16 August and commentators paid glowing tributes to him for the services he rendered to the Army, nation and Islam. PM Nawaz Sharif and other senior politicians offered their condolences. People kept visiting the residence of Gen Gul the whole day on August 17 and Qul was arranged under the supervision of Abdullah Gul and his brother-in-law Air Cdre retd Yusaf Gul in the evening, which was also heavily attended.

Born in 1936 at Sargodha, Gen Hamid Gul’s family has their origins in Swat and hail from Mohmand tribe. He commenced his service in 19 Lancers in 1956 and took active part in 1965 war as squadron commander. During his service, he held all the high profile appointments but he came into prominence as head of Military Intelligence and later as DG ISI from March 1987 to 1989. He put new life in these two organizations and made them vibrant and fruitful. It was owing to his efforts that the ISI developed a strong long arm capability and became the best outfit in the developing world and dreaded by all. Later on, ISI transformed into best spy agency in the world. He was the blue eyed boy of late Gen Ziaul Haq under whom he had served as battalion commander, colonel staff and Ist Armed Division commander and had demonstrated his excellence in profession and commitment to duty. His outstanding contributions made in the last phase of Afghan Jihad and ending the war on a victorious note will be remembered for times to come. Afghans loved Gen Zia and Gen Hamid Gul and called them Mard-e-Mujahid. When opponents of Hamid Gul maliciously referred to him as ‘Father of Taliban’, he remarked, “I wish I had the strength and resources to help them”.

Gen Mirza Aslam Beg had recommended Gen Hamid Gul as his successor. His last active post was Corps Commander 2 Corps Multan (April 1989-August 1991). There he underwent a tragedy of death of his married daughter Mehreen Gul. Another setback he faced was his posting as Chairman Heavy Industries Taxila after he developed difference with COAS Gen Asif Nawaz Janjua. He decided to resign saying that he had joined the Army to become a fighting soldier and not a ironsmith. He was conferred with Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Basalt.  After retirement, he never visited GHQ or ISI and never vied for a job and dedicated his services for the cause of unity of Ummah. In September 2013, he was persuaded and elected by members of The Pakistan Ex Servicemen Society (PESS) to take over as President of the Society, which offers no pay and perks. He spent money from his pocket to run the office kitchen and meet other essential expenditures since PESS has no funds. He tried hard to convert it into the world’s biggest NGO and a productive workforce both in peace and war and gave out his vision but unfortunately his dreams remained unfulfilled since he didn’t receive the backing of the Army. None deemed it fit to make good use of his stupendous talents and experience in intelligence and counter intelligence.         

A scrupulously honest and down to earth par excellence soldier and a thorough gentleman; he was blessed with extraordinary sterling qualities of head and heart. Endowed with a fertile mind, he had photogenic memory of historical and geographical facts. He was gifted with remarkable blend of forceful written and oral expression duly complemented by a reservoir of knowledge and acumen. Insightful and visionary, he could conceptualise and decipher things on a wider canvass. He had the knack of strategising and coming out with concrete logical conclusions as to what shape the emerging picture was taking and its impact on national, regional and global dynamics. He was alive to the problems faced by Muslim Ummah in general and Pakistan in particular and the conspiratorial role of the US led west, Israel and India. An ardent flag bearer of Islam and its ideology, he relentlessly worked for the interests of Pakistan and unity of Ummah and raised his voice against the adversaries of Islam and Ummah fearlessly.  

A devout Muslim, it was his daily routine not to sleep after Fajr prayers and to recite Quran till daybreak. He revered Holy Prophet (PBUH) and in every weekly meeting he chaired in PESS HQ, he would start the proceedings with a verse of Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad. He never tired of fondly quoting Quaid-e-Azam and would take pains to quote his speeches and statements indicating his quest to make Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state in line with Measakh-e-Medina. He drew inspiration from Allama Iqbal’s poetry and would often read it out adoringly. He was firm, focused and steadfast in his thought process and was of the view that application of Islamic system in accordance with Quran and Sunnah as spelled out in Objectives Resolution was the only remedy to address the multiple ailments which afflict Pakistan. He was fiercely against the Anglo-Saxon laws saying they were flawed and pro-rich and was a strong exponent of Sharia laws.

An affectionate and caring senior, he seldom lost his temper on his subordinates and would go all out to help anyone approaching him. He had the skill of captivating the audience with his brilliant oratory, astuteness and charisma. Handsome man and bestowed with graceful personality, demeanor and a sweet tongue, he was a born fighter and spoke with authority on any subject and none could outdo him in arguments. An unusually bold, blunt and forthright person, he would express his views candidly and would never mince his words to call a spade a spade. When Gen Musharraf called him in his office after his takeover and informed him that he was his ideal and wanted his support and offered him office of his choice, Gen Gul told him that he didn’t need any office but wanted an assurance from him that he would not compromise on Kashmir and nuclear issues, he will work towards implementation of Islamic system and build rapport with people rather than with USA and lastly carryout strict across the board accountability. Alas! His wise councils were ignored. In July 2014, he presented himself for accountability and asked other PESS members to follow suit to set an example for others. He neither carried any financial baggage nor had any skeletons in his cupboard.

Gen Hamid Gul was not only admired and respected in Pakistan but had lot many admirers abroad particularly among the Arab countries, Turkey, Iran and China. He was seen by his admirers as Salahuddin Ayubi and Tipu Sultan of this time. Many came from abroad on return flights to pay homage to their ideal. All TV channels hungered to seek his interviews/comments on current issues. He led a full and spirited life and never compromised on principles despite the worldly trials and tribulations he had to bear with in his domestic life and the stings of his adversaries.

Gen Hamid Gul has returned to the Creator, but he has left behind a vacuum and a legacy which will be remembered with fondness and often quoted by historians in rich words. He has left behind ailing widow, two sons Umar Gul and Abdullah Gul, a daughter Uzma Gul and seven grandchildren. Hopefully, his son Abdullah Gul will keep his illustrious father’s legacy alive. May God rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the deceased all the rewards of life hereafter and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. Ameen.    

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Kargil War and the reality behind Musharraf’s Coup in 1999

 

Kargil War and the reality behind Musharraf’s Coup in 1999

Posted by 3rd Option on Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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Indian Independence Day is Black Day for Kashmiris By Sajjad Shaukat

                               Indian Independence Day is Black Day for Kashmiris

                                                          By Sajjad Shaukat

 

 

 

Every year when India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over observe it as Black Day to convey the message to the international community that India continues to usurp their inalienable right to self- determination.

 

This very day is being marked by complete shutdown, as deserted streets, closed businesses and security patrolling the streets could be seen in the Indian-held Kashmir. Noting intensity in the war of liberation and hoisting of Pakistani flags by the Kashmiri protesters, this time, Indian occupation authorities have imposed stringent restrictions in Srinagar and other towns, and deployed heavy contingents of police and troops to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations.

 

However, during the partition of the Sub-continent in 1947, the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) which comprised Muslim majority decided to join Pakistan according to the British-led formula. But, Dogra Raja, Sir Hari Singh, a Hindu who was ruling over the J&K, in connivance with the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Governor General Lord Mountbatten joined India.

 

The Radcliffe Boundary Award gave the Gurdaspur District—a majority Muslim area to India to provide a land route to the Indian armed forces to move into Kashmir. There was a rebellion in the state forces, which revolted against the Maharaja and were joined by Pathan tribesmen. Lord Mountbatten ordered armed forces to land in Srinagar.

 

Indian forces invaded Srinagar on October 27, 1947 and forcibly occupied Jammu and Kashmir in utter violation of the partition plan and against the wishes of the Kashmiri people. 

 

When Pakistan responded militarily against the Indian aggression, on December 31, 1947, India made an appeal to the UN Security Council to intervene and a ceasefire ultimately came into effect on January 01, 1949, following UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir.

 

On February 5, 1964, India backed out of its promise of holding plebiscite. Instead, in March 1965, the Indian Parliament passed a bill, declaring Kashmir a province of India-an integral part of the Indian union.

 

Kashmiris organized themselves against the injustices of India and launched a war of liberation which New Delhi tried to suppress through various forms of state terrorism. Passing through various phases, the struggle of Kashmiris which has become an interaction between New Delhi’s state terrorism led by the Indian security forces and war of liberation by the freedom fighters keeps on going unabated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is notable that since 1947, in order to maintain its illegal control, India has continued its repressive regime in the occupied Kashmir through various machinations.

Nevertheless, various forms of state terrorism have been part of a deliberate campaign by the Indian army and paramilitary forces against Muslim Kashmiris, especially since 1989. It has been manifested in brutal tactics like crackdowns, curfews, illegal detentions, massacre, targeted killings, sieges, burning the houses, torture, disappearances, rape, breaking the legs, molestation of Muslim women and killing of persons through fake encounters.

 

According to a report on human rights violations in the Indian-occupied Kashmir, since 1989, there have been deaths of 1,00000 innocent Kashmiris, 7,023 custodial killings, 1,22,771 arrests, 1,05,996 destruction of houses or buildings, 22,776 women widowed, 1,07,466 children orphaned and 10,086 women gang-raped/molested. Indian brutal securities forces have continue these atrocities.

 

In fact, Indian forces have employed various draconian laws like the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, and the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act in killing the Kashmiri people, and for the arbitrarily arrest of any individual for an indefinite period.

 

Besides Human Rights Watch, in its various reports, Amnesty International has also pointed out grave human rights violations in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, indicating, “The Muslim majority population in the Kashmir Valley suffers from the repressive tactics of the security forces.

 

In its report on July 2, 2015, the Amnesty International has highlighted extrajudicial killings of the innocent persons at the hands of Indian security forces in the Indian-held Kashmir. The report points out, “Tens of thousands of security forces are deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir…the Armed Forces Special Powers Act allows troops to shoot to kill suspected militants or arrest them without a warrant…not a single member of the armed forces has been tried in a civilian court for violating human rights in Kashmir…this lack of accountability has in turn facilitated other serious abuses…India has martyred 100,000 people. More than 8,000 disappeared (while) in the custody of army and state police.”

 

In this respect, European Union has passed a resolution about human rights abuses committed by Indian forces in the Indian held Kashmir.

 

It is of particular attention that in 2008, a rights group reported unmarked graves in 55 villages across the northern regions of the Indian-occupied Kashmir. Then researchers and other groups reported finding thousands of mass graves without markers. In this regard, in August, 2011, Indian Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission officially acknowledged in its report that innocent civilians killed in the two-decade conflict have been buried in unmarked graves.

 

Notably, foreign sources and human rights organisations have revealed that unnamed graves include those innocent persons, killed by the Indian military and paramilitary troops in the fake encounters including those who were tortured to death by the Indian secret agency RAW.

 

As a matter of fact, Indian authorities are not willing to talk with Kashmiri people on political grounds. New Delhi reached to a conclusion that only bullet is the right way of dealing with Kashmiris who are demanding their right of self-determination. Surprisingly, Indian successive governments are trying to ignore the dynamics of the freedom movement of Kashmiris for the sake of their alien rule.

 

Nonetheless, August 15 which is the Independence Day for India, is Black Day for the Kashmiris and their brethren in Pakistan including those living all over the world, as they re-affirm their commitment to continue their struggle against Indian illicit occupation, and till the attainment of their liberation.

 

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

 

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

 

Additional Reading

Realities of Indian Policy in Kashmir Expose the Hypocrisy of Their Politics

 
 

 


An Indian army soldier looks at the bodies of three Kashmiri Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters in Ponychak 17 August 2001, after they were shot dead by Indian troops, as they were trying to cross the border into Indian-occupied Kashmir. 

 
Following in the footsteps of the occupiers of Palestine, L. K. Advani, the Indian home affairs minister, announced on August 20 in Srinagar, capital of Indian-occupied Kashmir, that Indian soldiers accused of torture, extra judicial executions or rape of women would be immune to prosecution under a new law. Not that unruly Indian soldiers ever felt any compunction about killing or raping Kashmiris, but this new law tells the army of occupation that it has a complete carte blanche in its dealings with them.
This follows another announcement: India intends to double the strength of its military presence in Kashmir by raising 30 additional battalions of the Rashtriya Rifles over the next five years. India already has 700,000 soldiers in Kashmir who have indulged in wanton killing, terrorism and gang-rapes. At least 70,000 Kashmiris have been murdered since the uprising began in December 1989, and countless others maimed.

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The Kashmiri struggle for self-determination has been misunderstood by most Muslims: they think it is merely a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. 
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The new Indian policy also confirms reports that India is working closely with Israel. Jane’s Defense Weekly reported last month that Indo-Zionist collaboration in the military, technological and intelligence fields had reached unprecedented heights. Each is an alien occupier involved in a campaign of state terrorism to crush the aspirations of the indigenous people. Both are also highly militaristic societies but present themselves to the world as “democracies”: Israel claims to be the “only democracy” in the Middle East; India maintains the fiction of being the “largest democracy in the world”. Yet their behavior in their occupied territories puts both outside the pale. Two other policies are common to both: each is involved in fighting the Islamic movement in the area that it occupies; each is an ally of the US.
These facts have important implications for Muslims globally. It is interesting to note that most Muslim regimes have no qualms about dealing with either. The close Indo-Zionist collaboration is also evident in their common stand vis–vis the World Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa (August 31 to September 7). Israel, backed by the US, has been working overtime to smother debate on the theme of “Zionism is racism”, while India does not want its caste system to be discussed. At least 160 million Dalits in India live lives of degradation and humiliation under religiously-sanctioned apartheid.
India has been far more successful in hiding its ugly face than has Israel. But for some awareness among the Muslim masses of the Zionists’ crimes in Palestine, every regime in the Middle East would have ‘normalized’ relations with Israel long ago. Yet the same awareness does not exist when it comes to dealing with India. Even in such places as Tehran, the Hindus are welcomed and a number of trade and other agreements have been signed. The Kashmiri struggle for self-determination has been misunderstood by most Muslims: they think it is merely a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. This shows the success of Indian propaganda.
Indian propaganda was somewhat blunted during the Agra summit (July 14-16) because of Pakistan’s insistence on the centrality of the Kashmir dispute. In fact, in Pakistan there had been hopes before the summit that India was now in earnest about resolving the 54-year-old ‘dispute’, but such hopes have now died. Islamabad now seems to understand that Delhi simply wanted the pretence of a dialogue, without really addressing the root of the problem. Vajpayee said that India was prepared to discuss Kashmir, but only as part of a “composite dialogue,” clearly rejecting its central position in the troubled relations between the two nuclear neighbors. In addition, India’s insistence on the inclusion of “cross-border terrorism” in the abortive joint declaration was mischievous and devious. No Pakistani ruler could agree to such an expression, because it has profound political and legal implications.
It implies first that the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir is an internationally-recognized border when it is not; second, that the uprising in Kashmir is not indigenous but instigated by “terrorists” from the Pakistani side of Kashmir. Indian rulers deserve full credit for deviousness; they have been trying to turn the LoC into an international border and have frequently suggested this at international forums, presenting it as a “reasonable” proposal. If Pakistan were to accept this, what was, and is the purpose of the uprising in Indian-occupied Kashmir that has been under way since 1989, in which more than 70,000 Kashmiris have perished and countless thousands have been maimed?
To suggest that the uprising in Kashmir is not indigenous is also an insult to the aspirations and sacrifices of the Kashmiris. No outside help can sustain a movement for 12 years if it does not enjoy local support. In fact, last year, when the Hizbul-Mujahideen announced a two-week ceasefire, Advani admitted that the uprising was indigenous and that Delhi had to talk to these groups. Advani, and indeed Indian rulers in general, have a remarkable ability to speak from both sides of their mouths.
This was also evident in the manner in which they approached the Agra summit. While publicly stating that they would like to be flexible on Kashmir, and would like to create an atmosphere conducive to good neighborliness, in private they have insisted on Pakistan surrendering to Indian demands.
Indian hypocrisy is also evident in the fact that immediately after the Agra talks, Delhi announced the formation of another 30 battalions of the Rashtriya Rifles to be deployed in Kashmir. Similarly, the Disturbed Areas Act as well as the Special Armed Forces Act, under which soldiers are exempt from any legal constraints, have been extended to Jammu as well (until recently they had applied only to Kashmir and to areas within 20 kilometers of the border in Jammu).
The Hindustan Times reported on August 4 that since Delhi ended the ceasefire in Kashmir in May, the number of Kashmiri deaths has risen from 97 to 225 per month. India insists on calling them “militants.” India’s own casualties at 43 per month have remained steady (before India’s ceasefire announcement of last November, casualty rates were about 160 “militants” and 36 Indian soldiers per month.) Clearly India has intensified its violent policy in Kashmir even while claiming to be talking “peace” with Pakistan. It was to discuss these “successes” that Advani went to Srinagar and gave the glad tidings that henceforth Indian soldiers could shoot to kill and rape women without any fear of restraint or punishment.
Despite all this, India continues to enjoy an excellent press in the west, especially now that the US wants to enter into a strategic partnership with it in order to contain China. Next time someone talks about “democracy,” human rights or self-determination in the US, advise them to examine the record of its two allies, Israel and India, and try to explain why they should have a license to kill, pillage and rape any people.
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Zia Sarhadi writes for Crescent International, the newsmagazine of the global Islamic movement.

 

 

 

 

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“EMPTY SLOGANS” – 14th August, 2015 by S Roman Ahsan

“EMPTY SLOGANS” – 14th August, 2015

by

S Roman Ahsan

 

14th August, Independence Day indeed! What do we have beside empty slogans today? Are we really independent?

 

In March this year of 2015, I got a job in an online English Newspaper. I did not give up “Together We Rise!” even then but that is beside the point. Anyhow, I was overqualified for the job but I gave my best, even working overtime. I was required to do news reporting and news-writing.

 

As the days went by, it was surprising to note that like other Urdu cable TV channels, our English newspaper was also very keen on sharing news on Bollywood movies, actors and actresses. I expressed my concern to the manager (who was much younger and inexperienced than me in fact) that I didn’t want to promote all that considering that I had been writing against showing of Bollywood movies in Pakistan. I also conveyed to him that India is attacking our borders since 2013 and you want to promote their cinema. Being a shallow person, he only said it was part of my duty.

 

That exchange of dialogue occurred towards the end of two weeks and the same evening I left the job. So my friends, are we free and independent? No, we are not. We are cultural slaves of our neighbouring Hindu country. Just turn on the TV channels and note how many TV channels are showing Indian content.

 

That reminds me further. Though I am narrating my own experiences but they are reflective of the general state of affairs. In 2008, I joined the newspaper THE NATION in the magazine section. I liked the job itself except the environment of workplace and the ugly politics that was going on.

 

I used to keep thesaurus with me on my desk while writing my stories. I would like to narrate here what happened in the initial few days. Well, the editor who was in-charge of the magazine section was standing near my desk. As I was busy, he stepped forward and said “What is that?” I said “Thesaurus”. He said “Hum tau use nai kartay” (We don’t use it). What a stupid thing to say considering use of Thesaurus is very much aligned with newspaper and magazine work.

 

The editor was a local Christian and though in my school we had a very nice local Christian as our English Teacher whose name was Robinson Qamar Javed, but the experience at THE NATION was totally opposite. He was an unsophisticated and uncouth person who was insecure himself due to the caliber of others. I could write a whole article how he used to play dirty politics. He himself was not a good storyteller and hence liked to attack others.

 

I also did some pro-Islam articles in the magazine then and the editor got further prejudiced. He knew that my writing skills were good and so he stopped editing my stories for fear that would add more glitter to my work (even though he continued editing for other members). Even my coverage of art-exhibitions was better than his.

 

My question is why did the management of THE NATION had to keep a prejudiced Christian as In-charge of magazine section? A newspaper such as THE NATION reflects our cultural and Islamic values, and a person in a key position in such a newspaper should not be a hater of Islam! He is currently still the editor of magazine section there at THE NATION by the way.

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So my friends, I just gave you another example. We have incompetent people in key positions in our organizations and we are afraid of our Islamic values. Then are we really independent? Furthermore, most people who rise (with exceptions) in Pakistan to key positions mostly adhere to unethical ways. With this system in place, can we really except to achieve overall progress?

 

Let me give you more examples. Our Mohammad Ali Jinnah founded Pakistan and he founded the newspaper DAWN as well. After 9/11, DAWN has become a mouthpiece of the imperialists. Day and night it attacks the sanctity of Islam in different ways. One of its senior columnists is Nadeem F. Piracha who is almost an atheist spreading filth through his writings. So are we really independent?

 

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE is not behind with its shameless practices. The newspaper falls under the INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK TIMES and it is also promoting the imperialistic agenda along with promoting decadence in society. In 2011, the paper published a 6-page cover story on the rights of homosexuals in Pakistan. Trends are not any better now. So are we really independent then?

 

The above gives just a brief picture of the media but the situation is not prettier in other sectors of Pakistan. The corporate sector in Pakistan is closely aligned with international standards and following them. So if a Pakistani Corporate Guru promotes those companies that are funding Israel (either directly or indirectly), then he has not learned ethics. And he does not know the true meaning of independence either!

 

Let us not just raise EMPTY SLOGANS of “Independence”. WE HAVE TO FIGHT THE OVERALL SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN TO ACHIEVE “TRUE INDEPENDENCE”. We cannot put the whole blame on politicians and absolve ourselves. If we consider ourselves above them in talent and general acumen, then we have greater responsibility.

 

THE JOURNEY HAS TO BEGIN TODAY…

 

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p style=”text-align: center;”>WISH YOU ALL PAKISTAN INDEPENDENCE DAY!

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