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Posted by admin in Colonial History, RAW-MOSSAD NEXUS, SAFFRON BANDITS, SHARIF FAMILY CORRUPTION, SHERDILS OF PAK FAUJ, Sherdils Shaheen of Pakistan Air Force, SOUTH ASIA, Spies & Saboteurs Target Pakistan, SPIES AMONGST US, SPYING ON PAKISTAN, SPYING ON PAKISTAN:US, STATE SPONSORED TERRORISM BY INDIA, STEALTH RACISM OF SAUDIS, STEALTH ZIONIST JEWS IN PAKISTAN MEDIA on August 13th, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsjpI3zt6fI
On June 10, this year, while showing the progress of the military operation Zarb-e-Azb, Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Raheel Sharif said, “Terrorists have been cleared from their strongholds in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, and fight now is moving into last few pockets close to Afghan border.” He laid emphasis on “continuation of the operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups and sanctuaries.”
Undoubtedly, the ferocious fighting by the sons of soil to liberate people of families of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) from the terrorists, resulted in one of the biggest internal displacement in the history of Pakistan. It has caused huge socio-politico-economic and security implications for the brave people of tribal areas. These people faced the hardships of displacement, and their plight was aired by various media segments. Opinion makers felt the pain and strived to sensitize the government and public regarding their socio-economic responsibilities to look after their basic human needs.
Since the military operations of 2008, there has been frequent dislocation of populations from seven agencies of FATA. Some persons were fleeing due to the threats and attacks by the terrorists, but most of them left the areas for their own safety, prior to military operations to free FATA and Pakistan from the militants. They made their temporary homes in camps, made for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with host families, or in hired accommodation in places like Tank, DI Khan, Bannu and Peshawar. Many of them have since long returned home following stabilization of their areas, but residual caseloads remained in 2014, and the number increased. The latest wave of dislocation from North Waziristan Agency brought the total FATA-displaced-population up to around 2 million people. This is a massive dislocation of persons for any country to handle. Assisting them during displacement has required substantial funding and initiatives to ensure their shelter and other needs, which have been fulfilled.
As stability and peace is restored in FATA, Pakistan Army is working with the government and other stakeholders to facilitate the return of the IDPs, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected regions. Gen. Raheel Sharif has repeatedly stated that the top priority is the early and dignified return of the IDPs, and he has instructed all concerned officials to prepare for their phased return.
In this regard, the Pakistan Government has issued directions to the related ministries and departments to finalize the plans regarding funds, the returns of the IDPs, reconstruction and rehabilitation of FATA.
While, it is not enough for the rehabilitation of the massive populations of the tribal areas, which require huge funds, as now, it is the turn of the tribal people to celebrate their return to their areas. But, destroyed villages, shattered houses and ruined markets can not be welcoming sites. Where they will dwell and from where they will draw the livelihood for their families? Who is responsible for their rehabilitation? Have any efforts been made to raise funds? These are some of the questions haunting the minds of everyone. Time is ticking fast; Government of Pakistan, people and international community have to rise to the challenge before it is too late. It is every ones responsibility to contribute towards their quickest possible rehabilitation, so that they consider themselves part of the society. Any negligence at this stage would not only generate despondency among the tribal people of FATA, but would leave space for the militancy to re-surface.
Although, Pak Army has ever conducted a large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in FATA, yet it is not easy to resettle 2 million people. It requires detailed and insightful planning, political will, extensive and complex coordination and logistics, and substantial funding to support the initiatives to help families rebuild their homes, restock their livestock, plant crops, restart their livelihoods and to mend the fragile economy of this extremely disadvantaged region.
War against terrorism will remain incomplete, unless all segments of society and politicians try to win the hearts and minds of the tribal people by keeping in minds various requirements and steps which are essential for the rehabilitation of FATA.
Firstly, the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and developed FATA is necessary to foil future plans of the terrorists.
Secondly, whole nation, particularly the political leadership should come forward to provide financial resources for rehabilitation.
Thirdly, education for everyone and grass root level involvement of the people in socio-political activities may be ensured/planned.
Fourthly, efforts at all levels may be undertaken to re-construct physical structures, maintain law and order, activate economy and inculcate cohesion to ensure sustainable rehabilitation of people of FATA.
Fifthly, instead of portraying negative aspects of rehabilitation, media should come forward to arrange shows for fund-raising and proposing viable solutions for the issues prevailing in FATA.
Nevertheless, rehabilitation of FATA is still a bigger challenge. Therefore, just like the unity, shown by the whole nation during war against terrorism by supporting the Zarb-e-Azb, needs to display the same unity through practical assistance in rehabilitation of the tribal areas. Let us celebrate the forthcoming 14th August 2015 with national commitment to endeavour for rehabilitation of FATA people.
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: [email protected]
Posted by admin in Christian Pakistanis Our Great Assets, Minority Rights, Sajjad Shaukat on August 12th, 2015
Every year, on August 11, Pakistan officially celebrates the National Minorities Day to honour the services and sacrifices, rendered by religious minorities for the country over the years.
This very day also recognizes the contribution and sacrifices of minorities in creation of Pakistan and nation-building.
On this occasion, events, seminars and social gatherings are arranged across the country by members of various religious minorities and the ministry of National Harmony.
It may be recalled that during the PPP government, August 11 was official declared National Minorities Day by the former President Asif Ali Zardari in 2009 in line with the historic speech of founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947. In his speech, Quaid-e-Azam said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”
There have been numerous Non-Muslims who have risen to the rank of Brigadier; and in the 1990, the first Christian promoted to the Rank of Major General was Julian Peter who commanded the 14th Div in Okara Cantt. In 2009 brigadierThere have been numerous non-muslims who have risen to the rank of Brigadier; and in the 1990, the first Christian promoted to the rank of Major General was Julian Peter who commanded the 14th Div in Okara Cantt. In 2009 brigadier Noel Israel Khokhar, was also promoted to rank of Major General. Capt. Hercharn Singh, the first Sikh as Commissioned Officer in Pakistan Army. He was commissioned in Baloch Regiment. Currently, he’s serving as an ADC to a Corps Commander,Major General Noel Israel Khokhar also promoted to rank of Major General. Capt. Hercharan Singh, the first Sikh as Commissioned Officer in Pakistan Army. He was commissioned in Baloch Regiment. Currently, he’s serving as an ADC to a Corps Commander
Major General Noel Israel Khokhar
Division Commander
Pakistan Army
In the same speech, Quaid-e-Azam said, “We are starting in the days where there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between ones caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens, and equal citizens of one state.”
It is mentionable that in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, the Constitution of 1973 protects the real rights and interest of minorities, living in Pakistan.
Last year, Shahid Mairaj, the Dean of the Cathedral stated in his message, on August 11, “The governing principle is to let people of every faith live in peace as they choose, and understand that the state belongs to everyone. This country is our mother, and it is a duty for all of us to help it to advance and flourish.”
In this regard, Member Punjab Assembly and minorities’ leader Najmi Saleem remarked, “Minorities in Pakistan have exactly the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens”.
Minister Incharge for National Harmony Dr. Paul Bhatti said, “The Minorities Day provides us an opportunity to renew the pledge for the promotion of tolerance and interfaith harmony as in a pluralistic society, there can always be a divergence of opinion on a number of issues, but these differences can be solved through interfaith harmony which means a cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religions, traditions, faiths, and spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at all levels.”
He acknowledged by pointing out, “Many steps have been taken by the Government for the protection and promotion of minorities like the reservation of 5 percent quota in Government jobs/services, enhancement representation in the parliament, declaration of August 11 as the Minorities Day, including observance of optional holidays and celebration of the festivals of minorities at official level”.
A Sikh leader, Sardar Bishan Singh shared similar thoughts and pointed out that all citizens of Pakistan worked together for the growth of the country.
It is notable that the Ministry of National Harmony was formed after the devolution of Ministry of Minority Affairs to acknowledge the sacrifices and services of minorities to promote peace, patience and tolerance for creating an understanding and brotherhood among the people of different schools of thought.
However, since the formation of Pakistan, minorities are contributing in every sphere of life and their political involvement is also worth appreciating. Therefore, the day is dedicated to the minorities who played their constructive role in Pakistan.
But, it is regrettable that in the recent years, with the support of anti-Pakistan groups like Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jundullah and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) including their affiliated outfits, Indian secret agency RAW which has well-established its network in Afghanistan arranged a number of terror-attacks on Ahmadis, Christians and Sikhs in order to distort the image of Pakistan abroad.
In this connection, some terror-events might be cited as instance. In May, 2009, Indian backed militants had forcibly taken over the shops and homes of the 35 Sikh families in the Orakzai Agency in Pakistan. On May 28, 2011 armed assaults on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore killed more than 70 people. More than 80 people died and 150 injured when two suicide attackers struck the All Saints Church in Peshawar on September 22, 2013. On March 17, 2015, at least 15 people were killed and more than 70 injured when two Taliban suicide bombers attacked churches in Lahore. Indian supported TTP claimed responsibility for these attacks. In this context, investigations showed that RAW was behind these subversive acts. In fact, besides other terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Balochistan and Karachi, assaults on religious communities are part of the Indian scheme to create chaotic situation in Pakistan, because it is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World.
While, India which claims an arch secular state has surprised the world because of continued attacks on other minority groups, especially Christians, Muslims and Sikhs—and events of forced conversion of Christians and Muslims into Hindus.
Unlike India, where religious minorities are being targeted by the Hindu fundamentalist outfits like the ruling party BJP, RSS, Shiv Sena etc., all the minorities such as Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and Budahists enjoy fundamental rights in Pakistan, including all other rights of citizenry in Pakistan.
Nevertheless, Pakistan which came into existence on the basis of Islamic principles to provide respect and protection to all the segments of society is giving full safety to all the minorities as mentioned in the Constitution. Besides other minority groups, particularly Christians are not only serving in the armed forces, but are also working in other departments. Without any discrimination by the Muslims, they also run their own business and are working in private sectors.
Nonetheless, the National Minorities Day not only expresses gratitude for the contributions, made by these religious communities, but also professes that future development of Pakistan hinges crucially on their efforts.
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: [email protected]
Posted by admin in ISLAM MESSAGE OF PEACE, ISLAM=PEACE & BROTHERHOOD AMONG MANKIND, ISLAMIC CRESCENT, Our PathFinder & Polaris Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on August 12th, 2015
Posted by admin in Col(Retd) Riaz Jafri OP ED, Col.Riaz Jafri (Retd) Column, OPINION:OP-ED on August 12th, 2015
by
George Orwell, a great philosopher warned the mankind in no uncertain words that, “The most effective way to destroy a people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” Unfortunately, our pseudo intellectuals and the so called historians seem to follow this maxim, though admittedly unwittingly, and feed us some bizarre stories of their liking and inventions. It all started with the process of the Islamisation of Pakistan and anything even remotely Islamic whether warranted or not had to be incorporated in and associated with our nascent history in the making. Anything of the pre-partioned subcontinent was Indian and alien to our history and culture, so much so that even the before-1947 songs of Noor Jahan, born, bred and buried in Pakistan, were considered Indian songs and considered a taboo by our patriotic Radio Pakistan to air them! At the same ti! me our newly found religious frenzy made our ‘scholars’ lose sight of all pragmatism to introduce such bizarre stories in our schools’ text books that carried a most nonsensical recounting of our army soldiers throwing themselves before the Indian tanks at Chawinda in 1965 war with mines tied to their chests to embrace martyrdom (shahadat)?! Stupid, firstly, their Commanding Officer would have been court-martialled for not ensuring the safety of the men under his command. And, secondly, if a soldier could get that close to the enemy tank to lay himself under its tracks then what stopped him from mounting the tank from the rear and lobbing a grenade in the hull that would have killed all its crew apart from exploding the tank’s main gun ammunition inside that would have destroyed the very tank itself ?!!
Whatever, I for one would like to stand up and be counted to unearth the facts of our history as truly as possible.
A few days ago I had written an article “11 August – OUR MAGNA CHARTA” establishing that our founding fathers had no intention of Pakistan becoming a religious state in the sense that our rightists are trying to make it one, as according to them religion was a personal matter that had nothing to do with the business of the state. Naturally, no daily, weekly or magazine dare publish it, except that it got a thundering response on the social media networks. I expect the same to happen to this article as well but that shall not deter an eye witness me from speaking out the truth.
And the truth is that Pakistan was not LIBERATED but CREATED at midnight August 14/15, 1947.
It was Bharat that was LIBERATED and got its independence. These are two distinct facets of our history and we should be able differentiate between them. Pakistan, mind you Sirs – Pakistan, was NEVER a slave country and/or ruled over by any foreign power. It was a born free country. We should, therefore, not commemorate its “independence” day but celebrate its ‘Birthday”. Actually, only the British – the Sovereigns – could legally and constitutionally ‘create’ Pakistan while they were still in power or else, once India became independent and a free country then it would have been up to its Constituent Assembly to legislate to carve out or not Pakistan from its main body. And who knows with the Hindu absolute majority in the assemblies and the Gandhi’s stance of, “Cut me into two before you cut India ! into two”, the Indian parliament would have agreed or not to the partitioning of India?!
Secondly, the birthday should be celebrated on the 15th August as it was done in the initial few years (four or five years) in the beginning. Please see the commemorative postal stamps of the birth anniversary of Pakistan of the time reproduced here to prove what I say. 15 August 1947 can clearly be read on these.
It was a later thought and some bright maulvi made it up to coincide with the 27th of Ramzan which had fallen on the 14th August 1947 instead of the 15th.
History must be read untarnished and as factual as possible. For, “Study the past if you would define the future”. Said Confucius long ago. Another great mind― Michael Crichton reminded the mortals, “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.”
My appeal to all especially the younger generation, read and read correct and unbiased history to know of your rich heritage which has an enormously important place in the realm of our human civilisation.
Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)
Posted by admin in Current Affairs, Defense, ISI, Politics, Recent News on August 12th, 2015
Gen Zaheer’s “Coup” Attempt and the Reaction.Brig Qadir’s essential point seems to be spot on i.e corruption in high places is nothing new. But what seems to be new is the level of frustration, disappointment and the anger it is engendering–and eventually a feeling of pure helplessness and hopelessness among a majority of us.The following seems to be increasingly happening in Pakistan.a. Anti-corruption sentiment seems to have graduated from strong disapproval to outright loathing and hatred for those who are selling our interests and our national assets. There is something personal about this now, which did not seem to be quite so, earlier.b.When the partisans of the government insist on calling the present system a democracy, more and more people react as if their intelligence is being deliberately insulted by those making this claim. And because this claim is made by the thugs themselves or by their side kicks, the reaction to it has a virulence about it which was not there some time ago.c. The Constitution was supposed to be that supreme law which was to hold the government in check and accountable. However its spirit is clearly seen to have been undermined in a way that it has now become a shield to protect and aid the government and give it immunity as it undermines the core interests of the state. With the police, bureaucracy, and the judiciary already made instruments of crime furtherance by the government, instead of crime prevention, and the Constitution being subverted to the same cause, is it any wonder then that whenever the Constitution is cited in support of the government, it elicits sneers from increasing numbers of people!d. Apart from unchecked theft by people in power, the present era is defined by either mis-governance, or no governance whatever. You can take your pick depending on your experience.e. It is a combination of all of the above, and utter terror of what tomorrow will bring if the perpetrators of our misfortune are not immediately restrained with the same ruthlessness, as the ruthlessness with which they are daily selling us down the drain, which is making people cry out for a redeemer.It is my very strong feeling, that though we have suffered all this in the past, but the sheer scale of the horror to which Pakistan is being subjected today, and the expectation of consequences that must unfold from this have become so unacceptable, that ANY redeemer will be acceptable.Thus would most readers agree with me in that, though Pakistan has suffered much in the past, what is unique about today is actually the scale of the effort which is undermining the state. And thus as a reaction to this is the scale of anxieties and fears unleashed.From: Mehboob Qadir <[email protected]>One can not agree more with Naeem Ahmad.His is a cry of frustration, disappointment and anger on what is going around in the country behind the democracy smoke screen.However plunder of national resources, pocketing kick backs and commissions is not new here, particularly is no big issue with the NS clan.They are used to it since long. Any modicum of propriety detected in thereabouts should be taken as alarming .
Their hero and business partner Mr Ardugan is reported to have got a huge (800 rooms) palace constructed to go with the grandeur of the Turkish President, of which about 200 rooms are under use by his clansmen and kin.He is planning to subvert the Turkish constitution from a Parliamentry form to Presidential form, so that he could continue to be the President for as long as he wants.In Turkey one can not be a Prime Minister more than two times.He has nearly demoilshed his opposition; the Kamalist Republican Party and the field is set for ‘democratic’ semi theocratic dictatorship.It is common knowledge that no major government contract can be sanctioned without his poersonal approval.As a result he and his children( quite like NS and family) have become billionnaires.This briuef introduction must show why these profiteering men dash off to Istanbul so often and why these monsterous metros.Detect any similarities?Has anyone noticed the pathetic sight of an awfully under-capacity and small metrobus plying on the huge fly over track in Rawalpindi like a snail on your staircase.That disgust is not about the size of the bus but the utter disproportion of the expense on a trivial travel help which could best be served by a modern fleet of a hundred buses on properly metalled Rawalpindi- Islamabad roads.But that was neither glamorous nor provided opportunity to pocket billions of rupees.This track keeps dripping after rains even after days and there is no guarantee of workmanship of a project whose chief was a politician involved in huge Ephedrine scam.His engineering skills are unknown and more than that his personal integrity is completely suspect.But that is the way NS clan operates.Put a thief incharge of the treasury and pliage with both hands.
One is not sure of Gen(r) Zaheer’s alleged attempt , but one thing is certain ,these men and their buglers would soon have their feet in their mouths and would be made to suck.What goes around comes around.Mehboob Qadir
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2015 17:36:24 -0700
Subject: Fwd: Gen Zaheer’s “Coup” Attempt and the Reaction.
From: [email protected]
To:fwd as rcvd.Gen Zaheer’s “Coup” Attempt and the Reaction. Nasim Ahmed.
Recently, Khawaja Asif accused Gen Zaheer, ex-D.G of ISI, of goading Imran Khan into the Dharna to make grounds for a coup against Nawaz Govt. This should never have been discussed on T.V. Least of all by the Defense Minister.Najm Sethi, being Najam Sethi with his famous “Chirya” put addition spin on this. He said the “coup” was aimed at pulling down Nawaz Sharif, and pusing out Gen Raheel Sharif!This added masala was expected to sensationalize the issue. Sethi’s spin was designed to put Nawaz Sharif and the General on the same plank, and hence on the same side.It was indeed sensationalized and it became a talk of the town, but precisely for two days. After its 15 minutes of fame it died out.It did not get any further traction. The effect was quite the opposite of the intended. No one believed the Sethi spin, and saw it for the crude propaganda which it was.Instead of condemning Zaheer more and more people stated to rue the fact that he did not succeed.It started being said in private conversations that if Zaheer tried to do what he was being accused of, he needs to be praised for the effort.They said Pakistan was in the claws of vultures, and any one who gets the country out of these claws will be a hero.It is said that as chief of ISI he knew the cirmes of rulers much better than any one else. Any patriot would act the way he is alleged to have done.People are willing to bear anything. But they cannot bear to be plundered by their “leaders”. This is just not acceptable any more. They want to see these leader hanged.See the link to Dr Farrukh Saleem’s article below. This is a researched article. See what Pakistan has paid for its Metro. Then compare this with the next highest costing metro in the world has cost. And see the cost of gas imported from Qatar, and what India is paying for it.Who is pocketing the difference? No one needs to take a second guess to know where the plunder is going.If election commission had done its job, none of these leaders should have been allowed to even contest the elections because of corruption. But Ch Iftikhar the one eyed man. The thief. The hypocrite wanted take the country to hell with himself.How did Zardari become president when he was found guilty in the Swiss court? Having been found guilty of money laundering the prosecutor enhanced the charge to “aggravated” money laundering. Zardari and Queen Benazir refused to attend the hearings. But the original guilty remained.Ishaq Dar has given a confession for money laundering. Nawaz Sharif cannot justify their assets with their stated income which is reflected by the taxes they paid. This is the simplest formula to establish white collar crime in most civilized countries. They are all criminals if investigated. But every institution which could have brought them to book has been destroyed and works FOR the criminals they are supposed to work.In the public mind the constitution has become irrelevant. In most minds it has become a dirty word.After eighteenth amendment it has become dirt itself, because it allows dirt of the nation to settle on top of it. It permits this to happen without challenge.No one can help Pakistan and pull it out from this dirt.Army is the only institution left which can do this.Army has to choose between Pakistan and constitution.It is fault of thief politicians that this situation has come about.So long live Gen Zaheer if he thought of his country and tried to save it.And long live Gen Raheel and all his other generals who seem to be thinking only of Pakistan.For the first time it seems our army is working on behalf of the people of Pakistan. It is fighting heroically in trenches in the north. It is cleaning out the south. We hope it will now move to the middle and clean it of the filth which has been accumulating there for decades.If Pakistan has democracy, and this is what democracy means i.e no governance, no accountability of leaders, and total plunder by them, most people do not want democracy. The want security. A little justice. And some decency in public life.And they do not want to be plundered by these thieves sitting in the assemblies.Naeem Ahmed.
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