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Posted by admin in Pakistan-A Polaris of Earth on July 6th, 2015
In the modern age, fast development of science has changed the world into a global village through social media networking websites, while range of the TV channels has also been extended. But, it is regrettable that some anti-Islam elements are using these media instruments against Islam by committing blasphemous acts which are inviting terrorists’ attacks even in the western countries. In this respect on June, 24, this year, Dutch antiIslam politician Geert Wilders aired cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on Dutch television, which were drawn in May, 2015 at a caricature competition in Garland, Texas where Wilders was one of the speakers. The event was assaulted by two gunmen. Islamic State (ISIL) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Now, Wilders introduced the threeminute broadcast, in the second half of which the cartoons scrolled across the screen accompanied by piano music. One caricature had the accompanying text: “I (Wilders) have been made victorious with terror.” Geert Wilders who leads the Dutch Party for Freedom aired the caricatures in programme, reserved for political parties. He said that he broadcast the drawings to defend freedom of expression, even as Islam holds that any physical depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous. While showing prejudice, he elaborated, “The Islam, the terrorists do not want us to show these cartoons. But, terror and violence may never defeat freedom of speech. We must precisely do what the terrorists prevent us to do.” Wilders is viewed as one of Europe’s most prominent critics of Islam, which he has described as a fascist ideology. The politician is currently facing prosecution in Netherlands for discrimination and hate speech over remarks he made about citizens of DutchMoroccan originduring election campaign, last year. Meanwhile, Dutch authorities have taken precautionary measures in case of violent protests. Embassies in the Islamic countries have been put on notice and diplomats have been instructed to explain that the broadcast reflects the views of one politician and not the Dutch government. The broadcast came almost six months after the incident when the two armed persons stormed into the office of infamous French satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris. They had killed 12 people including a French National Police officer. Although the officials of the Dutch government have publicly denounced Geert Wilders’ views on Islam, yet they stated that they support his right to free speech. Some critics, however, have condemned Wilders’ latest act of provocation. A group of Moroccan mosques last week released a cartoon, depicting him as a disgruntled child being displayed on a bomb. Spokesman Aissa Zanzen said, “Ignoring him or using humor is the best way to respond to [Mr. Wilders]…We refuse to let him polarize our society.” Nevertheless, it is not the new sacrilegious act; such antiIslam activities also took place in the past. In this regard, YouTube was banned in Pakistan on September 22, 2012 when a blasphemous USmade film “Innocence of Muslims” was uploaded on it, which resulted into massive protests and violent demonstrations in more than 30 Islamic countries, leading to loss of life and property. In Pakistan, violent protesters plunged the country into chaos, as 30 people were killed in nationwide protests. And, the American ambassador Christopher Stevens in Libya and three of his staff were killed. In fact, reprinting of the caricatures about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and release of a Dutch film against the Holy Quran was also part of the conspiracy against the Muslims. The film equates Islam with violence, followed by the 9/11 terror attacks inside the US, showing Muslim leaders preaching inflammatory sermons against Jews and Christians. It displayed that Europe is under threat from Islamic beliefs and practices. In 2008 too, the YouTube was banned in Pakistan, as it had hurt the feelings of Muslims across the world by uploading the film by Geert Wilders, which displayed links between Islam and terrorism. In May, 2010, the sacrilegious caricatures competition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) inspired by an American cartoonist on Facebook and YouTube triggered violent protests across the Islamic world. On March 20, 2011, a US evangelical preacher Terry Jones supervised the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran by Pastor Wayne Sapp in a Florida church, while similar blasphemous act was done by the US troops in Bagram base in Afghanistan. In 2005, caricatures of Holy Prophet (PBUH) published in Danish newspapers sparked deadly protests in the Islamic countries. In that context, Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on Denmark’s embassy in Islamabad in 2008, killing six people, saying it was in revenge for publication of caricatures. It is of particular attention that those who are behind these fanatic entities intend to fulfill their political designs. In these terms, by availing the international phenomena of terrorism, IndoIsraeli lobbies are collectively working in America and other European countries to manipulate the double standard of the west in relation to terrorism and human rights visàvis some Islamic countries. Israel and India are equating the ‘war of independence’ in Kashmir and Palestine with terrorism. However, all these similarities of interest have brought the two countries to follow a common secret diplomacy to misguide the US in order to target Pakistan, Iran, Syria etc. Hence, antiIslam activities have been conducted by these elements not only to distort the image of Islam, but also to create division between the Islamic and the Western Worlds. And, these blasphemous activities against the religion of Muslims resulted into the recruitment of more militants by the terrorist groups. Instead of curbing terrorism, these acts have caused more terrorism in the volatile countries like Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria etc. The sacrilegious moves provided the Islamic militants with new ammunition. It is said that Al Qaeda or ISIL is the winner. If such nefarious designs continue, even moderate Muslims could join the radicals. Notably, critics say that if western democracies have passed laws against antiSemitism and denials of the holocaust, as to why there is no such law about antiIslam moves. Nevertheless, it indicates double standard of these liberal and civilized countries which have further encouraged those who want to sabotage the world peace through division. In this respect, Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC) should take up a case in the UN by drafting a resolution—not allowing any person to misuse the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) name and make movies and caricatures on him. Nonetheless, strict action must be taken against the persons like the Dutch politician Geert Wilders who has hurt Muslims’ sentiments.
Posted by admin in Pakistan-A Polaris of Earth on July 3rd, 2015
Dubai Capital of Pakistani Money Launderers,Land Grabbers,Killers.Murderers
Imdad Soomro
Sunday, June 21, 2015
KARACHI: The federal government has banned the exit of many ministers, ex-ministers, MPs and scores of bureaucrats from the country, placing them on a watch list at all exit points of the country.
Sources told The News that the federal government had directed the FIA Immigration Wing not to allow seven provincial ministers, four former ministers, 20 MPAs and 8 MNAs of the PPP and over 100 officers of the Sindh government to leave the country and seek clearance from the law enforcement agencies in this regard.
These persons have been placed on the ‘Stop Person Watch List’ for their alleged involvement in corruption, land grabbing, patronage of criminals and other charges.Sources said all those on the watch list were yet to be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL); however, if any of them tried to escape, he would be arrested and charged as enough incriminating evidence had been collected against them.
The Sindh government spokesman and Information Minister Sharjeel Memon is staying away from the media despite many attempts to contact them.The phone numbers of provincial minister Manzoor Wassan, Gian Chand, Jam Shoro and Mumtaz Jakhrani were also not responding.
Sources said DG Rangers had sought the federal government’s permission to arrest 26 top corrupt persons including ministers, MPAs, MNAs and officers.However, by Saturday evening over 107 persons had filed applications with various courts for protective and pre-arrest bail.
They included several politicians, ministers, senior bureaucrats of Revenue Department and commissioner Benazirabad.The sources said investigators had got conclusive evidences of corruption in the Sindh Local Government Department and its subordinate departments including KMC, Water and Sewerage Board, Sindh Building Control Authority and Sindh Irrigation Department.
These departments were under the control of an unauthorized person who is a close relative of the leader of the main ruling party in Sindh.The Sindh Information Department, Finance Department, Coal and Energy, Works and Services, Education, Excise and Health department are also under investigation.
On the other hand, sources confirmed that the arrested Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS) Vice Chairman Sultan Qamar Siddiqi and two directors Muhammad Khan Chachar and Rana Shahid had confessed to their involvement in embezzlement of funds of the Society, land grabbing, patronizing of criminal gangs and murders.
Siddiqi was arrested on June 17, while Muhammad Khan Chachar, Rana Shahid and Coordinator Kamran Abbasi were arrested on June 19 (Friday). The Anti-Terrorism Court had granted their 90 days remand on the Rangers request.
The Rangers law officer informed the court that Muhammad Khan Chachar was the front man of a woman leader and he had to be investigated in several cases including the killing of chairman Pakistan Steel Mills Sajjad Hussain.
He also said Chachar used to sell government vacancies to different people, while Rana Shahid and Abbasi were required for investigation into criminal cases including extortion and target killings.
Well-placed sources in the law enforcement agencies told The News that Muhammad Khan Chachar was a hardened criminal and remained co-accused with the PPP top leadership in many criminal cases including the murder case of former Steal Mills Chairman Sajjad Hussain.
Muhammad Khan Chachar was convicted in the case by a trial court and was later released by the Sindh High Court.
Chachar was also convicted in a murder attempt case of Imran Aziz Khan, son of former Lahore High Court Chief Justice Rashid Aziz Khan, and in murder case of his friend Ghulam Mustafa.
In the said case, Chachar was also convicted but released after his compromise with the heirs of the murdered Ghulam Mustafa.The sources said Rana Shahid was also involved in many criminal activities. He was the gang leader of Punjabi Students Associations (PSA) and joined the gang of Dr. Nisar Morai some two years back.
Posted by admin in Pakistan's Nuclear Deterrent, Pakistan's Nuclear Targets, Pakistan's Strategic & Security Focus, Pakistan-A Polaris of Earth on June 1st, 2015
With national zeal and fervour in different parts of the country, Youm-e-Takbeer (The day of greatness) is celebrated every year on May 28 as a national day to mark the conduction of nuclear tests when on the very day in 1998; Pakistan became the first Muslim and the 7th nuclear power in the world.
While showing aggressive designs, on May 11, 1998, the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee surprised the international community by announcing that India has conducted 3 nuclear tests earlier that day. On May 13, 1998, India conducted two more nuclear tests.
However, both the neighboring countries have waged three wars, especially on the issue of the Indian occupied Kashmir, so Pakistan’s arch rival compelled Islamabad to follow the suit. In this regard, it took only 17 days for Pakistan to successfully carry out its five nuclear tests which were done on May 28 and the sixth one on May 1998, at Chaghi in Balochistan in response to five nuclear explosions detonated by India, threatening the security of Pakistan. For the purpose, about five thousands scientists including Dr Samarmand Mubarik and especially Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan had worked day and night and made the defence of the country impregnable.
As regards Pakistan’s atomic experiments, renowned journalist, Majid Nizami said, “Pakistan faced tremendous pressure from India after it detonated five nuclear devices and America in this scenario also did not want Pakistan to become a nuclear power. US President Clinton telephoned the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif five times besides offering him billions of dollars to refrain him from nuclear tests. In this perspective, he further stated, Nawaz was receiving opinion from different sections of society, and in the same connection, he also convened a meeting of the editors wherein he (Majid Nizami) also gave the input.”
New Delhi’s war-mongering strategy against Pakistan could be judged from the fact that in 1974 India conducted first nuclear test at Pokhran Range in Rajhistan so as to pressurise Islamabad.
It is mentionable that when ZulfikarAli Bhutto, (The late) came to power, he paid much attention to the nuclear programme of Pakistan, as he knew that India would apply its coercive diplomacy on Islamabad or could attack our country. In this context, while talking on a TV channel on May 28, 2012, Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan appreciated the efforts of former Prime Minister Shaheed ZulfikarAli Bhutto for providing the opportunity to make the nuclear programme of Pakistan successful.
He also made it clear that Pakistan’s nuclear programme was totally indigenous, but acquired materials from some Western countries.
During many crises such as Kargil issue of 1999 and attack on the Indian parliament by the militants in 2001, New Delhi concentrated its troops across the Pakistan’s border, with the intention to attack Pakistan, while raising a series of false allegations against Islamabad. Pakistan was also compelled to deploy its Army along the Pak-India border. But, India did not dare to initiate a war because of Pakistan’s ‘Nukes.’ Similarly, in the past, Indian rulers had intended to implement their doctrine of limited war in Kashmir, but they could not do so owing to our nuclear weapons.
Particularly, in the aftermath of Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, India accused Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of supporting the militants. Although Pak diplomats denied Indian self-fabricated story regarding Mumbai catastrophe, but New Delhi adopted a threatening posture against Islamabad. It one again deployed its troops across the Pakistani border. Again, Islamabad also concentrated its military in order to give a matching response to India.
Notably, when US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan on May 2, 2011 in violation of Pak sovereignty—though Islamabad had repeatedly made it clear that its government and intelligence agencies did not know anything about Bin Laden’s whereabouts including any official involvement regarding the 26/11 Mumbai catastrophe, but, New Delhi continued its aggressive style which could be judged from the statement of Indian Army Chief Gen. VK Singh who claimed on May 4, 2011 that if situation arose, the Indian defence forces were competent to undertake a US-like operation inside Pakistan, which killed Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. Indian army’s Northern Command chief also expressed similar thought.
In this respect, Indian top civil and defence officials clearly said that their country could conduct a US-type military operation or surgical strikes inside Pakistan.
Nevertheless, in the aftermath of Mumbai attack, India left no stone unturned in frightening Pakistan through a prospective invasion. Violation of Pakistan’s air space by New Delhi had created an alarming situation, as Islamabad had also taken defensive steps in response to meet any aggression or surgical strikes by India. Situation was so critical that Pakistan started moving thousands of military troops from the Afghan border and the tribal areas to its border with India. But, India failed in implementing its plans of any military action or aerial strikes on Pakistan due to the fact that the latter also possesses nuclear arsenal which could destroy whole of India.
It is noteworthy that America dropped atomic bombs on Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as Tokyo had no such devices to retaliate. After the World War 11, nuclear weapons were never used. These were only employed as a strategic threat. During the heightened days of the Cold War, many crises arose in Suez Canal, Korea, Cuba and Vietnam when the US and the former Soviet Union were willing to use atomic weapons, but they stopped because of the fear of nuclear war which could culminate in the elimination of both the super powers. It was due to the concept of ‘mutually assured destruction’ that the two rivals preferred to resolve their differences through diplomacy.
Political strategists agree that deterrence is a psychological concept that aims to affect an opponent’s perceptions. In nuclear deterrence weapons are less usable as their threat is enough in deterring an enemy that intends to use its armed might.
While both the neighbouring adversaries are nuclear powers, Indians should not ignore the principles of deterrence, popularly known as balance of terror.
In these terms, India is badly mistaken, if it overestimates its own power and underestimates Pakistan’s power. As our country lacks conventional weapons vis-à-vis India, so it will have to use atomic devices during a prolonged conflict which would result into national suicide of the two countries. So India may apply its blackmailing diplomacy on the non-atomic states of South Asia in exerting psychological pressure, but it is useless in case of Pakistan whose deterrence is credible, making its defence invincible, as it possesses a variety of nuclear weapons and missiles which could be used against India as the last option, if the latter attacked our country.
Moreover, it is due to atomic bombs that Islamabad can talk to New Delhi with honour and dignity, discouraging India from casting an evil eye on our motherland.
Furthermore, as Pakistan is the only declared nuclear country in the Islamic World, hence, it has become special target of some western top officials and media persons who continue their propaganda against Pakistan’s nuclear programme. They have especially hired the services of media anchors and writers who work on their payroll and have been creating doubts about the safety and security of Pakistan’s atomic weapons and nuclear plants. Particularly, in 2009 when the heavily-armed Taliban entered Swat, Dir and Buner, US high officials and their media had exaggerated the ‘Talibinisation’ of whole Pakistan, while showing concerns about Pakistan’s atomic arms. In that regard, the then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had warned that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists. But, when Pakistan’s armed forces ejected the Taliban insurgents out of these areas by breaking their backbone, She started appreciating the capabilities of Pakistan Armed Forces.
Similarly, when terrorists had attacked on Pakistan’s Naval Airbase in Karachi on May 23, 2011, US-led some western countries including India and Israel exploited the situation through disinformation about the security of Pak nukes. And, terrorists’ assault on Kamra Base was successfully foiled by the personnel of Pakistan Air Force, but, a baseless report, published in the New York Times had indicated that suspected militants attacked a major Pakistani Air Force base where some of the country’s nuclear weapons were considered to be stored in the early hours of the militants’ attack. The ex-US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta also stated day, “There is a danger of nuclear weapons of Pakistan, falling into hands of terrorists.”
Undoubtedly, Pakistan’s nuclear assets are in safe hands-well-protected and are under tight security arrangements, having the best command and control system.
Nonetheless, May 28 is celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer by various political parties and social organizations including general masses with a pledge to make Pakistan a stronger country, militarily and economically, among the comity of nations. No doubt, on this very day of 1998, Pakistan became nuclear power.
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 Pakistan-A Polaris of Earth on May 13th, 2015
India suffers from chronic paranoia.It is the only nation which belligerently attacked its’ neighbour and severed its eastern wing.The mind-set of India’s is governed by
Chanakiya philosophy and Brahmin ideology.India has been ruled by Brahmins and Pandits,high caste Hindus ,since,its independence. This article reflects such mind-set and thinking. No Indian Web Portal has courage to publish its adversaries view-point,a true reflection of a paranoid,suspicious, and cunning mind.
In the first week of April, the United States cleared Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters and AGM-114R Hellfire II Missiles as part of a $1-billion deal. Before this deal came through, the US had released $1 billion for Pakistan from the Coalition Support Funds in 2014, in addition to the $30-odd billion already given under some or the other head to the country.
The helicopter and missile deal is the largest one since $5.8 billion in 2006 for upgrading F16 aircraft. This latest agreement, like the previous ones, has been cleared despite the fact that Pakistan has steadfastly worked against the US’ interests in Afghanistan, used the Haqqani Network, controlled and manipulated the Taliban and misled the US on Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts.
So there must be very good reasons why the US is choosing to ignore Pakistan’s track record and reward it. Could it be for the services rendered to the US in the past or is it a payment for the future? This economic and military support to Pakistan could also be an insurance in the futile hope that Islamabad will stay away from Beijing, which is making very strong moves in Afghanistan and Iran.
China has offered to construct the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline that will pass through Gwadar to Nawabshah in Sindh and will also sell eight submarines to Pakistan.
Finally, the latest US-Pakistan deal could also be a small gift to Pakistan to assuage a feeling of insecurity and hurt after President Barack Obama visited India twice.
This military deal with Pakistan reaffirms the belief that the US has an abiding interest in the country regardless of its misdemeanours. There is also a message for India in this: If New Delhi continues to shop elsewhere then America will sell arms to other countries because armament export is the lifeline of the US economy and determines the well being of many Congressmen.
The US is also concerned by Pakistan’s interest in buying attack helicopters from Russia and China and the development of an Asia-centric neo-multilateral grouping that excludes it.
Even though the helicopter and Hellfire missile deal may not be a big-ticket item, the US-Pakistan military relationship will continue to be a factor in India-Pakistan relations. It determines Pakistani adventurism and belligerency on bilateral issues with India.
It would be a mistake to assume that the US has changed its policy towards the region. It may have changed its style or the way it wishes to handle India and Pakistan but not its overall interests. The US wants to have a stronger presence in India without losing the hold it has on the military rulers in Pakistan.
Similarly, the optimistic among us must not interpret the recent India-Pakistan humanitarian co-operation in Yemen as the beginning of neighbourly love. These acts were results of practical realities and no side wanted to look petty by not joining hands during such a crucial moment.
India must look for the real Pakistan in its various nuclear missiles, the fissile material it is acquiring and the terrorists it harbours on its soil. None of this has changed and Islamabad continues to prevaricate on the trial of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and others. Rest assured, Pakistani-inspired terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir will also continue.
A self-confident Pakistan is of interest to India as it could lead to rational mutually beneficial relationship. Together the two could achieve much for their countries and the region.
An over-confident Pakistan tends to be belligerent and aggressive, a nuisance but it achieves little. A diffident Pakistan, under its military and religious bigots, is a danger to itself and the neighbourhood. It adopts guerrilla tactics, literally and figuratively, by using each period of attempts at peace and tranquillity to regroup and consolidate for the next battle.
The recent downturn in Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who feel angered by apparent ingratitude, may be temporary. It may be that Pakistan’s internal political dynamics and religious compulsions will still change this decision and that would be just as significant.
Despite its misadventures in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, the US is unlikely to stop pursuing its wrong policies or suddenly discover an ability to discern that it was being misled by its allies. The US is unable or unwilling to leverage its economic and military assistance to bring about a change in Pakistan’s policies.
Instead, Pakistan’s sensitivities about Afghanistan will continue to weigh disproportionately in the US’ geopolitical calculations. This is the real world we live in and we will have to learn to deal with a superpower that is increasingly showing evidence of being unable to go it alone.
The superpower is today faced with the distinct possibility that it will be replaced in Afghanistan by China who will use Pakistan as its willing surrogate. The $46-billion infrastructure deal that China has given Pakistan is a step in that direction.
China already has a considerable economic presence in West Asia. It will now concentrate on energy-rich Iran that has emerged much stronger after its nuclear deal and the recent fiascoes in West Asia. China is positioning itself ahead of the US presidential elections next year. The Russians, with their growing understanding with China, cannot be discounted as they strengthen their relations with Iran.
There is renewed talk of an India-Iran deal to develop the Chahbahar port. The stage is being set for a new game in our immediate neighbourhood and it may look different once the dust settles down.
Vikram Sood is former secretary, Research & Analysis Wing
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