Pakistan-Zone

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated

2007-12-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

In deference to the adage, “Of the dead, speak no ill,” we should pay respect to Benazir Bhutto as a remarkable human being before the pundits get a hold of the story and tell us what she symbolized and what her death means to Pakistan.

The BBC offers an appropriate and reverent obituary.

Born in 1953 in the province of Sindh and educated at Harvard and Oxford, Ms Bhutto gained credibility from her father's high profile, even though she was a reluctant convert to politics.

Since the assassination of her father, she worked hard against the corruption and misuse of power in Pakistan. However, she constantly had to deal with accusations leveled at her, accusations which could not be substantiated.

None of about 18 corruption and criminal cases against (her husband) Mr Zardari has been proved in court after 10 years. But he served at least eight years in jail… Ms Bhutto also steadfastly denied all the corruption charges against her, which she said were politically motivated… She faced corruption charges in at least five cases, all without a conviction, until amnestied in October 2007.

Pervez Musharraf granted her amnesty and allowed her to return to Pakistan earlier this year. One reason was that she was seen as a natural ally in (the government’s) efforts to isolate religious forces and their surrogate militants.

Many of Bhutto’s critics have forgotten the good she did in her second term as Prime Minister.

In 1993, she was re-elected as Prime Minister. While in office, she brought electricity to the countryside and built schools all over the country. She made hunger, housing and health care her top priorities, and looked forward to continuing to modernize Pakistan… At the same time Bhutto faced constant opposition from the Islamic fundamentalist movement.

Bhutto’s autobiography was titled “Daughter of the East” in Britain and “Daughter of Destiny” in America. “Which are you?” she was once asked by journalist Mary Anne Weaver.

“I’m partly a child of destiny. Fate put me where I am now, against my own inner wishes, but I chose to stay on, when I could always have opted out… I have a duty to those people who believe in me and to myself… Did I have a choice?”

She also gave good reason for being the “Daughter of the East”.

“I am a daughter of the East. I was born into it; conditioned by it; thrust into a political system which is Eastern… as a daughter of the East I want other women, born into this tradition, this environment, where they’re forced to submit to those societal pressures and those fates which have been written for them, to see how I fight—as a politician, as a woman, as a mother—and how I survive.”

She survived much in her shortened life. Her father has arrested and executed. Her brothers were murdered. She was imprisoned for five years, mostly in solitary confinement. While making her prison conditions unbearable, her jailers encouraged her suicide by leaving poison in her cell. She survived many death threats and assassination attempts.

And she survived the assassination today. She continues to live in the hearts of all Pakistanis she tried to help.

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Is there an emergency or not?

2007-11-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

At a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, John Negroponte, the US Deputy Secretary of State, acknowledged that Pakistan faced a dangerous situation with the Taliban gaining ground in the nearly-autonomous regions of the North West Frontier Province.

"The situation in Swat is a reminder of the fact that there are issues to deal with regarding violent extremists in this country. The Pakistan Government is undertaking major efforts at the moment to deal with the situation in Swat and I suspect it will be doing so for a while to come," Negroponte said.

This is exactly the type of crisis that President Musharraf recognized in declaring a state of emergency.

"We are facing the threat of terrorism,'' Musharraf said... The army is fighting non-Pakistani gunmen, elements of al-Qaeda and their local sympathizers... the country has "suffered a lot of casualties in the war.''

Still... Negroponte put pressure on Musharraf to end the state of emergency.

Diplomats say Negroponte warned Musharraf that Washington would review its aid -- some 10 billion dollars since 2001, much of it for the military -- but he gave no details.

Meanwhile, for most Pakistanis, life goes on.

According to Muzaffar Riaz, Rwalpindi bridal shop owner, "the political crisis is there, over our heads, and it can come to us. But the reality for most Pakistanis is we are depoliticized, almost beyond belief. And so life goes on. Perhaps even with a vengeance."

Listen... Eids is just around the corner. If you don't prepare your wedding now, crisis or no crisis, you will have to wait another year. (And who's to say next year will be better?)

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Peace Prize and Human Rights

2007-10-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

Now that Al Gore has received the Nobel Peace Prize, he is likely relegated to obscurity as the “curse of the Nobel Peace Prize” takes its toll. Hopefully, there is an inverse property of the curse that elevates the runner-ups to renown. With that in mind, it seems appropriate to highlight one of those also-rans, a courageous human rights activist.

ABC News, last week, identified Rebiya Kadeer as a known nominee for the Peace Prize. “Kadeer has gained recognition for fighting for the rights of the Uighur Muslim minority” in China. She sacrificed a comfortable life as a successful entrepreneur to speak up for the rights of her people.

The Uighur are a Turkic Muslim ethnic group living in western China in an area once part of the sovereign nation of Turkestan. The Uighur have experience much discrimination and loss of human rights under the Chinese government. “Considering them a separatist group, Beijing has used a variety of means to crush any sign of restiveness among Uighurs.” There have been several waves of Uighur refugees leaving China for other countries through out modern times. The Uighur Diaspora has generated communities of Uighur people in other countries including Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.

The refugees are not safe, even outside of the Chines territories. Using international anti-terrorism laws, China has successfully extradited Uighurs from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Many times those Uighurs captured and returned to China face executions. Ismail Semed captured in Pakistan and accused of being a member of a terrorist group was handed over to China. He was executed in February of this year. International human rights groups say that “the case was marred by a lack of evidence”.

A Uighur seeking asylum in Kazakhstan described being beaten by police just walking in the marketplace. He claimed that although China calls them terrorists, the only evidence is that they are Uighur. According to Sharon Hom, Executive Director of Human Rights in China, the treatment of the Uighurs is based in religious persecution. “Religious regulation in Xinjiang is so pervasive that (the authorities) can catch just about anyone."

In this volatile environment, Rebiya Kadeer dared to ask for justice and human rights. For her role in exposing the rights abuse, Kadeer spent five and a half years in prison. She was arrested on her way to speak to a delegation of US Congressional staff members who were visiting China. Released on March 17, 2005 through negotiations between the American and Chinese governments, she was warned as she left prison not to associate with other Uighurs and not to discuss their plight. She bravely ignored these warnings. Her family in China have been regularly harassed and arrested.

Kadeer still carries on with her cause. As president of the Uyghur American Association, she is based in Washington, DC. However, she gives speeches wherever she is invited, as she did in Edinburgh, Scotland earlier this month, to encourage solidarity with the Uighur people.

There are those who think that the Peace Prize should be awarded as originally intended. There are those who believe that someone who risks his/her life should receive the award.

...And then there are those who think someone like Rebiya Kadeer should be held up as an example for future generations whether she receives a meaningless award or not.

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People bring peace and understanding

2007-09-17T18:33:00.000-05:00

The school year has started again in America. Pakistan is on the minds of many returning to campus. A bright young sophomore at the University of Southern California has an interesting essay on how she spent her summer vacation in Lahore. Author Greg Mortenson has been visiting campuses sharing his stories of humanitarian efforts in the hills of Pakistan.

Natasha Khan spent a wonderful three months in Pakistan this summer. Her friends at USC cannot believe it: she actually had a good time! "Yes, summer in Lahore was safe. Moreover, it was both wonderfully relaxing and exciting".

But Natasha what about all the political turmoil?

How... the networks broadcasted the major Pakistani stories... I do not know... my time in Lahore was golden.

In her opinion piece for the USC student newspaper, she breaks down the hot stories of the summer, one by one. She writes about being in the courtroom when the decision to reinstate the Chief Justice was reached. She sees the so-called crisis for what it was: a long overdue separation of the judiciary branch from the executive branch. It was not the break-down of civilization in Pakistan as so many Western media sources portrayed it.

One night while in Pakistan, "at about 10 p.m., the government announced that the country may fall into a state of emergency". However, later that night, the government relented. Another evening there was a serious bomb threat. "That night, all the restaurants were as full as usual, business was roaring". Life goes on!

She concludes with "A country only reaches an equilibrium when its people are at peace with themselves and their governing system, but people need to find this peace for themselves... A great exercise of of autonomy is the right to improve your country yourself, without external forces shaping the answer for you".

Over at Montana State University, Greg Mortenson spoke to the students about his adventures building schools in the Pakistani frontier. He once became lost in Pakistan while traveling to climb Summit K2. Village people took care of him and brought him back to health. He made a pledge to come back and build a school for the village children. He has fulfilled that pledge many times over. As the founder of Central Asia Institute, he has been responsible for having 61 schools built in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

His message to the students centered on the idea that "Politics is not what brings peace... People bring peace". His other points included:

The CAI emphasizes girl education because "If you educate a boy, you educate a person. If you educate girls, you educate a community."

"You can't have democracy unless you have education and land ownership."

He reported that the Taliban is actively destroying schools because it is easier to control people through ignorance.

"It is said that only when it is dark enough can one see the stars."

Mortenson brought a similar message to the students of University of North Carolina Charlotte where the University Honor Students held a successful fundraiser for the CAI.

Mortenson's book is "Three Cups of Tea". It should be on everyone's bookshelf.

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Happy Independence Day!

2007-08-14T19:14:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, Pakistan celebrated its 60th birthday. In commemorating the day, President Pervez Musharraf encouraged all citizens “to serve as instruments of enlightened moderation”. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz claimed that the day was not just for the people of Pakistan. The day marks the end of foreign rule over a sovereign nation, but also demonstrated to the world that a democracy could be built on Islamic principles.

It is a good time to remember the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Jinna who wanted to build Pakistan as a nation where Muslims could live in safety. That nation was not to be an Islamic state governed by sharia, but a modern democracy where freedom of religion was guaranteed for all. In Jinna’s Pakistan, Islam was supposed to be a culturally binding force and a source of morality and compassion among the governing bodies.

The charisma of Jinna gave hope to many people including the religious minorities. When Jinna wrote to Gandhi that the “Quran is a complete code of life. It provides for all matters”, he assured Gandhi that Islam in Pakistan would guarantee the civil rights of each individual. Jinna felt firmly that religious intolerance had been “the biggest hindrance in the way of India to attain freedom and independence.” If there had been no intolerance, the people of the subcontinent would have been free “a long, long time ago”.

In his address at the inauguration of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Jinna stated…

“If you change your past and work together ...in a spirit that everyone of you, ...no matter what his color, caste or creed, ...is first, second and last a citizen of this state ...with equal rights, privileges and obligations, ...there will be no end to the progress you will make.”

He continued, “I cannot emphasize it too much. We should begin to work in that spirit and in the course of time all these angularities of the majority and minority communities will vanish.”

Three days after Independence Day, on August 17, 1947, Jinnah, lived up to his words. Risking much criticism, he attended a Christian thanksgiving service held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Karachi. Emulating the spirit of Quaid-e-Azam, may the people of Pakistan see no end to their progress!

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A nice place to visit

2007-07-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

Imagine my surprise reading Ted Rall’s column dealing with what a gloomy place Pakistan is. Rall paints a grim picture of life and travel in Pakistan. Pakistanis are not happy and there is danger everywhere. Not to mention the inefficient public transportation and the hypocrisy of the ruling class. He describes Pakistan as “a mass of internal contradictions” beginning at the airport where the airport staff is cold and the tension is thick.

He describes the political situation as if it were the only thing any one is thinking of. “The Red Mosque crisis symbolizes the devil's bargain Pakistan's ruling elites have struck with Islamic radicals.” He reminds us that Pakistan is a “nuclear-armed state” and “a terrifying cauldron of instability”. Further discoloration follows with describing General Pervez Musharraf as “a military dictatorship… an antidemocratic despot… (coming) to power by allying himself with radical Islamist political parties. (Therefore), most Pakistanis… watch their nation's Talibanization in passive silence.”

Is Rall suggesting that if Musharraf was not in power, there would be stability in Pakistan?

Rall is particularly concerned about the “the dismal condition of Pakistani highways” where unless you are one of the “elite motorists” the four hour drive from Islamabad to Lahore will “costs 12 hours and the occasional broken axle”. He refers to the countryside in between as “impoverished wasteland”. Well… you know… actually, a lot of it is summer vacation land.

He claims that “Pakistani women rarely venture outdoors. When they do, they cover themselves--with headscarves… and burqas.” Interesting. What are they going to wear on the catwalks at the Pakistan Fashion Week later this year?

Furthermore, “Muslim Pakistan banned alcoholic beverages in 1977. Drinkers face 20 lashes and three years in prison.” When was the last time this law was enforced?

The Lahore Museum, “notable for its… sauna-hot browsing conditions, displayed a map of cultural anthropological sites. Pakistan's neighbors…were clearly labeled, (except India)”. I think the average Lahorite knows where India is especially with all the goodwill tours currently going on.

Rall’s viewpoints hardly matches the ones I gathered from my visits. But do not take my word for it. Let’s read the more recent impressions from Santosh Ojha, correspondent for the Deccan Herald in Bangalore, India.

So, Ojha, what do think of the airport?

Lahore airport came as a pleasant surprise! To start with, the airport is named after a poet and (not after a politician)… Allama Iqbal.

What about the airport staff?

The immigration is staffed by smartly-clad women with their heads covered. No fuss, no delay and we are out of the terminal building quickly.

And the quality of the roads?

I… can not help but (be amazed) about the quality of the roads! Six lane roads, well maintained. The trees are bedecked with lights.

Did you receive 20 lashes for your drink of whiskey?

Islam taboos consumption of alcohol. And Pakistan is a dry state… But mercifully for the tipplers, Pakistan does not prohibit consumption of alcohol provided you are a non-Pakistani and a non-Muslim and you are consuming the daaru within the confines of your room.

By the way, Rall describes the Pakistanis as humorless, What do you say to that?

Our colleague based in Islamabad… a devout Muslim, …is a quiet and genial sort of a person and ever willing to help.

Any place you would like to recommend visiting?

The memorable trip to Food Street in Gawalpura! A plain, non-descript street… blocked at either end of the street after 7 pm; the Street bristles with gastronomic activities till the wee hours of the morning. (And…) a quick visit to Shalimar Garden.

I know where you are talking about. My favorite places too. Say, Ojha, why don’t you and I take Rall out on the town sometime. The poor guy really needs to get out more often.

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Reality, ideals, and opinions

2007-06-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

It is not easy being involved in journalistic endeavors when what is happening is at odds with what should be happening which maybe at odds with what is pushed to be happening.

What should be happening is delineated in a brilliant essay written by Najam Sethi published in the Wall Street Journal. In this essay, Sethi acknowledges that although many recognize that Musharraf is down, he is far from out, especially because of the disorganization of the opposition. Three key points that Sethi makes regarding the direction for Pakistan include 1) that America should recognize what a strong ally it has in Musharraf; 2) that the American government, in formulating long term policy, has to be aware of the possible strength of the Islamic ideologues and the possible anti-American feelings in the military; and 3) that “what is needed is a transitional power-sharing partnership between the military and political parties on the basis of an agreed moderate and liberal reform agenda.”

What is happening is an increased protest against Musharraf with calls for his immediate expulsion. America is sending its envoys to Islamabad in a move seen as putting pressure on Musharraf. The Islamic right is becoming emboldened.

What is pushed to be happening is America’s abandonment of Musharraf, leaving him to his own fate. An example is Newsweek’s calling for Musharraf to leave office. In addition, the New York Times is pushing for America to pull out support for Musharraf. At least, the Wall Street Journal is going for balance. While the WSJ acknowledges that “President Pervez Musharraf´s economic policies have worked”, it still publishes pieces, such as Max Boot’s opinion, that America should ignore Musharraf.

Musharraf being forced from office except through legitimate elections can only be catastrophic for Pakistan, considering the many divisive political factions ready to grab power. There are some who see even the peaceful ouster of Musharraf as a disaster. If Benazir Bhutto or Nawaz Sharif were to return to power, American author Arthur Herman claims, past ineptitudes would be repeated. Maybe not; after all they would be working on Musharraf’s foundation of a strong economy and international relations.

This just in: concluding their visit to Islamabad, the American envoys are expressing support for Musharraf and his reforms. To solidify their views, they might want to give Sethi a call and see what he has been up to lately.

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The Boldest Challenges to Musharraf Take Shape

2007-05-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

General Musharraf may have encountered perhaps the most serious, grassroots challenge to his administration yet. Musharraf's decision to suspend Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry this March has seemingly morphed into a dense political thicket, replete with every major political party and ideologue taking advantage of what was suppose to be a purely judicial matter.

The battle lines were clearly drawn when the former Justice arrived at the Karachi Airport to address the bar association in this volatile port city. With trucks, cannisters, and tires blocking the Justice's supporters from crossing the the roads leading to and from the airport, the prospects of violence was a foregone conclusion. The opposition, consisting of lawyers and members of the Awami National Party (PPP), which is led by exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, allegedly battled against supporters of the Muttahid Quami Movement (MQM), a political party that rose to power during the 1980s and one that strongly backs Musharraf's military government. The MQM however, speaking through its leadership headquartered in London, has strongly denied any involvement in the violence. Nevertheless, the degree to which various opposition parties have catalyzed the judicial suspension is remarkable and unpredictable, which certainly does not bode well for Musharraf.

Further, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism across the country isn't helping the situation. While certain pockets of the Northwest Frontier is known to be a bastion of Taliban-style semi-autonomous governance, such boldness has crept into the heart of Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, commonly considered to be a secular and liberal environment. Over the past few months, members of the Red Mosque, who support a Taliban-style government, have destroyed music shops, burned DVDs, and abducted brothel owners, police officers, and military soldiers, forcing some of them to publicly denounce their views. Apparently, the Red Mosque's actions are a response to the government's detainment of several of their members, however, the confrontation is leaving many scratching their heads as to how such extremism is taking root in the first place.

Musharraf's tolerance for such extreme protests and a freer press are manuevers that may help him in assuaging some of the political tension, but the reality is that there are far too many subvergent political parties and groups that have risen to challenge Musharraf on a platform that hardly connects to any of their underlying interests. Considering the far graver reality check of a Pakistan absent Musharraf, the MQM and other supporters are urging Musharraf to calm Pakistan's internal political atmosphere. Time will determine the fate of this government in a country that can hardly be ever characterized as politically stable.

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Shooter was another kind of Asian

2007-04-17T21:55:00.000-05:00

News of the tragedy at Virginia Tech on Monday left many people shocked and confused. When it was announced that the shooter was a Korean national, the Korean government expressed its collective condolences to the victims and called for calm as Koreans feared a backlash based on prejudice. It is good for the Koreans that there are those calling for understanding, but who is standing up for the Pakistani victims of prejudice.

Before the police had made their announcement on the identity of the killer famous thought machine Debbie Schlussel already knew that the shooter was Pakistani and part of a terrorist attack. Of course, if he is a terrorist, he must be from Pakistan… except for one thing: Pakistan is not a terrorist country. Pakistani people are victims of terrorism, mostly from outside their borders. Ms. Schlussel was not content to just impugn her imaginary shooter, but by use a racial slur she impugned the whole nation.

Maybe she thinks that being nasty and bellicose is part of being a conservative. Maybe she would like to take that up with Muhammad Ali Hasan and his mother, Seeme Gull Khan Hasan founders of Muslims for America. The Hasans are visible spokespersons for the Pakistani Americans and uphold conservative values. They worked for George Bush’s re-election and promote “zero tolerance for any kind of terrorism, in following the example left by Prophet Muhammad PBUH.”

I am reminded of the scene in the BBC miniseries To Serve Them All My Days where the British boys are taunting a Jewish refugee because he is from Germany. A teacher catching the bullies pointed out that the Jewish boy was in England because of the persecution he experienced in Germany. “He must find it ironic that he now faces persecution because of where he comes from.” Some Pakistanis are in America to escape persecution, only to find persecution here. Ironic. “Do you know what that means?”

It is also ironic that the derogatory term used by Ms. Schlussel plays on the part of the name Pakistan (Land of the Pure) that stands for “pure”. A synonym for pure is innocent. The gunman was not Pakistani. The Pakistani are innocent then.

What Ms. Schlussel did just made her look vulgar and ignorant… all for cheap political points. That reminds me of another quote from the miniseries.

Christine Forster: Politics is full of people who can't cope with their own lives. I worry about that a lot.

Yeah... I know what that means. I worry a lot too.

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“Talibanistan:” A State within a State

2007-04-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

Local tribal leader Haji Mohammad Sharif of Wana, the main town of Waziristan, recently spoke to the media and stated his tribe’s intention to expunge foreign militants from the area. Explaining his decision, he said that the militants, once their guests, had begun to kill his own people. Only one illustration of the area’s complex cultural and ideological dynamics, Waziristan has captured the world’s attention as one of the most volatile parts of the world. It is in effect, a state within a state, now commonly referred to as Talibanistan.

The near autonomous area within Pakistan has yet to be effectively infiltrated, philosophically or logistically, by any foreign power over the last two centuries. Musharraf’s government itself has been unable to wage a promising campaign in Waziristan, despite the remarkable fact that it exists within sovereign Pakistan. Indeed, Haji Mohammad’s statement lends support to the argument that greater change can only occur through a change in the hearts and minds of his people. Unfortunately, each limited gesture of change is met with a rather grave reality check. Flushed with not only foreign, but domestic militants deeply rooted in a perpetual jihadist ideology, Waziristan has become the central point of dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and increasingly, between the United States and Pakistan. While Iraq may represent a logistical threat, Waziristan represents the playground where ideological forces are battling it out. Remnants of the Taliban are coloring its cultural and ideological spectrum, banning music and movies, requiring women to veil, and forcing men to attend prayers. The Taliban is once again rearing its ugly head six years after it was flushed out of Afghanistan.

Their resurgence in Pakistan is having consequences that reach far beyond Waziristan’s immediate territory. Suicide bombers are being deployed in mainstream Pakistani cities such as Islamabad, destroying any notion of safety in the usually quiet capital and bewildering the masses. Pakistan’s recent, so-called “peace deal” only fuels their fire to cultivate and regroup. The United States, unable to fully attack the militant bases in Waziristan due to Pakistan’s lack of permission, is left frustrated in its efforts to curb the extremism that is taking root. Instead, the U.S. is limited to providing intelligence to Pakistani authorities and funding social programs. A local tribal leader may change a few attitudes, but until the Pakistani government finds a way to control its own backyard, Waziristan, or Talibanistan, will continue to provide a haven for terrorists.

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Musharraf's Government is Committed to Freedom of Expression

2007-03-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

Recently police stormed the Geo/News offices in Islamabad and manhandled the staff, breaking window panes and throwing tear gas at the staff members. Although the attacks were blamed on Musharraf, the President denies any such involvement. In fact, he has pledged his full support for the freedom of press and media, assuring the masses that all those involved in the attack would be fully dealt with, regardless of their political/governmental positions.

The President's words appear to be far from empty promises. In accordance with the President's statements, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz issued directives for judicial inquiry into the attack on the Geo offices. Aziz directed the Ministry of Interior to order the Home Secretary in Punjab, the Punjab IG and DIG to take action against the police personnel involved in the attack against Geo and make an immediate report to the Ministry.

In fact the Pakistani government suspended 14 policemen for their alleged involvement in the attacks. The immediate action by the government demonstrates that Musharraf's government is committed to freedom of expression in the media.

The ever-growing popularity of television channels are a testimonial to the evolving political environment of Pakistan. The attacks were an effort to mar that evolution, but the regime's quick response strengthened the commitment to freedom of expression. It is a strong step forward by the government in an effort to improve information dissemination in Pakistan.

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Rough week for Musharraf

2007-03-17T21:07:00.000-05:00

We have been hearing all week how there are continuous demonstrations against the government of Pervez Musharraf for sacking the Chief Justice Iftikar Muhammad Chaudhry. The demonstrations have been made up mostly by the lawyers who are on strike in protest against this action. Several news sources speculate that this may be the “beginning of the end for Musharraf”. This would be calamitous for the United States foreign policy in the region as there is no “Plan B”.

Musharraf claims he had solid Constitutional grounds for asking the Chaudhry to resign. Chaudhry claims to be a fighter and would be betraying those who believe in him if he were to resign. Currently, there is a tribunal convening. There Chaudhry can state his case. The tribunal’s decision will be most likely be final as Musharraf has agreed to go along with its findings.

Those who are eager for the downfall of Musharraf might want to remember what life in Pakistan has been like since he took leadership. The Pakistani economy is growing, the rupee is on the rise, and Pakistan culture is more global. Musharraf may not fare well in the elections next year, but the citizens of Pakistan should hope his reforms and advances survive.

In other news, the Pakistani cricket team lost to Ireland Saturday. Wait, lads, don’t take it too hard. You were playing the IRISH on ST. PATRICK’s DAY; you hadn’t a chance. Maybe, you could sue for a rematch… if any of you could find a lawyer not on strike.

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Lack of Islam in Islamic Law

2007-03-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

The most interesting thing about Pakistan's allegiance to an Islamic state is the lack of religious understanding put forth by the Shar'iah system. Laws often originate from individuals striving to interpret the legal needs of a community. The creation of Islamic law under the principles of Shar’iah serves a political purpose within a sphere of cultural knowledge.Muslims often confuse Shar’iah to represent a law derived straight from the word of God, which leads to Muslims giving deference to laws allegedly derived from the religion. What most Muslims fail to realize is that Shar’iah, as it stands today, is borne from a mixture of sources that include, but are not limited to, the Qur’an and Sunna.

The human meddling in the so-called divine principles evident in the Qur’an produced a patriarchal legal system which ignores the gender-egalitarian nature of the religion. This inequality occurred because most jurists responsible for interpret ting sources of Shar'iah were part of a patriarchal society. The same patriarchal society that has made Pakistan infamous. The male-led religious right of

Pakistan

holds onto their power by citing to the Qur’an and the Prophet to validate their jurisprudence against women and non-Muslims, despite the call for equality in Islam.

If Pakistan continues to adhere to an archaic misrepresentation of Islam and laws derived from Islam, the society will cease any possible progression.

The country needs to take a step back and analyze the intent behind Islam, compared to the implementation of religious law by state officials. Only then will the contradiction between the two become apparent - and catalyze a reformation of the Shar'iah system in Pakistan.

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Hope for peace in Indo-Pak composite dialogue

2007-03-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

Pakistan and India are continuing the peace process which was started four years ago. The March 13th meeting in Islamabad is being called the fourth “composite dialogue”. The third took place last November after the July train bombing in Mumbai disrupted the continuity of previous talks. There is much hope for progress at this time.

One good sign is the increased high-level activity between the two nations. Pakistani officials recently seen out-and-about in India include Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri, Information Minister Tariq Azeem, and former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali. Indian officials who have made their way to the Pakistani side of the border include Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Extra Secretary K.C. Singh.

There are many less than high-level yet still important Indo-Pak meetings. These would include Indians doctors attending the South Asian Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists March 8th to 10th in Lahore, Pakistan. Also, highly quiet negotiations between the two countries have brought about the highly publicized announcements last week of a joint oil pipeline project. On the cultural side, Salman Ahmed, called the Bono of Pakistan, performed in New Delhi on February 24th as part of his campaign to bring the message to citizens of both countries, “Coexist”.

Hope also sprang anew at a recent meeting of the Pakistan-India Citizens Friendship Forum in Karachi. The guest of honor was Satyabrata Pal, the current Indian High Commissioner and former Foreign Secretary.

While the peace talks advance, there are bound to be disagreements. However, “honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress,” according to Mohandas Gandhi, a sage for both sides.

There can be no denying that peace is just around the corner when a Pakistani can call the Indian High Commissioner, a real Pal. The rest of us have to call him “Mister Pal”.

Published by East West Services, Inc.
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Window of opportunity for women's rights

2007-03-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

We often hear stories of how terrible it is to be a woman in Pakistan. However, there is hope in the bad news. The stories of oppression would never have come out except for the new openness in Pakistan.

The debate may turn violent at times. However... at least the debate is going on. If Pakistani women were still forced to stay at home, there would be nothing to debate.

The Supreme Court in Pakistan is on the side of reform. It equates "honor killing" with murder. Yes, this needed to be specified. Another ruling allows unattractive stewardesses to keep their jobs. ...And their bosses are not allowed to make derogatory comments about them.

Revolutions begin, not when the oppressed cannot take it any more, but when the oppressed believe they can win. This is the time for the women's rights revolution in Pakistan, because this is the time they can win.

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When the U.S. says jump . . .

2007-03-04T16:26:00.000-05:00

The current [March 7] edition of Geostrategy-Direct.com ties Pakistan to yet another potentially explosive development in its neighborhood.

Under the headline 'U.S. regional allies assisting in operations to destabilize Iran', we read the following:

The U.S. intelligence community has won cooperation from allies in the Mideast for limited strikes against Iran. U.S.-trained or financed operatives have been infiltrating Iran from locations in Pakistan and attacking installations or forces from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Hmmmmm . . . The item goes on to say the Saudis are financing this effort and includes a photo of the bus bombing in Zahedan near Pakistan. The chief suspect in the bombing said he received training in Pakistan.

Pakistani officials are fond of complaining the U.S. is always asking for impossible favors in the War on Terror in which Pakistan is involved on all sides of the conflict wherever it is being waged, especially in Afghanistan. Apparently, when the Administration were looking around for some help with the rising Iran challenge, they turned once again to President Musharraf. How much longer can this survivor last?

Published by East West Services, Inc.
WorldTribune.com
Geostrategy-Direct.com
East-Asia-Intel.com