Facebook; Thanks for Egyptian Revolution, Who’s Next?

Facebook is synonymous with social interactions; never knew its potential of toppling despots. Last month Tunisia was falling out of blue, we thought it’s just a random event and may not have spill over effect. We never knew that Arab world was burning deep inside like volcano until we saw thousands of people on Egyptian streets. One may wonder, tyrants like Mubarak controlled socio-political dynamics in the country for thirty years, how come leaderless crowd gathered on streets and eventually toppled a dictator! Answer is, the youth power & electronic social interaction platforms such as facebook and twitter. Today Egyptian society feels proud about its tech leaders such as Google Executive Mr Wael Ghonim and twitter guys such as @sandsmonkey etc.  The best part about Egyptian revolution, it was bloodless, not very violent as Mubarak & his policemen tried to make it after killing about 300 people. For 18 days ‘revolution in making’ was televised from Tahrir Square, we were glued to TV as if something was happening on the streets of Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad. Whenever someone thinks about Egyptian Revolution, one may not forget ugly scenes such as camel and horse brigades’ attack on peaceful protestors, worst of all, the stone throwing and firing around Tahrir Square!!! To me Egyptian Revolution seems like a beginning that may eventually challenge despots across Arabian World be it Morocco, Jordan, Yemen, Saudi etc It is the best moment in the history of any country when people chant “Now We Feel Proud to be Egyptian”, a country’s stature & image changed by youth power & facebook. I wonder how Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg would be feeling after Egyptian Revolution. Tomorrow is great Pakistani poet Faiz’s 100th birthday and Egyptian revolution reminds me of his poetry; - Hum Dekhain Gay -We shall see - Lazim Hai ke hum Bhi Dekhain Gay -It is necessary that we shall also see - Woh Din ke Jis ka Wadah Hai -That day which has been promised - Jo Loh-e-Azl pe Likha hai -Which is written with God's ink - Hum Dekhain Gay - We shall see – CONGRATULATIONS EGYPT

Finally Pharaoh let his people to go…thank you Moses!!! Many more Pharaoh’s are around, many more Moses needed!!!!

Killing; seems like a sport!!! Is it India, Jews or America!!!

Cricket, Hockey & Squash, all sports are on decline; there was a time we were known for these games. Over the years, killing game has become so popular that we have neglected other sports. Let me share a story, It was an exciting day, cool breeze and pleasant Karachi evening; I received a call from one of my intellectual friends to join him over walk .I left office around six to join him at Nisar Shaheed Park “it’s in Defense Housing locality in Karachi, Pakistan”. He was walking anti clock wise, to catch him I walked clock wise, i was about to meet him, all of sudden security personnel locked all the doors and directed us to get out of the park. I heard that some spooky person “may be a suicide bomber” entered inside the park. Men, women and kids all started running towards gate, completely terrifying scene. I came out and saw contingent of police surrounded the park. The next day we heard over 50 people killed in Lahore, series of small intensity bomb blasted in residential Iqbal Town Lahore. Everyday, series of suicide bombing or target killing takes place, mainly killing the innocent civilians. Today, I was driving for lunch along with a friend, she mentioned to me ‘ Imran its so easy for anyone, an armed personnel can kill as many people as possible and walk away’, it shows the level of aggravating security situation in Pakistan. Our media and leaders just say one sentence (All is Well), Down with America, its bloody Jewish Lobby, no….. its India……well it’s so easy to be apologetic and leave the responsibility on others. Isn’t it states responsibility to ensure the safety of people? Everyday we get to hear that one of our friends is migrating (safe) from Pakistan, even without knowing the career path and one may face abroad but right now everyone is running away safely. Even an optimist, person like Abdul Sattar Edhi “well know philanthropist” sees a gloomy future, as per him Pakistan is at the stage of make or break . The way remedial measures are progressing, I am afraid it may be too late. We may end up reading horror stories about Pakistani women and families in novels, the way Afghan stories are selling in US & Europe. Wake up......... before its too late !!!!!

Please Don’t Let Democracy Down !!!!

Bomb blasts, blame game, irresponsible media, insecurity, uncertainty, chaos, hopelessness, pessimism, confusion and emotions define current state of Pakistani affairs. Every now and then media tells us that PPP government is going to fell down in three months, six months, eight months, one year, blaming that PPP is the culprit, anti Pakistan, responsible for putting clauses against Army in Kerry Lugar Bill. NRO is going to topple Zardari government; he is the worst guy and Pakistan must get rid off of him. Pakistan’s ailment linked with Zardari and PPP, remove him and peace would knock on the doors. Our middle class leaning towards right wing, chanting anti American slogans, ironically no one condemns Taliban. They consider whatever attacks are being carried out in the name of Taliban; they are either Indian or Jewish agent. It is believed that middle class is change agent but in Pakistan they are conservative apologetic. Security establishment along with their supporters in the form of right wing religious parties are busy enough to dent the democracy, so is enlightened media with their biases and hollow analysis. Do you think removing PPP government is going to solve Pakistan’s problems? Let us assume if PPP government is removed, is there any other force that enjoys public support from Karachi to Khyber? Does alternate force present any strategic plan to address economy, deal with US, and peace talks with India, to deal with US pressure esp. war on terror ‘be it Quetta Shura or North Waziristan’? Does anyone have plans to address Balochistan issue better than PPP government? We have already seen decades of Zia, Musharraf military rule but everyone knows what they delivered!! To conclude, eminent columnist Nadeem Paracha’s words speak volumes “Remember East Pakistan? No uniformed strong man or a mard-i-momin can save a country as diverse as ours. Stop getting lost in the middle-class fantasies of powerful men and glorious conquests. Vote, and then wait to vote out whom you do not like. Stop falling prey to fascist escapades dressed as patriotism, uprightness and worst of all, akhlaq. I would again urge…. Please Don’t Let Democracy Down!!!!

Bangladesh Victory Day Celebrations, Corrupt PPP & NRO!!!

I was sitting in the smoking room, National Reconciliation Ordinance discussion followed me, watching TV, listening to FM radio and at coffee house with friends, and again NRO followed me like my shadow. I tried to look beyond, was happy to see corrupt are made to face the judicial proceedings and people expect justice will prevail. On the one hand it made me happy but on the other hand made me think, why one party again and again faces all sort of corruption charges. Well, one may argue they may be the most corrupt so that’s why they face the music, but I fail to understand every time we have elections PPP comes out as victorious. Maybe our poor, illiterate masses with their stinky sweaty clothes do not have conscious mind as our so called educated middle class civil society living in Karachi or Lahore. NRO debate reminded me of history, unlike my middleclass educated urban friends I was not jubilant but storm of thoughts engulfed my mind. Firstly it reminded me, ugly episode of early 90s, recent revelation of Brig Imtiaz, the ugly story of Operation Midnight Jackal, indiscriminate use of billions of tax payers’ money to topple an elected civilian government of PPP by security establishment. It made me think, there is no justice and civil society is also dead, billions were used, misused and abused against the elected civilian government, is our justice only against PPP????? On 16th Dec it was 38th victory day celebration at Bangladesh Embassy Washington DC, a photo exhibit was held. Exhibit displayed the photos of killing field of East Pakistan, as per independent account over 100,000 people were killed and over 200,000 women were raped by MUSLIM ARMY of Pakistan along with Al Badar and Al Shams killing squad. It made me think, there was Hamood ur Rehman Commission, but NRO type all across pardon was issued, there was no war crime proceeding. It also made me think, is Supreme Court going to cancel the 1970s NRO and re open the criminal proceedings against those who killed innocents, raped poor women in East Pakistan????

Following poetry makes me feel ashamed .....

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, in the long nine months

Were you with child,

Like a pregnant woman

You felt nauseated at times.

You couldn't eat well

You could not toil hard as before,

You carefully covered your distended belly

Lest someone discover your condition.

Your co-wife -- the West Pakistan

Often laughed at you and was sarcastic and acrimonious,

You were disgraced, insulted and persecuted.

You'd cry out in pregnancy-related pain

And wish you were dead,

But the expectation of seeing your upcoming child

You would endure all with a smile.

Your child is born today

You've forgotten

All the past suffering, disgrace and shame.

As you had carried your child for nine months

So have you so much care, affection and attachment for him!

Nurture, tend and protect

Your adorable son 'Independence.'

Today you are separated,

Your co-wife will no longer be able to disgrace you.

Go forward with your head held high,

Your child will

Place you on a pedestal

Among the nations of the world.

Balochistan Package; Too Little Too Late!!!!!

 Enough is enough, I am going to go to mountains, apologize, hug them and say Big Sorry to our Baloch brothers “President Zardari” I am all for development, I have developed Balochistan, look around mega projects, there are only three sardars against the development “President Musharraf

The Balochistan is one of the regions with long history of struggle, pain, cry and blood. Finally we see yet another rhetoric 'time will tell' known as Aghaz e Huqooq e Balochistan “New Beginning for the Rights of Balochistan” has finally been presented in Parliament. As per the package, Army would be sent back to barracks, people believe that army treated everyone in colonial fashion, the way Israeli army treats Palestinian in West Bank and Gaza.

Under contraction Army Garrisons would be handed over to Frontier Constabulary, people believe that everyone knows the role of FC; lately bullets were sprayed on innocent men, women and children in Buleda. FC is one of the most hated forces in Balochistan is going to be stationed in Sui.

Government promised to conduct an inquiry on the killing of Nawab Bugti, well people reminds everyone that there is a long list starts with brutal and forceful invasion of the State of Kalat on 28th March 1948. It began with the humiliation of Khan Karim then killing of aged Nawab Noroze Khan to killing of over 5,000 innocent men, women and children during 70s, killing of Bugti and displacement of over 80,000 people. Ordinary people are skeptic and they believe, how would just one inquiry ‘we are not sure anyone acts on the findings’ heal over 60 years of pain and cry!!! As per package FC would report to Chief Minister, Baloch reminds us that everyone knows that Chief of Army Staff reports to Prime Minister but poor Bloody Civilian could easily be toppled by twenty to fifty men in Uniform. Package consists of constitutional, political and administrative clauses. It also talks about Political Autonomy but if one talks to people they do not want to hear the word Pakistan and their struggle is for the right of self rule. It also talks about transferring gas development surcharge from 1954 to 1990; people on the other hand want to have control over their resources instead of waiting for Islamabad’s transfer of few billions. To them its charity and they want the ownership. All political prisoners would be freed, people believe that State frorces have kidnapped hundreds and State denies that none is in the custody. Package says only people without serious charges will be freed, but people believe that every other person in custody has serious charges. People are skeptic, its need of the hour to trace back kidnapped/missing persons, if they were illegally detained, strong measures to be taken against the brutal forces. Scholarship for students announced but people want institutions not scholarships. 5,000 jobs announced, people don’t want jobs they ant to own the resources. There is extreme mistrust between State and Baloch, people think they are at war; whole issue is about the rights of resource ownership and it revolves around national and democratic question of Balochistan. People do not trust, they want UN intervention, a third credible party to ensure the rights of people. Lastly, I lament that no nationalist politician in Balochistan or in exile was consulted . Issue requires deeper understanding, to conclude, I would still say it is a good beginning to use it as confidence building measures but it is a long way to go!!!

Pakistan's Drift into Extremism, Allah, the Army, and America's War on Terror !!

War on Terror is getting bloodier, resulting into bleeding Pakistan, dying civilians, bomb blasts, insecurity and killing of innocent civilians. Pakistanis generally believe that war on terror is imposed by Bush on Pakistan; invasion of Afghanistan is a scheme of US, India and Israel to destabilize Pakistan resulting in the break up and ultimate capture of nuclear weapons. It is well known that Islamists have always been used to extend Pakistani influence in Afghanistan, it has always been considered Pakistani backyard that provides strategic depth. It is also believed that in an environment of distrust and insecurity, it is imperative for Pakistani security agencies to find proxies to minimize insecurity posed by regional powers. To buy security various groups were recruited as proxies “Sept 09 Newsline Magazine writes”, Madrassas nurturing armies of young Islamic militants ready to embrace martyrdom have been on the rise for years in the Punjab. In fact, South Punjab has become the hub of jihadism. Yet, some how, there are still many people in Pakistan who refuse to acknowledge this threat. Four major militant outfits, the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT), are all comfortably ensconced in South Punjab (see article “Brothers in Arms” in Newsline). Sources claim that there are about 5,000 to 9,000 youth from South Punjab fighting in Afghanistan and Waziristan. A renowned Pakistani researcher, Hassan Abbas cites a figure of 2,000 youth engaged in Waziristan”. To me, it is logical that actions should be the by products of strategy, it is well known that strategically the extremist outfits have never been considered a threat by Pakistani security thinkers. US so far failed to address the security mindset, failed to remove their insecurities. Instead of addressing the issue at strategic level, US focus is too narrow, pushing reluctant Pakistan to act, forced to cooperate at tactical level. In short US failed to buy security for Pakistan and it seems two allies are pursuing different goals, relationship lacks goal alignment. Recent Hillary Clinton visit to Pakistan demonstrate that instead of focusing on changing the mindset , Ms Clinton again pushes reluctant Pakistan, New York Times writes, “ Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on a visit meant to improve relations with Pakistan, strongly suggested Thursday that some Pakistani officials bore responsibility for allowing terrorists from Al Qaeda to operate from safe havens along this country’s frontier. “I find it hard to believe that nobody in your government knows where they are, and couldn’t get to them if they really wanted to,” she said to a group of Pakistani journalists on her second day here. “Maybe that’s the case; maybe they’re not gettable. I don’t know.” US actions requires two pronged approach, alter the mindset that finds security for Pakistan in nurturing the extremists. US should work on convincing Pakistan that it is not in their benefit to use extremists, -help in buying them security esp. Indo-Pak ties and Afghanistan. On the other hand, problem is so deep; Can Pakistan affords to detach itself from religious ideology, security mindset visualizes the world through religious glasses, it means choosing friends and foes on the basis of religion?? Can it survive as democratic secular, non interfering welfare state, having peaceful relations with neighboring countries or national security state is the answer??? It is complex, only a win-win approach is going to be fruitful, US strategy must buy Pakistan security, otherwise any action imposed, may have random results. Extremist monster will haunt Pakistani society, region and result in an insecure world. It is time to act before it is too late.

Kerry Lugar Bill “If You don’t Like us & Want us”- Solution is Simple, don’t Take the aid!

Recently, Kerry Lugar bill has been introduced, it plans to grant Pakistan, USD 1.5 billion in five years time, it is termed an Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act. Bill promises the grant to extremism stricken Pakistan, poised with economic problems. Lately I came across interesting media debate in Pakistan; most of the sensational TV stations are condemning the strings attached to the bill. I am sure most of the participants in talk shows have not read the bill, yet opposing it. Instead of Pakistan’s worrying about grant, US should be worried whether billions would buy them peace or not, what if funding falls through or if Pakistan fails against the benchmark or conditions. Kerry Lugar bill discussion always reminds me of recent BBC blog written by Wusatullah Khan, he simply asks “Why would Pakistan not approach Saudi to grant Oil for three months, Why would Pakistan not ask China for just USD 100 million grant” at least US is buying peace for the region, extending a grant of over USD 1.5 billion, shouldn’t they have right to put conditions. Recent Musharraf revelation on the misuse of USD Billions grant in last 8 years i.e., buying weapons to position Pakistan vis a vis India is not yet forgotten. As usual Jihadi supporters, parties like “Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan” have decided to intensify its campaign against the alleged US interference in the country’s internal matters and the Kerry-Lugar bill. To me, they are the immediate losers, because empowering people would close the Jihadi factory. To understand the bill passed by US Senate, I had a look at the details I came across that there are limitations on assistance mainly related to security such as limitation on Arms Transfer. Pakistan is seriously committed to war on terror; it should not worry about those limitations. Pakistan is committed to Non Proliferation, grant asks for cooperation for dismantling the supplier networks related to nuclear weapons related materials. It should not worry to any peace loving citizen of Pakistan. Pakistan believes in the stability of Afghanistan, bill requires Pakistan to not to support any of the group, again there is no need for Pakistani citizens to worry about. Bill calls for dismantling any alleged terrorist bases, if there are any; I guess it is good for the stability of Pakistan and the region.  Bill says, money could be used for the construction related activities. Bill also calls for increasing Pakistan’s counter insurgency capability; again, this would help our army to meet the internal threats effectively. Bill has strong monitoring mechanism so that purposeful use of the grant could be assured. To me I do not see any clause that enslaves Pakistan rather it would help us to have peaceful Pakistan, Afghanistan and world at large. If anyone is against the grant, they also know that Pakistan is in dire need of financial support, could they ask China for just USD 100 million or Saudi for free Oil for a quarter. It seems Pakistani media is suffering from Tunnel Vision; pseudo intellectualism is the order of the day. Hope sanity prevails.

Let me share an article and discussion took place in New York Times and Daily Dawn

"Salman Masood article showed two trendy young men sitting with the plastic replica of Rodney McDonald outside a McDonald’s joint in Islamabad. According to Masood, both men vehemently opposed the bill, saying that it ‘undermines Pakistan’s sovereignty".

Where are the schools, hospitals, a welfare system, political stability, a robust democracy, a healthy economy, and a life free of sectarian and religious strife, bigotry, bloodshed and hatred? We are all prisoners of certain delusions... Read More—about ourselves and about the many countries that we believe are constantly scheming against us. We refuse to free ourselves from these paranoid, self-serving apparitions and yet we demand sovereignty from the nefarious designs of our many (largely imagined) enemies. The enemy is us.

FELLOW PAKISTANIS MUST READ PERCEPTION OF OTHERS PUBLISHED in NYTIMES

Did anyone else notice the common threads between the different Pakistani voices represented in this article (and much of elsewhere too)?

a) they are virulently anti-American while professing admiration, support, etc....

b) they want more and more and more…money. In the form of aid. Don’t ask the billions given them, just in the last few years (and a lot more earlier). No accounting for that. But…they want more money. For what? so they can play the double games they have always played: train terrorists who wage their terrorism in neighboring countries and further away.

c) Blame India, Indians, and such. Not acknowledging that that country, since they broke with Pakistan, has gone on to graduate highly competent doctors, engineers, scientists, professionals. Scratch every terrorist in the world today and you’d find they graduated from …Pakistan. Tells a story of how two countries differed in the last few decades.Are we Americans to trust these sorts with nuclear weapons? Are we to trust them as partners in bringing peace in Afghanistan? If you continue to believe that lemme know for I have a bridge to sell you…

Solution is simple.

Don’t take the aid !

1.5 billion over 5 years

300 million per year

304,059,724 US Population...

$0.9867 per year per person. It’ll eventually add up.

They don’t like us and they don’t want us.

THEN WE SHOULDN”T GIVE THEM OUR MONEY

Smokers’ Corner: Democracy’s last stand

Nadeem F. Paracha Sunday, 30 Aug, 2009 DAWN  During the tail-end of the first Benazir Bhutto government, a series of ads stormed the pages of the leading newspapers. These were professionally designed ‘anti-corruption’ ads pinpointing the areas where they claimed the Bhutto government was involved in practising fraud. The ads were said to be released by ‘concerned citizens’, even though soon it became clear that it was the work of a bunch of businessmen, industrialists and Ziaul Haq loyalists in the ISI and the media. Even though there is evidence to prove this — starting with the confession of the former ISI chief, Hamid Gul, that his agency bankrolled the anti-PPP political alliance, the Islami Jamhoori Ithehad (IJI) in 1988 — there was also evidence to show that the first Benazir government was marred by corruption. However, those bemoaning corruption at the time forgot to mention, rather purposefully, that corruption was very much part and parcel of the legacy left behind by the 11-year dictatorship. The Benazir regime’s main failing was not corruption alone; it was more its failure to put into practice policies that could have checked and neutralised the deep-seated culture of corruption it had inherited. The press, due to the dictatorship’s many curbs, was left fighting dictatorship on a more macro, ideological level; the relative freedom that it got after Zia’s death made it go all micro now that it was able to name names. The press was right in doing so as the watchdog of society, but what was missed in the process was the fact that corruption scandals that suddenly erupted in newspapers and magazines were really not broken by objective reporters. This was the beginning of a dangerous trend in which only those journalists who were said to have had dubious connections with intelligence agencies were able to get the best of most crackling stories—a practice that still holds true. Again, evidence is ripe, but it is also true that though much of the rancour was aimed at the two Benazir Bhutto governments, backed by the opposition led by Nawaz Sharif and the Jamat-i-Islami, it came back to bite Sharif himself during his second stint as prime minister. By 1999 counter-democratic forces — politicised intelligence agencies and their lackeys in the industrialist/ business communities, political clergy and sections of the media — seemed to have decided that they had built the ground for democracy’s toppling, good enough to even send their once darling democrat, Nawaz Sharif, packing and bring back the normative fold of dictatorship. A sudden eruption again in the media (mostly electronic) of various incidents of corruption (though not always incorrect), and a new set of buzzwords echoing in drawing-rooms, such as ‘minus-one formula,’ is reflective of the itch felt by counter-democracy forces. The electronic media has become explosively popular. However, it has yet to really come of age. It remains somewhat anarchic and thus continues to offer windows of opportunities to elements reflecting frustration among sections of society that refuse to tolerate even a year of populist democracy. Funny thing is, for a year since the 2008 elections, these elements were cheering their former client, Nawaz Sharif, but since his reaction to the stinging he got in 1999 still seems to be fresh, suddenly he too has now come under the fold of the ‘eternally corrupt’ and ‘incompetent’ right, alongside President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani. No matter how loud the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly shouts, there is no doubt that the Sharif brothers now believe that they too are on the same boat as Zardari and Gilani, and indeed the ANP and MQM. What is being ignored by the cynics is that, perhaps for the first time ever, nearly all democratic parties in parliament are on the same page as far as their understanding of Pakistan’s recent political history is concerned. This is owing to their understanding that each one of them will be a loser when certain counter-democratic moves are set afoot by exploiting the differences and grudges among them. This is a refreshing phenomenon. It can be the main spoiler for counter-democratic forces bouncing between non-parliamentary parties and individuals, even patronising certain media men in their desperate move to send democracy packing — because the system breeds corruption. Rational observers must remind themselves that there will be corruption, scandals, some good things and disasters during a lifetime of a democratic set-up. Action in this respect should be reformist not Bonapartist. Criticism should not bear the tone of a demagogue advocating government’s toppling, but that of a conscientious reformist. The final decision must be left with voters. Let them decide when the time comes who or what was good or bad. The public’s right to effect change must not be handed over to a loud group of journalists, intelligence agencies, politicians with little following, mullahs and businessmen.

Balochistan & Pakistan; Relationship Gone Sour !!!

Today i came across an interesting news published in New York Times on 12th August 1947, just two days before the independence of Pakistan.

It was intriguing to note that Balochistan along with Nepal had option to remain independent and both opted for it. However, Balochistan was merged “alleged that it was forceful invasion” on 27th March 1948 with Pakistan.

Here is the news clip;

On 12 August 1947 The New York Times published Pakistan's announcement which read: "Karachi, Aug, 11, 1947 [AP] - Among the congratulatory messages read to the Pakistan assembly today was one from United States Secretary of State George C. Marshall. An announcement from New Dehli said that Kalat, Moslem State in Balochistan, had reached an agreement with Pakistan for a free flow of communication and commerce, and would negotiate for decisions on defense, external affairs and communications. Under the agreement Pakistan recognizes Kalat as an independent, sovereign state with a status different from that of Indian states". [The New York Times, Published: August 12, 1947, Copyright © The New York Times

Baloch accuse Pakistan for invasion, as agreed that they would respect the independence of Balochistan.

Well, it is clear the Balochistan was granted a special status as compared to other states. One may argue, but after the creation of Pakistan, a lot of negligence took place on the part of central government pertaining to the equitable distribution of national income. Balochistan remained the most backward, this lead to political animosity and discomfort towards centere, leading to the militant reaction.

It is the high time that Pakistani state, immediately address the concerns of Balochistan, initiate dialogue and deliver economically on urgent basis. If we do not keep our house in order, others will get an opportunity to exploit.

Confidence building measures is the need of the hour, hope sanity prevails, before it is too late.

Wind of Change in Iran; Impressive Youth Power

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been re-elected as president of Iran in a resounding victory, the interior minister says. He won some 62.6% of the vote in an election marked by a high turnout of 85%, official figures show. Supporters of pro-reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi have cried foul and clashed with riot police in Tehran, despite a ban on public protests. It was a fair win but i wanted reformists to win and resume talks with West. Iranian youth wants to open up, revolution thing has to dilute in the wind of change. They ran the campaign through Facebook , Twitter and Internet..... My interest in Iranian election is logical, my forefathers and generations spent more time in Iranian part of Balochistan than any other part of the world. It is one of the country having close cultural and linguistic similarities to my language and culture. Present election tells a lot about the future of Iran, a wind of change is around the corner.

Pipeline Dream, Passing Through Balochistan !!

Pakistan has finally inked the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. A pipeline dream is about to become a reality. It is around 785 Km long line stretching from Iranian Paras field to Gwadar and to Nawabshah. The overall project cost is USD 1.2 bill, it is expected that financing would be arranged by next year and overall project would take 4 years to complete. On the saving part it is expected that USD 1 bill would be saved per year in account of reduced oil import bill, so investment would be recovered within one year of operation. It is expected that gas would be used to generate 4,000 MW energy so that hungry Pakistani industries get rid of load shedding. It is going to be a milestone for Pakistani economic growth; otherwise, expensive LNG import option from Qatar would have been considered. Large part of the pipeline would pass through Balochistan, keeping in view the feelings of deprivation in Balochistan, the socio-political cost of investment and risk may be much higher than envisaged amount. So far people in Balochistan consider the state policies anti Baloch and colonial in nature, they believe that state is exploiting the natural resources and returning peanuts to province through National Finance Award (NFC is national fiscal disbursement formula based on population, Balochistan population is just 6 to 8 mill out of 170 mill people). If such level of extreme distrust prevails in the minds of people, I am afraid the pipeline dream may be a distant dream, until a win-win approach is used in winning the hearts and minds of people through initial and urgent CBMs (confidence building measures). People of Pakistan have suffered a lot lately, the country’s geography and resources are favorable to make Pakistan an economic tiger of the region, provided we think in win-win direction. To make sure pipeline dream is accomplished, it is imperative to initiate confidence building measures on war footing grounds with the politicians and elders of Balochistan. Revive & consider the Senator Mushahid Hussein and Senator Wasim Sajjad Committee findings and Senator Raza Rabbani’s suggested points. Conclude and take immediate actions, bring back insurgents into political fold through conceding amnesty. Four year would be sufficient enough to create a win-win situation; if we just keep blaming India for creating trouble in Balochistan, I am afraid things may turn worse. Hope sanity prevails and we see constructive steps all around.

Impressive Laal- Mein Nay Uss Say Yeh Kaha ( I Said This To Him)

Recently I came across an interesting music video of Laal RED, they sang captivating Habib Jali poerty Mainay Uss Say Yeh Kaha (I SAID THIS TO HIM). Vocalist is Shahram Azhar. I was reading about the background of the poetry I came to know that “Main Nay Kaha" is a satirical poem by the famous leftist poet Habib Jalib called "Musheer" (Advisor). Jalib wrote it in response to a conversation he had with Hafiz Jalandari during the time of Ayub Khan's dictatorship. It remains just as fresh and valid today. While watching the video, one would catch the real images of events in Karachi, London, and Lahore during the tumultuous period between December 27th and February 18th. Translation:

I said this to him These hundred million Are the epitome of ignorance Their conscience has gone to sleep Every ray of hope Is lost in the darkness This news is true They are the living dead

Completely mindless A disease of life And you hold in your hands The cure for their ills You are the light of God Wisdom and knowledge personified The nation is with you It is only through your grace That the nation can be saved You are the light of a new morning After you there is only night The few who speak out Are all mischief makers You should tear out their tongues You should throttle their throats Those proud of their eloquence Their tongues are completely silent There is calm in the land There is an unexampled difference Between yesterday and today Only at their own expense Are people in prison, under your rule China China is our friend We'd give our lives for her But the system that they have Steer well clear of that From far away say "salaam" These hundred million asses That are named the masses Could surely never become rulers You are the truth; they're an illusion My prayer is that

You remain President forever Here is Youtube Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPsr1RnEfWo

Obama Calling Muslims, A New Beginning, Positive Vibes, Expectation & High Hopes All Around

It is historic moment, in my life, it is for the first time an American President is reaching out to Muslims with positive vibes, with a balanced, logical and solution oriented approach towards problems that are faced by Muslim world, increasing the expectation and hopes for better tomorrow. Quoting verses from Holy Quran, citing the contribution of Muslim civilization towards the progress that was followed by European Renaissance. It is Obama’s positive attitude that dominated the speech; it increases the hopes and expectation leading to confidence building and better understanding between US and Muslim world. This would further initiate a dialogue among civilization instead of conflict and clash. I was glad that along with my friend Shafaq, i got an opportunity to be part of live telecast at US Consulate General’s residence in Karachi. It was attended by students, media personnel and intellectuals. Obama is so right and I along with my friend am convinced that “This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," we need to find positive aspects to connect and from there onward start bridging the gaps. It is for the first time such a realization and sentiments shared by a person sitting on the top and influencing the world politics. He rightly said “Muslims world has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations." To me honesty is the pre-requisite to a new beginning that leads to trust and long lasting relationship. Obama shared his sentiments that speaks of honesty and spreads the vibes of trust, hope and expectations. Stereotypes in west towards Muslim society is so deep that need to be addressed; he rightly mentioned that “I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear”. I along with my friend Shafaq shared the same during hi tea interaction with various intellectuals, that it is also our responsibility to stand against stereotypes against US & European societies. There is so much negative press about US; our youth only knit picks the negatives, that ultimately leads to the widening of gap between our and Western societies. During my recent IVLP visit to US, I did not find America as a self interested empire, we in Muslim world have to reach out and understand the American society and values. I was glad to hear when Obama said “Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism, it is an important part of promoting peace” it is so deep and meaningful that touched my heart, to me it is right thoughts in right direction, leading to better understanding. He rightly explained and touched upon Israel- Palestine conflict and rights of all religion to live in peace, Iraq to Afghan war , Iranian nuclear issue to Pakistani aid package. I was also impressed with his commitment towards democracy, human rights and most important the rights of women which is very close to my heart. I along with Shafaq shared with the audience that it is not the time to knit pick negatives but reflect that for the first time, US President is reaching out to Muslim world, with a balanced approach, leading to peace, co-existence and mutual respect for each other. It is time to find out the positives to connect and start a dialogue for better understanding and making this world a better place for all. I am sure maturity prevails and history will remember us as civilized society, sharing the common globe. It is a new beginning, we all have to take it forward, it is time to be positive and act …….

Why World Does Not Trust Pakistan & Pakistanis???

Today one of my learned friend shared an interesting thought about trust “A Sufi once said that trust is like a rope, if it is not broken it looks good and strong, and once it is broken and knotted, it looks uglier and can not be trusted because it might break again”. Pakistanis live in outside world, in free societies, indulge into islamization of Western society, may be through violent means, getting training in Pakistan and going back and disturbing other societies. I was watching BBC, it was showing, Dagestan, a small Russian territory, it was peaceful, until youngsters started going to Pakistan to get Jehadi training. If Pakistan, runs Jehadi factory and disturb whole world, who the hell is going to trust expatriate Pakistanis!!! Who the hell will not look them with suspicion!! I remember, reading the book DESCENT INTO CHAOS by Ahmed Rashid ‘well known Pakistani journalist’ saying that General Kiyani once talked on telephone which was intercepted by Americans, he called Taliban leader, Jalal Uddin Haqani an ASSET. We are an allay of US in war on terror, yet calling an enemy a friend, who is going trust us???????

The other day i was watching TV drama on Geo, it is about life of South Asian expatriate community living in London. Indians hooked English men & women to Indian food, music, culture, dresses, bollywood.....a rich culture won respect for Indians but on the other sides Pakistanis confused and trapped between culture and religion, nothing to offer but everyone view them with suspicion.

Say No to Taliban.

Today Pakistan is in such a confused state over supporting or destroying Taliban. It seems many conservative forces believe that Taliban are our Muslims brothers, would shield Pakistan from Indian intrusion into Pakistan through Afghan borders. The monster may seem to fix external threats but it seems things on internal front are getting worse by the malaise of Taliban. We saw Red Mosque fiasco, then women flogging in tourist area Sawat then falling of Buner, just 60 km away from Islamabad. At least people in urban towns are concerned; one can not force their will on people in the name of religion. In the case of Taliban, it is the medieval forces pushing societies to Stone Age. Moderate force in Pakistan would not let the Stone Age monster to rein the cities with their version of Islam. I just can not imagine people forcing me to wear beards, offer prayers or follow religion the way others want me, no fun, no music, no art, no literature simply plunging into dark ages or someone tells my female friends to wear BURKA veil, to not to work, don’t come out in public, cover everything. I just can not think about such a life…..no way.

Hmmm Paul Krugman; Get Scared; if He is Right!!!

Paul Krugman is one of the most respected noble prize winner in the field of Economics, teaching at Princeton, writing columns for NYTimes and appearing on talk shows. I follow his writing in NY Times, especially his analysis on present day economic crisis, blaming free flow of Asian capital, messing the sophisticated US market and resulting in financial crisis. He is a born European Style Social Democrat, he describes himself as born pessimist and a natural rebel, and he has a big voice. He is a Keynesian to the core; believes in Obaman doctrine mainly on taxing the rich and massive health care reforms but on financial system his argument is anti government in case of nationalization of banks. Newsweek writes “He has emerged as Obama’s toughest liberal critic. He is deeply skeptical of the bank bailout and pessimistic about the economy. Why the establishment worries he may be right”. I wish he joins the government, fixes the things better than Geithner. I recommend all to watch interesting You Tube video, here are the lyrics; Hey Paul Krugman,

Why aren’t you in the administration?

Is there some kind of politicking that I don’t understand?

I mean, Timothy Geithner is like some little weasel.

Wasn’t he in a position of power

when all this sh*t went down in the first place?

When I listen to you, things seem to make sense

When I listen to him, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Hey Paul Krugman,where the hell are ya, man?

‘Cause we need you on the front lines

not just writing for The New York Times.

I’d feel better if you were calling some shots

instead of writing your blog and probably thinking a lot. I mean, don’t you have some influence?

Why aren’t you secretary of the Treasury? For God’s sake, man, you won the Nobel Prize.

Timothy Geithner uses TurboTax. When I listen to you, things seem to make sense.

When I listen to him, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Hey Paul Krugman, where the hell are ya, man?

Sing it with me! When I listen to you, things seem to make sense.

When I listen to him, all I hear is blah, blah, blah. Hey Paul Krugman, where the hell are ya, man?

Your country needs you now.

Why Extremism? Why Terrorism? Why State Barbarism, Ethnic Barbarism, Religious Barbarism??

Everyday, somewhere someone is victim of extremism, terrorism and barbarism. We fail to understand and comprehend, as human being what actually causes such brutal step or reaction. It seems as a society we still are immature and long way to go to address extreme behavior. Somebody killed in the name of religion other in the name of ethnicity or politics. Have we ever asked, what are the psychological factors that are responsible for terrorism? What social conditions cause them to develop? And what can we, as individuals, do to influence them? Globally the World-Trade Center disaster has provoked an intense U.S. led offensive against terrorism. Baloch nationalist political demand and struggle for economic rights provoked extreme Pakistani State offensive.  Most people seem to think that this kind of war or behavior is something new. It's not. Many other tragic conflicts in recent times fit the same model; Genocides that occurred in Kosovo and Bosnia Attempted extermination of the Kulak peasant class in Russia Actions of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia Hutus vs. the Tutsies in the Congo Turk’s genocidal massacre of the Armenians Holocaust of European Jews at the hands of the Nazi's While on the surface, these may seem like completely unrelated events, they all embody a similar core philosophy. These conflicts are each characterized by having one group which sees itself as being tragically oppressed, and seeks freedom or prosperity through the annihilation of an 'evil' group of oppressors. Sound familiar? It should. The comparison between the scenarios mentioned above and the situation that prompted the September 11th attacks or killing of Bugti or Balach in Balochistan is obvious. America is the perceived oppressor at which Bin Laden directs all of his rage. Pakistan’s arm offensive towards Baloch made Baloch perceive Pakistan as oppressor state, in both cases result is extreme responses. Some people seem to think that we can obliterate terrorism simply by wiping Al Qaeda and its 'evil leader' off the face of the earth. Such a belief, however, is far from true. Even if one kills every single terrorist or miscreant who lives on this earth today, the future would still remain uncertain. We do need military action, but we need to supplement it with psychological tactics. We must know why these situations occur, and act accordingly. As society today, we have a basic understanding of how such conflicts emerge, and solid ideas as to how their development can be interrupted. Central to the creation of extremism is a concept called totalism. For our purposes, totalism can be thought of as an exaggerated form of something that exists within each one of us: the tendency to see ourselves as wholly good and 'the enemy' as wholly bad. The only path to win-win situation is, to get rid of totalism …..answer lies within, it is the way we think about others.

Thank You President Obama

I am glad to hear President Obama’s US-Pak Afghan strategy speech, he is going to triple US economic aid to Pakistan and promise additional troops. I have great respect for American nation esp. the people, friendliest in the American continent. Pakistani people are peace loving, love to see America as partner in all aspects and aspire for long term relationship based on mutual respect .

We agree with Mr. President that al Qaeda and its extremist allies are a cancer that risks killing Pakistan from within and they offers the people of Pakistan nothing but destruction. President is right that that a campaign against extremism will not succeed with bullets or bombs alone. It is also in the interest of Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to rooting out al Qaeda and the violent extremists within its borders. US and Allies must guarantee or respond to Pakistan’s insecurity in case of deep Indian involvement in Afghanistan.

Peace could only be achieved through ensuring mutual security instead of militaristic threats. I am glad that Mr. President believes that ‘The United States has great respect for the Pakistani people. Pakistan has a rich history, and Pakistanis have struggled against long odds to sustain their democracy. I would like to share that the people of Pakistan want the same things that America want: an end to terror, access to basic services, the opportunity to live their dreams, and the security.

I would be glad to see if countries across region Russia, Iran, China, India along with Pak Afghan are united to defeat the common enemy then a durable peace in the region could be guaranteed and sustained.

Hey, Conservative Pakistani Middle Class, Watch “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

The struggle on the streets of Punjab, restoration of Chief Justice, victory dance by Jammat E Islami, Imran Khan & jubilant media with sensational news has made me think about anti Chavez campaign by media and conservative middle class. Nadeem Paracha in today’s Dawn refers to anti Chavez campaign orchestrated by media, he writes “In a terrific new documentary called “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” director Kim Bartley convincingly pushes forward the idea that the right-wing coup that toppled Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez in 2002, was propagated by a string of private television channels that are owned by the country’s elite If one looks at the background of PML N, JI, Imran Khan and middle class of Punjab ‘the GT Road mindset’, all are conservative. They are the ones always danced on the tunes of Military, welcomed the dictators and responsible for the mess that was created during 80s. It has hardly been one year, liberal PPP government is so fragile, under pressure and blamed for all the wrong. The GT Road conservative mindset, still believes in old tactics, same were used in 88 and in 90s. It seems, we have not learned any lessons or Pakistan is all about the mandate of conservative middle class of Punjab. They support Taliban, they have problem with India, they think Baloch are traitors, they think they are the ones who love Pakistan. They are ones, have right to define what Pakistani interests are. Same mindset supports Mullah Omar and Osama Bin Laden, rest of country wants to get rid of all that mess. Why whole country is the victim of the conservative mindset? It is lament to see people calling the last week event, a triumph of freedom, age of free media, I would say they must watch the documentary “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, I am not equating Zardari with Chavez but that documentary raises a lot of questions for conservative middle class of Punjab. If Conservative mandate of Punjab thinks that they have all the right to define the interests of Pakistan, they are mistaken; countries are strengthened by accepting the diversity and rights and mandate of all. Majority party represents the aspiration of rest of the country, through the number of parliamentarians, if media and blocking the GT Road is the best way to topple the government then it is a mistake, such steps would be disastrous for the future of country.

Hey, Conservative Pakistani Middle Class, Watch “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

The struggle on the streets of Punjab, restoration of Chief Justice, victory dance by Jammat E Islami, Imran Khan & jubilant media with sensational news has made me think about anti Chavez campaign by media and conservative middle class.

Nadeem Paracha in today’s Dawn refers to anti Chavez campaign orchestrated by media, he writes “In a terrific new documentary called “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” director Kim Bartley convincingly pushes forward the idea that the right-wing coup that toppled Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez in 2002, was propagated by a string of private television channels that are owned by the country’s elite

If one looks at the background of PML N, JI, Imran Khan and middle class of Punjab ‘the GT Road mindset’, all are conservative. They are the ones always danced on the tunes of Military, welcomed the dictators and responsible for the mess that was created during 80s.

It has hardly been one year, liberal PPP government is so fragile, under pressure and blamed for all the wrong. The GT Road conservative mindset, still believes in old tactics, same were used in 88 and in 90s. It seems, we have not learned any lessons or Pakistan is all about the mandate of conservative middle class of Punjab. They support Taliban, they have problem with India, they think Baloch are traitors, they think they are the ones who love Pakistan. They are one, have right to define what Pakistani interests are.

Same mindset supports Mullah Omar and Osama Bin Laden, rest of country wants to get rid of all that mess. Why whole country is the victim of the conservative mindset?

It is lament to see people calling the last week event, a triumph of freedom, age of free media, I would say they must watch the documentary “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, I am not equating Zardari with Chavez but that documentary raises a lot of questions for conservative middle class of Punjab.

If Conservative mandate of Punjab thinks that they have all the right to define the interests of Pakistan, they are mistaken; countries are strengthened by accepting the diversity and rights and mandate of all.

Majority party represents the aspiration of rest of the country, through the number of parliamentarians, if media and blocking the GT Road is the best way to topple the government then it is a mistake, such steps would be disastrous for the future of country.