Human Rights Commision of Pakistan (HRCP) has called a meeting tomorrow to discuss religious extremism and terrorism. Considering the current turmoil the country is going through it is of immense importance that we give the increasing attacks some serious thought. details of the event:
Date: 31st March
Time: 4pm onwards
Venue: Aiwan-I-Jamjoor, 107-Tipu Block (Near Kalma Chowk) New Garden Town, Lahore, 54600
Tel: (042) 5838341-5864994-5865969
Web: http://www.hrcp-web.org
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Governor Rule lifted from Punjab, PA session called
According to various news sources, the Governor Rule has been lifted from Punjab province. Last night P.M. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani visited the Presidency and moved forward an advice to the effect, which was signed by the President.
It has also been reported that high ranking Civil Servants, serving the previous Cheif Minister have returned to there former positions and resumed their duties.
The gesture is welcomed by opposition parties and political analysts.
It has also been reported that high ranking Civil Servants, serving the previous Cheif Minister have returned to there former positions and resumed their duties.
The gesture is welcomed by opposition parties and political analysts.
Silent streets may lead to an assumption of support for terrorists, Time to raise our voice
The bloodbath incited by terrorist organisations boiled over today, when an alleged 20 or so terrorists attacked the Manawan Police Academy just outside Lahore.It has been reported that at-least 26 people have been killed. The paramilitary operation still continues, and unconfirmed reports of more deaths and hostages are being aired on TV.
Dramatic terrorist attacks are taking place all over the country. A DCO and former Zilla Nazim were killed yesterday in Bannu, and a bomb blast killed many in a mosque in Peshawar. The ANP minister and supporter of Swat peace deal Mr. Billour escaped an attempt on his life a few days ago. and surely every one remembers the attack on Sril Lankan team at the start of this month. Not to mention the countless skirmishes between security forces and armed militants in various parts of Tribal belt, Dir, Swat & Bannu
While every one at individual level has been seen condemning these attacks, an organised public voice against these attacks has yet to be seen. Political leaders, political parties, Human Rights watchdogs, Lawyers, students or labourer unions, or the Civil Society in general has yet to register an organised condemnation of these activities.
One of the many reasons that many people turn thier eyes away considering it not a homegrown issue but an anti-Pakistan elements(RAW/Mosad) incited attempt to destabilize Pakistan. True there isn't a definite yes or no answer to this fear, but whatever the case, it is the local people who are carrying out these attacks. Local armed groups are being used to commit these horrific crimes against humanity. We need to show it to them, that even there fellow believers and countrymen codemn these and do not support there actions.
It's now more than clearly known that the current wave of suicide bombings and armed attacks and sectarian violence originate from the safe helms of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan(TTP) in NWFP. Many argue that they are doing it in some justified and glorified pro-Islamic holy war against the Enemies of Islam, but, what animosity do the young teenage police recruits have with Islam? or for that matter the innocent prayer offering people in a Peshawar Mosque?
Need of the hour is, that, we as a nation, as a civil society, which has shown in past 2 years that it is politically active and aware, need to come out on streets, show that we do not approve of it. It will help create an awareness amongst the people in general that these atrocities are inhumane and have no seal of approval from the rest of the nation.
We also need to show it to the elements in power, President, P.M., Chief ministers, Police officials and the military chain of command, and decision makers that they have the backing of the nation to do something about this. Many critics and commentators point out to a reluctance on part of Govt. & Military to go on an all out offensive against these elements fearing a public backlash on such a Military Operation. We need to show it to them as well, that people are behind them to eradicate this menace which is costing us lives of hundreds of people every month and livelihood of thousands of them.
We need to show to the ones committing these atrocities that people in general do not approve of it, and they are not being supported by the silent majority.
Silence on streets can lead to an assumption that many in our society approve of these high handed tactics, and want these religious extremist elements to rescue us from the whims of this 'Kaafirana' democratic system, and bring about a religious revolution, at any cost and save us all.
It's high time, this nation must break the silence against these attacks and elements which have cost Pakistan more than 3000 lives(not including military, terrorst or infamous drone attack victims), and the number is rising.
* picture used is from http://www.geo.tv, for source page click the picture.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Got queries regarding the new U.S. policy on Afghanistan & Pakistan ?
Any queries related to new U.S. Afghanistan & Pakistan policy can be submitted to State Dept. representative in Pakistan on:
http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/conx
They will be duly answered on March 31. Advance level questions have a better chance of getting answered. So think something intriguingly "advanced" :)
http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/conx
They will be duly answered on March 31. Advance level questions have a better chance of getting answered. So think something intriguingly "advanced" :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Pakistanis Rejoice Over Restoration of Justice ......SABRINA TAVERNISE (NY Times)
We had seen Sabrina Tavernise of New York Times interviewing people outside CJ's official residence, following are a few excerpts from her piece in NYT, for detailed story plz visit the link below.
source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/world/asia/17voices.html
ISLAMABAD — It was a day of rejoicing, of drum playing, and of smiling at strangers. Pakistan’s chief justice had just been reinstated after a two-year struggle, and for those assembled in the country’s capital to celebrate, anything seemed possible.
In the crowd, whose members included a radio announcer who was researching homosexuality and an illiterate mechanic who wore a flower pot on his head to stay cool and admitted to stealing monkeys to get by, one word was on everybody’s lips.
“Justice,” said Mr. Khan’s wife, Rubina Javed, smiling broadly. “We came for justice.”
The word was apt for the victory at hand: the restoration of the chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, to his court. But others in a jubilant crowd celebrating on Mr. Chaudhry’s lawn on Monday were working from a broader interpretation.
“Justice is the solution to the common man’s problems,” Ms. Javed said, seated on a blue scarf on the grass with two daughters and four sons, ages 6 to 18, around her. “I want justice in schools, on roads, in transportation. Now the common man is speaking.”
In the Arab world, the word is a constant companion. Islamic political movements use it in struggles against autocrats, arguing that justice is a central tenet of Islam.
But in Pakistan, the political class comes from a powerful feudal elite, which has largely avoided policies that would bring greater social equality, like land reform. With only half of the population literate, so far the strategy has worked.
“The ruling elite can get away with anything,” said Muhammad Ali, a software engineer. “They are like kings here.”
But the lawyers’ movement may be starting to change that. Though small in number, it is made up of an educated, diverse cross section of Pakistani society that includes lower middle class professionals, whose reach may extend deeper into Pakistan’s 160 million population than initially expected.
“This movement has given an awareness to the common people in Pakistan of their rights,” said Shamoon Azhar, 26, a doctoral student at the International Islamic University in Islamabad, sitting on the lawn with a large group of his friends. “This is about awareness. It’s given people confidence. It’s shown people it can happen.”
Saif Abbas, a consultant who used to work for the Asian Development Bank in Islamabad, was more clear-eyed about the meaning of the march. Pakistan is still a poor country with a vast illiterate population, and a corrupt, unresponsive ruling class, he said.
His vision for Pakistan is a “thoroughly democratic” country based on an Islamic system of governance, with a strong, powerful middle class, like that in Turkey or Malaysia. The current system will simply perpetuate the power of the mullahs on one hand, he said, and the elite, on the other, “who are totally disconnected from the people of this country.”
In that respect, the march was meaningful.
“The next government is going to fear the people who pushed this one against the wall,” he said, as a troupe of lawyers from a city in central Pakistan, stormed past.
A revolution it is not, he said. “But it’s a good beginning.”
source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/world/asia/17voices.html
ISLAMABAD — It was a day of rejoicing, of drum playing, and of smiling at strangers. Pakistan’s chief justice had just been reinstated after a two-year struggle, and for those assembled in the country’s capital to celebrate, anything seemed possible.
In the crowd, whose members included a radio announcer who was researching homosexuality and an illiterate mechanic who wore a flower pot on his head to stay cool and admitted to stealing monkeys to get by, one word was on everybody’s lips.
“Justice,” said Mr. Khan’s wife, Rubina Javed, smiling broadly. “We came for justice.”
The word was apt for the victory at hand: the restoration of the chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, to his court. But others in a jubilant crowd celebrating on Mr. Chaudhry’s lawn on Monday were working from a broader interpretation.
“Justice is the solution to the common man’s problems,” Ms. Javed said, seated on a blue scarf on the grass with two daughters and four sons, ages 6 to 18, around her. “I want justice in schools, on roads, in transportation. Now the common man is speaking.”
In the Arab world, the word is a constant companion. Islamic political movements use it in struggles against autocrats, arguing that justice is a central tenet of Islam.
But in Pakistan, the political class comes from a powerful feudal elite, which has largely avoided policies that would bring greater social equality, like land reform. With only half of the population literate, so far the strategy has worked.
“The ruling elite can get away with anything,” said Muhammad Ali, a software engineer. “They are like kings here.”
But the lawyers’ movement may be starting to change that. Though small in number, it is made up of an educated, diverse cross section of Pakistani society that includes lower middle class professionals, whose reach may extend deeper into Pakistan’s 160 million population than initially expected.
“This movement has given an awareness to the common people in Pakistan of their rights,” said Shamoon Azhar, 26, a doctoral student at the International Islamic University in Islamabad, sitting on the lawn with a large group of his friends. “This is about awareness. It’s given people confidence. It’s shown people it can happen.”
Saif Abbas, a consultant who used to work for the Asian Development Bank in Islamabad, was more clear-eyed about the meaning of the march. Pakistan is still a poor country with a vast illiterate population, and a corrupt, unresponsive ruling class, he said.
His vision for Pakistan is a “thoroughly democratic” country based on an Islamic system of governance, with a strong, powerful middle class, like that in Turkey or Malaysia. The current system will simply perpetuate the power of the mullahs on one hand, he said, and the elite, on the other, “who are totally disconnected from the people of this country.”
In that respect, the march was meaningful.
“The next government is going to fear the people who pushed this one against the wall,” he said, as a troupe of lawyers from a city in central Pakistan, stormed past.
A revolution it is not, he said. “But it’s a good beginning.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
CJ to be reinstated, Governor Rule & Governor to be changed
The unprecedented show of public force by the participants of the Long March has led to a recent breaking development Media reported with reference of Chaudhry Nisar (N-League) senior party member, that accord between Govt. & Long March participants has been reached, and.........Chief Justice Of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhaar Mohammad Chaudhry ...........will be reinstated, with full powers.
PM Yousuf Raza Gilani is expected to come on TV and announce it, officially.
The poeple's power and the politicial maturity of this nation has proven once and for all, that we can rise upto the occassion, make it clear what we want for ourselves, we can demand and decide what kind of a future we want to have for ourselves.
Good show this nation, I hope that we will continue to stand upto the occassion and will act, will be out on streets, and no force would be allowed to trample on our rights, constitution and our lives.
Long Live Pakistan, Long Live People Of Pakistan
As soon as official announcement comes in, we will update RiseOfPakistan with it, Being in Rawalpindi, I will be joining Student Action Commitee's karavan enroute from Lahore.
PM Yousuf Raza Gilani is expected to come on TV and announce it, officially.
The poeple's power and the politicial maturity of this nation has proven once and for all, that we can rise upto the occassion, make it clear what we want for ourselves, we can demand and decide what kind of a future we want to have for ourselves.
Good show this nation, I hope that we will continue to stand upto the occassion and will act, will be out on streets, and no force would be allowed to trample on our rights, constitution and our lives.
Long Live Pakistan, Long Live People Of Pakistan
As soon as official announcement comes in, we will update RiseOfPakistan with it, Being in Rawalpindi, I will be joining Student Action Commitee's karavan enroute from Lahore.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Muneer A Malik Arrested?
Muneer A Malik is reported to have been arrested from Karachi's airport today. It is reported that he was arrested aboard a PIA flight, which was delayed for about 1 hour.
Some reports suggest that he was released later on, and he is on his way to Islamabad. There are no confirmed reports regarding his current status. It will be updated as soon as any news report confirms it.
Some reports suggest that he was released later on, and he is on his way to Islamabad. There are no confirmed reports regarding his current status. It will be updated as soon as any news report confirms it.
Sherry Rehman resigns ?
The Federal Minister for Information Sherry Rehman has supposedly resigned. Some say its in protest for banning Geo & Royal News, Some say its the outcome of the high level meeting in President House which is just ended.
It is being rumored that Zardari Camp, including Rehman Malik & Salman Taseer are going to resign.......... only time will tell
It is being rumored that Zardari Camp, including Rehman Malik & Salman Taseer are going to resign.......... only time will tell
Friday, March 13, 2009
Is the P.M. going to rise to occassion?
It is being widely circulated in media reports that P.M. Yousuf Raza Gilani after successfully getting the Army, Foriegn actors, Civilian & Military beauraucracy and even N-League & Lawyers leaders on his side, is going to take a series of steps to implement the charter of Democracy & reinstatement of judges & Punjab Assembly.
What remains to be seen is that, the circulated news is based on proper facts or a mere wishful fragment of imagination of political pundits and analysts.
Though a couple of weeks ago, it seems that P.M. & President seemed to be playing the classical 'good-cop/bad-cop' game, but now it is more evident than ever, that P.M. is acting as an independent actor.
Will he rise to occassion? will he be able to deliever what it takes to pacify the situation and take the country out of the current Zardari & cohorts produced political turmoil ???????????
What remains to be seen is that, the circulated news is based on proper facts or a mere wishful fragment of imagination of political pundits and analysts.
Though a couple of weeks ago, it seems that P.M. & President seemed to be playing the classical 'good-cop/bad-cop' game, but now it is more evident than ever, that P.M. is acting as an independent actor.
Will he rise to occassion? will he be able to deliever what it takes to pacify the situation and take the country out of the current Zardari & cohorts produced political turmoil ???????????
Barani Agri University Hostilites told to vacate hostels
In another dramatic development, The V.C. of Barani Agriculture University has directed the hostilites to vacate their hostels. "Duniya" T.V. report at 10:15 PM today, cited a university official that the University administration does not wants its students participating in the Long March.
The hostels are to be vacated for four days, upto 17th March. At the moment the Hostel residents are protesting over decision and have refused to do so. They are being threatened by a police action, if they choose not to comply with University Administration's decision.
The hostels are to be vacated for four days, upto 17th March. At the moment the Hostel residents are protesting over decision and have refused to do so. They are being threatened by a police action, if they choose not to comply with University Administration's decision.
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