Weed Media

Tere Bin Laden: The Sequel

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:31:00 +0000

U.S. military forces have killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But is he really dead? This is one thing we'll never know the truth about in our lifetimes. Was 9/11 a terrorist attack or an inside job-or a bit of both? Some folks are STILL asking that about Pearl Harbor and Holocaust!! Still, bin Laden needed to be taken down-no matter how long it took. He's threatened us and others. He was obviously very dangerous. Not somebody I wanna hang out with. But conspiracy theories are great for the imagination.

People saying he isn't dead and that this is all a US goverment conspiracy should go die in a fire for having retarded logic. If the US government did indeed staged this whole thing, then the only thing that Osama could do to damage the US government far more than any thing he could dream of is make a public statement saying "lol, I'm Osama, I'm alive and your government is a lying shitstorm of suckage". Please people, don't be retarded and believe this idiotic internet theories.

Read this on some YouTube video..

10 years, 2 wars, 919,967 deaths, and $1,188,263,000,000, before America managed to kill one person.

At least 2,985 people died in the September 11, 2001.

In The Presence Of Enemies

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Welcome tired pilgrim

Into the circle

We have been waiting

EveryoneÂ´s gathered for your arrival

All the believers

Angels fall, all for you, heretic

Demon heart bleed for us

IÂ´ve been waiting for you,

Weary preacher man

You have been expected

Now we can begin

Let this hollow day of judgment reign

I have known you father,

And your sacred quest

Blessed soldier fighting

You shall never rest

I have known you, but do you know me?

Angels fall, all for you, heretic

Demon heart bleed for us

(My soul is yours dark master, I will fight for you)

Dark master within,

I will fight for you

Dark master of sin,

Now my soul is yours

Dark master, my guide,

I will die for you

Dark master inside

I cannot see his face

But I could feel his spite

A presence from the dead

Abandoned by the light

This shadow will consume him from within

This power that I sense

The rage behind those eyes

Is just a shrouded ghost

A spirit deep inside

The body and the soul both threats

For they are one

Angels fall, all for you, heretic

Demon heart bleed for us

My soul is yours dark master,

I will fight for you

Dark master within,

I will fight for you

Dark master of sin,

Now my soul is yours

Dark master, my guide,

I will die for you

Dark master inside

Dark master, Amen,

I belong to you

Dark master within

Don´t

Bother trying to find them

They will be coming to you

Fight,

Fight and destroy

Until you canÂ´t take anymore

Slay!

Spill the blood of the rebels

They are the children of hell

Flesh,

Of the undead

Stopping at nothing to kill

Sin,

Caught in a moment of weakness

Committed the greatness of all

Sold,

Half of my soul

And now its too late for you

I judge us, my eyes see

I judge and I am just

For I speak of the beast

That lives in all of us

Unwelcome ones

Your time has come

Lord,

You are my god and my shepherd

Nothing more shall I want

War,

Through the abyss

Into the shadow of death

Fear,

There is no evil to fear now

For I know you are with me

My,

Cup overflows

With my enemyÂ´s blood

Decay in the house of the lord

Forever, amen

Death,

Will follow me

All the days of my life

I judge as,

My eyes see

I judge and I am just

For I speak of the beast

That lives in all of us

Unwelcome ones

Your time has come

Servants of the fallen

Fight to pave the way

For the saviorÂ´s calling

On this wicked day

Through a veil of madness

With a vicious play

One man rises up

Standing in their way

It's time for your reckoning

How to Pick Girls.. The Art of Failing (Hilarious)

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:17:00 +0000

Current Favourites

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:53:00 +0000

Rest In Peace Shaheed Salman Taseer

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:20:00 +0000

My Hero Salman Taseer Shaheed

My condolence for honourable Governor’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace, amen. Ours is a barbaric society. We are actually animals disguised in homo sapiens. We don’t need India, Israel, America, Saudi Arabia, UAE and UK to come and destroy us; we are indeed more capable to carry out this task. I don’t blame anyone cursing the deceased governor, I would blame thousand times our politicians and jahil fatwa-proof mullahs. And above all Military-Mullah Alliance. Sorry to use this word but i wanna say FUCK THEM ALL.

I must pay tribute to the soul of the deceased governor. Unlike the chief minister, he wasn’t a coward and never begged for mercy before the militants who kill hundreds of innocent civilians because of their stupid version of jihad. The extremist sect of the Taliban and their co-dwellers of hell has become a nemesis for the country. When any person is killed unjustly, he is referred to as a Shaheed. Salman Tasser is indeed a Shaheed. He gave his life for a noble cause. Taking 27 bullets FOR a just cause at the hands of a cowardly fanatic makes him my HERO. We need to comprehend the whole thing in its entirety.

I envy this last blessing God has endowed him with. May his soul rest in peace forever.

Posting Break on Weed Media

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 02:26:00 +0000

Dear Weed Media Readers,

I thank Lord of Heavens for my successful result of CSS (Central Superior Services) Examinations 2010. Now I look forward to serve my nation with honor and sincerity. Due to my commitment with upcoming psychological tests and final interview I won't be posting on this forum for some time. However, I'll be back very soon.

cheers,
floydian

Opeth Music Review

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 04:50:00 +0000

I really started listening to good music since I was 15. So, I listened to all the classic rock songs, all the famous ones until very recently. I also experimented with a lot of genres, varying from jazz to hard rock, Pakistani/Indian classical to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Qawalis, from rap to Punjabi bhangra, all metal kinds till I landed on Opeth, Swedish heavy metal band from Stockholm. I guess the reason that Opeth is so enticing is because its music is so powerful and so different from the normal stuff that we hear. They are the only ones that I know of who uses acoustic guitars so beautifully, in harmony, with electric and distortion guitars. The superb riffs and transition in the vocals from growling to melodious singing almost makes me high on music!

Looking back on the 90’s and 00’s music scene (read metal scene), it seems that many bands can easily be dismissed as ‘one hit wonders’, or as acts that were just popular for a year or so. Out of all the rock and metal bands, Opeth stands out as master of the craft. They have it all; the look, the sound, and an ever expanding fanbase that has ensured continued popularity.

If there ever was someone who ate, breathed and slept progressive death metal it’s Mikael Åkerfeldt. Since 1990 Åkerfeldt has been vocalist, guitarist, composer, songwriter and driving force behind one of the metal’s most seminal units Opeth. And Opeth is not just limited to one genre of music. Nor does Åkerfeldt vocals are limited to one specific style. Their compositions include acoustic guitar interludes and strong dynamic shifts, as well as both growling and clean vocals. Opeth has been able to seamlessly and fluidly combine metal, classic rock, progressive rock/metal, folk and free form jazz.

They've never made a bad album, (Or rather Mikael has never made a bad album). Actually everything is a lot more progressive and brilliantly structured. There are no sections of music that get repeated. The lyrics are amazingly poetic, uncommon for a death metal group, (most death metal band usually concentrate on death.)

Opeth is the second name of diversity and synonym to the word music. If you haven’t listened to Opeth then you haven’t heard music. Nothing I have heard from them has failed to impress me. Melancholy but strangely uplifting, clean but guttural, brutal but gentle-a band of contrasts. One thing is for sure. Opeth is so ahead of its times that it will be remembered (30-50 years ahead maybe), for breaking the genre-barriers and making melodious and inspiring music. Find a more talented and inspiring band than Opeth. I fuckin dare you. My Opeth’s current top ten (random order) songs are:

Religion of Akbar

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:55:00 +0000

Was the Great Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar (1542-1605) a heretic in the eyes of Islam? Did he become an apostate prophet of a new religion? Or did he show to the world the real Islamic principles of peace, justice, respect and toleration?

Religion of Akbar

Akbar was a staunch Sunni Muslim ‘who sometimes spent whole nights in praising God.’ He observed the dogmas of his faith and never deviated an inch from the path of Shariat. He paid due respect to the Ulema (whatever it means) and ‘did homage to the pious and holy. He believed in pirs and fakirs (saints) and visited their shrines. He continued his life as an orthodox Muslim till 1578, when a great change came over his mind.

Influence of Hereditary

To trace the history of Akbar’s religion, an outline of the environments and circumstances is necessary. His father and grandfather were never orthodox and his mother, the daughter of a Persian scholar, sowed seeds of tolerance in his mind. His tutor Abdul Latif, who was a man of moderate views and whose guiding principle of life was Sulh-i-Kul (universal toleration) must have imparted to his young pupil this principle and also impressed upon the influence of his tutor molded the catholicity of his temperament and ideals.

Impact of Contemporary Religious Movements

The sixteenth century was the age of religious revival in the history of the world.

India

experienced this revival and found in Kabir, Nanak and Chaitanya great reformers who lived and taught one great cult – the cult of love and truth and brotherhood of man. The teachings of these reformers also made deep impression on the mind of Akbar.

The Bhakti and Mahadavi movements had taken a strong hold in the popular mind. The Mahadavi movement was based in the belief that at close of millennium of Messiah or redeemer of the sins of mankind would come upon the earth. In the sub-continent this movement was started by Sayyid Muhammad of Jaunpur who proclaimed himself to be the promised Mahdi. Similarly in

Afghanistan

, there was the Rashni movement whose followers believed in coming of the Messiah. The two movements, at the head of each was a prophet, might have tremendous influence on Akbar’s mind and have suggested to him that neither of them was the prophet of God. But if they could pass for prophets, he also could pass for one and make a new religion and thus become the head of the State and Church. He waned to make a religion to suit his political needs and therefore to be acceptable to his subjects professing various creeds. In his anxiety to substitute one creed for the many, he was led to adopt an eclecticism that found expression in the Din-i-Illahi.

Influence of His Rajput Wives

Akbar had married many Rajput ladies and it was natural that they brought a profound change in his life. Under their influence he went away from orthodoxy and became very liberal in religious matters. Some of the social practices were the result of his marriages with the Hindu princesses.

Association with the Sufis

Akbar’s association with the Sufi brothers Faizi and Abul Fazal and their father Sheikh Mubarak must have had a considerable contribution to the religious development of Akbar. Thus, intelligent to an uncommon degree, he was best fitted by birth, upbringing and association to feel most keenly those hankerings and that spiritual unrest which distinguished the century in which he lived.

Ibadat Khana

Akbar observed the external form of the Sunni faith until 1575, when his association with the Sufi brothers produced a change in his religious views. He then ordered to construct a building, known as Ibadat khana (House of prayers) at Fatehpur Sikri, with a view to discussing philosophical and theological questions. He first invited the learned divines of Islam to his Ibadat Khana. But they often quarreled among themselves on the fundamentals of Islam and their discussions took shape of vulgar rancor, morbid orthodoxy and personal attacks. The discussions of the Ulema who were (mis)guided by pride and prejudice could not satisfy the inquisitive soul of Akbar. He was then inclined to invite leaders and scholars of various religions to the Ibadat Khana. In response to the invitation of the Emperor, the Portuguese authorities sent on several occasions learned theologians to his court. In 1580, a Jesuit Mission consisting of Father Rudolf Aquaviva and Antonio Monserrate was cordially received at his court. He admired Christianity but he did not confine his attention to Christian faith only. He wanted to learn the essentials of Zoroastrianism and Jainism. He invited Dasteur Meherje Rana, the religious head of Parsis and the Jains to his court. The influence of the former on the Emperor was soon felt to an amazing extent. Akbar also called a learned Pandit to talk to him Hindu philosophy and religion.

Curbing the Authority of Religious Scholars

Thus Akbar listened attentively to the arguments of the exponents of each faith but he did ot convert into any of these religions. Thus, his contact with different religion through discourses and debates eventually resulted in his eclecticism. But the dispute between Makhdum-ul-Mulk and Sheikh Abdunnabi shocked his soul and led him to conclude that they were no good as the heads of religion. He wanted to break their power.

The Emperor took a very bold step in June, 1579. He displaced the chief Imam of Jama-i-Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri and himself read the Kutba from the pulpit. This was the first blow at the authority of the Ulema.

The second blow came in September, 1579 when Akbar issued a decree known as Infallibility Decree. It was meant to make the Emperor the supreme judge or mujtahid or imam-i-adal. This decree which was drafted by Sheikh Mubarak and signed by the leaders of Muslim orthodox like Mukhdum-ul-Mulk and Sheikh Abdunnabi made Akbar supreme arbiter in the case there were any differences regarding the interpretation of Muslim law. Hence, Akbar assumed religious authority (over his subjects) which, frankly speaking, was delegated to him by the Ulema of the country. Some of the European historians like V. Smith and W. Haig have said that Akbar became the Pope and the King in one and have, therefore, called the document as the ‘Infallibility Decree’. This is however, a very wrong and malicious view. According to S.R. Sharma and Professor Habib, this decree did not make Akbar the Pope and the King in one. He could thereafter not issue orders which could not be challenged. Anybody could challenge them if they were contrary to the injunctions of the Glorious Quran. Only when the Muslim jurists differed among themselves as to the interpretation of any religious question, the decision of the Emperor was final. But if any one in the State challenged that his decision was in contradiction with the Holy Quran, his decision had not the force of the law. Thus, Akbar did not claim to define the religious belief of his subjects and force his definition on them as the Tudor despots were claiming to do.

Din-i-Illahi

The final stage in the evolution of Akbar’s religious views came in 1562 when he promulgated the famous Din-i-Illahi. The Din-i-Illahi has been characterized by Abdul Qadir Badayuni (Muntakhab-ul-Twarikh) as Tauhid-i-Illahi or Divine monotheism. According to Dr. Iswari Prasad, “it was an electic pantheism containing good points of all the religions”.

Akbar was convinced that all religions were alike in their fundamental principles. They differed only in their outer forms. So Akbar made an attempt to bring about a synthesis of various creeds and named it Din-i-Illahi. It was a socio-religious order, a brotherhood designed to cement diverse communities in the land. Professor S.R. Sharma says that it is a gross exaggeration to give Din-i-Illahi “the rank of religion”. It had no book, no priesthood and practically no novel religious beliefs.

Much misconception arose about Din-i-Illahi owing to the misunderstanding of the mind and personal practices of Akbar. His motive in founding the Din-i-Illahi was political rather than religious. He was a politician rather than a religious propoganist. He did not propogate his new order in the spirit of a missionary nor did he claim to be a prophet of a religion. He was the apostle of Hindu-Muslim unity and so his was the message of peace with all i.e. Sulh-iKul.

Abu'l-Fazl in his Ain No. 77 (of Ain-i-Akbari) has given a detailed account of the principles and practices of Din-i-Illahi. The following are some of the practices and principles which the members of Din-i-Illahi were to follow:

The members were to follow a new mode of greeting each other. One member while meeting the other was to greet him with Allahu Akbar and the other was to respond with Jaila Jalalahu.
The members were to celebrate their birthday and invite their co-religionists to a feast.
As far as possible the members of Din-i-Illahi were to abstain from meat-eating but they were not to hate the meat eaters. In the month of their birth, they were no to take meat at all.
The members were to giver dinner during their life time instead of the dinner usually given after the death.
The members were to regard fire as very sacred and they were to respect all the religions.

There were four grades of the followers of Din-i-Illahi. These grades were based on four sacrifices which each member was required to make vi., sacrifice of property, of life, of honor and of religion. Those who were willing to sacrifice their property formed one class. The second class consisted of those who were ready to sacrifice their life and property both for the sake of the Emperor. Those who were ready to sacrifice their life, property and honor belonged to the third class. The fourth class was of those who were prepared to sacrifice their life, property, honor and religion for the Emperor.

The promulgation of the Din-i-Illahi was followed by a number of ordinances which are alleged to have been issued by the emperor with a view to destroy Islam. Badayuni, his foloowers and the Jesuit writers are of opinion that Akbar persecuted Islam. Dr. Smith says, “Akbar showed bitter hostility to the faith of his ancestors and his own youth and actually perpetrated a persecuted Islam”. Some of the accusations laid down against Akbar the Great by Badayuni in Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh are as follow:

The turning of prayer rooms into stables
The prohibition of Islamic prayer,
The stoppage of pilgrimage to Mecca
The offering of Sijdah (to bow down in respect) to the King.
The discontinuation of the Azan (call for Islamic prayer) and the study of Quran and Hadith
The shaving of beard
Keeping swine and dogs in the Imperial palace etc.

This view of the orthodox writer who had a personal grudge against the Emperor and whose statements are mostly based upon hearsay cannot be accepted without a pinch of salt.Mosques which were constructed in the Hindu area as a mark of victory remained useless and were used for other purposes at the order of the Emperor. But he never touched the mosques where regular prayers were offered. Many mosques of his time are still found standing in the capital city.

The pilgrimage to Mecca was not stopped. When the Third Jesuit Mission came to Gujrat in 1595, they found many men and women going for pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sijdah or prostration was allowed to Emperor not as an article of faith but as an act of solution in order to please the Hindu subjects who were too delighted to show respect to the Emperor by prostration. It had been popular mode of greeting at the Persian court and Abbasid Khalifas had adopted it. A large number of Mullahs and Shaikhs whose activities proved detrimental to the Sulh-iKul (universal toleration) were expelled from the Empire. Naturally they were enraged and fabricate4d all sorts of anti-Muslim practices against Akbar. In this way if the charges are examined one after another it will be clear to the readers that these are mostly false and fabricated. He religious cannons and dogmas of Akbar were not at all hostile to the fundamental principles of Islam.

Number of Members

Many were not attracted to Din-i-Illahi because the Muslims thought it to be anti-Islamic and the Hindus considered it as a modified form of Islam. According to Blochman, only 18 prominent members joined this new order and out of these there was only one Hindu named Raja Birbal. The number of ordinary members did not exceed a few thousand.

Causes of the Failure of Din-i-Illahi

The Din-i-Illahi failed due to several factors. First, Akbar was the originator of this new order but he did not propagate it in the spirit of a missionary nor did he compel anyone to become its member. He was tolerant and his spirit of religious toleration would not allow persecution even against those who differed with his religious policy. Secondly, the general people could not understand the mind of AKbar and hence failed to appreciate his new order. Lastly, Akbar’s son Jahangir was quite indifferent to the religious views of his father and so after the death of Akbar Din-i-Illahi died a natural death.

Was Din-i-Illahi a Monument of Akbar’s Folly?

Many a historian failed to understand the true significance of Din-i-Illahi. Relying on the evidence of Badayuni, a hostile critic of Akbar and an orthodox Muslim, with whom the omission of a single ceremony of Islam amounted to apostasy and on the writings of Jesuits who must have been displeased with the Emperor for their failure to convert Akbar to their faith.

Dr. Smith says, “The whole system was the outcome of unrestrained autocracy … The Divine Faith (Din-i-Illahi) was a monument of Akbar’s folly, not of his wisdom.” This view of the biased historian is not accepted by most of the modern historians and especially the Pakistani and Indian historians. Akbar had not founded this religion, a new order to satisfy his vanity or to play the role of the prophet and pope. If he had been guided by those motives, he would have employed the whole state machinery for propagating his faith. The very fact that his close associates like Bhagwan Das and Man Singh did not join the fold of Din-i-Illahi and continued to enjoy the old favors is a clear proof that his experiment of a new order was not the outcome of his ridiculous vanity for the monstrous growth of unrestrained autocracy. Akbar’s motive in organizing the new order was political. Von Noar a German historian says, “The Din-i-Illahi was an order at once political, philosophical and religious.” According to S.R. Sharma, the Din-i-Illahi “was the crowning expression of the Emperor’s national idealism.” Just as the Emperor had conquered the whole of Indo-Pakistan he also wanted to put the chief principles of various religions together and create a new social order to build a common nation. Thus according to Lane Poole and Dr. Holden, “The Dini-i-Illahi was the outcome of a political necessity”. It was not the monument of Akbar’s folly, it was a monument of his wisdom. As a political institution the Din-i-Illahi entirely fulfilled Akbar’s hopes and expectations. As long as he was alive, he enjoyed unmixed loyalty of his subjects.

Did Akbar Renounce Islam?

The Din-i-Illahi could not satisfy the orthodox Muslims rather it incurred their displeasure for some of its ordinances. Akbar might have ignored the sentiments of the staunch Muslims, but it must not be considered that he ceased to be a Muslim after the promulgation of his new order. Dr. Smith holds that Akbar was not a Muslim since 1582. Modern historians like Prof. S.R. Sharma, Mr. Yusuf Ali and Dr. M. Ray Chaudhary have made a very analytical study of the subject and have come to the conclusion that the criticism of Dr. Smith’s opinion is mainly based upon the anti-Muslim ordinances and the adoption of certain Hindu practices. The former might have been the result of the hostility of the bigoted Muslims and the latter were the outcome of his political motives. Dr. Smith admits that on occasions he performed acts of conformity from the motives of policy. If it is possible that the emperor after 1582 conformed to the faith of his forefathers from motives of policy, then there is every reason to believe that the same motive might have influenced him to accept the practices of other religions.

Concluding Lines

Dr. Smith again says, “Akbar, whatever may have been the extent of his falling in practice, was sincerely a religious man, constitutionally devout.” His son Jahangir says that his father ‘never for one moment forgot God.’ He used to perform his prayers five times a day. The Ain-i-Akbari and the Akbar-Nama which were written under his order by Abul Fazal and the Tuzki-i-Jahangriri, written by Jahangir, fully confirm the fact that Akbar remained a Muslim throughout his life. This view was supported by many historians among whom the names of Father Anthony Botelho and Sir Thomas Roe may specially be mentioned here. In 1586, Akbar wrote a letter to Abdullah Khan Uzbeg in which he described himself as devout Muslim. Thus it can be concluded that Akbar was born as a Muslim, Lived as a Muslim and died as a Muslim. So the statement of Dr. Smith, which by the way is endorsed by many willful ignorants in

Pakistan

that ‘he passed away without the benefit of the prayers of any church or sect’, is absolutely false and it is a gross misrepresentation of facts.

It is true that politics based on religion loses its universal acceptability. This was proved by the bigoted reign of Aurengzeb Alamgir which considerably contributed to the downfall of Mughals and Muslim Rule in

India

. Whereas, liberalism and toleration shown to the Hindus by secular Akbar the Great in order to fulfill his political desire may be praiseworthy from the humanitarian point of view but it certainly created misunderstanding about Islam amongst the general public. Had the emperor simultaneously tried to follow the tenets of Islam with his intentional religious toleration towards the Hindus, there would have been no scope for misunderstanding amongst the illiterate people and biased historians. Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul faded with Akbar's death but it got a new lease of life by The Great Prince Dara Shikoh. Perhaps Aurengzeb Alamgir, the blood thirsty and power hungry wolf, used Akbar’s misunderstood secular policy as a case against Dara Shikoh and killed, on charges of apostasy, the rightful and worthy heir to Shah Jahan’s peacock throne.

Health and Fitness: Spending vs Investing

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 03:25:00 +0000

If you are a hardworking professional with a commitment to health and fitness, you are occasionally faced with the question (usually posed by someone with a thicker waistline than yours), “How do you find time to go to the gym?” But if you are a hardworking professional with a commitment to financial security, no one ever asks, “How do you find time to go to the bank?”

Part of the reason for that, of course, is that unlike your bank account, you can’t manage your body online…yet. But another part has to do with a basic misunderstanding of saving and investing, versus spending. If you go to the bank and shift IRA, people say you are “investing” in your future. But if you go to the gym, they say you’re “spending” your time there. Probably that’s one reason why so many of us become discouraged in our pursuit of fitness- it often feels as if there are more things to do, that we are “spending” precious time on a luxury.

But what if you looked at going to the gym the same way you look at going to the bank? What if each workout wasn’t a matter of time spent, but of time invested? And what if exercise paid dividends, and the more you invested early, the bigger the pay off later on?

That’s exactly the way we should be thinking of our fitness, both financial and physical. Just as we should start investing for future plans while we are young- even if we don’t feel we can afford to- so too should we start investing the future health wise, long before vital body systems threaten to break down. Because whether it’s our body or our money, failing to invest early will cost dearly over the long haul. In fact, if we aren’t investing now, we are losing ground.

Here’s why: When we put money under a mattress (or "dupatta" in case you are a regular rural Pakistani woman) instead of investing it, we lose about 3 percent a year, give or take, because of inflation. Same thing with our body: Without investing in regular exercise, the average person loses about a pound of muscle mass every 5 years after the age of 25 and beyond 50, his/her muscle loss picks up rapidly (I read this in Men’s Health). And that leads, of course, to a different kind of inflation.

The good news is that being financially sound and physically sound go hand in hand. In “Outrun Financial Stress”, author Richard Sine points out that the same self discipline that helps people hit the gym also helps them make it to the bank. He points out another, less reassuring fact: We’re still not doing enough.

Kalabagh Dam: Why We Must Build It

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 04:01:00 +0000

According to the Indus Basin Treaty signed in 1960 between

India

and

Pakistan

, we had to surrender the three eastern rivers of Sutlej, Bias and Ravi, and were allowed to build reservoirs and dams on the Western rivers of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.

Pakistan

was forced to accept an unjust principle of replacing perennial stream water, with man made reservoir water, which had inherent complications.

Today we are facing acute water shortage, and are facing El Nino effect as well, due to climatic changes resulting from the elimination of certain biological organisms. Our population growth rate is around 2%, which is one of the highest in the region. It is estimated that by 2025,

Pakistan

would become the fourth most populous country in the world. Imagine how hard it would become to feed such a big population with the shortage of resources, when we are already facing problems in providing basic necessities to the existing ones.

Indian Role

Since independence

India

has been creating problems for

Pakistan

in terms of the natural resources. For instance the Indus Basin Treaty and now a barrage on river Chenab, through which

India

would be able to stop or regulate water flow to

Pakistan

whenever it desires against the provisions of the treaty. On river Jhelum we have already built Mangla dam, which provides electricity and irrigation water for the entire country, through a network of barrages and link canals etc. Leaving these two rivers, the only other dependable source which seems to be outside the grip of India is the river Indus, over which we have built Tarbela dam, which stores only 15% of its water obtained mainly through snow melts in the Himalaya.

Silting of Dams

However the problem is that the lake of Tarbela is silting heavily and this silt load is estimated at 554000 tons per day. This amount of silt cannot be taken out from any reservoir; even if it is supposedly taken out, the problem would be where and how to store it. A silt delta has been formed in the reservoir having width between 31-65 Kms and 68 meters deep, located at 14 kms from the main embankment due to the sedimentation process. WAPDA has been able to contain movement of this silt delta so far, which otherwise could have moved in and choked all power generating turbines due to the seismic activity in the area. The danger is still there and in this regard Tarbela will not be able to serve as a multi-purpose reservoir and will only be suitable for irrigation purposes.

Controversy Surrounding Kalabagh Dam

It is stated that by the time Bhasha dam is completed, in 2016, the usefulness of Tarbela would almost have gone. The only economic option left at our disposal is Kalabagh dam, which is already late and has become controversial mainly due to socio-political misunderstandings, selfish assumptions, misgivings and apprehensions amongst the people of various provinces in the country.

Ironically, all the governments starting from late Z.A Bhutto, in order to lengthen their stay in power, have always avoided this technically feasible and economically sound option, which was declared to be a better site than Tarbela in the 1960s. Tarbela was brought on line first due to political considerations and preferences. It is, therefore, natural to think that national interests have been compromised. Jeopardized and manipulated for the sake of handful people with personal interest.

By year 2050, about 2/3 of the world population could be plagued by water scarcity. It is interesting that while water scarcity is strictly becoming severe, yet in most water-scarce regions large quantities of water flow into the sea remain unutilized.

Technical and Socio-Political Issues

The constraints in the implementation of Kalabagh dam can be describes as technical and socio-political. Almost all technical issues and concerns raised by the upper and lower reparians have been taken care of in the shape of design adjustments, while the socio-political factors remain unsolved to date, and are being exploited by those having vested interests. There are also misplaced fears in the general public of flooding of Peshawar valley and Nowshera along with negative impact on the drainage in areas of Mardan, Pabbi and Swabi. Lower reparians feared desertification of Sindh, non-availability of surplus water to fill the Kalabagh reservoir, negative effects on cultivation of riverian areas, sea water intrusion, mangrove forests and diminishing of fish resources below Kotri.

Benefits of Building Kalabagh Dam

Concerns regarding Kalabagh Dam have been fully analyzed by WAPDA an almost all of them are not sustainable considering the magnitude of benefits available to a large population of this cursed country. Benefits also include availability of water for entire Rabi, sowing and maturing of Kharif crops, 2600MW electricity and flood alleviation between downstream and Indus-Punjab confluence. The Water Appointment Accord of 1991 reflects consensus of all the four provinces over issues of new storage on Indus and other rivers. This should serve as the starting point for the construction of Kalabagh dam. The World Bank has funded projects like SCARP and NDP, which were to the tune of billions of dollars, but they failed to bring about desired economic benefits to

Pakistan

, because of wrong assumptions, corruption, malpractices and misplaced interests of the World Bank managers.

The severity of recent flooding in Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa is a direct result of excess water coming from the rivers. Kalabagh Dam would have prevented this catastrophe. Dams like Kalabagh would allow for better water management. Dams could direct the water flow to the world’s largest canal system and take it away from the flood pains. The loss of lives of around 500 people must be attributed to those who have opposed Kalabagh Dam and other such projects. Nationalist political parties in Sind and KP are major culprits. Due to their opposition to the dams for selfish personal gains, they must be taken to the task by those who have suffered as a result.

There is no denying the fact that in addition to bringing adown population growth rate and making Kalabagh dam, other feasible reservoir sites must also be exploited to utilize the invaluable Indus water, for irrigation and power generation, which flows almost unused into the Arabian Sea during summers. This is our lifeline and the only option for our economic survival.

Therefore, introduction of effective demand management through adaptation of mechanism for forecasting water availability is needed for adjusting water demand to water availability and developing criteria for water allocation.

Use of Biotechnology in Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 04:08:00 +0000

By adopting modern technology, spectacular success may be achieved in the agricultural sector which is now subjected to lot of mishaps. The agriculturally developed countries of the world, like USA, Canada, Australia and Netherlands have attained maximum success with the help of advanced technology. Perennial problems like scanty rainfalls, shortage of cultivatable land, insufficient irrigation water, pest attacks, salinity and a host of such other problems were tackled successfully by means of modern technology in these countries who are now earning lot of foreign exchange by exporting their surplus production. It is now time that we in Pakistan introduce genetic engineering in our agricultural sector. This would not only bring appreciable decrease in the cost of production but we would also be able to produce more and better quality commodities in less time and on less acreage.

Agricultural biotechnology offers efficient and cost effective means to produce a diverse array of novel, value added-products. It has the potential to increase food production, reduce the dependence of agriculture on chemicals and lower the cost of raw materials, all in an environment friendly, sustainable and productive manner.

Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of cotton after China, USA and India according to the statistics from the All Pakistan Textiles Mills Association. Cotton or white gold as it is aptly called is grown for its lint and seed, which yield cotton fibre and seed oil respectively. This crop occupies 70-75 million acre of the world area with an average yield of 485 kg/acre or 210 kg/hectare of lint and 500 kg/acre of seed cotton. To meet the challenges of this century with a population of more than 170 million, a total production of 12 million bales is required as against the 7-8 million bales of today.

This can be achieved by the use of improved crop production practices, coupled with appropriate pest management tactics. In addition to generation of novel, bio-technology can help to achieve the near impossible. Genes that have been identifies as potentially profitable, if engineered into acceptable cultivator methodology can be used to generate such transgenic. Among these are genes imparting resistance to herbicides, insects, pathogens and biotic stresses. It is also widely accepted now that a number of other qualitative characters can be improved, such as fibre strength, fitnesses, colour and thermal adaptability of the fibre. By biotechnological cotton, Pakistan can increase per acre yield from 14 to 30% which means that on the one hand, it will bring prosperity to the Pakistani farmers, on the other it will bring a boom to all industries and business activities which are directly or indirectly associated with the agricultural sector.

There are a number of benefits in producing and using bio-fuels, aside from the transportation fuel supply issue. First, bio-fuels are produced domestically, and the feed stocks for them are grown domestically too. This helps reduce our country's trade deficits and creates jobs, both of which are good for the economy. Our agriculture community stands to benefit specially, since the bio fuels are made from crops and agricultural residues, providing options for new valuable crops and new uses for the existing crops and residues. Producing our fuel domestically also improves our energy security; we become less dependent on the strategic, political, and economic whim of other countries.

Pakistan can gain economic benefits from biotechnology projects in three ways. First, they provide employment in the agriculture, health, energy and manufacturing sectors. Secondly, there is likely to be some downstream processing which adds value to the product before it leaves Pakistan, providing skilled employment, adding to our pool of knowledge and to the production infrastructure, Thirdly, where the intellectual property is held in Pakistan we can use it in a way, which is most appropriate for us. Hence, this illustrates the breadth and implies the positive potential of biotechnology for our economy.

Contributed By Saadia Khan

Biochemistry scholar,

Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

exclusively for Weed Media

Kashmir Violence: The Voice of a Neglected People

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 04:47:00 +0000

Unprecedented tensions have erupted in Kashmir since June. Tens of thousands of Kashmiris are protesting in mass rallies demanding an end to unjust Indian occupation of the valley. Around 100 people, mostly civilians have been killed as Indian security forces have tried to crush the protests. These deaths are in addition to 60,000 Kashmiris who have been slain since 1989. Indian government is blaming hardline separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, of stoking the violence. A case has already been registered against him.

We Want Freedom

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Srinagar on Eid Day alone. They held up banners which read "Go India go back home no more compromise at all we want freedom". The Kashmiris also hoisted Pakistani flags atop of Clock Tower, situated in the centre of the Sprawling Square.

It is pertinent to note that Indian security forces are now operating under Armed Forces Special Powers Act in four districts of the region. The Act gives Indian army and paramilitary troops sweeping powers to open fire, search houses, detain suspects and confiscate property, as well as protecting soldiers from prosecution.the law encourages abuses by the security forces and adds to a sense of occupation in the highly militarised region. India has moved thousands of paramilitary troops and police across Srinagar and in other towns to enforce the strict curfew. However, the brave Kashmiri youth is defying the curfew and risking their lives for want of Independence from the illegal Indian occupation of the valley.

Indian Brutality

The criminal silence over recent Indian brutality in Kashmir by the world media and leading opinion makers is conspicuous by its absence. Perhaps they assume that "democratic" India, a natural ally of the "liberal" west, must be doing the right thing in Kashmir, ie fighting "Islamofascism". No statements of concern or cautious are issued by the leaders of the free world. The European Union and the U.S, the so called champions of human rights and freedom, are acting in concert with the Indian government to deny any legitimacy to protests in Kashmir.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq leading from the front

Geographically, politically and emotionally Kashmir is closer to Pakistan than India. The valley is an extension of Punjab plateau towards the north because Pakistan's three rivers namely, Indus, Jehelum and Chenab have their sources and catchment areas in the mountains of Kashmir. Pakistan's democracy of hypocrisy maintains its low profile muted reaction over the current Kashmir unrest. But what can you expect from bunch of indifferent thieves for whom power and public mandate is all beer and skittles? And what about the Muslim dominated Arab world and other Islamic countries that are not bothered by the sufferings of the Kashmiris Muslims? Today, in the entire Muslim world, leadership is suffering from the most acute form of impotency. One wonders, how long will it take the the voice of a neglected people of Kashmir people to finally penetrate our indifference and even twinge our conscience?

Pakistan's Last Hope of Democracy and Good Governance?

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Courtesy: www.bbc.co.uk/news

Finally, General (R) Pervez Musharraf clearly and openly announced that he is coming to Pakistan to regenerate the culture of democracy and restore hope to the people of Pakistan. He said that he is 200% sure that he is going to participate in the next elections (which may happen sooner rather than later). He further went on to criticize the present government, led by Pakistan Peoples Party, for faking democracy and hence spreading "darkness all over." Musharraf conceded that he is unsure of becoming Pakistan's President once again. But he said that he has a good chance of winning the elections by creating his own party.

By daring to risk his life by coming back to Pakistan, he once again proved that he is a brave and patriotic leader. He also said that he is ready to face all the fabricated allegations leveled against him in the courts.

Pakistan is faced with a complex multi-dimensional governance crisis of staggering proportions. Matters have grown worse this time. The Pakistani state is malfunctioning. The present government's slide into gross political mismanagement, corruption and indifference is deteriorating its relations with the general masses. In this scenario, Musharraf's come back into the Pakistani political arena through democratic means might receive wide and enthusiastic public support. The change will augur well for the future of Pakistan. This is due to the fact that Pakistan needs a visionary leader for the survival of democracy, continuity of reforms, end to sectarianism and extremism, and to fulfill the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Achieving objectives of good governance requires visionary and status-quo breaking changes in the government system. Musharraf in his lectures has repeatedly expressed his desire to tackle the problems faced by Pakistan in a serious and systematic manner by reforming the economy, the federation and building true democracy by primarily focusing on governance issues. He seemed sincere in tackling the problems which Angelina Jolie highlighted during her recent visit to Pakistan. His coming back to politics in a true democratic spirit would also set a proper and new precedent for the aspiring army generals wanting to steer the ship of the state out of crisis created by the inept and corrupt political leaders.

Economic Impact of Floods

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:39:00 +0000

Pakistan

is suffering from the worst flooding disaster in living memory. What will be the economic effect, in the short, medium and long terms of this tragedy? How it will affect the government’s budget deficit and the growth rate? What can be done to mitigate the economic crisis? Following are some critical analysis of the economic impact of floods.

The sharp cutback in demand for a range of goods and services by those affected will largely be neutralized by the heightened demand for certain basic goods being provided through the relief effort – particularly food items like drinking water, dry rations like pulses, sugar, cooking oil, biscuits, etc., thereby maintaining a momentum of growth in the economy. However, unless some of the food items are imported from abroad (which could worsen the trade deficit unless these goods come in form of aid), we could witness higher food price. Inflation of this kind would hurt the poor badly throughout

Pakistan

and more so in non-agricultural population in rural areas which has to purchase its food from the market.

A large additional demand for some goods like tents, blankets, cotton sheets, etc., and construction materials – like cement, steel and wood and bricks will push up production in these sub-sectors of industry, thereby stimulating growth.

The allocations for aid operations financed from government funds, the compensation that will eventually have to be paid for every dead or injured person, displaced families, lost animals plus the cost of restoring some basic communications infrastructure will increase the budget deficit by atleast half a percentage point of the GDP, which should be affordable and might scale the inflation to more frightening heights. The deficit would have had to be raised further but for the overwhelming response of Pakistanis (both at home and abroad) and the international community and the capacity limits of the system to absorb and efficiently utilize large inflows of funds over the remaining part of the present financial year.

The long term economic impact poses other serious challenges. Rehabilitating shattered and displaced families and generating economic activity through restoration of the ramshackle infrastructure, considering the decades over which it had been built, will require massive sums of money. If the bulk of this funding is not provided by external sources, the government will have to increase its budget deficit to much higher levels over the next few years (which will keep the rate of inflation high) unless it can mobilize adequate resources by raising taxes, which is a politically daunting task.

The restoration of the destroyed infrastructure will be a long haul, partly because of the scale of the task and the volume of resources that will be required. And partly because of the absorptive capacity of the government machinery and the time and effort that will be needed.

While the impact on economic growth and related indicators (barring inflation) is not likely to be super serious in the short term; the long term requirements for alleviating the pain of this devastation are daunting and their outcomes are uncertain and difficult to predict.

Moreover, the indirect impact has already started appearing on the common life of people, as millions of people have donated their savings to help their brethren who are facing the devastation of the floods. Newspaper reports indicate that Eid shopping in the month of Ramadan, considered as best month for business and economic activity, has slowed down considerably. A huge burden on government’s spending can be perceived that would certainly hit a lot of new and ongoing projects. This would result in slowing down of the economy, besides increasing the budget deficit.

What Can Be Done?

No institution or country is perfect. There is always a scope for improvement in every sphere of life. Economic stability by itself is a gigantic task, specially, in a society so used to financial and fiscal indiscipline, socio-political disorder, corruption and mal administration sponsored by political elite of sitting governments.

Today

Pakistan

is in grave economic crisis and immediate measures need to be taken in order to come out of financial debacle the country is now facing. These measures must be home grown and not taken at the behest of pressure of international donor agencies. Visionary and revolutionary macroeconomic stabilization policies are needed to be taken to turn this disaster into an opportunity. Start by cutting defense expenditures. Downsize the inefficient and large cabinet. Cut the expenditures of Presidency, Prime Minister and ministers. End the nonsense foreign visits by national dignitaries. Promote and implement good governance and eradicate corruption. Introduce and implement comprehensive land reforms. Introduce structural reforms to remove distortion in the economy. Widen the tax net. Empower the institutions and remove their decay. Last but not least, learn to stand on our own feet instead of begging. Ask for trade not aid.

The Beast of Sectarianism

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:15:00 +0000

Photo: K.M. Chaudary/Associated Press

The recent bombing and suicide attack in Lahore and incident of firing in Karachi, on a religious procession is yet another grim reminder of the bloody reign of terror and genocide in

Pakistan

is facing the monster of terrorism in multiple forms. At present the horrendous acts of terrorism are destroying

Pakistan

is suffering from many diseases. There exists Islamic militancy, sectarian terrorism, ethno-nationalistic violent divisions and threat to create state within the state. Except, ethnic and nationalistic violence, all diseases are caused by

Pakistan

’s role in the Afghan ‘Jihad’ which has had a profoundly transformative impact on

Pakistan

’s politics, society and religion.

Perhaps the most significant domestic consequence of

Pakistan

’s policies in

Afghanistan

is the dramatic rise in sectarian violence in the last three decades. This dimension of the growth of radical Islam has been as threatening to

Pakistan

’s internal cohesion and survival as developments in

Afghanistan

and the Indian threat. While sectarianism is not a new phenomenon in

Pakistan

, Zia’s policies and his alliance with particular interpretations of Islam started a phenomenal growth in sectarian organizations in

Pakistan

, be they Barelvi, Ahmadi or Shia. Deobandi and Ahle Hadith organizations also mushroomed after the institution of the compulsory collection of Zakat and the beginning of the Afghan Jihad. Jihadis as well as Jihad oriented madrassas (religious institutions) were strongly influenced by Wahabi school of thought that grew rapidly in strength in a very short period.

Moreover, Mujahideen returning from

Afghanistan

were becoming an economic and social challenge for the state domestically, and were fuelling the rise of sectarian violence against Barelvis and Shias within

Pakistan

, as well as feuding amongst themselves. While it had predominantly characterized the public face of Islam, the lawlessness of militant groups and the rise of an intolerant redefinition of Islam were leading to mounting tensions in our society. The fight against the Barelvis, Ahmadis and Shias was a fight to ‘purify’ Islam from ‘all bad influences’, much as the Taliban had done in

Afghanistan

. Sectarian violence, fuelled by readily available weapons from Jihad, mushroomed uncontrollably. However, it is pertinent to note that in the private, armed forces or non-political sphere, the Sunni-Shia divide is nearly absent (thank God).

Along with the growth of anti-Shia militant organizations the reactionary pro-Shia and anti-Sunni militant outfits also exploded. It is a well known fact that most of the anti-Shia organizations had been and are being funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia whereas the anti-Sunni organizations have the patronage of Islamic Republic of Iran.

United States

and

India

(because of their shared interests) are also not far behind in supporting covertly such organizations in terms of weaponry, funds and logistics.

So, the government and civil society must consider the point that while taking reforms for eliminating societal and sectarian violence real principles of Islam should be presented which are based on peace, tolerance, brotherhood, rights of the weak, wisdom, temperance and elimination of fitna from the society. The Muslim Ummah and particularly Pakistani Muslims must stand united and not be divided into different sects. Difference of opinions must be tolerated and respected No one should be allowed to impose any distorted and extreme interpretation of Islam on anyone at gunpoint. We must say no to fitna which has many ugly shapes and one of them is sectarian violence.

Symptoms of Poor Governance

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:40:00 +0000

It seems

Pakistan

’s intellectual cum technocrat society had taken all the responsibility of preaching the so called Good Governance in such a way that even governing principles is considered unaware and intolerable on that features. Almost every day the structure of good governance go under dissection. Some of the salient features of good governance however are mended back to its original place but many remain unattended. Although every person of aesthetic bourgeoisie is well aware about what the terminology “Good Governance” contains with in itself, but the way it is portrayed will either destroy the genesis of governance and if not, than would definitely change the entire constitution of governing principles according to personal agenda

We all know that democracy is based on two core principles; participation and accountability. Therefore, in the light of above observation when there is less or absolutely no democratic prevalence in nation that mean there are leakages or loopholes in governance as well. It means if there is no democracy, there is no governance. Now just imagine, if

Pakistan

is working under the real democracy then governance is definitely in its good position but what about the criteria when democracy is not in its original position yet governing features are executed and implemented in almost every sphere of politics and economy?

Unfortunately

Pakistan

’s history of more than six decades is deprived of expeditious execution of accountability and the participation of the people’s mandate by their chosen representatives even after the due share of military dictatorship and democratically elected government.

Whether some one agrees or simply reject, I will say that the complete absentia that the governmental status quo of

Pakistan

i.e. democracy, good governance, economic affairs as well as social sector is some how incompatible. To give reason in this regard, see how the executive is fighting with the judiciary and media, dealing with army, handling terrorism and flood disaster, managing the economy and foreign relations. The civilian set up is fighting many fronts to be consistent in maintaining the democratic parliamentary system. However, neither the government itself nor the opposition is proceeding according to their mandate.

State power is being used only for the benefit of the ruling elite not protecting the common man. The system of justice has been used to the advantage of the rich and powerful where criminal acts of the elite are accepted phenomena. The misuse of power has been institutionalized by the rise of mafias who gain access to the political system. These mafias use the executive discretion of the political authority in appointments; formulation of public policies; grabbing the state land; disposal of public assets and the purchase of goods and services. Corruption and cheating have become institutionalized and more dangerously are well developed habits

The corrupting and weakening of almost all public service institutions has weakened the public confidence in political structure. Due this large scale alienation of the public has resulted. This alienation has caused cynicism and rejection of the system with serious implications for the future. Participation, ownership transparency and predictability can neither be restored nor ensured as long as alienation prevails.

It needs to be underscored that social state of the society, cultural values and the mindset of the people ultimately determine the acceptance or otherwise of all the reforms and initiatives. If the people are getting poorer and insecure they get even more alienated from the institutions and their managers. Similarly, if the bulk o the population is illiterate, their understanding and confidence in the transparency, predictability and accountability will never be restored.

To conclude, alienation and cynicism leads to general apathy. Falling rates of participation in the political process is the most important indicator. Corruption does not carry stigma of public shame and any political process is seen as a mere game of the rich and the powerful. All of these symptoms of poor governance can be clearly seen in Pakistan Governance and Civil Society.

K39Q8JMUXPWD

National Integration of Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:45:00 +0000

National Integration in the case of

Pakistan

cannot mean creating ethnic or national homogeneity throughout the country. It can only mean establishing a common citizenry, common political and social structures, a common state, and an additional sense of identity of belonging together. It means building commonality on top of the existing diversity, and not substituting an artificial new identity for the old ones. This process is not impossible. However, it would take some generations. It is a slow but continuous process. According M Nazarul Islam, author of “

Pakistan

a Study in National Integration”, the crisis of national integration has been particularly severe and the growing divisive forces and secessionist tendencies have threatened the federal structure itself.

Due to constant failure of nation building and national integration it is very difficult to transform the masses into a citizenry. The people have been mere onlookers to politics. Sometimes they identify with specific politics or politicians, but this often was hardly more than an audience applauding a cricket team as it was to identify with someone else, not being actor oneself.

The state was captured by small band of corrupt political elite, which persistently tried to exclude any competitors. Since the ruling elite mostly consisted of feudal lords, industrialists, generals and mullahs, and their ‘people’ in the civilian and military bureaucracy. This created a sense of exclusion for the rest of Pakistanis. In contrast, the tribal leaders and rural landowners smaller belonging to smaller provinces perceived their respective exclusion in ethnic rather than political terms. This ethnic/national group has little economic power and is under-represented in the political and bureaucratic elite.

A combination of excessive corruption and pathetic under-performance of the state institutions today characterize

Pakistan

. Both the development of the economy and stable political conditions are being undercut by these factors. The police and the legal system, the bureaucracy, the political and religious class are shamefully corrupt, more interested in enriching themselves individually, than serving with the sense of responsibility or development of the country. Since these state structures represent the state to the citizenry, people tend to become cynical and alienated from politics and the state. This literally implies alienation from

Pakistan

The political elite (including army, politicians, feudal lords, mullahs and bureaucrats) is depending less on achievement, economic efficiency and good governance than on extracting resources from other classes by using political power or traditional, tribal or rural power structures. This class is mostly rent seeking, and perceives the state as providing security and perks.

The question still remains unresolved whether

Pakistan

is a collection of communities or is it a unified nation? Is

Pakistan

a geographic nation state or is it a Islamic polity? The sharp polarity on the issue of national integration has become the characteristics of

Pakistan

polity and society.

Barbaric Nation

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:14:00 +0000

Tears are rolling down from my eyes. My body is shivering and all my senses are numbed. I am writing this post with anguish and sorrow. I am overwhelmed in the most horrific way by the level of indifferent brutality shown by the ferocious people of Sialkot in this sacred month of Ramadan. Just one day after the Independence Day of Pakistan, two innocent brothers, Hafiz Mueez, 15 and Hafiz Muneeb, 17, were beaten to death mercilessly with clubs and rods in cold blooded manner on 15th August in Sialkot. This nation, I’ll discuss later but first let me discuss the ‘State”

The state is defined as a community of people, occupying a definite territory, organized under a government, which is supreme over all persons and associations. Now if you literally apply this statement to

Pakistan

, you cannot relate to any thing except “community of people”.

Pakistan

physically and emotionally does not occupy a definite territory. It is not organized under a government and it is not supreme over persons and institutions. And a deeper observation reveals that we don’t even have a community of people here. We only have apathetic and strange living beings. Moral values, rule of law and humanity are absent.

DPO Waqar Chouhan: We feel ashamed to call you a Pakistani Muslim.You can be acquitted from these courts,but your life will be pathetic in hereafter.Verily you will reap what you have sown here.

The first and foremost representative of a state is a police man. The police in a country is empowered to enforce the law, protect property and reduce civil disorder. The police in

Pakistan

are known for its torture and abuse of people. Hard policing has been a consistent part of police practice in the country. No wonder District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot Waqar Chauhan and eight other police officials remained criminally silent spectator and simply kept on watching the two innocent brothers being tortured to death. They rather assisted the wild mob. It is not this bloody bastard Waqar Chauhan who stood silently along with eight other cops when the brothers were being beaten, rather it is the State of Pakistan that allowed this savagery and barbarianism.

Now, we the people. I am ashamed to be a part of this nation that commits such violent acts. I am ashamed when I see 12 year old bastards beating the innocent victims while their elders encouraged and led them. I am ashamed when I see barbarians filming this incident for fun sake and laughing at the condition of victims. They did all this to two teenage victims as if both the innocent brothers had raped their mothers and cut their throats. These ruthless and merciless people belong to religion Islam. Yes they are Muslims by every definition of the word Muslim. And yes its Ramadan Kareem, the sacred month of blessings and mercy. But they are not bothered to maintain the respect and decorum of this month. They take satisfaction by hanging upside down the dead bodies of innocent Muees and Muneeb who both were hafiz-e-Quran.

The state of this nation cannot be defined or explained in words. On August 20, the so called poor flood victims looted relief goods from trucks meant for the affected areas in Muzaffargarh and Dera Ghazi Khan. Tyres of the trucks were deflated and the drivers were taken hostage. A mob of hundreds participated. The mob told a news correspondent, covering the incident, “these things were meant for us and there is nothing wrong in what we have done”. Talk about their suffering and plight. Huh!

So welcome to the jungle. From throat cutter and hate monger Taliban to the wild mob of Sialkot, the majority of this nation is sadist, defeatist, extremist, savage, brutal and literate yet ignorant. Religion is being used to kill each other. Ethnicity divides them where religion fails. Blood thirstiness rules them when ethnic differences ends. Indeed

Pakistan

has become a wild place where human values have vanished and human blood has become the cheapest but most sought after commodity. My head hangs in shame as I realize that I am a part of this system, this culture of intolerance and this community of man eaters.

Madrassa Militancy and Reforms

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:21:00 +0000

Students at the Darul Uloom Rahmaniya Madrassa in Dera Ghazi Khan.

The radicalization of a section of the madrassa system is a profoundly destabilizing phenomenon with its roots in the Afghan jihad. Millennia old system of education designed to educate the intellectual elite in Muslim societies, the madrassa system in

Pakistan

has changed drastically in substance and context in the past two decades. Madrassas in

Pakistan

are estimated to have more than doubled since 1988 due to host of complex internal and external factors. They have stepped into take up the vacuum left by the

Pakistan

’s failed educational system.

Pakistan

spends a mere 1.8 percent of GNP on education.

The problem of madrassa education has two distinct aspects. First, the quality of madrassa education in equipping students with basic tools to earn a living, and the second is the relationship between certain madrassas and radical militant groups that recruit them to fight internationally, or in sectarian struggles. These are two distinct problems with different solutions. Nothing in the institution of madrassa is inherently prone to militancy. While the curriculum is overwhelmingly outdated and stereotyped, madrassas are often the only schooling option for poorer Pakistanis. It is pertinent to note that the madrassa system today provides a vital social service, not only teaching basic reading and writing, but providing food, shelter and other basic necessities and services. It is estimated that mosques affiliated with madrassas collect over 1.2 billion U.S dollars in charitable donations from Pakistanis residents.

The vast majority of madrassas is dedicated to religious education and is not practically involved on politics. While these institutions are stumbling blocks to progress and need to be reformed, they are not a vital security threat for anybody. Though it is hard to get concrete data, most estimates indicate that only about 10-15 percent of

Pakistan

’s madrassas are affiliated with radical militant groups. These extremist setups propagate a culture of hatred and violence, both domestically and internationally. To distinguish this minority with vast majority of peaceful maddaris is one of the most difficult problems for the authorities. The Maddaris Ordinance 2002, which attempts to regulate madrassas by getting them to register with the education board, is particularly ineffective when it comes to dealing with extremist maddaris as it relies overwhelmingly on the voluntary submission of data. Madrassa militancy is a complex subject as different factors promote militancy depending on socio-economic, ethnic and sectarian patterns and local power structures.

Another reason for failure behind madrassa reforms is the perception that Islam is being attacked by the authorities on the dictates of western (read

USA

) powers. It is an issue that unites religious parties and extremist groups, who in turn can manipulate the religious rhetoric to win popular support. To deal with the issue effectively, the civilian government needs to refine its approach and try to build genuine consensus for reform. But at this point, it remains unclear if the government even has the organizational capacity and will to regulate madrassas effectively, given its poor track record with public education.

Machiavelli on the Art of Power

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:18:00 +0000

All powerful men in Pakistan, without exception, are in practice work exactly according to the following 17 principles laid down by the realist Italian thinker Niccolo Machiavelli (1469 – 1527) in his book ‘The Prince’. The book consists mainly of the tips on the art of power for effective discipline and authority in the affairs of state. Today, these principles are followed alike by all powerful men and women; whether politicians, generals, bureaucrats or feudal lords, mafia, bosses and business tycoons. Even the dumbest person can acquire power and gain influence by applying Machiavelli’s rules.

Here are the rules.

Better To Be Feared Than Loved – a person would wish to be both loved and feared but it is difficult to unite them in one person. It is much safer to be feared than loved. Being loved consistently by others is very risky. It requires continuous devotion and affection which is not easy. Hence, one should rely on fear that one creates in the mind of others. But care should be taken that fear is not taken to the extent of being hated as it will produce just the opposite. If you can’t win love, avoid the hatred.
Use Force Ruthlessly – Be inspiring in the use of force. Use brutal force with intelligence but avoid the senseless use of force. Enforce your will without any respect for the suffering of others.
Act s a Fox and Lion – There are two ways of setting the disputes; one is by law and other is by force. Law corrects men but force corrects beasts. But force should be used by acting as brave as lion and as cunning as a fox. If you don’t play this game then you will be victim of the same tactic from your enemy.
Use Persuasion Artfully – Use propaganda and religion for lulling the people into peace and submission. Roman policy was nicely furthered by skillfully playing upon the religious feelings of the people.
Act Decisively – Avoid hesitation in implementing the decision. Uncertainty will leads only to ruination. Be certain and be assertive.
Be Popular Among the People – Win over the love and affection of people. Gain a reputation among the majority. But be careful in giving undirected concessions.
Abstain from Property and Women of Subjects – Do not, under any circumstance, resort to plundering property and molesting the women of your subjects. Do not break this rule. Never. Zip. Nada.
Act as a Father – If a father wants unity in the family and obedience to his orders, he must rule firmly. He should not be too kind as it will be taken as laxity. He should not be a hard pusher as that will lead to revolt. You should keep in mind your primary duty, that is, to hold your subjects together.
Avoid Excessive Expenditure – Do not show excessive generosity under any circumstance. Be efficient with your money and avoid being too lavish. Money is your lifeline to power. Think long term.
Act as a Great Pretender - A powerful man must act as a great pretender and dissembler. If you want power then appear merciful, faithful, humane, religious and upright. In posing so, you can even break your promises and go back to your word without losing your integrity. Pretend.
Pose as Courageous – A powerful individual must appear courageous and daring. He must appear to possess great determination and strength of will. Your subjects should feel assured that they can rely upon you in an emergency.
Play Balance of Power Game – In case of dispute, always side one way or the other party. If possible, one should play the balance of power game by supporting the weaker against the stronger. Neutrality brings no dividends in the game of power.
Avoid Flatterers – Love for flattery is the greatest weakness of persons in authority. It has the same intoxicating affect as alcohol, inflating the ego and disarming the judgement. Avoid yes-men.
Be an Opportunist – If you want to gain power than you must be an opportunist of the first water. Always bear in mind that there are no permanent friends or enemies. Power itself dictates to choose friends with reference to the degree of promotion of personal interest. Extend your authority or perish.
Be Extreme towards a Friend or Enemy – Take them seriously. Do everything to help a friend. On the contrary, destroy the enemy before he gains roots of power.
Observes Utmost Secrecy – In conducting the affairs, making plans, framing strategies etc. observe topmost secrecy as all schemes will fail if the secrecy fails.
Possess Virtue – A successful and powerful person must be an embodiment of virtue. Here virtue means combination of skills and intelligence. What is needed for political and personal success is the clear perception of what and how things actually are, then accurate adjustment of means to end and finally ruthless execution with sufficient force.

The separation of ethics from power politics is the essence of Machiavellism. These rules are not moral or immoral. These rules are rather amoral in nature and followed in spirit by the successful rulers. Machiavelli was the apostle of power politics. He writes about nothing and, like our politicians, thinks about nothing except politics, statecraft and art of war. Machiavelli’s philosophy is universally disowned in principle and theory, but has been regularly followed in practice by the successive Pakistani leaderships.

The Rising of the Moon

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:00 +0000

Jinnah as Governor General

A freedom movement initiated by people gained momentum and ‘the small’ were about to rise when ‘the big’ lost their head. The big did not want to pent up forces of hatred against them to be unleashed. They took strict measures to restrict freedom of the small. This inhumane action proved the last nail in their own coffin and stars favored the small group of freedom fighters.

The birth of

Pakistan

brought in its wake so many grave problems which threatened the security and the very existence of

Pakistan

. Its enemies were constantly busy to strangulate

Pakistan

at its birth. But there was Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Quaid-e-Azam, and his colleagues to steer the ship of

Pakistan

’s destiny to safety and to security. Nature had gifted him with a giant’s strength in so far as his determination was concerned to accomplish tasks that he set before himself.

The Bill of Partition was drafted and duly passed by the British Parliament and finally received the Royal Assent on 18^th July, 1947. The Independence Act of 1947 provided the legislation supremacy of the two dominions which were given full powers to make laws, having extra territorial jurisdiction. The British government finally approved that it was to have no control over the affairs of the dominions after 15^th August 1947. The Act provided the partition of Indo Pak Sub-continent . Hence, by virtue of this Act Pakistan came into existence and emerged on the world map on 14^th August 1947.

It was fortunate that we possessed a leader of Jinnah’s caliber during the struggle for

Pakistan

. It is true, that the destinies of nations are molded by their innermost urges and their will to achieve their purpose of existence. But if they fail to produce a leader of the necessary ability and stature at the crucial moment, their urges may be frustrated and their determination may prove of little avail.

Separate provincial governments were set up for

Pakistan

and

India

on 20^th July 1947. On 7^th August, 1947, for the last time, Jinnah left

India

for Karachi; the then capital of

Pakistan

, the town where he had been born, seventy years before, to become the first Governor General of

Pakistan

. He was elected by the Constituent Assembly on 11^th August, 1947.

Pakistan

officially became free on August 14^th, 1947, which was the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. Jinnah took the oath and formed Cabinet with Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan as Prime Minister and others who were at the vanguard of the freedom movement.

“The creation of the new state has placed a tremendous responsibility on the citizens of

Pakistan

”, said Jinnah. “It gives them an opportunity to demonstrate to the world how a nation containing many elements can live in peace and amity and work for the betterment of all its citizens irrespective of cast or creed. “Our objective should be peace within, and peace without. We want to live peacefully and maintain cordial friendly relations with our immediate neighbours and with the world at large.”

Pakistan

appeared on the map of world just as the Rising of the New Moon which had hardly any parallel in the annals of history for its being an ideological state with Quaide-e-Azam as its shining star.

Pakistan Flood Crisis and Disaster Management

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:17:00 +0000

Pakistan Flood Crisis and Disaster Management by Shamyl|Chowrangi

Family members remove furnishings from their flood affected home in Nowshera, Pakistan.

Photograph by: Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images

Interventions are needed after a disaster occurs. In many ways, this is the most difficult period for the victims. Disaster management requires commitment by the various role players. Therefore, capacity must be build to handle such events and training programs are essential. Duplication of efforts should be minimized and financial resources properly controlled. It should be important to note that disasters are non-routine events that require non-routine response. Government couldn’t rely on normal procedures to implement appropriate responses. They will need to learn special skills, techniques, and attitudes in dealing with the disasters. They will need a policy based on action plans rather than having the policy first. Pakistan needs leaders who can work with people where things happen rather than working with a safe remote control effort.

If this does not happen then people will develop further mistrust in the civilian government which is not good if the desire for democracy is to be cherished and strengthened. Democracy must appear to work; civilian institutions must appear efficient. Democracy will fail once again if the civilian administration does not cater to all needs of the citizens.

The only need of the time is proper management of the relief funds and for this the government assured has that Pakistan will ensure complete transparency in the utilization of funds raised for the flood victims. However, fund accounts to be used for rehabilitation and reconstruction must be made available to all donors for scrutiny. Such transparency could be assured through the availability of data to be subjected to external auditing.

Reconstruction of the devastated areas will be a long drawn out process. However, we need to develop a strategy of self-reliance rather than keep looking for continued international assistance in this respect. That is likely to dry up with the passing of time. Incidentally, some of us seem to think that it is the duty of the world to help us in such a calamity. This is not a justifiable expectation and merely created unnecessary disappointment. There is no such duty and we should no take the generosity of the international community for granted.

Pakistan Floods and International Community's Response

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:17:00 +0000

Prime Minister Gillani has said that the government has the ability and will to handle the challenge but needs assistance from the international community.

Pakistan

army is busy rescuing people. Helicopters can be seen flying above roofs of destroyed houses to pluck people stuck there. General Kayani himself is leading the rescue and relief operations.

You won't find this video in the news

Whereas, the response from the international community is at best sluggish. However, the

United States

has responded immediately to

Pakistan

's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started on July 29. Their response has been consistent but relaxed at times. The two pronged response includes both financial assistance and the immediate provision of urgently needed supplies and services, drawing on 'unique'

U.S.

capabilities.

U.S.

military helicopters supporting relief and rescue operations in partnership with the Pakistani military so far today have rescued approximately 916 people and transported 89,000 pounds of relief supplies.

It must be noted that the US government responded generously after 2005 earthquake. These efforts are commendable but the scale and magnitude of this disaster is much more — the landmass afflicted by flooding is 130,000 sq km in comparison with 30,000 sq km hit by the 2005 earthquake — and the number of people affected by the tragedy has already reached 14 millions and still growing. Given its potential, the international community and particularly the United States needs to do more to help the victims of the worst floods in loving memory. If ever there was an opportunity to win the hearts and minds of Pakistanis, then this is it.

On a personal note, the Pakistan bashing, slanderous comments and abusive views regarding the flood victims are being made on the social media by many Indians. This is shameful act on their part. What happened to secularism and Gandhi's ideology of peace?

Army's Influence in Politics

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:18:00 +0000

Army's Influence in Politics - Pakistani Bloggers

While the army's stints at the helm of political power have been the subject of vigorous debate in Pakistan, the army still remains the most widely respected institution in the country. The army in turn views itself as the guarantor of Pakistan's internal and external stability.

Pakistan's political institutions have never had the same vigour, and have been further weakened by this pattern of alternation between military and constitutional rule. In other civil institutions - the civil service and a large network of public and private organizations - were once looked on as pillars of strength, but they too have weakened in the past three decades or so due to mixture of neglect and abuse by both military and civilian governments.

Civil society, whatever it means in Pakistan, has similarly been whittled down by decades of misrule by both the army and civilian governments. Pakistanis, however are politically aware people, and the period of elected rule they have experienced, have given them a desire for accountable and participatory government.

While Pakistan's present democratic, as all previous civilian set ups, governance is deeply flawed due to the indifference, monopoly and corruption of the ruling elite.

The army has been Pakistan's strongest institution along navy and air force since the creation of the nation in 1947, and the events since September 11 have tested and reinforced its domestic and international position. Three factors stunted the growth of other institutions while encouraging the strengthening of the army and people's confidence in this indispensable institution.

First, Pakistan was born with a chronic sense of insecurity, the product of the violent legacy of Partition and the resulting dislocation and law and order problems. Second, the India-Pakistan war over Kashmir encouraged the state to concentrate resources at the centre and, again, in the army. Finally, the death in 1948 of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the nation, left behind a political and ideological vacuum.

When the British partitioned and left the Indian sub-continent in 1947, Pakistan faced the formidable task of building a centre and a defining national identity from scratch, while trying to deal with these challenges. The administrative and ideological challenge was further exacerbated by the fact that the two wings of Pakistan, East and West, were separated by some 1000 miles of Indian Territory as well as by differences of language and political tradition. After the assassination of Jinnah's successor Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's civil institutions, still very new, struggled to provide continuity of government and ultimately were bypassed and distorted, with the military coming in to clean the mess. This scenario has been replayed with some differences on several occasions.

Intervention of Army

The roots of army's intervention date back to the early years of independence when a host of external and internal factors combined to tilt the civil-military institutional equation in favor of the military.

The reason is that the migrant political leadership of Pakistan which lacked domestic political constituency persistently used extra-constitutional tactics to remain in power. At the same time, the fledging state prioritized national defence over critical development needs because of hostile neighbourhood. Moreover, weak civilian administration routinely fell back on the well organized military to undertake even day-to-day civilian tasks. This reliance on the military gradually eroded the respect for civilian authority among the men in uniform, spurring them to 'save' Pakistan at the slightest sign of political instability. Therefore, the military eventually emerged as a domineering vested interest in state and society.

However, the critics' point of view also deserves a mention here. The superimposition of the army on vital aspects of civil and political life over the decades has stripped civilian authority of even its basic functions. Be it federal or provincial administrations, universities, examination boards, public utility corporations, state research institutions, the military has gradually but compulsively taken over in the name of accountability and reducing corruption. Militarization is just not limited to the public sector. It intervened in all the vital sectors of the economy (logistics, public works, banking, fertilizer, cement, and sugar production) by running it tax free. This inevitable army intervention clearly undermined the chances of their competition, besides crowding out scarce investment resources (due to high defence expenditure) required for private sector development.

The military's unquestioned dominance of state affairs coupled with its holy cow public image allows it to act the untainted angel while holding its civilian counterparts accountable for their actions. For instance, under the last military regime's much touted accountability process, civil officials and anti-military politicians are hauled up in the name of fair accountability. Whereas, military officers are excluded under the pretext of existing strength internal accountability mechanisms.

Personalization of Politics

noreply@blogger.com (floydian) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:46:00 +0000

Dynastic Politics in Conference

Exclusion of citizens from politics has not been a strategy of only the civilian and military bureaucracy. Even in times of elections and “democracy” people are kept out of politics as much as possible. A very important point has been that all political parties (PPP, PML, many smaller ones) are organized as internal dictatorships. Office holders are not elected, but appointed by the chairperson, or the governing bodies. Parties are hardly the instruments of people to express their will. They are more like oligarchies and political machines. For them internal democracy is out of question and political programs do not matter. What counts most important are networks of family and friends, clienteles favours, buying and selling of votes and support of local and regional vote banks, control of perks and a culture of greed. It is obvious that these structures of politics will not strengthen identification with the political system, and its legitimacy but tends to fragment the system into informal and extra constitutional cliques of people, making ‘nation’ not the key focus of interest, but clienteles’ networks.

Personalization of politics has been one of the major factors weakening institution-building. It has considerably contributed to further fragmentation, thereby reinforcing tribal, ethnic, national, religious and other factors. Personalization is psychologically and structurally linked to the ‘feudal mentality’, and to the weak and non-democratic character of the political parties. The weakness and lack of infrastructure also has made the national integration more difficult to achieve especially in rural areas, in the mountainous North, and in Baluchistan