Saif's Den

Lifeless State of a State

2012-09-07T17:28:00.000+05:00

Is that where we are heading to - darkness?

“11 year old Pakistani girl accused of blasphemy kept in prison for own safety”.

This had been making headlines in more or less the same way around the world, when a minor Pakistani Christian girl was taken into custody by the officials for allegedly burning a few pages of the Holy Quran. And to top it off, she was kept in remand for her own safety. How hapless could that be!

Over the years, some thing's terribly gone wrong in Pakistan. Or was it bound to go wrong given the way we've been leading our lives?

Every other day Pakistanis wake up to alerts and news that saddens the nation to bits.

The poor Rimsha Masih is only one of the cases that has upset the balance of Pakistan because news related to Pakistan keeps getting worse. The sectarian killings that the country is experiencing in the north-western parts of it, may not be new but the coverage it is getting, and demands to get, will only brew more hatred and widen unbridgeable gaps within a society already marred by divisions, sects and school of thoughts. Although we don't endorse any political party as such but he isn't far from truth when the Founder of MQM, Altaf Hussain said that the sectarian killing (more appropriate to call it genocide) will result in breaking the country.

And if one thought that this would suffice the misery for a country with a population of 180 million, then you'd be wrong – very wrong. In fact, there always seems to be some thing new in this country, though most of the times not good. There's always some thing to strengthen the views of sceptics and critics, deflate the hopes of the ones who dream and fantasise about Pakistan, while the rest of the world sits in their lounges with a cup (of whatever they drink) giggling and mocking at a country that came into existence on the basis of a religious ideology that spelt of its entirety, completeness and equality.

Most of our readers would agree none of this is to be found anywhere in the world now. But unfortunately more so in Pakistan when you read of a minor, probably suffering from Down syndrome, being jailed because of a law that is a mean to vent out personal vendetta given in the hands of those less-fortunate, less-educated and hence, less ability to think that what you sow so shall you reap. The law under which a minor is being tried is like giving a loaded gun to a baby, who knows nothing what to do with it until he gets angry. This is because it was later revealed, much to the shock and dismay for everyone, that evidences against Rimsha were planted by an Imam, namely Khalid Jadoon, generally considered as the care-takers of the religion. Even though it does come as a good news to all who've been following Rimsha's case that she had been granted bail, but what disturbs us is that charges still stand to date against her.

There are numerous killings around the country, even now when we are writing this. People in Karachi are being shot dead in broad daylight, while people of Balochistan have become targets of bullets on a daily basis making all the non-Balochis living in and outside Pakistan believe that the country is on the cusps of losing yet another part of its.

Then we have those extreme-minded, fanatics who are, god knows, hell bent on getting things done their way. So in order to achieve that, they consider blowing up themselves in a packed crowded market with hundreds and thousands of innocent people around them dead will some how pave the way for them to heaven. Illiteracy is initially a deprivation, and then it becomes a source of crime.

To counter these fanatic-minded lunatics, the Pakistan Army was coerced into a region where no army has succeeded, where no army has conquered the land to claim it as it their own. Armies in the past have lost battles, lost soldiers and some have even lost their mental balance. Yet, we decided to get into our tribal belt which has had for centuries its own laws and regulation to keep peace. It's hard to get this thing out of our minds that the Pakistan Army is fighting its own people at the behest of a foreign power for a few dimes that would run out tomorrow, but the people they'll kill today will not be brought back for the families who've lost them. And anyway, its a lose-lose situation for both of them, as the army has lost some of the best and valour soldiers in this war.

No doubt these are times of utter confusion and the presence of media and government makes it even more difficult to spot a black insect on a black stone in a dark-pitched night. We are getting sucked into this darker, and while you can soothe yourself by thinking that there is light on the other side of the tunnel, the trouble is we aren't in a tunnel but in a grave that we have dug for ourselves.

Shootings in USA

2012-08-25T13:28:00.000+05:00

Police surround the shrouded body of the shooter

So we have another news flashing on worldwide news outlets of a US man indiscriminately shooting in the heart of New York City, near Empire State Building killing two people and wounding eight.

Police took control of the situation and opened fire on the shooter, killing him on the spot. However the twist in the incident makes it even more bizarre. The 53-year old shooter was said to be “disgruntled” after having been fired an year ago, killing his former co-worker and another person with .45 calibre handgun. Easy to say and put it on mental illness or personal grievances of a person to do this in US, and more so if he/she is a non-Muslim US national.

As the title suggest, this has been a tough summer for the US first to cope with domestic violence and second to cover it up every time to the world so as to not lose that, rather ridiculous badge of the “most civilised nation on earth”.

This NYC shooting isn't the first in the last month, but in fact the third of its kind.

James Eagan Holmes

On 20^th July, James Eagan Holmes opened fire when he entered the theatre on the screening of the The Dark Knight Rises killing as many as twelve and wounding fifty eight people, making it the deadliest shooting in American history. The shooter was apprehended by the police and there are already talks about Holmes being mentally ill to have carried out such an audacious act.

Wade Michael Page

But that wasn't it to be because a white supremacist, Wade Michael Page, shot several people at a Sikh Temple on 5^th August. As much as it was shocking for the Sikh community in US, it also terrified them, prompting to question security and tolerance level in the US. The gunman killed six people while wounding four others and later shot himself in the head after being shot in the stomach by a police officer. Page's shooting was more of a hate crime towards a particular segment of the society, and it is only now that it was, rather reluctantly, classified as an act of terrorism.

And this latest shooting in one of the most cosmopolitan cities clearly throws away all the notions of United States of America being the most civilised nation on earth for a country that has the highest per capita of prisoners in the world.

However, what has been even more disturbing is the height of hypocrisy of the world media to brush aside any act of violence in their own country as mere incidental while blame others for their own failures.

It would take less of an effort for the US to admit that there is a problem in their society in general, rather than run around to cover up stories. Or probably, it's a case of what goes round comes around.

Pakistan close to facing sanction

2012-05-07T22:55:00.000+05:00

He even suggested the PCNS to review its decision for the "benefit"of the country

As we had finished writing our last blog, we caught sight of another news where this time our Pakistan's own Defence Minister, equivalent to US Defence Secretary, Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar on Sunday said in a quivering voice that Pakistan could face sanction if it doesn't reopen the NATO supply.

US to continue attacking Pakistan

2012-05-06T19:18:00.001+05:00

These drones would continue to strike innocent Pakistani civilians

It is no rocket-science to fathom the truth that US has done least bit to prove itself as an ally, no matter whatever our Pakistani leaders have done from bowing down heads to killing their own people just so to please their Western masters, much to the displeasure of common Pakistanis.

India boasts of long-range missiles. So what?

2012-04-27T15:28:00.001+05:00

So we have India a couple of days ago, flashing news everywhere in the media world about its successful testing of a long-range missile which is capable enough to hit anywhere inside China. We are sure they may have developed such a missile, named Agni V capable of carrying one-tonne of nuclear warhead with a range of 5000km. This got us thinking to research a bit to find out how much does it narrow the gap between India and China, as India claims to have done.

The Pakistan Army - Beyond Borders

2012-04-13T00:43:00.000+05:00

The recent catastrophe that befell on 135 odd soldiers plus the civilians accompanying the soldiers on 7th April is an awakening as to how far the Pakistan Army goes in defending even an inch of our country. But there have been numerous instances where the Pakistan Army has been called for help by other states, mostly Muslim but there have been even non-Muslim nations that have had worked closely with the Pakistan Army over the years.

Kohli vs Chandimal vs Akmal

2012-04-04T22:36:00.002+05:00

For cricket-lovers there is a delight to watch young and exciting talent dazzle in front of the world, heartwarming to experience such young prodigy translate their skills into performances. And so have these three young players from Asia – Umar Akmal, Dinesh Chandimal and Virat Kohli. But there is a crucial difference between these three that sets them apart, not only from other young players but from each other as well.

No Team With Clear Advantage

2012-03-17T22:00:00.000+05:00

Expect him to play a bit more freely, with "50 kilos" off his back now

It is said to be the mother of all clashes, the match of the matches and don't know what hyperbole is associated with this match that associated the two of the bitterest rivals, on and off the fields. Let's us admit, these are no exaggeration because suddenly when these two teams meet on a cricket field, everything changes, offices are closed, shops are shut down, streets and markets are vacated, and if you want to find any one at that particular time, your best bet would be that that person would be in front of his television set.

Enough of ISI Bashing

2012-03-17T18:34:00.000+05:00

ISI has many feathers in its cap to make it the most powerful, most professional and, yet the most attacked intelligence agency in the world.

It actually dawned on us the fact that constantly writing against our Military establishment and more importantly against our “powerful intelligence agency”, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) hasn't left much of a difference between us and the dubious Pakistani media, the corrupt politicians and the not-so-friendly foreign allies. Not for a moment, we want to emulate any of the three mentioned above because we don't want the power of the powerful to wane away one slight bit. We still want to see the apprehension in the eyes of the media who have more venom to spew against Pakistan than against our enemies. We like the fear in the hearts of the politicians who have ulterior motives when in Pakistan and much of their belonging outside Pakistan. And most of all, we love to see super-powers brought to their knees when they thought they could trample over a minnow in a jiffy.

Military Establishment: Is it becoming our enemy also?

2012-03-09T17:31:00.000+05:00

They loathe you, but we don't. We love you. Do you?

For years now Pakistan has hung by its teeth and every time a generation that faces it, says that “things will change for better” only to see the next generation going through the same thing and they also repeating, “things will change for better.” But we are of the opinion that things will never change.

Balochistan of Pakistan

2012-02-25T19:08:00.001+05:00

60 years ago, they shook hand to form Pakistan. Now those hands seem to part away.

So finally we have the Baloch separatist movement leader (or so he proclaims to be) come out and blatantly speak out in favour of things that would infuriate any man that has self-respect and dignity to counter any foreign word, let alone intervention, against his home country. The self-exiled Balochi separatist leader, Brahamdagh Khan Bugti had recently said that he would appreciate and support foreign intervention in Balochistan, even if means India has to foot soldiers in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Inevitable Loss

2012-02-20T22:58:00.003+05:00

England never lifted off the paddle, while Pakistan kept searching for it.

For many it has come as surprise but for those who know cricket a tad better than many already saw this coming. The recent failure of Pakistan in the limited overs leg of England's tour to UAE is shocking in the same way as it’s shocking to see someone drive into a wall, as opposed to accidentally.

The Hole in Pakistani Nukes

2012-02-19T19:06:00.000+05:00

This changed Pakistan, but for how long will it stay with us?

Ever since Pakistan has expressed its intention to have its own nuclear technology, Pakistan has been up to its neck with enemies trying desperately to sabotage Pakistan's plans. And if that didn't work for the world, they went about the business by demonising the Pakistani state and its assets as possibly the greatest threat to mankind in history. Nonsense! At times we think, the whole world is against us but as a matter of fact, we have enough within ourselves that can easily do what our enemies wanted to do.

Lets Talk. No Wait, Lets Act for Pakistan!

2012-02-13T21:39:00.002+05:00

Are we a nation of blabbers and jabbers with no desire to act upon our own words?

Let’s take a look at our home country, Pakistan. Wherever we see, we see chaos. So it’s high time we sit down and discuss about it. Let’s talk to our politicians who run the show. Let’s talk to the bureaucrats who will eventually have to handle it all. Let’s talk to some psychiatrist to know why our society is turning down. Let’s bring together the opposite parties and find out who is right, who is wrong, who is better, and who is not. Let’s bring the forces and the rulers on the table and let’s decide what should be the best strategy for our sovereignty, for our safety, for our progress, for our development. Let’s sit down together and discuss, because that’s what civilized people do. Find solutions through dialogue.

Where is Pakistan in Corruption in the World?

2012-02-10T19:22:00.001+05:00

Perhaps the title itself can convey a lot about what is to follow and more than that, some of our readers may already be either giggling sheepishly or turning red in anger because they were reminded of this government's achievements.

Whitewashed the Number One Team

2012-02-06T23:21:00.001+05:00

Pakistani team played as a team and rejoiced as a team after their clean-sweep victory

It was a hope, a wish and a desire among all Pakistani to see Pakistan win against the Number 1 side in the world, England. That desire did come true for every Pakistani but the manner in which it has come true is jaw-droppingly amazing because Pakistan has gone on to absolutely blow away the top side in the world, winning the series by an eye-popping scoreline of 3-0.

Is the Army Backtracking?

2012-02-05T23:47:00.000+05:00

Things have changed dramatically in Pakistan, and they are still changing as we write our latest blog. The reason for the change was the misadventure by NATO forces on 26^th November, also known as Salala Incident. Sensing the situation and Pakistan Army's rigidity, US had few options but to comply with the orders as US saw a rare agreement between the civilian government and the military establishment of Pakistan over the issue.

Has Haqqani Fled?

2012-01-31T23:16:00.000+05:00

Hussain Haqqani arrives to appear before a judicial commission in the Memogate case at the high court in Islamabad earlier this month.

As our forces fight for our safety on the borders against those extremist elements who pose a threat to the country and those residing in it, there are also within our borders who pose an even bigger danger to the country's sovereignty as they claim to be the care-takers of the country. There is little doubting the fact that extremists are a menace to Pakistan, but they are on par with the current government when it comes to causing maximum damage to Pakistan.

'Palestinians want to eliminate Israel'

2012-01-27T18:11:00.001+05:00

As the Presidential campaign heats up in United States, various aspects of internal as well as external matters are debated between the contenders which, consequently becomes a source of headlines for news agencies and a talking point among the masses.

Wizardry of Pakistan

2012-01-21T22:00:00.006+05:00

There was alot of joy for Ajmal as his 10-wickets in the match set things up nicely for Pakistan.

It was supposed to end today, on the 21^st of January but a determined and professional side of Pakistan wrapped things up inside 3 days to win a comprehensive match against the Number 1 side in the world – England. In the past, it has been Pakistan who was on the receiving end of such a mauling at the hands of their oppositions, but it was nice to be on the right side of it, especially when apparently we've forgotten if Pakistan can ever play this well.

The Last Child

2012-01-18T22:59:00.001+05:00

The Last Child by John Hart is not your average crime thriller with a good cop and an equally good killer on the loose. Very unlikely, the victim, the villain and the hero, all are kids in this story, yet this tale is far more mature and unnerving than most of the books on the rack.

Kiani and Pasha : Men at their best!

2012-01-15T16:08:00.001+05:00

Given the situation in Pakistan these days, there aren't many in Pakistan to be termed as the coolest men in the country. Not that we had many any way to start with, yet there were even fewer who exclusively belonged to Pakistan with many finding that tag in our neighbouring country. However the “few ones” that are left mostly belong to our Army and two men these days, within the Armed Forces of Pakistan fall perfectly under the category of Men at their Best in Pakistan – Chief of Army Staff Pervez Ashfaq Kiyani and DG-ISI Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha.

Return of Pervez Musharraf

2012-01-08T17:11:00.001+05:00

On the cusp of his return, Musharraf calls Israel a fait accompli

It is true that the news is fast spreading on all outlets that the former Chief of Army Staff, and former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf is to return to Pakistan, possibly before the end of January.

There are differing views to his return, some see it positively, while others see it as a bane for Pakistan. Some hail him as the proper leader of Pakistan in recent times, on the other hand there have been some who cuss him for the situation Pakistan is in today. Some sing the same songs as Musharraf do of him bringing prosperity and growth, while others shun him for being too moderate on matters pertaining religion, fanning more religious sentiments within Pakistanis. However, there would be few who doubt that like every dictator, he had his own agenda when in power which resulted in gain or loss for the country, subject to people's opinions and judgement.

Memogate Scandal and Commission

2012-01-04T22:58:00.004+05:00

Fate of the government, essentially, is being decided here

One has to feel, not for the government more so for those unfortunate ones in the country who were among those 44% who voted this present government, which is frankly an outlet of thugs, imbeciles, and most likely to be people conspiring against Pakistan. That makes them a national security threat for Pakistan and its residents.

The first institution that gets alerted by any threat to the country's sovereignty and national interest is Armed Forces, and it isn't different in Pakistan's case also. It was within hours that the Pakistani intelligence came into action to collect evidences from a sneaky character, Mansoor Ijaz in London and that too evidences against a person with whom they've had a serious bone since this government came into being, if sources are to be believed.

We want Change! Really?

2012-01-03T14:12:00.002+05:00

Change. The Change that has caught up with everyone in Pakistan has become a popular adage among masses of all classes and ages. The word 'Change' hasn't been this popular since the US election 2008, when Barack Hussein Obama had promised for a Change while campaigning for his Presidential election. His Change policy was to undo all the policies of the previous administration, which had adversely changed America's economic outlook. Although if we are honest, his promised Change hasn't even been worth a five rupees spare change, but our Pakistani version of 'Change' is distinctively peculiar – much like us. We are not looking to undo the follies (read: monumental blunders) of past administrations and governments that has brought us to this situation, but the habits we've had for the last 65 years now as a nation because no one cared about it. And as the trumpeting for a Change bellow louder in Pakistan, ask this, rather, funny question to yourself, are we really ready for a change?