Rock News

A story on memogate

2011-12-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

December 22, the winter solstice, arrived with a venom. It may have been the shortest day of the year but it cast long shadows for the nation. It may have begun as a day of biting cold but ended up with enough fireworks to set this beleaguered country alight. On this day, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani declared that democracy was under threat — what began as the ‘best revenge’ is itself under threat
of being avenged.
Television anchor Hamid Mir has claimed threats to his life, especially after he sought to know from the participants on his show whether the army was a Pakistani or a “Punjabi army”. He was finally successful in soliciting from one of them the answer that it was indeed a “Punjabi army”. Hamid, being a committed patriot, would, perhaps, in hindsight, have liked to comment in a different way.
Chaudhry Nisar, Husain Haqqani, Asma Jahangir representing Husain Haqqani and Sheikh Rashid have all claimed receiving death threats.
The diverse composition of the affected tells us that there is more than one agency indulging itself in peddling its wares. Perhaps a commission is needed to investigate this matter.
Come to think of it, there are only three issues to be pursued in the memo inquest. The first, that did Haqqani have anything to do with the memo? Second, was he being sponsored from within Pakistan to pursue the memo option — and this in no way assumes the president to be such a sponsor. And finally, was it the handiwork of the Americans who may have used Mansoor Ijaz because of his connections to Haqqani? Any or all three are possible. Does it not behove our rational sense that the Supreme Court may determine, for the moment only the maintainability of what Mian Nawaz Sharif has petitioned before it? It is not that this is the first time that the Supreme Court has gone this route; they ordered a similar inquest in the NICL case and are still awaiting a report. So what is the panic?
Here is a story. In the days long gone when all was well in the Kingdom and the memo had not yet surfaced, there flowed milk and honey in the great river that connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad. But then a spell was cast by an evil spirit. A memo came to light. It was carried aloft by two leading lights of a great capital of the world. As so often happens, the two broke up soon after their escapade. One who belonged to the Kingdom was hauled and thrown into a dungeon where light had never shone. This was also when ghosts and evil spirits reappeared; rebellious knights with drawn swords and men in long robes lurked in the shadows of the king’s palace, or so it seemed to the King.
Wary of the ways of the palace, our Man of Zenda apprehended rejection despite his proven record of loyalty to the King and a possibility of a convenient disposition to stave off any dangers to the empire and to the King himself. This is when the Zendian decided to elicit the intervention of a far-off benefactor, and through him conveyed to his master the possession of the magic figurine, that if broken, would sniff the life out of the king and spell the end of his empire if the prisoner was betrayed. Fearing for his own life and the appended compulsion to rescue the prisoner, the King directed all to stand together and join battle against the knights and the men in long robes, and against those who speculated to the courts on the origin of the memo and its extended sponsors and forever seek redemption in martyrdom. That is when his prime minister spoke and led the charge. Except that there were only shadows to fight.
The king and his consorts put at stake the kingdom for one man who, disconcertedly, seemed to know far too much. The king’s subjects stood aghast, irrelevant to the power struggle in play, still without gas under their kitchen stoves and any light to brighten their now long-darkened homes.

In the flesh

2011-12-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

The smell of death and decay wafts from the incense sticks dotting the streets. These agarbattis are more commonly found planted around mud graves in cemeteries, not in these dingy streets that are lined with shops. Here in Heera Mandi, the heady scent of sandalwood and rose sears the nose. It smells like loss.
During the daytime, this is just anothe
r street in Lahore, with shops selling cheap shoes, hats, jewellery and other trinkets. But when the sun and the shutters go down, very different wares go on sale.
At night, as the grand and beautiful Badshahi Mosque looms in the backdrop, men bustle up and down the dusty street, peering through doorways which are shielded only by flimsy, dirty curtains. Amid the rowdy banter, the faint sound of bangles and ghungro can be heard tinkling to the beat of the tabla and the strum of the sitar. In other corners, you can hear feet thudding to lurid Lollywood beats. Inside the cloying scent of the agarbattis mixes with the stench of stale sweat.
As the sun sets, the women start getting ready for the long night that awaits them. Peeling off their shalwar kameezes, they squeeze themselves into tight-fitting clothes. Breasts bulging and stomachs protruding, they pile on layers of make up: powder and foundation to conceal their dark skin, rouge to heighten colour and eye shadow to adorn their eyes. Those trafficked from the Northern areas of Pakistan bear a fairer complexion, which automatically increases their worth in the market, explains Nadeem*, one of the local pimps in the district.
Nadeem claims that these girls come to him either of their own accord or are sold to him by their families.
“My family has been in this business for years,” he claims. “My father was a pimp, as was his father and all his other brothers.” He is in his mid-forties, with dark, beady eyes and flared nostrils that give his face a hawk-like appearance. He has a receding hairline and he scratches his over-grown belly every few minutes as he responds to queries, drawing attention to the big, jewelled rings on his sausage-like fingers. He laughs often, a deep guttural sound which gets amplified with every second as his paunch shakes to its rhythm.
According to Nadeem, his wife is in charge of taking care of his ‘employees’ and maintaining order within them. He happily narrates what he perceives as the good fortune of his wife at not having had any girls, and expresses no grief at the memory of the one that died as an infant. He proudly names all his three sons — Yaqoob, Abeer and Muzaffar — who help him in looking after his business.
“Regrets?” he asks, “Why should I feel regret or have any compunctions regarding my profession? It’s a bustling business and I am just catering to people’s needs. Isn’t it better that they come here instead of going out and raping unwilling women?”
I press him about the willingness of women who must surely have to endure horrid atrocities at some point or the other, and he answers with another question, “Would you rather they have their arms cut off or acid thrown in their faces and made to beg on the streets?”
He is not allowed to reveal the list of his clientele but smiles slyly and states that people from all social strata visit his girls and claims many of his clients are people who are well-known and educated.
“My girls are of the highest calibre. But I do have different rates for girls, depending on their age and physical appearance. In any case, they all know how to perform their jobs extremely well,” he says, while cleaning the dirt under his nail with his teeth. “The virgins, obviously, bring in the highest income, although they are not put on the market immediately. It’s a business and one needs to handle it in a shrewd manner to ensure optimum profit. There is a special night when all the virgins make their debut as dancers. They then continue to dance every night for a couple of weeks. People regularly come to watch these tempting, untouched treats, and pick their favourite. In the end, whoever bids the highest, gets the girl he wants.”
He introduces his most recent employee: Nazuk. Her name means ‘delicate’ in Urdu but it hardly does justice to her withering, cadaverous frame. She is not simply delicate, but weak, desolate and completely lost. Her hollow cheekbones make her eyes look larger than they are and her dark circles give her a haggard look. Her nose has a distinct dent right at the bridge, but the eye is drawn to the large hoop she wears in her nostril with a gold chain extending to her ear. Her lips are thin and tightly clenched — perhaps formed that way from years of repressed anger and pain. Her long, frizzy hair reaches the end of her spine. She wears a long, flowing skirt with a bra-like top that glitters unceremoniously in the red and blue lights. Multitudes of bangles bedeck her arms going up to her elbow, and when she walks, the trinkets around her ankles jingle noisily.
When she speaks, her voice is timid and her dialect distinctly different from the locals of the area. Her pimp leaves to give us privacy and to allow her to speak freely, but hovers within earshot. Nazuk appears to be in her twenties, but cannot recall her exact age and explains that she is from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. She is a mother of six, she tells me, and her eldest daughter is eleven years old.
“I studied in school till the eighth grade, but when I got married my husband did not allow me to study further,” she explains.
Four times her age, an alcoholic and drug addict, her husband got Nazuk when her father pawned her over to him in exchange for clearing his debt.
“He beat me daily and made life a nightmare for me. He wanted me to work and earn money to feed the children,” she continues in a monotone. “It was hard for me to work because I kept getting pregnant. When I was seven months pregnant with my last child, he decided to leave me. I begged him to stay and did everything he asked but that was not enough.”
Having given birth to her last child two months ago, she recently turned to prostitution. “It is hard for me to find a job because I have no qualifications and the ones that I could’ve gotten offered such meagre pay that I would not have been able to feed six hungry mouths.”
Nazuk’s uncle suggested this profession to her and allows her six children to live at his place as long as Nazuk keeps giving him part of her income. In just two months, Nazuk has been forced to indulge in various sexually deviant acts and subjected to sadistic beatings, being gagged, humiliated and gang raped by four men at a time. There are wounds and burn marks all over her body.
“It is not a job I want to do. But I have gotten numb to it all. My uncle has an agreement with my pimp and if I break it, there will be dire consequences. I do feel like ripping the skin off my body after every job, but I live in peace knowing that my daughters will not have to go through any of this since this will help me earn enough money to make sure they never have to endure what I have to endure.”
Nadeem’s employees are not just women. “I cater to everyone’s needs and guarantee satisfaction in every way possible,” he explains with a smile. “Once you see what my boys and girls have to offer, you will keep coming back.”
Not pleased with Nazuk’s narration of her life story, he presents Riaz*, eager to prove that the ‘majority’ of his employees are very happy with their lives.
“I started in this profession when I was 11,” says the clean-shaven boy, punctuating his sentence with a wink. He’s wearing a black shirt with red embroidery and a pair of jeans so tight they seem to be sewed on. He speaks in a low, mellifluous voice and keeps running his hand through his light-coloured hair, which flops to the corner of his eyes. Riaz is one of the many teenage boys who provide services to homosexual clients. He starts his business in the afternoon and the dealing reaches its peak in the evening.
Riaz was a victim of sexual abuse at an early age. When he was in the third grade, a neighbour lured him to his house by offering to give him his pet bird and then sexually abused him. As the youngster narrates his tale, he puffs on his hashish cigarette ‘to lessen his tension’. “I did not know what he was going to do,” he says in a childish voice, wrinkling his forehead.
Though he was not given the bird, he got Rs10 for sweets. The man, a taxi driver by profession, then started sexually abusing him on a regular basis. When Riaz tried to stop him, the man threatened him. “He told me that if I disobeyed him he would tell my father about what had happened, who in turn would have killed me,” recalls the boy with a laugh. He lets out a stream of pungent smoke from his mouth, and goes on with his story. The taxi-driver, a married man, made him popular in his crowd. “Every time they (the driver and his friends) used me, I got Rs20 to Rs40 as a reward,” the fair-skinned boy reveals. “Gradually I started enjoying it.”
At the age of 13, he had in effect been turned into a male prostitute, and would hire himself out for the whole night. Riaz had a good idea of the price he could fetch and, before he knew it, he would not pass a single day without selling sex. At the age of 17, his parents, disgusted with his behaviour, threw him out of their house and he sought refuge with Nadeem and his clan. He was happy with the knowledge that he was not only getting sexual satisfaction but also money. “It seems liked the ideal job!” he says with a giddy laugh.
Going back home was never an option and he does not want to do so, even if he is given the choice. “I am satisfied with my present profession,” he declares. His customers can be as young as 23 or as old as 65, and half of them are married. “Before going off with a customer, we smoke hash or opium which heightens the pleasure,” he claims with a smile.
As the night grows darker, the streets appear to become more crowded, and Nadeem, Nazuk and Riaz take their leave. For them, the day has just begun.

The diamonds glitter no more

2011-12-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

As night time approaches, the synchronised sounds of the tabla and the jingling ghunghroo reach a crescendo and the high-storey houses, with intricately carved balconies and awning windows, begin dazzling with bright lights. Their windows and doors remain ajar till the wee hours of the morning, offering potential customers a sneak peek of the revelry of music and dance going on inside.

Such was a typical night at the notorious Heera Mandi located in the heart of Old Lahore before the 1980s. Most continue to imagine the place as a wild alternative world of entertainment and debauchery. However, this perception of the Diamond Market starkly contrasts with its present reality. The landscape of Heera Mandi, where most businesses typically commenced past midnight, has drastically altered over the decades.
Waning kothas and missing dancing girls
Abdul Sattar*, who is in his mid-twenties, hails from a gharana which historically organised mujras. “We gave it up following threats by some unknown people to end this ‘business’,” says the young man, who is dressed in casual jeans and a blue t-shirt.
“We have friends in this area and we don’t want them to face any untoward incident because of us.”
While sitting on a wooden bench outside a roadside restaurant near his home in Heera Mandi, Sattar relays the bleak tale of the area’s demise.
His family — apparently one of the only two surviving families of Heera Mandi’s traditional entertainers — has now given up its profession.
The other gharana has now shifted to a posh locality in the city because it’s easier for them to organise mujras for the wealthy in lavish homes and spacious farmhouses, claims Sattar.
“Very few kothas are left here now and their former owners have relocated after renting them out.”
He is quick to draw a clear distinction between his ancestral business and sex work. “We have been musicians since generations but we don’t run brothels,” he says categorically.
“People often confuse Heera Mandi’s kothas with brothels,” he continues. “Although sex workers have operated and do still operate in Heera Mandi, typically a kotha was a place where girls danced.”
There are others who also attest to the idea that Heera Mandi was much more than just a hub for sex work.
“In the late 1970s the place used to be very vibrant,” says film critic Zahid Akkasi, who authored a book on Heera Mandi. “This place has given us some legendary musicians, singers and actors.”
The writer attributes Heera Mandi’s demise to Ziaul Haq’s drive to Islamise Pakistan during the 1980s. “How can a place like Heera Mandi survive with Ziaul Haq as the ruler?” he asks.
While many people still continue to think of Heera Mandi as the hub of the city’s brothels, there is strong factual evidence suggesting that this is no longer the case. Many brothel owners, faced with crackdowns and a changing clientele, simply pulled up their stakes and moved to other parts of the city. According to an investigative report prepared under the direction of the Lahore CCPO Pervaiz Rathore, there were 445 brothels operating in various parts of Lahore in 2009 — 128 in Model Town division, 96 in Saddar, 75 in city division, 52 in Iqbal Town, 52 in Civil Lines division, 42 in Cantt division and 19 are ‘mobile’ brothel houses. The report also alleged that these brothels survive due to the active patronisation of the area SHOs. What houses of prostitution remain in Heera Mandi are seamy, seedy and very low-rent.
Surviving the odds
With the decline of kothas and traditional musical entertainment, the landscape of Heera Mandi has radically changed. Now most of the shops, which once catered to the area’s musicians, have been converted into shoe markets. The area surrounding Tibbi Gali — once famous for artisans with the amazing talent of repairing traditional musical instruments like the tabla and sitar — has become a hub of small factories manufacturing sodas and soft drinks injurious to health, according to a report by the Excise and Taxation Department.
However, there are still a few shops where artisans fix musical instruments, but their trade, which historically depended on the tradition of mujras in Heera Mandi, has waned. “Most of our customers come from other parts of Lahore,” says Yaqoob, who owns a shop for fixing musical instruments. “But we are mostly asked to fix guitars; classical singers and musicians seldom come to get their instruments fixed so business is not very good.”
Several new music bands and disc jockeys have opened up their offices in the area and are offering their services for weddings and other functions. “Most of the people running these businesses were formerly involved in Heera Mandi’s ‘traditional entertainment’,” explains a member of a local musical band. “A typical mujra involved technicians, musicians and even singers, and with its decline, these people have moved on to other professions.”
“Contrary to popular belief about Heera Mandi [that it was a centre for prostitution], it was actually a place where classical singers taught students at bethaks,” he asserts. “Once a courtesan at Heera Mandi told me that she didn’t need to learn singing if she only had to work as a prostitute.”
“Heera Mandi is not what it used to be; it’s become a place where sex workers — mostly transsexuals — can ‘entertain’ a customer for a sum as low as Rs200,” says Kulsoom*, a sex worker, wistfully. “Just seven years ago, the place had glamour and Basant celebrations here used to draw influential people.”
But as the time-honoured trades of Heera Mandi continue to slide into oblivion, there are still some who refuse to see the writing on the wall.
Abdul Sattar, for one, has the resources to set up his business in another part of Lahore but he refuses to abandon Heera Mandi.
“Look, I was born here and I grew up here and this is the place that I belong to,” he says in a sentimental tone. “I just wish, with all my heart, for this area to relive its glory days.”

Qavi Khan: An artiste’s lament

2011-12-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

KARACHI:
His riveting performance as Ghalib at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) or his acting in PTV drama “Koi Na Adda Sanj Mila” are a testament to Qavi Khan claim. Besides television and theatre, he has continuously showcased his artistic ability in films and radio as well. Currently, the actor has his eyes set on a project for the Express Entertainment Channel
called “Main Baba Ki Ladli”.
Launching his career from PTV and Lollywood films in 1964, he was one of the few actors who witnessed the decline of the film industry up close. He recalls the audience from that time, “as pure entertainment lovers with no reverence and respect for art, or the heritage and culture of Pakistan. It was the audience’s appetite for obscene content that contributed to the industry’s decline and its eventual downfall.”
Khan, however, is quite optimistic about the present state of television. “The mushrooming of private channels has given rise to great content. Previously, PTV was the only channel on television. Hence, there were fewer opportunities for producers to air their serials. Today, the audience has a range of channels available. Although talent has been given due exposure on private productions, keeping Pakistani tradition alive on screen and staying true to our culture remains our biggest challenge.” Khan adds, “If PTV had kept its workers happy and given them growth opportunities, there would be no need for other channels. After all, there was a time when people only viewed PTV.”
Khan’s biggest criticism of the current entertainment industry remains the unjust financial compensation given to artists. “A true artist is a priceless gem, not a person to be looked down upon. It tortures me when charitable organisations collect money in the names of legendary comedians like Lehri or Mehdi Hasan. Financial assistance to these artists should come directly from the Ministry of Culture. Unfortunately, the government doesn’t listen to artists like me.”
When it comes to his own performances, Khan remains extremely critical of his own work. “Nobody in Pakistan played Ghalib like Subhani Ba Younus or Naseeruddin Shah. If you think I performed well, it was only because I had immersed myself in all of Ghalib’s literature; I researched immensely and discussed the poet with writer Ashfaq Ahmad in great detail.” Besides Ahmad, Khan relied on discussions with contemporaries like director Khawaja Moinuddin, drama writer Imtiaz Ali Taj and theatre practitioner Rafi Peer to culminate more thought into his acting endeavours.
Looking ahead, Khan foresees a positive future for the entertainment industry in Pakistan. “This is a time for great change. Things are starting to move in the right direction. I’m hopin

From Azerbaijan with love

2011-12-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

I’ve done my fair share of strange stories in the short time that I have been a journalist in Pakistan, but how to go about narrating the story of a foreign prostitute in this foreigner-unfriendly country? Do I just call one and say, ‘Hi, I’m doing a story on prostitution, can you please tell me your life story? Or should I call her as a client, pay her whatever she makes in a night and then just ask personal questions? Would she find that strange or just write it off as another clien
t quirk? Would she even be willing to talk? And where will I get her number from in the first place?
Well, the last part was the easiest. After calling numerous friends and acquaintances, I finally found someone who was calling a couple of Azerbaijani prostitutes to his place for the weekend. I drove to his apartment block around 10 pm, and took the lift to the third floor, where I was greeted by two friends that I rarely meet.
“Sir ji, finally aap humaray paas bhi ay!” (Sir, finally you have come to see us too) says one of them with a toothy grin. Then the orientation begins: I should act casual, they tell me. I musn’t tell the prostitute why I’m really there and finally, I must not name any names in the actual article. Or else.
I excitedly agree with all the terms and conditions, and then we’re off.
We pile into a green Land Cruiser and make our way to a four-storey building in the back lanes behind the heavily barricaded Bilawal House. The chowkidar at the entrance says only two people are allowed upstairs at a time, and I’m one of the lucky ones.
We take the stairs to the third floor and stop outside a wooden door that says ‘Home, Sweet Home’ on it. Expecting a stereotypical ‘madam’, I’m taken aback when the door is opened by a middle-aged woman with a huge smile on her face, and a gorgeous baby girl in her arms.
“Hello Jaan!” says the matronly lady. “How are you, please come in.”
The apartment is another surprise. This is no seedy den of sin, but pretty much like any other family apartment. There is a huge bowl of chocolates on the dining table and the neat living room is done up with pink curtains, a matching sofa set and some nice wooden side tables. A huge Sony TV has pride of place. But it’s not the TV that grabs my attention.
On the two sofas sit four beautiful women, who look like they’re between the ages of 19 and 27. Even though it’s now 11 pm, they’re still in their pajamas and look like they’ve just woken up. I suppose their day is only now beginning. They are talking away with each other in what sounds like Russian and laughing, while giving me glances and shy smiles. Two of them greet my friend by name, cooing over him like long-lost lovers.
“And who is this fine young man you’ve brought with you?” they ask my friend with a wicked smile and a sideward glance towards me.
As he introduces me, he turns and says “Salay, abhi na bata kay tu sahafi hay.”
I get a hug and a kiss from both the ladies as my friend settles the deal with the lady who opened the door, saying he wants his two ‘favourites’ for the night.
“That is fine,” she says. “The usual rate for you, Rs15,000 per girl for three hours.”
No money changes hands. Yet. He gives her a kiss on the cheek and tells her the girls should be at his apartment by midnight. They obviously know the place, as no directions are given, or needed.
A little past midnight, we’re back at the apartment when the doorbell rings. Two ladies in burqas enter the house. Then the burqas come off and my jaw drops!
They’re the same girls we met earlier, but they’re no longer in their pajamas. Right now, they look like they could steal the show on any catwalk anywhere in the world.
The taller one is wearing a white miniskirt with stiletto heels, showing off her long legs. Her sleeveless black top gives just a hint of cleavage. Black eyeliner and crimson red lipstick contrast with her pale skin. This is Jasmine*, and I decide right then and there that she’s the one I want to be talking to.
The other girl is slightly thinner and is wearing a brown dress. Her legs are covered but little else is left to the imagination.
I take Jasmine’s hand and she seats herself next to me. I’m anxious not just because she’s very beautiful but because I’m going to (at some point) tell her I’m a journalist on a story, and not a client.
Unable to come up with a witty yet meaningful opening line, I opt for the predictable and boring.
“What’s your name? Where are you from? ”
“Why do you care, jaan?” she says with a coy smile. “Do you want to interview me?”
Well, yes, I think to myself. That’s pretty much why I’m here. I tell her I just want to know more about her and she laughs out loud.
“Who is this crazy man who just wants to talk to me?” she asks my friend.
With a sly smile, she tells me we had better go to the other room and carry on the conversation there.
She starts by telling me what I already know: her name and the fact that she’s from Azerbaijan. She came to Karachi when she was 18 and has been in this business for the last eight years, but manages to go home and visit her family at least once a year.
“So how did you become a prostitute?” I ask.
“Why do you care?” she asks
“I just want to know,” I reply, realising how lame that sounds.
Luckily, she doesn’t need much more encouragement to narrate her story.
“Well, I was 15 when I started dating this guy who I fell in love with. My parents found out and did not approve and beat me up. The boy decided we should run away together, so I left my native village and went to the city with him. I got pregnant when I was 16 and the same year my boyfriend died in a car crash. I did not know what to do, I had no money and nowhere to go. I could not go back home to my village as I was unmarried and had a child, they would probably kill me and even if they didn’t, I’d probably end up being used as a sex slave anyway.”
Pausing to reflect on that memory, she continues.
“A friend of mine told me she would set up a meeting for a job, and I met this lady who told me I could earn up to $300 a month by selling sex. I was comfortable with having sex and I liked it, so I agreed.
“From the age of 16 to18, I must have met more than a hundred different clients, mostly foreigners visiting Baku on holiday. During this time, when one of the girls in our ring returned from Karachi and she told me I could have up to five customers a night there, and that I would end up making much more money because the demand for us was much higher there.
“I told my Madam that I wanted to go to Pakistan and she got me a work visa which needs to be renewed every three years. I have no idea how she did it, but I found myself in Karachi in January 2003.
“At first it was difficult to settle here, as the whole place was completely unfamiliar to me. On top of that, I had to entertain six to seven clients a night. But the money was good. We charge Rs15,000 for three hours and can end up doing three such sessions a night and we get to keep 40% of what we make.
“People in Karachi are rich, they even tip on top of the basic rate, they have nice cars and nice houses, with even swimming pools in some of them. I have visited politicians, celebrities and I think I may have seen you on TV.
“It’s been an easy eight years though, I have managed to secure my favourite customers whom I get along with and they are like my boyfriends. I can now understand and speak enough Urdu as well, and the savings here are immense. I try to go back twice a year, but mostly it’s during Ramazan that I go back to see my baby. He is 10 years old now and lives with my late boyfriend’s sister.”
I am no longer thinking in terms of journalism anymore; I am intrigued, curious and flabbergasted by the story this soft-spoken girl is telling me, this lady who is telling me with complete frankness what it’s like to be a foreign prostitute in Karachi. I just cannot understand how she could be happy doing this.
“I am happy,” she says in reply to my repeated query. “I have my house mates who I am close to, my clients who are very good to me, and I have money. I do look forward to not being bound to this profession, but the truth is that I like sex. Sometimes I do feel nostalgic about my home and my family but the feeling goes away as quickly as it came.”
Have you ever been mistreated by your clients I ask?
“Pakistani men are nice but they do have strange fantasies,” she says with a faraway look. “Sometimes two people want to do me together, which was initially very upsetting and humiliating, but I got used to it. It’s actually not so bad. Apart from that there is nothing I have been forced to do, and come to think of it there isn’t much I don’t want to do, and so I am perfect for this job.”

But what about friends and companionship I ask? Eight years is a long time to be in a strange land, after all.
“My customers are my friends, and so are the girls I live with,” she says in a tone that brooks no argument. “We have a four room apartment with five girls living in it, and I share my room with Ayesha*. The Madam is very nice. She makes sure we get nice clothes, eat well and sleep undisturbed during the day. We have never had to deal with cops, and I guess they are paid off. However, there are a number of no go areas and we rarely ever leave the Defence and Clifton areas. The day is mostly spent sleeping or watching TV, and the nights are for work. Once in a while, we are given time off and sent to Murree to relax, this also gives us a chance to make money by ourselves, as usually we ask one of our friends (customers) to come along.”
Before I ask my next question, there is a loud banging at the door and my friends shout out:
“Kitni dair lagao gay yaar? Jaldi karo.”
Blushing despite myself, I say goodbye to Jasmine and open the door.
Thanking my friends, I make my way to my car and drive off. I can’t fathom the fact that she claims she is happy selling herself in a foreign land with no plans of leaving soon. Can it really be that easy?
Jasmine’s story is by no means a universal one, and the vast majority of women trapped in this profession certainly don’t have such a blasé attitude about it. But it seems that, as opposed to the West, where organised gangs of traffickers trap women into sexual slavery, the foreign prostitutes working in Pakistan are here on their own, drawn by the financial rewards their exotic origins offer them. A senior police official whom I know well tells me there are at least 8 such rings functioning in Karachi alone, with approximately 90 prostitutes in total. The girls are mostly from Russia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Turkey. Each and every police official I speak to about this — and I am friendly with quite a few — tells me they know about it but aren’t really bothered about taking any action. Given the benefits this arrangement probably offers them, it’s easy to see why they wouldn’t be bothered.

In search of ‘free Russia’: Sea of protesters fills Moscow to pile pressure on Putin

2011-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

MOSCOW:
Clutching white balloons and banners calling for “Free Elections”, a sea of Russian protestors against Vladimir Putin on Saturday thronged a Moscow avenue named after dissident Andrei Sakharov.
The rally to oppose Putin’s tight grip on Russia’s political system passed amid a festive atmosphere, with guest appearances by a famous socialite, a former chess champion and even Father Christmas.

But there was no doubting the seriousness of the huge crowd, who called for the annulment of parliamentary elections held this month and proclaimed on banners that “We awoke and this is only the beginning”.
The mass of people extended all the way down Moscow’s Sakharov Avenue — named after the Soviet nuclear physicist turned dissident — and for hours they peacefully listened to an unexpectedly diverse range of speakers.
Addressing them from a giant stage were former finance minister Alexei Kudrin, glamorous socialite Xenia Sobchak, former chess champion Garry Kasparov, anti-Kremlin blogger Alexei Navalny and novelist Boris Akunin.
At the end, a speaker dressed as Father Christmas, known to Russians as Grandfather Frost, appeared, rousing the crowds with slogans such as “Russia without Putin” and declaring that next year there would be a “Free Russia”.
Despite the winter chill, the crowd was energised.
“We have understood that we can mobilise. It is impossible to stop a crowd like this,” said Andrei Luzhin, 32, one of the protestors.
Some people climbed on trees, lamp posts and even on top of traffic patrol booths to see better, the elderly passing around flasks with steaming tea and the younger generation dancing in step to keep warm in the winter wind.

20 militants, 3 security personnel killed in Central Kurram Agency clash

2011-12-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

KURRAM AGENCY: Three security personnel were killed and 10 injured in clashes with militants in the Jogi area of Central Kurram Agency on Sunday, said sources.
Security forces claimed to have killed more than 20 militants in retaliation.
According to the official sources, there were two separate clashes. In the first incident, one security person was killed and the other
succumbed to injuries. While one more security person died as militants clashed in the same area late evening.
More than 20 militants were killed when forces retaliated, while many others were injured, claimed security forces.
Also in a separate incident, jets pounded militant hideouts in Upper Orakzai Agency. Official sources said that some areas in Mamozai were bombarded and resultantly 10 militants were killed and five were injured while three hideouts were destroyed.
The claims, however, could not be verified as the areas are not accessible to journalists.

imran's dream team Karachi

2011-12-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Imran's dream team wows Karachi

2011-12-25T11:12:00.000-08:00

KARACHI: Addressing a mammoth crowd at the Quaid’s Mausoleum, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan signaled that his party’s tsunami was reaching new heights, on its way to fulfilling his dream of forming the government.
“When I saw Tsunami in Lahore, I thought to myself it will be very difficult to top this. But today, I congratulate
the people of Karachi, because they beat the [October 30] rally,” Imran said. He chanted the names of all of Pakistan’s major ethnicities as people from those groups responded. Mentioning religious minorities, he wished a merry Christmas to the Christians of Pakistan.
The PTI Chairman said a special welcome to a man he introduced as Zulfiqar Ali who had come all the way from Dera Ghazi Khan to attend the rally. “He financed his trip by selling his mobile phone!”
“I welcome Javed Hashmi to PTI. The one thing I truly admire about him is his bravery. I welcome Shah Mahmood Qureshi again,” he said. He then made the announcement that former foreign minister Sardar Asif Ali has said that he will be joining the PTI.
“The Quaid wanted Pakistan to be an Islamic welfare state, and I will make it into one,” Khan said. He said that it was at the age of 18 when he first went to Britain and understood what a welfare state is.
“I was surprised to see that every person, rich or poor, was given a free education that would enable him or her to even become the prime minister of Britain,” he said. “This is my dream: A Pakistan where every human being is valued.”
“The first thing we want to create is a just legal system in the country. We want courts that do not discriminate. We will take justice to the grassroots, to the rural areas and include everyone in the system,” Imran said. “We will provide everyone justice for free.”
“This is my promise to you: I will bring forth for you a team the likes of which this country has never seen,” Imran said. “What will this team do? Under Jahangir Tarin, this team will present policy papers on every issue twice a month. We will present policies on agriculture, transport, local government, and foreign affairs. We will present to you how Pakistan will become an independent nation.”
And most importantly, PTI will present a tax plan that will ensure that this country never has to beg for money from anybody, he said. “We will create a police force independent of political influence, based purely on merit. When I am in government, one day they will even stop Imran Khan’s own car for over speeding.”
Announcing his support for Balochistan, he said that the next stop of his ‘tsunami’ will be Quetta on March 23, 2012. “My Balochi brothers, I ask you for forgiveness on behalf of Pakistanis. We have been unjust to you. We did to you what we did to East Pakistanis. We have kept you as a colony.”
When PTI is in power, we will use the model of West and East Germany, he said. “West Germany gave East Germany special status and diverted all development to thast area. We will develop Balochistan. We will come to you, embrace you, ask for your forgiveness, and address all your grievances,” he said.
The PTI Chairman did not raise criticism against the MQM in his speech.
End of live updates
8:48pm
PTI Chief Imran Khan addresses the rally.
“When I saw Tsunami in Lahore, I thought to myself it will be very difficult to top this. But today, I congratulate the people of Karachi, because they beat the [October 30] rally,” Imran says. He chanted the names of all of Pakistan’s major ethnicities as people from those groups responded. Mentioning religious minorities, he wished a merry Christmas to the Christians of Pakistan.
He said a special welcome to a man he introduced as Zulfiqar Ali who had come all the way from Dera Ghazi Khan to attend the rally. “He financed his trip by selling his mobile phone!”
“I welcome Javed Hashmi to PTI. The one thing I truly admire about him is his bravery. I welcome Shah Mahmood Qureshi again,” he said.
He then made the announcement that former foreign minister Sardar Asif Ali has said that he will be joining the PTI.
08:00pm
Qureshi says that when he was the foreign minister of Pakistan, he expressed opinions against the US-India civil nuclear deal. However, he says President Zardari sent out a message that Pakistan will not go against any such nuclear deal.
Qureshi says that a nuclear deal between US and India severely undermines Pakistan.
If Pakistan ever signs “no first strike” agreement with India, its nuclear assets will be wasted and worthless, Qureshi says.
He “accuses” President Zardari of ruining the deterrent value of Pakistan’s nuclear program by saying ‘no first strike’ on India.
The PTI vice chairman assures the people that Pakistan’s nuclear assets are physically safe but are threatened by such “evil” decisions and such people.
Clarifying PTI’s stand on India, Qureshi says that his party wants friendship with everyone, with the US and India. But it would not tolerate slave-master relations.
“We want friendship and not slavery,” says Qureshi.
“If you want to see this country as an independent country, then vote for a leadership that has the guts to take bold stand on all such decisions,” Qureshi says.
7:44pm
Shah Mahmood Qureshi addresses the jalsa.
“Today, PIA, Wapda and all other institutions of the country are failing continuously but all these things can improve if the people of Pakistan decide to vote for a leadership that can bring about that change,” Qureshi says.
He said that all these failures are a result of incompetence and corruption. There are five things that everyone has agreed upon: “Firstly, democracy. Everyone wants democracy and no one is conspiring against the government. Prime Minister Gilani, it is your corruption that is a conspiracy against your own government. Secondly, justice. If you want justice in the country, vote for the PTI. The party will ensure that justice prevails. Thirdly, an independent judiciary. The present set-up has buried the concept of necessity. Fourth, free media which will promote accountability and democratic values. And lastly, Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Ensuring its security is something everyone agrees on. Would you let anyone trade our nuclear capability?” Qureshi said.
He said that as a former foreign minister of Pakistan, he knows that this programme protects Pakistan from outside threat. “Pakistan’s nuclear programme is under a five-layered security system and is of international standards. But then you wonder what the threat is about? There is no physical threat but there is a threat from certain people.”
People scream Zardari’s name. “Everyone said my comments [about Zardari] were irresponsible but I still stand by my comments,” Qureshi says.
7:26pm
“Go Zardari Go” trends worldwide on Twitter.
Chants of “Go Zardari Go” as Shah Mahmood Qureshi takes the stage.
“Now that Karachi has woken up, it is as if Pakistan has awaken from its slumber. I congratulate the people of Karachi for attending this historic gathering. Our mission was to heal the bruises of Karachi and unite Karachiites and today’s rally has done that,” he said.
Quaid, you provided us with a country that we have failed to protect, but today we have gathered to protect this country, Qureshi said. “Everyone can see that things are changing. I can see people smiling. I can see their eyes shining.”
“Pakistan is under threat because of our own weaknesses. No one from outside will come to help us, we have to mend things ourselves,” he said.
7:19pm
Javed Hashmi addresses the rally, amid shouts of “Ek Bahadur Aadmi, Hashmi, Hashmi”.
“We have gathered here for peace. This gathering, made up of the young generation of Pakistan, is the harbinger of a revolution,” the former PML-N stalwart said. “Today is the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. When he made this country, he wanted to ensure justice for Muslims of the subcontinent. Justice was his slogan and movement for justice is Imran’s slogan. This is why we have come forward to provide justice. It is the youth of this country who will achieve that.”
Talking about his former party, Hashmi said that PML-N workers also want Pakistan to prosper and progress. “I love those workers and my former party but I love the people of Pakistan more than that and that is why I have come here.”
Hashmi, who joined the PTI earlier this week, said that when he was considering joining the PTI, he was humbled by Imran Khan’s invitation. “For the first time, a leader said to me that I have never gone to ask anyone to join the party but I have come to you and not for myself but for Pakistan. How could I say no to that?”
For years, I was alone in demanding that leaders declare their assets. Now this is Imran’s voice and I would like to him that I will not back off [from my support of him], he said.
Addressing the people, he said, “Now, I hand you my 40 years of hard work. No one can raise questions over financial, social and political matters throughout my career or doubt my dedication to this country.”
7:05pm
Light grid on the right side of the stage (if your back is towards it) just fell forward. A group of people is standing there.
Twitter update:
Anthony Permal
If they can mention Afia Siddiqui, I DARE Imran Khan & Hashmi to mention Asia Bibi. #PTIJalsa #PTI #Pakistan
Rabia Mehmood
This tall guy in black shalwarkamiz & camel col jacket,rt of Hashmi seat was w/ Moonisilahi the day he ws released in #NICL scam.#ptijalsa

6:28pm
“Dil Dil Pakistan” also trending worldwide on Twitter.
PTI leader Hamid Khan addresses the rally.
ANP leader Bushra Gohar tweets about the PTI Jalsa.
Bushra Gohar
Has our electronic media formally joined PTI or have they received instructions? Seem overly enthusiastic Wonder why?
6:22pm
Fauzia Kasuri, the women’s wing president of PTI, addresses the rally. Vital Signs’ classic “Dil Dil Pakistan” plays. PTI leader Arif Alvi also addresses the rally. Crowd persistently shouts “Go Zardari Go”.
6:08pm
Abrar and Haq also trending worldwide on Twitter. Earlier, the rally was addressed by PTI leaders Naeemul Haq and Asfand Qaiser. “Main Toh Dekhoonga” by Strings starts playing, as Haq ends speech with Pakistan Zindabad and Imran Khan Zindabad slogans.
5:50pm
Abrarul Haq makes passionate speech and recites poetry. Says PTI will win a two-thirds majority in the next general election. The government that PTI will form will be that of the common man, of the youth, not that of the VIPs, he says. The situation has changed after October 30. Under Imran Khan’s leadership, a revolution is just waiting to happen, he says.
5:40pm
Azam Swati, Javed Hashmi and Imran Khan trending worldwide on Twitter.
5:32pm
Javed Hashmi arrives at the podium. Imran Khan embraces Hashmi amidst slogans of “Ek Bahadur Aadmi, Javed Hashmi, Javed Hashmi”. Earlier, Azam Khan Swati addressed the rally. Explained his reasons for wanting Zardari on the Exit Control List and the Memogate scandal. Khursheed Mehmud Kasuri also makes brief speech.
5:12pm
Salman Ahmed plays the Pakistan National Anthem. Sings “Meri Awaz Suno” and “Jazba Junoon”. Earlier, musician Abrarul Haq recited a naat, which was then followed by speeches by PTI leaders Samson Sharaf, Aslam Rajput and Dr Hasan Raza.
4:57pm
Express News reports that Javed Hashmi is also in attendance. Junoon’s Salman Ahmed is also on stage. A large group of people has gathered outside as entrances are too narrow.
Attendees carry posters of the Aafia Movement with pictures of Pakistani neuroscientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui and Imran Khan on them.
4:40 pm
Imran Khan has arrived at the podium amid tight security. Takes a seat next to Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Express News is reporting at least a hundred thousand people are in attendance.
PTI workers release doves in PTI colours. Jehangir Tareen and Khurshid Kasuri have also arrived.
4:15 pm
Express News reports that Imran Khan has departed from his friend’s residence in Karsaz and will arrive at the venue shortly. Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other senior PTI leaders are accompanying him.
PTI’s Arshad Qureshi said that the jalsa’s success had shown that the “politics of language” has ended in Karachi.
4:00 pm
In his speech, PTI’s Waleed Iqbal said that “tsunami can create electricity, extract reserves, can start up shut down railway engines and make grounded PIA planes fly.”
Here’s what’s new on Twitter:
Zak__
A sea of crowd here,even by evening Quid e Azam would announce joining PTI, #Jalsa
aliktareen
En Route to the Jalsa. The roads of Khi are flooded with coasters full of young people adorned in PTI flags #PTIJalsa
Faiza_PK
Dear #PTI, please enjoy your jalsa, have fun, bring Tsunami or whatever it is that you’re bringing… BUT plz don’t use foul language! Thx
KHAN2705
Well so my one eye is on the Star World India’s Christmas episodes run and other one on PTI Jalsa :)
3:30 pm
Musician Abrarul Haq recited a naat, which was then followed by speeches by PTI leaders Samson Sharaf, Aslam Rajput and Dr Hasan Raza, reports Saba Imtiaz. Former JUI (F) leader Azam Swati is at the event as are members of PTI’s provincial leadership and Central Executive Committee.
3:15 pm
Journalists estimate that the crowd is in thousands. Saba Imtiaz reports that a huge cheer went up in the crowd when it was announced that there were traffic jams on Shahrah-e-Faisal and Shahrah-e-Quaideen because of the incoming flow of PTI supporters to the event. Musicians Abrarul Haq and Salman Ahmed are being touted as on the bill for performances at the event.
3:00 pm
Express News reports that people are approaching the venue in large numbers. People are queing up outside the entrance, waiting to clear security checks put in place by PTI volunteers.
Musician Abrarul Haq has reportedly reached the jalsa venue. Haq hasn’t been the only musician who has been associated with PTI. On August 11, the Islamabad-based band Alag came out with a patriotic number called “Jaago Pakistan”, which was dedicated to PTI. Amongst other musicians, the band Soch, Alterego and pop singer Shahzaman Alam have also expressed their support. A plethora of Imran Khan’s own friends such as Ali Azmat, Strings and others who had worked with him during charity tours to raise funds for Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital have been consistent supporters of his public rallies.
Here’s the Twitter buzz:
marvi_memon
Pti jalsa shld b v huge today….jalsa attendees wil b expecting a lot from pti leadership on stage.faces on stage wil b ur answer.
samishah
Imran Khan promises jalsa will turn into worlds largest key party. Bring your hats and spouses.
AamnaTaseer
My friends have hired a truck and are attending the PTI jalsa today. Stay safe. So many jokes going round regarding CHAIRS.
shyyawn
:O people seemed excited about the PTI jalsa for weeks and they are going. And they are those who never were interested in politics before.
SikanderFayyaz
Over hundred thousand already at #PTIjalsa. This is big, no this will be huge, bigger than any jalsa anyone has held before. Power of Hope!
2:45 pm
Saba Imtiaz reports that an announcement has been made on the stage to allow more people into the ground, and a sea of people carrying PTI flags then entered the venue.
President of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) in Karachi, Arsalan Ghumman tells The Express Tribune via SMS:
“Protect the jalsa venue… ISF tsunami heading to it.”
2:30 pm
Saba Imtiaz reports that PTI supporters at the jalsa say they are there because “Imran Khan can bring change in the country”.
Allahdino, who travelled from Larkana with his cousin, told The Express Tribune, that “if the leadership is good, the other politicians will work under him (Khan) and improve”. He said he would expect Khan to improve the quality of education in Sindh.
Khawar and Wazir, in their early 20s, are originally from Gilgit and study in Karachi. Their priorities for Khan are “improving the law and order situation in Karachi and giving Gilgit Baltistan the status of a province”
The boys also took pictures of each other posing with PTI flags to upload on Facebook, they said.
Khushal Ahmed Butt, who has lived in Karachi for 15 years, came to the event with his four young children. “We’ve come on their demand. We support Khan and believe he can improve the conditions of the country.”
Here’s the Twitter update:
TheRealHaroon
I want to wish PTI a safe and successful rally today in Karachi on the birthday of the father of our nation!!
murtazasolangi
I sincerely wish PTI to have a good rally in the city of the Quaid. I hope the PTI leaders can explain their manifesto & strategy!
cpyala
One fauji source claiming all lower staff of forces have been ordered to go to PTI rally. Private transport will appar be provided.
baylinveil
The fact that PTI is calling every household landline in Karachi w/ an Imran Khan recording personally inviting to the rally is brilliant.
2:15 pm
Saba Imtiaz reports that a few hundred supporters have arrived at the venue. The organisers have started playing PTI songs and those by Shehzad Roy and Strings to get the crowd going. PTI supporters are floating a large Pakistan flag in the crowd. According to an earlier estimate by PTI, 50,000 party flags will be distributed.
PTI’s main leadership has not arrived at the venue as yet.
2:00 pm
Sufi Abdul Jalil, known as “Chacha (Uncle) Cricket”, is also present at the PTI rally. He is Pakistan’s most famous spectator and has become a prominent fixture at his country’s matches at home and abroad for nearly three decades.
1:45 pm
Saba Imtiaz reports that security arrangements and checks are quite thorough and are manned by the police and volunteers. There is separate seating for men and families.
According to a PTI official, there are 2,000 volunteers on duty. The ground can accommodate between 250,000 to 300,000 people. Around 50,000 to 60,000 chairs have been placed. There are separate arrangements for the press, PTI’s senior leadership, Insaf Students Federation members and families

Shifting tides: Javed Hashmi on verge of joining PTI

2011-12-23T20:18:00.000-08:00

LAHORE: Javed Hashmi, one of the stalwarts of Multani politics and the most visible Seraiki member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, was deciding late on Friday night whether to jump ship and join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf bandwagon, sources told The Express Tribune.
Even though he has recently been sidelined by the PML-N leadership, Hashmi’s possible departure would come as a
major blow to the PML-N, which has been struggling in South Punjab and would need Hashmi’s support in the region. Hashmi’s defection would also likely cost the party 12 members of the National Assembly and at least eight members of the Punjab Assembly, claimed sources close to the PTI.
On Friday night, the PML-N leadership was frantically trying to convince Hashmi to withdraw his decision to switch sides. Sources, however, said he is unlikely to be persuaded. “Although Hashmi’s negotiation with senior leaders of PML-N is ongoing, he will inform PTI chief Imran Khan of his final decision soon,” said a source close to Imran Khan in Karachi. He added that all negotiations between the PTI and Hashmi were conducted by Imran personally.
Imran, speaking to Express News in Karachi said that “you will hear good news tomorrow.”
It is believed that Hashmi gave his party an ultimatum: if his son-in-law Zahid Bihar Hashmi was not given a party ticket, he himself would join PTI. Hashmi could now fly to Karachi on Saturday (today), meet Imran Khan and address the PTI’s rally on Sunday.
It appears that the PTI chief wants to ensure that Hashmi and other defectors from the PML-N join him at the planned rally in front of Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum in Karachi on December 25.
The PML-N seems more concerned about the bloc of Hashmi loyalists in the party leaving. Sources close to the party said that when PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif learnt of Hashmi’s intentions, he started contacting Hashmi’s supporters, asking them to stay in the PML-N, even if Hashmi joins the PTI.
Among those also considering joining PTI were Khawaja Saad Rafique (MNA, Lahore), his younger brother Khawaja Salmaan Rafique (MPA, Lahore) and former MPA Jaffar Iqbal Gujjar from Rahimyar Khan.
The PML-N went all out. Sources say that a team of PML-N leaders comprising leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Tehmina Doultana, Pervez Malik and Zaeem Qadri negotiated with Hashmi at the residence of Khawaja Muhammad Saad Rafique in Lahore’s upscale DHA neighbourhood.
Apparently party president Nawaz Sharif sent a high-powered delegation to Rafique’s residence, where after around four hours of negotiation they succeeded in dissuading Rafique from joining PTI.
Late on Friday night, Ahsan Iqbal, told media after an hour long meeting concluded at Saad Rafique’s house, that “he [Hashmi] is a big asset for the party, and that we will not allow any big news to be created.”
Hashmi is a remarkably popular figure, winning three National Assembly seats in 2008 – from Rawalpindi, Lahore and Multan. He eventually vacated two of those and kept NA-149, representing his native Multan. He could be the second Multani politician to join the PTI, the first being Shah Mehmood Qureshi, former foreign minister and Hashmi’s hometown political rival.

One security official killed, 19 missing in South Waziristan

2011-12-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

PESHAWAR: Militants killed one security official and reportedly kidnapped 19 in an attack on security forces in the Mullazai area north of the Tank district near the South Waziristan tribal area on Friday.
The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan have claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to sources, the incident took place at around 2:30 am.
“The men were from the Frontier Constabulary,”
an official said while confirming that 19 people were missing who were “probably taken captive” he said.
The exact number of militants could not be determined. The attack was launched on Mullzai Fort, a guarded fortress used to bombard militant hideouts with artillery shelling during operations, which confirmed that a large number of people must have attacked the secure installation.
Sources also said that the initial number of FC personnel missing after the attack was 23 but seven of them had returned back safely.
The Frontier Constabulary, part of the security forces usually placed in the frontier region areas, monitor zones between the tribal and the settled areas. There were no casualties of militants reported.
A search operation was subsequently launched and a large number of security personnel were deployed in the area, however there are chances that the men were taken to the tribal areas.

US Central Command briefing to Pakistan on NATO attack cancelled

2011-12-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: A briefing by the head of the US Central Command to Pakistani officials on a November 26 cross-border Nato air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and severely strained ties with Washington has been cancelled, a Pakistani official said on Friday.
News that General James N Mattis’ visit to Pakistan has been cancelled came a day after the United States announced that its investigation into
the attack found both American and Pakistani forces were to blame for the border incident.
According to the investigation report, a lack of trust and series of miscommunications contributed to the events that took place on November 26.
On the other hand, Pakistan has rejected the US inquiry report.
“Pakistan’s army does not agree with the findings of the US/Nato inquiry as being reported in the media. The inquiry report is short on facts,” the military said in a short statement.
“A detailed response will be given as and when the formal report is received,” it said.

Shenanigans, dangerous shenanigans

2011-12-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

It should come as no great surprise to those of us who live in Pakistan, and who daily see the shenanigans of the all-powerful Pakistan Army and ISI generals, that the government of Pakistan in the defence ministry has announced that it has no control over the army or the ISI. Well done, I say to the government, for once more saying it like it is: the first time being when the matter of the missing persons was agitated before the
Honourable Supreme Court, no less. And when a notice of the Honourable Court to the DG ISI was answered by the appearance of a Lt. Col. of the army’s legal branch! So much for the majesty of law.
But more than that, kudos to the prime minister for so clearly saying that every institution of state (here obviously referring to self-same Pakistan Army and the dreaded ISI), is subservient to parliament and through parliament to the chief executive of the country: the prime minister. This needed to be said much earlier, when the army first began to destabilise the elected government very soon after the 2008 elections, and when it issued a press statement criticising the Kerry-Lugar Bill in complete violation of good order and military discipline. Had a gold braided peak-capped head or two rolled then, mayhap we would not have seen the present machinations.
Whilst the PM’s bold and much-needed attempt to put the generals in their place might not have any effect on a spoilt and used-to-power coterie which is not accountable to anyone, and while they may even now do what is their wont i.e., kick the government out as they have done many times heretofore, it is good that he has said what he said in the words that he said it in. Enough is enough, and for all I care let the devil take the hindmost.
So then, back we are at base zero with our out of control security establishment aka the Pakistani Deep State (see above) sitting back and enjoying the spectacle of the politicians doing its dirty work: going for each other’s jugulars. It is pleased as Punch, licking its chops at the prospect of reinforcing its pre-eminence as the most powerful force in Pakistan; and seeing the two large political forces, the PPP and the PML-N at each other’s throats is much relieved that its preferred so-called ‘Third Force’ will have a relatively easier time gathering more lotas and turncoats to its bosom.
Nothing could be sadder; nothing more tragic for those of us who lived through the 80s and 90s and saw up close the rancour and the bitterness that ruled Pakistani politics in those years, during which the two major parties alternately destabilised the other with the help of the establishment, no holds barred. Those shenanigans only made the Deep State ever stronger, and the political class ever weaker: the PPP government being dismissed by its ‘own’ president inside of three years and, just three years into its government, the PML-N’s being thrown out by the Commando and its leaders jailed and then exiled.
For God’s sake, will our political leaders never learn? Will they forever be hostage to the Deep State and to the conspiracies spun by it? It is all very well for the PML-N to take the Murky Memo Matter to the Supreme Court, but have its leaders who I consider my friends, ever considered the fact that whilst Mansoor Ijaz’s allegations against the federal government and its officials were immediately ‘investigated’ by the top spook himself and a public indictment issued, the same person’s allegations against Shuja Pasha weighing the possibilities of carrying out a coup against a sitting elected government have been laid to rest by a mere press release of the ISPR denying any such thing?
While it is much exercised by the Murky Memo, does the PML-N find nothing wrong in the allegations against Pasha? Will it not ask for a thorough investigation by an agency/agencies of state, say the IB and the FIA? The ISPR says Pasha did not visit any of the countries mentioned on the stated dates, but did he visit them on other dates? Has anyone forensically examined his cell phones? Or his passports — if he goes through the usual procedures of travelling abroad like the rest of us, of course?! Am I right when I say that our generals are Teflon-coated; that nothing sticks to them; that they are faultless, blameless, and doubly-blessed? That the only bad is in the ‘bloody civilians’?
I have now written for many years that the only way that the politicians can see off the great threat to themselves posed by the Deep State is to stick together come hell or high-water. They must stand shoulder-to-shoulder to prevent that scourge of democracy, the Deep State, from always driving the agenda: giving a dog a bad name and then hanging him. The most effective weapon in its arsenal is spreading rumours about a government’s corruption and ineptness. In this they make no exceptions: exact same allegations were placed at the PPP’s door as were placed at the PML-N’s. I have long said too, that if this present government does not complete its tenure, neither will the next one. But is anyone listening?
No one is, because the fact of the matter is that the real aim of what is going on is to deny the PPP the majority in the Senate that will surely be it’s if it is allowed to stay in power until the elections in March. Simple, but very bad politics, for will the PPP not destabilise the PML-N government when IT comes to power?
A quick question to my friends in the PML-N who so want the government to be rolled up immediately if not sooner and elections held in the next two months: Do you really think that the powers will allow a snap election when its preferred ‘Third Force’ is still girding its loins?

General Kayani rules out military takeover.

2011-12-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has ruled out a military takeover in the country, describing rumours about a coup as misleading, the military said on Friday.
“He (Kayani) strongly dispelled the speculations of any military takeover and said that these are misleading and are being used as a bogey to divert the focus from the real issues,” the military said in
a press release.
Kayani made the statement while answering a question during a visit to forward posts in Mohmand and Kurram Agencies on Thursday. He said that Pakistan Army had and will continue to support the democratic process in the country.
The army chief said that the military was fully aware of its constitutional obligations and responsibilities.
Kayani’s statement comes after Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had earlier let loose a barrage of accusations and reservations against the country’s all-powerful military establishment.
First at an exhibition, and later on the floor of the National Assembly, Gilani had voiced concerns over ‘conspiracies being hatched against the incumbent government,’ and questioned the credibility of the armed forces over the Osama bin Laden (OBL) debacle.
The premier, in a direct reference, hit out at the military establishment, and said that a “state within [a] state will not be acceptable,” referring to the military’s dominance in the country’s

Chinese delegation expected over weekend

2011-12-22T08:59:00.003-08:00

ISLAMABAD:
The expected arrival of Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo in Islamabad is being closely watched as a potentially significant development in the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the United States.
Veteran Chinese diplomat Dai Bingguo, regarded as one of the highest-
ranking figures of Chinese foreign policy in the Hu Jintao administration, is due to arrive over the weekend along with senior Chinese military officials on a three-day trip to discuss a host of regional issues with the top civilian and military leadership in Pakistan, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Ahmed Shuja Pasha.
The visit will come amid deepening economic and diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan while US-Pakistan relations continue to suffer after last month’s Nato strikes in Mohmand Agency. The high-powered delegation’s visit also coincides with the December 23 conclusion of US investigations into the cross-border strike. The attack on Pakistani outposts killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and led to a nosedive in relations between the disenchanted allies.
At the recently-held envoys’ conference, which was convened to identify and review ties with the United States that needed to be redefined, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan conveyed to the government that Beijing had extended its full support to the steps taken by Islamabad in response to the Nato raid, according to an official source.
“The Chinese government has fully backed all our steps,” Ambassador Masood was quoted as telling the envoys’ conference. There is also chatter in diplomatic circles in Islamabad that improved ties with China will help reduce Pakistan’s reliance on the US.
Pakistan’s “all-weather friendship” with China has continued to see positive developments as ties with the US have remained fragile over the past year. Joint Sino-Pakistani military exercises, named YOUVI (Friendship), in November also highlighted the growing relations between the two countries. President Zardari has visited China eight times in the last three years, apart from Prime Minister Gilani’s four visits. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also paid a visit to Pakistan last year.

US, Pakistan share blame for NATO attack:

2011-12-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON: The American and Pakistani forces both are to be blamed for the November 26 Nato airstrike that left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead, revealed a United States investigation.
American and Western officials on the condition of anonymity told New York Times that retaliation from allied forces of US and Afghanistan was justified because the Pakistani forces initiated the fire.

The officials revealed that Nato did not inform Pakistan that they were about to launch an operation on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This resulted in the Pakistani forces opening fire on them.
The Wall Street Journal said that the military investigation revealed that the US-led forces had presumed that no personnel from the Pakistani forces were present when they launched the operation.
A US military official also said that “the overarching issue that surrounds this incident is a lack of trust” between the US and Pakistan.
Revelations from the military probe, placing blame on both the US and Pakistani forces, could further enrage Islamabad as, since the incident, Pakistan has maintained that the move on its part was justified and that Pakistani forces did not fire the first shots.
The American and Western officials said that the US military investigation report also shunned the accusations from Pakistani forces were “intentionally and repeatedly” targeted by the allied forces on November 26.
The officials also revealed that the United States Central Command had planned not to release the findings from the investigation this week because they were still in the phase of deciding what parts of the investigation could be made public and which should remain classified.
In Washington last week, a Pakistan embassy official said Nato forces could not have mistaken the two border posts on the Afghan border for bases of the Taliban as they stood on high ground and had structures.
The Pakistani official had declined to speculate on the US motivations for any alleged deliberate attack.
Inadequate coordination, incorrect mapping caused NATO airstrike: DoD
The United States (US) Department of Defense’s (DoD) investigation into the airstrike on November 26 that led to the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers says “inadequate coordination by US and Pakistani military officers operating through the border coordination center,” including the US’ reliance on “incorrect mapping information shared with the Pakistani liaison officer — resulted in a misunderstanding about the true location of Pakistani military units.”
In a press release issued to announce the completion of the investigation into the airstrike, DoD said that there were other gaps in information as well about the units’ placement that led to this incident.
The Nato airstrike on November 26 on the Pak-Afghan border has led to a near breakdown in relations. Following the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers in the incident, Pakistan closed down Nato supply routes, asked US to vacate the Shamsi Airbase in Balochistan, and has demanded that the relationship be redefined.
According to the report, the US investigating officer found that the US forces acted in self defense, “given what information they had available at the time.”
The investigating officer found that the US forces had responded with “appropriate force after being fired upon.”
The report into the incident also says that “there was no intentional effort to target persons or places known to be part of the Pakistani military, or to deliberately provide inaccurate location information to Pakistani officials.”
The US Department of Defense says that the results of the investigation have been sent to the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as to the key Nato leadership.
“For the loss of life — and for the lack of proper coordination between US and Pakistani forces that contributed to those losses — we express our deepest regret. We further express sincere condolences to the Pakistani people, to the Pakistani government, and most importantly to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who were killed or wounded,” said the Department of Defense.
The DoD has also said that they must work on improving the level of trust between US and Pakistan.
“Our focus now is to learn from these mistakes and take whatever corrective measures are required to ensure an incident like this is not repeated. The chain of command will consider any issues of accountability. More critically, we must work to improve the level of trust between our two countries. We cannot operate effectively on the border — or in other parts of our relationship — without addressing the fundamental trust still lacking between us. We earnestly hope the Pakistani military will join us in bridging that gap,” said the US DoD.
NATO says both sides committed mistakes, actions legitimate
Nato, while expressing its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the airstrike, says that their investigation has found that, “the combined international and Afghan force was initially fired upon by unidentified forces, then believed not to be Pakistani military, and legitimately responded in self-defence.”
“The investigation has ascertained that a series of mistakes were made on both sides in failing to properly co-ordinate their locations and actions, both before the operation and during the resulting engagement.”
Adding that the force did not knowingly fire at the Pakistani forces, Nato says “close air support was employed in self-defence in response to intense, heavy machine gun and mortar fire initiated by what turned out to be Pakistan forces near the border in the vicinity of Salala.”
Nato also says that after a review of its operational plan and communications, it did not knowingly target the Pakistani forces, and Nato’s actions were “legitimate within the Laws of Armed Conflict and within their Rules of Engagement.”
In its press release, Nato says that ISAF is reviewing the “manning, training, and certification of the Border Coordination Centres.
Nato added that they are working to improve liaison with the Pakistani forces, “we are determined to work harder to ensure these incidents do not occur.”

Army wants Zardari out but not a coup: Military sources

2011-12-22T08:52:00.001-08:00

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s powerful army is fed up with President Asif Ali Zardari and wants him out of office, but through legal means and without a repeat of the coups that are a hallmark of the country’s 64 years of independence, military sources said.
Tensions are rising between Pakistan’s civilian leaders and its generals over a memo that accused the army of plotting a coup after the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May.

“Who isn’t fed up with Zardari? It’s not just the opposition and the man on the street but people within the government too,” said one military source who asked not to be named.
“But there has to be a proper way. No action is being planned by the army. Even if we tried, it would be very unpopular and not just with the government and the opposition but most Pakistanis too.”
The Pakistani military spokesman declined comment.
General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has pledged to keep the military out of Pakistani politics since taking over as army chief in 2007.
Any coup – Pakistan has had three since independence in 1947 – could further tarnish the military’s public image which has already taken a battering after the Bin Laden operation, widely seen in Pakistan as a violation of sovereignty.
But the army remains the arbiter of power and analysts say it has plenty of ways to pressure Zardari to step down, especially if a link is established between him and the memo, which sought the Pentagon’s help in averting a feared coup.
Businessman Mansoor Ijaz, writing in a column in the Financial Times on October 10, said a senior Pakistani diplomat had asked that a memo be delivered to the Pentagon with a plea for US help to stave off a military coup in the days after the raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May.
Ijaz later identified the diplomat as Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington Husain Haqqani who denied involvement but resigned over the controversy. No evidence has emerged that the military was plotting a coup and the Pentagon at the time dismissed the memo as not credible.
Friction between Pakistan’s civilian government and military have bedevilled the nuclear-armed South Asian country for almost its entire existence, with the military ruling for more than half its 64-year history after a series of coups.
In the past, the army has asked Pakistani civilian leaders to resign and influenced judicial proceedings against them.
Haqqani’s resignation was seen by many analysts as further weakening the civilian government, which is already beset by allegations of corruption and incompetence in the face of many challenges, including a weak economy and a Taliban insurgency.
Memogate
Zardari returned to Pakistan this week from medical treatment in Dubai that raised speculation he would resign under pressure from the military over what has been dubbed “Memogate”.
Although his position is largely ceremonial, he wields considerable influence as leader of the ruling party and his forced departure would be a humiliation for the civilian leadership and could throw the country into turmoil.
One of the military sources suggested that no direct action would be needed against the government because it had already made so many mistakes.
“If the government is digging its own grave, we are not going to look for spades,” the source said.
The military has reasserted itself after a November 26 Nato cross-border air attack killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and the memo has also given it political ammunition.
In a statement submitted to the Supreme Court, which is looking into a petition demanding an inquiry into who may have been behind the memo, Kayani said it was a serious matter which required an investigation.
“We want anyone involved, be they in government or elsewhere, to be punished. But it is not for us to do anything. If the army moves to do anything it would have national as well as international repercussions,” said another military source.
“So that is not likely. Anything that has to be done has to be done by the Supreme Court.”
Officials from Zardari’s ruling party have played down friction with the military and say they don’t fear a coup.
But they fear that some judges in the increasingly aggressive Supreme Court dislike Zardari and could move against him.
“I am not bothered about the army. I think they are acting very sensibly and would not derail the system at the moment,” a senior ruling party leader told Reuters.

Pakistani arrested in Virginia on terror charges

2011-09-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: A Pakistani man who allegedly received commando training from Islamist militants before moving to a Washington suburb has been arrested and charged with providing support to a terror group, US officials said Friday.

Jubair Ahmad, 24, stands accused of providing material support to the powerful Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, designated by the US government as a foreign terrorist organization, and then lying about his involvement to investigators.
According to an unsealed affidavit by a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent, Ahmad produced and posted a propaganda video for LeT “glorifying violent jihad” in 2010, some three years after he arrived in the United States with his parents and two younger brothers.
“Terrorist organizations such as LeT, and movements affiliated with them, use the Internet and other media as part of well orchestrated propaganda campaigns,” the agent stated in the affidavit released by the US Justice Department.
“These campaigns seek to recruit individuals to participate in violent jihad and to promote the spread of terror.”
Ahmad faces up to 23 years in prison if convicted on the two charges.
The department said the FBI had been investigating Ahmad, a legal permanent resident living in the state of Virginia, since 2009, after receiving information that the man might be linked to LeT.
The FBI later learned that, as a teen, Ahmad received “indoctrination and training from LeT while he lived in Pakistan,” and that from the United States he communicated with the son of the extremist group’s founder Hafiz Saeed.
The affidavit also said Internet giant Google provided records which confirmed upload of the propaganda video to an account on video-sharing website YouTube from an IP address associated with Ahmad’s residence.
Revelation of the charges came on the same day the US State Department issued a worldwide travel alert ahead of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
The department said it had not identified any “specific threats” about possible attacks but that Al-Qaeda and its affiliates had “demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks” against the United States and US interests.

Pakistanis celebrate Eid with religious fervour

2011-08-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: The first day of Eidul Fitr is being celebrated across Pakistan with religious fervour on Wednesday.
Millions of Muslims offered Eid prayers in mosques and open places.
People offered special prayers for the solidarity, prosperity and integrity of Pakistan and unity amongst Muslims.

More than 300 Eid congregations were held in the twin cities. The biggest Eid congregation in Islamabad was held at the grand Faisal Mosque, that was attended by senior officials and prominent citizens.
The biggest congregation in Rawalpindi was held at the historic Liaquat Bagh.
Special security arrangements have been made across the country to avert any untoward incident on Eid.
Police and other law enforcers have also been deployed at different public places, highways, big shopping malls and markets.
Chaand raat
Eid preparations reached their peak on Chaand Raat as soon as the sighting of the moon was announced last night.
Markets and shopping malls were flooded with people of all ages.
As the announcement of the Shawwal moon was made, a large number of people, including women and children, headed towards the markets for last minute shopping.
Shops selling shoes and clothes were especially crammed with buyers.
All the major markets of Lahore remained crowded till late night, while the hustle and bustle also caused traffic jams in many areas.
Pillion riding ban lifted in Karachi
The Sindh government lifted ban on pillion on riding Karachi for five days to allow transport convenience during Eid.
The home department of Sindh issued a notification on the instructions of Home Minister Manzoor Wasan to relax the ban on pillion riding.
The ban has been lifted from August 31 to September 4.
Wasan has termed the move an ‘Eid gift’ for the people of Karachi.
The move has been taken following announcement made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik earlier.

Ban on pillion riding was imposed last month for indefinite period due to deteriorating law and order situation of the city.

11 killed in powerful blast outside Quetta mosque

2011-08-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

QUETTA:
A powerful blast killed at least 11 and injured 13 others when a bomb was detonated on Gulistan Road in the Murriabad area of Quetta on Wednesday.
Capital City Police Officer Quetta (CCPO) Ahsan Mahboob said that the blast was a suicide attack.

Mahboob added that the bomber was driving a car laden with about 40kg of explosives. The attacker targeted a Shia congregation that was offering Eid prayers in a mosque. The bomb was detonated when the people were returning home after Eid prayers.
Earlier, Home Secretary Naseebullah Bazai said that it is not confirmed whether it was suicide attack or if the explosive device was planted in the car.
Bazai added that officials are collecting evidence from the blast site.
A police official said that it may be a sectarian attack as it took place in a Shia dominant area.
Some of the injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical College for treatment. Others were rushed to the Provincial Sandeman Hospital through private vehicles and Edhi. Five people succumbed to their injuries.
The blast also destroyed 10 cars and several houses in the vicinity.
Authorities fear a rise in the number of casualties and have declared an emergency at the Civil Hospital after the incident.
Police have cordoned off the area and investigations are underway.
The Shia community of Quetta has announced that it will observe seven days of mourning to condemn the attack.

Members of the Shiite community also gathered and staged a protest at the site of the blast where they chanted slogans against the government.

Pakistani courts let 3 out of every 4 terror suspects go: US State Dept

2011-08-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

LONDON: A US State Department report published last week said that Pakistan was incapable of prosecuting terror suspects, since three in four defendants are acquitted.
According to a report in The Telegraph, in the State Department’s 2010 report, the US criticizes its frontline ally in the war on terror of failing to outlaw militant Islamic terror groups, since they escaped bans by changing names.

The report said that Islamabad had not closed loopholes which allowed terrorist groups and criminals to launder money (hawala), also mentioning former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s unresolved case as an example of how the investigative methods had to improve to collect better evidence, since the post assassination footage clearly showed that the crime scene in Rawalpindi was hosed down before evidence collection.
The report comes amid deteriorating relations between the two countries and continuing anger in India at the slow progress in Pakistan’s prosecution of a number of alleged terrorist leaders charged with plotting the 2008 Mumbai massacre. Six Americans were among the 166 victims.
It further said that while Pakistan maintained it was committed to prosecuting those accused of terrorism, on analysing its Anti-Terrorism Court’s (ATC) rulings last year show that Pakistan’s acquittal rate of prosecuting suspected terrorists was approximately 75%.
The report complains that Pakistan’s ‘weak implementation’ of a UN Security Council resolution which lists banned terrorist organisations remained a concern.
The report was released as a suicide car bomb killed at least 11 people and wounded 22 others celebrating Eid in a Shiite Muslim area of the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Wednesday.
Wikileaks cables released earlier showed that many of the more than 1,000 recently released US embassy cables relating to Pakistan speak of Pakistan’s battle against religious extremism and militancy, and the inability to being suspects to justice.
While some of the cables show concern on the trends observed by US diplomats, others simply relay what was being reported in the Pakistani media without comment.
In recent years, courts have yet to issue a verdict on a terrorism case or have released many terror suspects for lack of evidence, including the controversial Jamaat-ud-Dawa’s Ameer Prof Hafiz Muhammed Saeed.

No alternative to ties with Pakistan: Panetta,

2011-08-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON:
Keeping in mind Pakistan’s nuclear assets, its role in Afghanistan and the fact that both the US and Pakistan are partners in the war against terrorism, Washington has no choice but to maintain relations with Islamabad, said Defence Secretary Leon Panetta on Tuesday.
Addressing a packed audience of Congressmen, policymakers and students at the National Defence University, Panetta said that the US and Pakistan have ‘a very complicated relationship.’

Listing US concerns with Pakistan such as its ‘links with the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Pakistan’s refusal to issue visas, and concerns about its nuclear programme’, Panetta said that despite it all, “there is no choice but to maintain a relationship with Pakistan.”
(Read: What would happen if Pakistan and the US severed ties?)
Unsavoury, but imperative
“What makes this (relationship) complicated is that they (Pakistanis) have relationships with the Haqqanis … who are going across the border and attacking our forces in Afghanistan,” he said.
“There’s a relationship with LeT. And, you know, this is a group that goes into India and threatens attacks there. It has conducted attacks there,” said Panetta, who recently stepped down as CIA director to take over at the Pentagon.
However, he said, there were vital interests at stake that meant Washington had to stay committed to the partnership.
“And yet there is no choice but to maintain a relationship with Pakistan. Why? Because we’re fighting a war there … because we are fighting al Qaeda there, and they [Pakistanis] do give us, you know, some cooperation in that effort,” Panetta said.
“They do represent an important force in that region. Because they do happen to be a nuclear power that has nuclear weapons and we have to be concerned about what happens with those nuclear weapons.” He added that there were going to be ‘ups and downs’ in the relationship with Pakistan.
Pakistan’s apprehensions
Asked if their ‘best asset’ – drone – is their ‘worst nightmare,’ both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Panetta immediately replied with a resounding ‘no’. Clinton added that relations between the US and Pakistan were in the long-term interest of both the countries.
She tried to convey Pakistan’s fears and doubts to the audience by quoting the end of the movie ‘Charlie Wilson’s War,’ where the Congressman had wanted to build schools and help both Afghanistan and Pakistan after the Soviets were defeated in the late 80s, but the US left after the war ended, leading to Pakistan’s concerns vis-a-vis the US role in the area.
“Pakistan has a viewpoint that needs to be seen with some respect,” said the secretary of state.
Panetta, who also declined to talk directly about drones, alluded to the subject by saying that the US was taking action against not just those al Qaeda terrorists who were plotting attacks against the US, but also those who were attacking the Pakistani people.
“It is in their interest to go after the terrorists … they can’t pick and choose their interest,” he said.
Asked about reports that Islamabad might have allowed Chinese engineers to examine a US helicopter that crash landed during the May 2 raid that killed Osama bin Laden in his Abbottabad hideout, Panetta declined to confirm or deny the accounts. “I’m not going to comment because it does relate to classified intelligence,” he added.
US stems funds to Haqqani network
In a related development, the US said on Tuesday that it has taken actions aimed at stemming the flow of funds and other aid to a commander of the Haqqani network.
(Read: US tries to stem funds to Haqqani network commander)
Secretary of State Clinton designated commander Sangeen Zadran under an executive order signed by President George W Bush in 2001 in a bid to block funds to suspected terrorists, the State Department said.
“As a result of the designation, all property subject to US jurisdiction in which Sangeen has any interest is blocked and US persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him,” it added.
“Zadran is the shadow governor for Paktika province, Afghanistan and a commander of the Haqqani network,” it said.

Govt to form judicial commission for Bugti murder.

2011-07-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

QUETTA: The federal government has decided to form a judicial commission to probe the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti, Express 24/7 reported on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, speaking to the media after a special cabinet meeting in Quetta, said the judicial commission will be formed within a week. The government will write a letter to the chief justice for the appointment of the commission’s head.

The prime minister said that the government will mobilise all resources to address grievances of the people of Balochistan.

He said the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package was a step towards eliminating a sense of deprivation from the province.

The prime minister blamed extremists for being the main cause of the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan.

Gilani and most of his cabinet members arrived in Quetta on Tuesday for a two-day visit to discuss Balochistan’s issues.

He had earlier reiterated his offer of holding talks and negotiations with Baloch nationalists, saying the nationalists should convey their concerns to the government as it is ready to address their reservation

AJK elections: Polling underway in KP?

2011-07-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: The polling for by-elections in LA-41 constituency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has started in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Express News reported.

Earlier, elections in the constituency were postponed last on an account of allegations of rigging.

The voting is underway in nine districts of KP where more than six thousand and seven hundred voters will cast their votes.

A tough competition is expected between Pakistan People Party’s (PPP) Abdul Majid Khan and joint candidate of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) PML-N and Jamat-i-Islami, Noorul Bari.

The polling that started at 8 am will continue till 5 pm.

On the other hand, AJK high court had ordered for re-polling of 10 polling stations in LA-15 district three and 13 polling stations o

Private security guards: On the safe side

2011-07-12T03:40:00.000-07:00

Over the years, the reassuring whistle of a vigilant chowkidar has been replaced by panic buttons and gun-toting guards. House walls used to be covered with broken glass to deter intruders, but barbed wire is now commonly found at upscale residences.

Since 9/11, security firms have opened up shop in major cities, and over a hundred have been registered in the past three years. According to estimates, at least 600 security companies exist, though many of them are non-functional.

There is obviously a demand for private security, due to deteriorating security conditions, an increase in kidnapping and extortion threats and, above all, the lack of faith in law enforcement agencies. Zims Security’s Noman Zafar estimates that the number of security guards in Karachi is twice that of police officials.

“The law and order situation isn’t improving, so the security business is growing,” says retired military officer Col Syed M Mazhar, who is the regional director for Sindh and Balochistan for Wackenhut Pakistan, a big player in the private security business.

While private security firms, such as the Phoenix Group (earlier known as Brink’s) have been around since the 1980s, the post-9/11 years have witnessed considerable growth in the industry.

“When we started out in the early 1990s, we only had a few companies as clients,” says Zafar. “But after 2000, the security business grew rapidly. It’s only now that the security business is being taken seriously as an industry.”

Even though many of the security firms appear to be small, low-level outfits, upscale, established organisations are a force to be reckoned with. Wackenhut Pakistan’s control room could rival that of a law enforcement agency — employees monitor the tracking systems of vehicles, respond to house calls, keep an eye on the headlines and liaise with law enforcement agencies, employees and response teams to understand the situation in the city. The latter approach is for a service provided to clients: Wackenhut provides security assessments of the region, in the form of weekly and daily situation updates. “There is a review and analysis of the situation. For example, if a strike has been called, we assess what impact it would have on the city, the group’s history, the success of previous strikes, etc.”

These services come at a hefty price, but then the clients have deep pockets — embassies and consulates, foreign non-governmental organisations, multinationals, banks, telecom giants and industrialists have sought the services of these security firms.

On your guard

Even though the security business has proliferated, it has come with a number of disadvantages. Security guards have been found complicit in bank robberies — including the country’s largest known robbery of Rs311 million at Askari Bank in Karachi, as well as in cases of household theft.

Samina Waheed, a homemaker, has employed the services of Phoenix (earlier known as Brinks) since 1996. “When we moved to DHA we preferred to have a security system as opposed to guards. We feel much more secure. Whenever an issue arises, we complain and they respond instantly. It’s been 15 years and the experience has been great.”

When asked why she didn’t opt for hiring guards, Waheed said: “There are a lot of expenses involved with guards — food, housing them, salaries — and we hate guns, so we did not want to have guards around. You also can’t trust guards — who knows who they’re involved with?”

Firms are mostly staffed or run by retired military officials. Executives say these employees are not only trained, but also have a good work ethic. “I raid the army of officers who were passed over for promotion,” quips Wackenhut Pakistan Chairman and defence analyst Ikram Sehgal.

Security firms say it boils down to the verification of the guards hired. According to Mazhar, “This is where companies try to cut costs. We do a three-step process: guards are verified by the National Database and Registration Authority, the police and by our own representatives. We also do not deploy guards at banks who have not been in service for at least six months.”

There are frequent spot checks on locations to assess conditions and performance. Wackenhut Pakistan also has a tiered process of supervision and monitoring. “We’ve realised that we have suffered for even slight slips in the standard operating procedures, which occur once in a blue moon,” says Sehgal.

Verification is essential but, beyond that, a lot also depends on how clients interact with security guards deployed to protect them. “The problem is with banks who engage their guards in duties they’re not supposed to do — like handling piles of cash. If you’re going to wave Rs50,000 around a man who earns Rs7,000, you know what’s going to happen. It’s human instinct,” says Zafar.

A common perception is that anyone in a uniform with a gun is a ‘trained guard’, but security experts such as Sehgal believe that very few firms actually provide training to the guards. “You can’t take a man off the street and give him a gun,” he said. “You’re playing with danger.”

The number of training schools are few and far in between. While Wackenhut Pakistan has its own training school and provides refresher training to guards and supervisors alike, Zims has a three-day training course and also refers employees for training at the All Pakistan Security Agencies Association’s (APSAA) training school. However, the school can only train up to 20 people at a time.

In the event that complaints are received about guards, they are investigated and then dismissed, if found guilty. Criminal charges are pressed only if the complainants want to pursue legal action. Zafar points out that security companies have assisted the police in tracking down employees involved in theft. “Information about the guards who robbed Askari Bank was provided by the security firm; otherwise the police would have never been able to catch them.”

Security firms maintain a constant liaison with law enforcement agencies. The website for the APSAA also features a page of ‘blacklisted employees’, with their bio data and alleged crime. At the same time, Col (retd) Islam, the APSAA’s honorary secretary, says it’s unfair to stereotype guards. “There are guards who have given their lives for their companies. The clients who treat guards well — offering them extra pay and medical facilities — their guards go beyond the call of duty.”

The companies

It’s not just the guards who need to be checked and verified — security companies themselves are scrutinised extensively before their registration. According to information presented in the Senate this year, documentation is first scrutinised by the ministry of interior (MoI) for the issuance of a no-objection certificate. After the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan registers the company, the interior ministry checks that all requirements have been met. Details of the proposed directors are then sent for clearance to the Inter-Services Intelligence agency, the Intelligence Bureau, the ministry of defence and the Special Branch. The documentation is then approved by a committee which has representatives from the interior ministry and the Federal Investigation Agency.

“There’s so much scrutiny,” Zafar says, “It isn’t easy for anyone to open a security company. Of course, in the case of some retired military officers they may have connections that help them with the process.”

However, the All Pakistan Security Agencies Association complains that the police delay the verification of guards, leading to a one-year backlog. Security firms also complain that the lack of proper training and adequate arms is problematic. According to APSAA, guards are only allowed to carry a 12-bolt gun, whereas robbers use AK-47s. “Since banks are insured against robberies, they prefer that the guards don’t fire at robbers. The 12-bolt gun has a spread and so it can harm bystanders. Banks don’t want to risk customers being injured.”

While security is of paramount concern to these organisations, some clients try to cut corners. “A lot of companies, such as banks, don’t update their CCTV systems,” says Zafar. “When we provide an assessment of the area and recommend a number of guards, they’ll want to cut down the number. A factory spread on two acres only had one guard — the rest of the area was open.”

The role of the APSAA

APSAA is trying to represent the concerns of security agencies, working as a lobbyist of sorts. One key demand, for example, was that security guards not be allowed to unionise, which the government has agreed to. “We’re against it because of the sensitive nature of this work,” Col (retd) Tauqirul Islam, the association’s honorary secretary, told The Express Tribune Magazine. “Look at the havoc created by union workers during protests. Now imagine this with our guards who have licenced weapons!”

The operation of security firms is governed by provincial ordinances, as well as one for the Islamabad Capital Territory. The senate’s website states that “In order to ensure monitoring of the private security companies, periodical inspections are carried out by the respective illaqa Magistrates Sub-Divisional Magistrates with the help of police authorities.”

While security firms say there are no issues with the laws, it is the implementation that’s an issue. Says Sehgal: “It is dependent on the integrity of the person doing the inspection.”

The security industry has received some major blows in the past decade, particularly by rumours that organisations are working with foreign intelligence agencies or as covers for foreign security firms. According to APSAA, security agencies are not allowed to work with foreign security companies or employ foreigners.

In 2009, as rumours spread about the presence of the notorious security firm Blackwater (now known as Xe Services) in Pakistan, the Islamabad offices of the InterRisk security company were raided. InterRisk was contracted to provide services to the US Embassy in Islamabad. According to news reports published at the time, the firm was raided because it had allegedly obtained weapons that private security companies are prohibited from acquiring.

The suspicions have led, according to Sehgal, organisations to become extremely cautious. He said his company has to bend over backwards to clear any suspicion about their work, since they handle security for foreign missions and high-profile non-governmental organisations.

Security firms and clients alike are also deeply concerned about hiring and deploying guards. Concerns have risen after the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer at the hands of a member of the Elite Force squad protecting him. His daughter Sara Taseer Shoaib later posted images on Twitter of her family with her late father’s guards, saying “False security with this deadly force” and “Putting my baby at risk with deadly guards who murdered my father”.

APSAA says it has developed a pro forma psychological test of sorts for hiring guards, which was developed with the assistance of army psychologists. They hope that measures like these will prevent a repeat of the Qadri episode.

“You have to know your guards and you have to treat them well,” says Sehgal. “If you don’t know who they are, what their lives are like, you can’t depend on them. One of the major mistakes people make is that they have no personal interaction with the guards.”

“Guards are not considered as human beings,” says Zafar. “Forget about shade — at some places they don’t even offer water to guards. We’ve had to refuse clients because we know this is how they treat guards. It is also our responsibility as a company to ensure good working conditions.”