Pakistan Politics

Loss of Opportunities in the Land of Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:13:00 +0000

'At the time of independence Pakistan had something around two and a half textile mills; a small unit at Lahore and one in Faisalabad. We decided to shift production to Multan as Faisalabad would be too big for two textile mills.' Thus began Mian Mughees A Sheikh's personal account of the historical political and socioeconomic conditions prevalent in Pakistan's nascent years when industries first began agglomerate in the predominantly agro based economy of Pakistan. The current state of the textile sector, once Pakistan's industrial forte is festering and fizzling away due to unbridled malfeasance by pencil pushers in a dysfunctional system set in place by self serving individuals.

Lyallpur was home to Delhi Cloth Mills of Sir Sri Ram before independence, when Colony Textiles was set up in 1945. The first three textile mills to go into production in West Pakistan were Kohinoor in Faisalabad, Colony in Multan and Valika in Karachi. Initially the 15,00,000 bales of cotton produced in Pakistan were considered sufficient to meet local demand; this volume has now swelled to over 15 million bales now with textiles accounting for 55% of total export proceeds of the country. [1]It took Pakistan ten to fifteen years to establish a foothold in this sector before it began exporting textile products abroad.

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WHO IS THE WAR ON TERROR AGAINST ANYWAY?

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:41:00 +0000

By: Nida Afaque

Spearhead Research

Coalition forces have announced the end of their operations in Afghanistan by 2014 and reconciliation processes to hand over control to local forces is underway. Will US and its allies be effective in terminating the threat of militants by that time or will the War on Terror pick a new adversary and venue for its genocide?

The 9/11 disaster made it obvious that the US were going to rout out the terrorists who had infringed upon their national security. The Authorization for Use of Military Force was passed by the Congress soon after the incident. It authorized the US president to "use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons... [who]… planned, authorized, committed… aided or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism…" This loosely formulated bill was the golden ticket to take an anti-terrorist war to any corner of the earth. But after 10 years worth thousands of lives and millions of dollars, the goals of this war are becoming foggy.

The US government claims to follow the Law of Armed Conflict in its international war against terrorism. This law regulates the conduct of forces involved in conflict and seeks to protect civilians, the wounded and prisoners. According to the law, the conflict must be military necessary i.e. only those acts are allowed which are necessary to achieve military goals, the combatant must be clearly identified and distinguished from non-combatants and the force used must be proportionate so that collateral damage can be minimized.

But the very term "armed conflict" is disputed. How can one know for sure the exact conditions that constitute this conflict? The presence of an armed conflict will affect the way opponents are treated in captivity- he/she could be tried as a civilian in the host country or treated as a combatant if war conditions prevail. Rules of war must be used when no alternative law enforcement system is present, not when it suits the purposes of the defender.

Furthermore, identifying a combatant is difficult if not impossible. Many soldiers admit the variables in the battlefield make it difficult to make these decisions in a timely manner. A combatant is one who actively participates in hostilities against the other party. However, when it comes to terrorism, these activities are likely to be covert and so the links between these activities and violence might be blurred. In addition, military necessity and proportionate force cannot be measured and would be interpreted differently by different parties. All this makes it easier to get away with offenses against international laws.

Under the terms of such laws of war, the US military and its allies targeted al-Qaeda in Iraq and gradually took down most of its senior leaders. The Abbottabad raid that killed Bin Laden was the last straw for al-Qaeda. But just like Ex-President Bush claimed the war will not end with al-Qaeda even though it started with it. US forces now focused their attention on Afghanistan to destroy it as a base for al-Qaeda. This move however, opened the door to many other militant organizations like Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP), Haqaani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba etc which might or might not be linked to each other.

There are multiple narratives of the war in Afghanistan. US set out to annihilate those persons or organizations which were a threat to its national security. They believed al-Qaeda grew in areas with fragmented governance and after reducing al-Qaeda's power, it tried to install a political stable anti-terrorist Afghan government to prevent Al-Qaeda from returning to this region to build its forces.

The Afghan Taliban were targeted by US forces for providing a safe haven to Bin Laden. Foreign intervention however, was seen as an encroachment on their fundamental rights. The battle that ensued defeated the Taliban and a pro-American Afghan Government was set up under Karzai. This further angered the Taliban who fought to regain their position as leaders of the nation.

Militant groups like the TTP and the Haqqani network, whose grievances were against the Pakistani state, are said to be supporting the Afghan Taliban against the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Taliban hold Mullah Omer to be their leader even though Afghan Taliban have disapprove of their attacks on the Pakistani government and people. But Afghan Taliban need the TTP to maintain their refuges in North and South Waziristan and to also recruit new soldiers and suicide bombers for their fight. Some reports believe the Haqqani Network is used by the Afghan Taliban to maintain peace between TTP and other Taliban factions.

The American Military feel its mission is greatly hindered by the presence of these additional insurgents. They are deeply concerned about the recruitment activities held in Pakistan which provide a never-ending supply of militants and the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which have been the cause of many deaths amongst the international forces. Material used in these bombs such as fertilizer has been traced back to Pakistan. For this reason, the US forces have enlisted the support of Pakistan to control militants on its soil. Pakistan receives $800 million annually from the US under the Coalition Support Fund.

Al-Qaeda's power has indeed been diminished but it is still suspected of aiding militants on either side of the border. Many make the mistake of believing the Taliban and al-Qaeda to be one in the same thing but in reality the two groups are quite distinct. Al-Qaeda is a global movement which is treated as a threat by the Americans. The Taliban are, however, a more localized force and are not interested in international terrorism. The two groups interact on an individual, religious or contextual level (as in the case of the War of Terror). Worried about their own security, the Afghan Taliban have refrained from openly denouncing al-Qaeda but have still tried to keep themselves separate from them. To the disappointment of elder Taliban leaders, their new generation which is less nationalistic and more radical-minded is malleable to the ideologies of Al-Qaeda. The Afghan Taliban want to establish a government to their liking that abides by the Islamic laws and wishes to get rid of any foreign influence in Afghanistan. Mutual interests have promoted collaboration between al-Qaeda and Afghan Taliban.

The situation holds true across the border too. The Pakistan Taliban have similar ideologies as al-Qaeda. They believe the parliament to be un-Islamic and the government to be a traitor for associating with Western powers. Despite its close relations with Pakistan's ISI, al-Qaeda leaders saw Pakistan inclining towards the US and offered its help to the local militants. It has reportedly mediated amongst Pakistani militant groups and factions and has even provided human resources for suicide missions to the Haqqani Network to use in Afghanistan. Over the past year or two, TTP have been involved in many high profile kidnappings and the ransom collected is often sent across the border to the Afghan Taliban.

Foreign occupation of Afghanistan gave birth to the ideal circumstances Al-Qaeda could ever wish for. Religious scholars' decrees about fighting non-Muslim occupiers could be fully realized. They used the Taliban's dissent against NATO forces to further their goal of resisting western domination and creating a radical Islamic world. A longer foreign presence would give them the opportunity to unite more and more people under their movement.

Earlier this month, reports claimed that Al-Qaeda's threat had been misjudged and home grown terrorism maybe on the rise. At the moment, Al-Qaeda is involved in small scale skirmishes against governments and the Western powers through its offshoots like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and most recently, with Islamic militants in Somalia called Al-Shabab.

The War on Terror has changed its dynamics over the last decade and its loosely defined boundaries have only permitted it to continue unchecked. It is extremely likely to meet a set of different conditions in the field. With unknown adversaries, unfamiliar surroundings and no manual to handle such situations, decision are made which have even changed the course of this war. In heading out for al-Qaeda, NATO troops have clashed with local leaders and the death of innocent civilians has transformed many natives into militants. This has only made their mission more complicated.

Both intentionally and unintentionally, the Taliban, TTP and al-Qaeda have come to mean the same thing to the common man. They all represent an ideology, a mind-set which involves violent means of opposing western influence and protecting their religious beliefs. So like President Bush said back in 2001, "Our war on terror will be much broader than the battlefields and beachheads of the past. The war will be fought wherever terrorists hide, or run, or plan."

War narratives will vary depending on which camp you belong to and this very fact makes negotiations a challenge. It remains to be seen how Western powers will leave the Afghan battlefield; the extent to which they will give in to the demands of the Afghan Taliban without undoing the fruits of their labor. Changing the ideology of your enemy is the most sustainable way to ensure peace but it is also the toughest task to implement. If negotiators are not careful, a disagreement or cut off could set off a sequel to War of Terror.
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Understanding the Baloch

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:35:00 +0000

Area 14/8

Now a days, the basic problem is that people are not aware of history, everyone goes by what the media feeds them and media is Zionist dominated. What the media is telling are what the Zionists want to achieve therefore they engineer the facts; in most cases the facts are removed or replaced by the people in between so that no linkages can be established.

Since past sometime, United States, the United Kingdom and one silent participant Australia are busy distorting the facts and presenting stories out of context. In this game, as admitted by Manmohan Singh, the Indian Prime Minister in a meeting with Yousaf Raza Gillani at Sharmal Shaikh that India has linkages with Baloch insurgency and dissidents. The role of Zionist Israel cannot be ruled out since it's behind everything that's happening in the world but more so in the Muslim World. In case of Pakistan Zino-Hindutwa axis are very strong.

Our educationists and sociologists have failed to impart the education of history in its true perspective that is precisely the reason that today we are a lost nation. Everyone tends to believe what the West says and they go by it. Politicians are not aware of the history as most people in the assemblies consists of those who either are not aware of their own history or are in the process of taking new identities to delink from their past. With this sort of people in the parliaments, one can never expect anything good but what suits them the best.

In 1910, a Scottish-American, Andrew Carnegie, who had made, his fortune in 'Steel Industry', left a $10 million Endowment for international peace-which is the fore-runner of other Carnegie related ventures, however, what his intentions had been, and what the endowment has created are two different aspects. The Carnegie Journalist program, was launched in 1974, though with an outward image to anticipate, 'Near-Horizon' problems, in reality it was to induct journalists from world over, to create a hype, to keep a check on, the soviets (USSR) global moves. The journalists went for superficial, which an average reader could co-relate with. So, started the 'Awareness of the Baluchistan issue.'

An insurgency was very much so on ground, however no one bothered to find the reason why? The British legacy had left their created Sardars, who while retaining their feudalistic powers, wanted to gain, the political legitimacy as well. They followed the policy of what is mine is mine, and what is yours (of the people of their tribes) is also mine!

The royalties taken on concessions, were technically for the welfare of the people, within the tribal setups, but spent by the Sardars as their own bounty, while the poor people, had no recourse but move in an exodus, from the regions, as is seen, in the last over 100 years, to seek a living elsewhere.

The tribes of the Sindh valley over the past 1600 years or so have been constantly on the move; as one studies and discovers, natural calamities, plagues, and wars all took their toll. The transformation from one major tribal setup to another, had been a question of survival or escape from the domination of the strong and the cruel. Our Social mores, are based on an egalitarian society, and people of the area have always hated the feudal system to the core of their hearts, and hence the refuge in the wilderness or the remote valleys, But the intruders have from time to time imposed on us their lackeys or the willing amongst us who sold their souls, for a gain.

The geographic boundaries, which Pakistan was thrust with were legacy of our past rulers, though with reference to region under study its bulk area came, affiliated with either old Alor or Multan, Administrative, boundaries, Even in the Jam Nizam ud din Nandah period, (1461-1508) In the west, Till Bolan, inclusive of the Kaachi plains, was the part of, throne of Sindh. As were the Tal-chotiali, chacha, and barkhan regions, regions, wherein comes the present Mari and Bugti areas. It was in Akbar's time that Kandahar provinces, limits were extended till Duki. Rest being part of Multan Suba, as was Bolan and Kaachi areas, too.

The areas were well populated, and fertile, with Saraiki speaking people, when Naseer khan Barrohi, was given these areas,1740, for the services rendered, he pushed out the old people and transplanted them, with people of his own confederacy, the Eastern passes, of the Rohe Suleiman Range had been gateways of Trade, since Ancient Times, In the Mughal era with opening of Khyber pass, majority of Trade routes suffered, the cause, being the Movements, of Bayazids Ansari, heretics, and expansion of Safavid's in the east.

Now coming to the most pertinent question, which being, is the present head of Bugti tribe and its Sept's (clans), Actually Balochi???

For that a study of the Notes on the Balochi, Barrohi, and the Sindhi tribes, should suffice.

Immediately after the creation of Baluchistan entity by the British, the Government ordered,

that the data be made of the Ethnic composition of various tribes of the region and inter-related ones, all the Mukhtiars and Mahaska's, in the revenue departments, in the districts concerned were ordered, The reports compiled, from, communications, histories, manuscripts and the popular oral accounts, which also covered, profession of, various, tribes, matrimonial, and other related customs, were submitted to Drum. Daudpota, member, Sindh public service commission, and published in 1901.

The excerpts of the report state (p-26/27), covering the Bugti tribe, In January 1890,on the recommendation of Robert Sandmen, Shahbaz khan, was conferred with the tittle of a Nawab, he was also later given a large tract of land on the Jamrau canal, for rendering assistance, during the outbreak of the ,HUR, in 1896/1897.Here without going in the details of the 24 Sept or clans of Bugti Confederacy, the report states, that, The chief of the tribe is Nawab Shahbaz Khan, Rahejo Bugti, son of Ghulam Murtaza Khan rahejo Bugti, A popular account says that Rahejo or more commonly called, Rahuja, are from the Major Sindhi tribal set up of the 'Samma', to which the great ancestor of the present Bugti chief belonged, and that by Association with the Balochi's and settlement in the old Bugti hills and streams, his descendants became Bugti Baloch, and if we study the Samma, tribal Sept's/clans which number in all 766,we find Raheja, very much so part of their entity (pages-44 to 53,and for more details in minor off shoots, pages 89 to 97)

If one follows the Baloch population, one would more Baloch living in the Punjab alone than what are living in Balochistan; then there is a strong Baloch population in Sindh as well. All these Baloch shifted out from Balochistan for various reasons and one of them was the treatment meted out to these people by the Sardars therefore they took a refuge away from their ancestral places.

These Sardars have always demanded money for their loyalties but never spent a penny on the welfare of their people. When one meets the tribesmen, they show resentment and unhappiness with these Sardars and their system.

Makran Coast is a different ethnic and cultural background. It was under the occupation of Sultanate of Oman. In 1956, Feroze Khan Noon, then the Prime Minister of Pakistan had bought it by paying cash to Oman. Therefore it does not form part of Balochistan, also the Pathan population of Balochistan is over 50% and then there are settlers and Brohis also. Thus the entire land does not belong to the Baloch.

Have people and media men in particular forgotten that on the 1973 constitution even the Baloch Sardars had their signatures to approve it unanimously now how can they claim that Pakistan has occupied their lands forcefully.
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The key element in the Afghanistan problem

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:08:00 +0000

By: Salman Haqqi

A few years ago, while still in college, I attended a talk by Robert Fisk, the Middle East Bureau Chief for The Independent in UK.

He was in his usual Fisk-ian form. Lambasting western journalists for their false equivalencies, he spoke passionately about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, recalled the atrocities committed in Iraq that he had had seen personally and basically painted a dismal picture for the future of the Middle East - one of eternal war and endless suffering.

Later on, I was lucky enough to get a few minutes with him alone, at which point I told him I was from Pakistan. He sighed as if a great burden had just descended down on him and gave me a knowing half-smile. I asked him about Afghanistan.

"We don't read our history books." he said. "The battles in Afghanistan, the war in Afghanistan, is not about Afghanistan - it's about Kashmir. Many of the Taliban come from Kashmir, and the Pakistan military and the ISI have boosted their support for the Taliban because they believe the Indians are backing [Hamid] Karzai. By allowing India to control to fate of Kashmir, we have not only helped Pakistan to disintegrate, but ensured that Pakistani forces will help the Taliban, and the war will continue in Afghanistan."

Fisk isn't the only one to have voiced these sentiments. In an interview on National Public Radio in Washington DC, Admiral Mullen in 2011 said concerning Afghanistan, "I think unlocking Kashmir, which is a very difficult issue on the Pak-Indian border, is one that opens it all up."

Kashmir is the reason Pakistan started utilising militant groups as not only proxies, but more specifically as "weapons" against India, in what is commonly known in security circles as Pakistan's "Bleed India" campaign.

The use of militant groups as proxies has gone ignored by the US despite constant attacks against India. During his tenure, Mullen tried to seek the necessary civilian solutions between the three nation states as the key to solving this problem for all countries, but the efforts were perfunctory at best.

"Engagements with the civilian leaders, engagements with the economic leaders, engagements in the region, I believe we have to continue to try to, all of us, figure out a way to work that as well," Mullen observed.

The folly in this whole plan to this point, it is said, remains with India, whose constant refusal of outside intervention or mediation and framing the problem as an "internal issue." The general consensus among many people is that the Indians need to come to the realisation at some point that they must finally show some flexibility in the Kashmir issue.

But that's only half of the story. For nearly a decade, the US has done little in terms of concrete efforts to improve relations between India and Pakistan. And because of this the ISI still allows Afghan and Central Asian terrorist groups to operate from Pakistani soil and refuses to clamp down on the anti-Indian terrorist groups operating from the Punjab province, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which launched the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

US negligence of the realities of the region has allowed foreign militants to radicalise Pakistani Pashtun tribes. Yet Pakistani strategists still think they can crush the homegrown militants while maintaining the Afghan Taliban as a proxy force for a final settlement in Afghanistan.

But while America's mistakes are many and mendacious, its biggest mistake is its failure to recognise - or its ignorance of - Pakistan's masochistic obsession with India. It's been a known fact for decades that Pakistan's army has historically been consumed with Indian expansion in the region, and has taken the billions in aid from the US to channel into weapons system for the next confrontation with India at great domestic costs. General Ashfaq Kayani has readily admitted to his philosophy on security to be "India-centric."

While all that may be true, Fisk said, it isn't really about Indian inflexibility or Pakistani intransigence in supporting militants. In the end, he said, it's about justice and injustice.

"American authorities need to engage with Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, and play the even handed role, which they are not playing in Kashmir any more than they are playing in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict," he said. "And the reason [US and Britain] let the injustices continue is simply because India is the largest burgeoning economy in that area. America and Britain see India as the main buffer state against China and therefore we will support what India wants in Kashmir - not what the people of Kashmir want, but what India wants."

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta who has been highly critical of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani Network, has also recognised the Kashmir-Afghanistan linkage. During a Q&A in Washington last year, he admitted that Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are "all part of a very vital area, a very vital region and that an awful lot of history created incredible complexities and difficulties" for US efforts to bring India, Pakistan and Afghanistan together.

Panetta went on to say that, "we [US] have urged them [Pakistan] to work with India to try to resolve the issues along the border area, because ultimately, until that is done, we are going to continue to have a great deal of instability."

The remark is a telling representation of the hands-off attitude the US has when it comes to Kashmir.

Before he was elected, Barack Obama suggested he would try to resolve the India-Pakistan rivalry, and the Kashmir dispute that fuels it. But of course, the chasm between campaign Obama and President Obama is where his presidency has lost the credibility he had garnered both in terms of domestic and foreign policy.

While the United States has remained silent on Kashmir, a new Indo-Pak rivalry has erupted over the battle for influence in a post-US-withdrawal world, manifested in terrorist attacks on Indian diplomats and road workers in Afghanistan and, Pakistan claims, Indian-sponsored unrest in Balochistan.

The dichotomy of US policy in the region is that in its attempt to be farsighted in its geopolitical chess game with Russia and China, it has rendered its short term policies to be myopic to the point of foolishness.

This, as Fisk said, "is the equation that turns sand into blood."

A few years ago, while still in college, I attended a talk by Robert Fisk, the Middle East Bureau Chief for The Independent in UK.

He was in his usual Fisk-ian form. Lambasting western journalists for their false equivalencies, he spoke passionately about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, recalled the atrocities committed in Iraq that he had had seen personally and basically painted a dismal picture for the future of the Middle East - one of eternal war and endless suffering.

Later on, I was lucky enough to get a few minutes with him alone, at which point I told him I was from Pakistan. He sighed as if a great burden had just descended down on him and gave me a knowing half-smile. I asked him about Afghanistan.

"We don't read our history books." he said. "The battles in Afghanistan, the war in Afghanistan, is not about Afghanistan - it's about Kashmir. Many of the Taliban come from Kashmir, and the Pakistan military and the ISI have boosted their support for the Taliban because they believe the Indians are backing [Hamid] Karzai. By allowing India to control to fate of Kashmir, we have not only helped Pakistan to disintegrate, but ensured that Pakistani forces will help the Taliban, and the war will continue in Afghanistan."

Fisk isn't the only one to have voiced these sentiments. In an interview on National Public Radio in Washington DC, Admiral Mullen in 2011 said concerning Afghanistan, "I think unlocking Kashmir, which is a very difficult issue on the Pak-Indian border, is one that opens it all up."

Kashmir is the reason Pakistan started utilising militant groups as not only proxies, but more specifically as "weapons" against India, in what is commonly known in security circles as Pakistan's "Bleed India" campaign.

The use of militant groups as proxies has gone ignored by the US despite constant attacks against India. During his tenure, Mullen tried to seek the necessary civilian solutions between the three nation states as the key to solving this problem for all countries, but the efforts were perfunctory at best.

"Engagements with the civilian leaders, engagements with the economic leaders, engagements in the region, I believe we have to continue to try to, all of us, figure out a way to work that as well," Mullen observed.

The folly in this whole plan to this point, it is said, remains with India, whose constant refusal of outside intervention or mediation and framing the problem as an "internal issue." The general consensus among many people is that the Indians need to come to the realisation at some point that they must finally show some flexibility in the Kashmir issue.

But that's only half of the story. For nearly a decade, the US has done little in terms of concrete efforts to improve relations between India and Pakistan. And because of this the ISI still allows Afghan and Central Asian terrorist groups to operate from Pakistani soil and refuses to clamp down on the anti-Indian terrorist groups operating from the Punjab province, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which launched the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

US negligence of the realities of the region has allowed foreign militants to radicalise Pakistani Pashtun tribes. Yet Pakistani strategists still think they can crush the homegrown militants while maintaining the Afghan Taliban as a proxy force for a final settlement in Afghanistan.

But while America's mistakes are many and mendacious, its biggest mistake is its failure to recognise - or its ignorance of - Pakistan's masochistic obsession with India. It's been a known fact for decades that Pakistan's army has historically been consumed with Indian expansion in the region, and has taken the billions in aid from the US to channel into weapons system for the next confrontation with India at great domestic costs. General Ashfaq Kayani has readily admitted to his philosophy on security to be "India-centric."

While all that may be true, Fisk said, it isn't really about Indian inflexibility or Pakistani intransigence in supporting militants. In the end, he said, it's about justice and injustice.

"American authorities need to engage with Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, and play the even handed role, which they are not playing in Kashmir any more than they are playing in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict," he said. "And the reason [US and Britain] let the injustices continue is simply because India is the largest burgeoning economy in that area. America and Britain see India as the main buffer state against China and therefore we will support what India wants in Kashmir - not what the people of Kashmir want, but what India wants."

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta who has been highly critical of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani Network, has also recognised the Kashmir-Afghanistan linkage. During a Q&A in Washington last year, he admitted that Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are "all part of a very vital area, a very vital region and that an awful lot of history created incredible complexities and difficulties" for US efforts to bring India, Pakistan and Afghanistan together.

Panetta went on to say that, "we [US] have urged them [Pakistan] to work with India to try to resolve the issues along the border area, because ultimately, until that is done, we are going to continue to have a great deal of instability."

The remark is a telling representation of the hands-off attitude the US has when it comes to Kashmir.

Before he was elected, Barack Obama suggested he would try to resolve the India-Pakistan rivalry, and the Kashmir dispute that fuels it. But of course, the chasm between campaign Obama and President Obama is where his presidency has lost the credibility he had garnered both in terms of domestic and foreign policy.

While the United States has remained silent on Kashmir, a new Indo-Pak rivalry has erupted over the battle for influence in a post-US-withdrawal world, manifested in terrorist attacks on Indian diplomats and road workers in Afghanistan and, Pakistan claims, Indian-sponsored unrest in Balochistan.

The dichotomy of US policy in the region is that in its attempt to be farsighted in its geopolitical chess game with Russia and China, it has rendered its short term policies to be myopic to the point of foolishness.

This, as Fisk said, "is the equation that turns sand into blood."

A few years ago, while still in college, I attended a talk by Robert Fisk, the Middle East Bureau Chief for The Independent in UK.

He was in his usual Fisk-ian form. Lambasting western journalists for their false equivalencies, he spoke passionately about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, recalled the atrocities committed in Iraq that he had had seen personally and basically painted a dismal picture for the future of the Middle East - one of eternal war and endless suffering.

Later on, I was lucky enough to get a few minutes with him alone, at which point I told him I was from Pakistan. He sighed as if a great burden had just descended down on him and gave me a knowing half-smile. I asked him about Afghanistan.

"We don't read our history books." he said. "The battles in Afghanistan, the war in Afghanistan, is not about Afghanistan - it's about Kashmir. Many of the Taliban come from Kashmir, and the Pakistan military and the ISI have boosted their support for the Taliban because they believe the Indians are backing [Hamid] Karzai. By allowing India to control to fate of Kashmir, we have not only helped Pakistan to disintegrate, but ensured that Pakistani forces will help the Taliban, and the war will continue in Afghanistan."

Fisk isn't the only one to have voiced these sentiments. In an interview on National Public Radio in Washington DC, Admiral Mullen in 2011 said concerning Afghanistan, "I think unlocking Kashmir, which is a very difficult issue on the Pak-Indian border, is one that opens it all up."

Kashmir is the reason Pakistan started utilising militant groups as not only proxies, but more specifically as "weapons" against India, in what is commonly known in security circles as Pakistan's "Bleed India" campaign.

The use of militant groups as proxies has gone ignored by the US despite constant attacks against India. During his tenure, Mullen tried to seek the necessary civilian solutions between the three nation states as the key to solving this problem for all countries, but the efforts were perfunctory at best.

"Engagements with the civilian leaders, engagements with the economic leaders, engagements in the region, I believe we have to continue to try to, all of us, figure out a way to work that as well," Mullen observed.

The folly in this whole plan to this point, it is said, remains with India, whose constant refusal of outside intervention or mediation and framing the problem as an "internal issue." The general consensus among many people is that the Indians need to come to the realisation at some point that they must finally show some flexibility in the Kashmir issue.

But that's only half of the story. For nearly a decade, the US has done little in terms of concrete efforts to improve relations between India and Pakistan. And because of this the ISI still allows Afghan and Central Asian terrorist groups to operate from Pakistani soil and refuses to clamp down on the anti-Indian terrorist groups operating from the Punjab province, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which launched the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

US negligence of the realities of the region has allowed foreign militants to radicalise Pakistani Pashtun tribes. Yet Pakistani strategists still think they can crush the homegrown militants while maintaining the Afghan Taliban as a proxy force for a final settlement in Afghanistan.

But while America's mistakes are many and mendacious, its biggest mistake is its failure to recognise - or its ignorance of - Pakistan's masochistic obsession with India. It's been a known fact for decades that Pakistan's army has historically been consumed with Indian expansion in the region, and has taken the billions in aid from the US to channel into weapons system for the next confrontation with India at great domestic costs. General Ashfaq Kayani has readily admitted to his philosophy on security to be "India-centric."

While all that may be true, Fisk said, it isn't really about Indian inflexibility or Pakistani intransigence in supporting militants. In the end, he said, it's about justice and injustice.

"American authorities need to engage with Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, and play the even handed role, which they are not playing in Kashmir any more than they are playing in the Palestinian and Israeli conflict," he said. "And the reason [US and Britain] let the injustices continue is simply because India is the largest burgeoning economy in that area. America and Britain see India as the main buffer state against China and therefore we will support what India wants in Kashmir - not what the people of Kashmir want, but what India wants."

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta who has been highly critical of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani Network, has also recognised the Kashmir-Afghanistan linkage. During a Q&A in Washington last year, he admitted that Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are "all part of a very vital area, a very vital region and that an awful lot of history created incredible complexities and difficulties" for US efforts to bring India, Pakistan and Afghanistan together.

Panetta went on to say that, "we [US] have urged them [Pakistan] to work with India to try to resolve the issues along the border area, because ultimately, until that is done, we are going to continue to have a great deal of instability."

The remark is a telling representation of the hands-off attitude the US has when it comes to Kashmir.

Before he was elected, Barack Obama suggested he would try to resolve the India-Pakistan rivalry, and the Kashmir dispute that fuels it. But of course, the chasm between campaign Obama and President Obama is where his presidency has lost the credibility he had garnered both in terms of domestic and foreign policy.

While the United States has remained silent on Kashmir, a new Indo-Pak rivalry has erupted over the battle for influence in a post-US-withdrawal world, manifested in terrorist attacks on Indian diplomats and road workers in Afghanistan and, Pakistan claims, Indian-sponsored unrest in Balochistan.

The dichotomy of US policy in the region is that in its attempt to be farsighted in its geopolitical chess game with Russia and China, it has rendered its short term policies to be myopic to the point of foolishness.

This, as Fisk said, "is the equation that turns sand into blood."
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STRAWS IN THE WIND

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:41:00 +0000

By Ahsan Waheed

ZoneAsia-Pk

There is a big hype in the media about the Prime Minister's fate at the hands of the judiciary. It is certainly news and a sad day for Pakistan but not the kind of catastrophe that it is made out to be. If he is convicted and goes there will be another Prime Minister and it will be business as usual. The majority feel that he should be allowed to complete his term and that writing a letter to a foreign government about an elected President is not what our government should be doing. In any case these matters are good for drawing room discussions and media speculations but do not matter one way or the other.

Then there is the furor over the memo, the so called memo-gate. This non starter from the outset started off with a bang, created some fireworks and collapsed with a whimper. It is being dragged along but no one is interested any more. If two functionaries had to depart then another two took their place. If there was some hard talk then it was followed by clarifications and assurance. The whole thing was and remains farcical.

We now have the drama of the ISI Chiefs replacement. This is a routine affair and there are clear cut procedures for it. If he gets another extension it will be good because he is a straight talking and straight shooting man who has done a great job. If he retires he will be replaced by a suitable lieutenant general selected from the panel of names given by the military. The US Ambassador has commented upon this change in his address in Massachusetts. The US is 'monitoring' this change as if it matters or as if it can do anything about it. One of the analysts from the many who make a living out of commenting on Pakistan has said that this change is very significant because the ISI is not just an intelligence agency but it actually makes policy. So has it made all the policies that are being implemented? All this does boost the ISI image by driving home the point that it is an obsession for many who are terrified by it. That's not too bad-is it?

The US is talking to the Taliban and have allowed them an office in Qatar so that others can talk too. Everyone and his aunt know that the US is preparing for a face saving exit after being defeated and after failing to create any sustainable structures in Afghanistan. The Taliban and others are licking their chops at the prospect of tucking into the pathetic caricature that is the Afghan Security Forces. The suited guys in government are looking at getting out as quietly as possible to wherever they came from. After the US and NATO leave it will be business as usual in and around Afghanistan. Karzai will be ditched and will be history-not that it will make any difference.

There is the matter of who kept Osama under wraps. A bitter, sick retired general with an axe to grind has blamed Musharraf and everyone is running round in circles. A doctor recruited by the US to find Osama is being interrogated and the US is 'concerned'---he is a Pakistani and not a US citizen. US 'diplomats' continue to be tripped up some where or the other-the latest being one caught at an airport with bullets in his bag. Every one wonders where his gun was hidden and whether they searched him thoroughly. Some mad cap 'fundos' with some misguided former position holders get up on a stage and make threatening noises and tremors go through the land and as far away as the US! The good thing is that Pakistan continues to tick over and Pakistanis cope with power shortages and soaring costs. If the NATO logistics resume through Pakistan the dollars will flow in---not bad at all.

What matters is Pakistan's economy, its internal situation, its institutions and public sector enterprises, its relations with neighbors and the world, its people and internal security. This is what we should be focusing on because if we get this right we are home free. Till we can do that let us develop thick skins and not get tickled by all these meaningless straws in the wind.
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Punjab government promoting sports activities

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:49:00 +0000

Area 14/8

The Punjab government is pursuing a comprehensive programme to promote sports and playgrounds are being constructed throughout the province, says Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

According to a handout, the chief minister was talking to reporters after inaugurating a hockey ground and a gymnasium in Model Town here on Sunday.

Mr Sharif said sports helped the youth polish their abilities and a gigantic project of constructing playgrounds from Rahim Yar Khan to Attock was being implemented.

He said the provision of sporting facilities was responsibility of the Punjab government and it was fulfilling its obligation efficiently. Besides playgrounds for outdoor and indoor games, gymnasiums were also being constructed, he added.

He said AstroTurf would soon be laid in the Model Town hockey ground besides ensuring more facilities for spectators.

He said democracy meant furthering the mission of national service, removing flaws and setting the matters right by learning lessons from mistakes.

He said difference of opinion was beauty of democracy and rendering public service was basic principle of democracy. He said he had discussed energy crisis with the prime minister during recent meeting of the Council of Common Interests.

He said generating energy through coal and biogas was also discussed with the prime minister and that he had also agreed to the prime minister's decision to hold an energy conference in Lahore. He expressed his hope that the prime minister would announce some solid steps to overcome the energy crisis in that conference.

The chief minister also inaugurated Ittefaq Sports Complex in Model Town. He also distributed prizes among hockey players and later saw a friendly match.

Later, he inaugurated a gymnasium equipped with modern facilities, including a basketball pitch and a fitness centre.

Meanwhile, the chief minister has said that foundation stone of Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme on Burki Road will be laid on March 23 and besides construction of five, seven and 10-marla houses, apartments will also be constructed in that colony.

Taking a briefing regarding the project here on Sunday, the chief minister said that after the success of Saroba Attari Ashiana Housing Scheme, thousands of houses with modern facilities would be constructed in Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme for the poor and common man.

Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC) Chairman Sheikh Alauddin, Planning and Development Board chairman, senior Board of Revenue member, DCO and other officers were also present. PLDC chief executive officer Momin Agha gave the briefing.
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US expresses concern over human rights violations in Balochistan

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:23:00 +0000

ZoneAsia-Pk

Insisting that the US administration's stance remains unchanged vis-à-vis Balochistan, US Ambassador Cameron Munter asserted on Sunday that "there is no doubt that people in Balochistan are facing human rights abuses".

In an exclusive interview with Daily Express, the top US diplomat in Pakistan said that his country was concerned at the human rights situation in Balochistan and the US administration should take up the 'alarming issue' with Pakistani leaders.

"This is an important issue for us to be discussing with the Pakistani government. But we don't want to go beyond that, in a manner that might be destabilising to any part."

Munter's statement came days after Pakistan's Ambassador in Washington Sherry Rehman called a US Congressional hearing on Balochistan as an "ill-advised move that would be detrimental to the trust between Pakistan and the US."

However, Munter reassured that the Congressional hearing did not reflect a change in the US official policy. "US government's stance is very clear; we have not changed our position," he said.

"We are always concerned, not just in Balochistan, but all around the world on issues that have to do with human rights. And let's be honest there are human rights issues in Balochistan."

Emphasising on the fact that the debate did not mean much in terms of policy making, he stated: "Debate in the Congress is an open debate, people can say what they want but our government's position remains unchanged.

"The Congress is not controlled by our government. We welcome any discussion about the future of your country. Its means that if people are interested in human rights situation of Balochistan, then that should be talked about in public."

The Salala attack

Recalling the 'very tragic' incident of November 26, 2011 when US-led Isaf forces 'accidentally' killed two dozen Pakistani soldiers, Munter said Islamabad was 'understandably' upset with Washington.

"There has been a pause in Pakistan-US relationship after the very tragic incident in Salala in which Nato troops accidently killed some soldiers. A terrible accident which we regret and Pakistan is understandably upset," said Munter.

"(Pakistani) parliament will be debating this issue next week. Since the Salala attack, we have not had that extant of contact with Pakistan about issues like the Afghan reconciliation that we would like to.

"However, we are committed to sharing all this information with Pakistan. Once we have this debate in your Parliament, we want to reengage as soon as Pakistan wants."

Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistani military in fighting militants, Munter said: "We hope that, the efforts made by the Pakistani military, which are significant, will continue to be successful.

"We have nothing but the greatest respect for the Pakistani Army. Hence, we want to ensure good contacts over the border between Isaf and them to avoid terrible incidents like Salala."

Regarding peace talks with Afghanistan, the US ambassador said: "We want to see an Afghan-led process to bring peace to Afghanistan and the good news is America and Pakistan agree on this.

The Qatar initiative

Stressing on the need to keep a direct contact with the Afghan government to ensure a timely end to the more than a decade-long war, Munter said: "We were delighted when Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar went to Kabul and had a successful meeting. This kind of contact is very important.

"There are issues that Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work on together. I think Pakistan can support the dialogue process in Qatar.

"Pakistan will always be included in that process. People in Afghanistan realise that they need to have a process that includes Pakistan."

Stressing on the geo-political importance of the country he added: "Pakistan has legitimate needs in this region."
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PM Gillani indicted in Contempt of Court Case

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:35:00 +0000

Tacstrat

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has been indicted by the Supreme Court in the much-talked about contempt of court case, Geo News reported.

Gilani is the first prime minister of the country who has been indicted.

He was indicted over not implementing paragraph 178 of NRO verdict spreading over two pages.

The court asked PM Gilani have you read the charge sheet upon which he replied in affirmative and said he understands the indictment.

Attorney General (AG) Maulvi Anwarul Haq has been asked by the apex court to act as the prosecutor by the SC.

All the judges signed the charge sheet one by one. Aitzaz begged time till 24 for submission of reply as he was going out of the coutry and will come back by 21st.

The apex court asked the prosecutor to submit the required documents till Feb 16.

A seven-member larger Bench of Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani, Justice Ijaz Afzal Khan, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Athar Saeed will hear the contempt of court case.

Heads of the coalition parties are accompanying the prime minister.
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US Congress must stay out of Pak internal matters: Islamabad

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:04:00 +0000

Tacstrat

Lawmakers in the Upper House of parliament were up in arms against the US congressional meeting on the Balochistan issue on Thursday, calling the move a breach of the country's sovereignty and meddling into the internal affairs of Pakistan.

Strongly condemning the US congressional committee hearing on the Balochistan unrest, the senators from all political parties, except the Awami National Party (ANP), questioned how the US lawmakers dared talk about Pakistan's territorial integrity. Speaking on a point of order, Senator Raza Rabbani of the PPP said the move was a direct attack on Pakistan's sovereignty and made it clear that no foreign country would be allowed to examine anything inside Pakistan. "I condemn this in the strongest possible terms… we are not ready to accept any such message as we are a sovereign state. The US which has a track record of human rights violations across the globe ought to think twice before taking any such step," he added.

Rabbani, who is also chairman of Parliamentary Committee on National Security, called upon the government to take serious note of the US committee hearing over the Balochistan issue and ask the US clearly as to why it had called a meeting over a purely internal issue of another sovereign state. He said if the government failed to take appropriate action in this regard, he as the chairman of Parliamentary Committee on National Security, would take a sou motu notice of the hearing. Senator Prof Ibrahim Khan of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) said Pakistanis had the capacity to resolve its issues without seeking anybody's help. He urged the US to learn to respect human rights.

Senator Ahmed Ali of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) regretted the US congressional committee meeting, saying that the US should have taken such steps against rights abuses in Kashmir instead of exploiting the Balochistan situation.

Senator Abdul Rahim Mandokhel of the PkMAP asked the government to take concrete measures against killing of innocent people without any trial.

Senator Kalsoom Perveen of the Balochistan National Party-Awami said the US should not interfere in Pakistan's internal affairs. "This is our problem and we can solve it in a better way," she said. Contrary to the views of other senators, Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel of the ANP said the world had become a global village and "we cannot stop human rights groups to speak against the atrocities taking place on our soil". Senator Zahid Khan of the ANP also endorsed the views expressed by his fellow colleague, saying that instead of being furious "we should put our own House in order".
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Kashmir, the test that Indian Democracy failed

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:36:00 +0000

The title of one of the sessions in the recently held Jaipur Literature Festival was "Prison Diaries". Moderated by Sidharat Vardarajan, editor of The Hindu, the three authors of on stage were all from Jammu and Kashmir; Iftikhar Gilani, Anjum Zamarud Habib and Sahil Maqbool. Whether it was by choice or coincidence, all the prison diaries that have been produced in India in recent times have been written by Kashmiris.

Iftikhar Gilani, a journalist by profession who is also well-connected with political circles in Delhi, was picked up in 2002 by security agencies from his Delhi residence on charges of espionage.

The allegation was that he was providing information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. He was released only after a gerat media furor but not before spending seven harrowing months in Delhi's Tihar jail.

He wrote a memoir of his days in incarceration"My Days in Prison".

Anjum Zamarud Habib, the founding member and patron of Muslim Khawateen of the Hurriyat Conference, was falsely implicated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), a draconian law that didn't have provision for bail. She spent five years behind the bar and her book "Prisoner No 100" is a rare and shocking account of tortured years spent in Tihar jail and a critique of the judicial system.

After over 18 years as a special correspondent and investigative journalist with one of the mainstream newspapers, Sahil Maqbool - the third author - was arrested as a spy and imprisoned. The time he spent in jail came to be published as a "Jail Memoir", in which he narrates not only his own ordeal but the pains of other prisoners who have fallen prey to the arbitrary application of laws and rules.

So what do these three stories tell us about the relationship between India and the state of Jammu and Kashmir? They tell us how Kashmir has become a prisoner of the Indian establishment's paranoia.

Recently, a prominent institute in Pune was barred by the youth wing of a Hindu rightist party from screening a documentary, "Jashn-e-Azadi", and holding a seminar called Voices of Kashmir. The short film explores the struggle for azadi, freedom, and the conflict in the Kashmir valley. The seminar was an attempt to decipher the voices of the Kashmiri people who feel suffocated by the suspicion and ham-handedness of the security forces.

Not long ago, activist lawyer and leading light of the Anna Hazare Movement, Prashant Bhushan, was thrashed by some extreme right-wing Hindu groups for advocating the cause of the Kashmiri people. The debate that followed largely focused on Bhushan's so-called transgression rather than the attack on his freedom of expression and violence against him. Even his mentor Anna Hazare didn't criticise the attackers but repudiated the lawyer for questioning India's hold over Kashmir. He further added that Kashmir is an integral part of India.

It is this paranoia that has characterised India's policy towards Kashmir for the last 60 years. The kind of democratic choice and freedom that define other Indian states have been absent from this bordering state. The peoples' voice has always been perceived as a threat rather than a call to mend ways. By suspecting the intention of our own people, we have been insulting the genuine voices of the masses who want their own democratic rights and freedom of choice.

For other parts of India, democracy has been acting as a catalyst that liberates people from years of political oppression and empowering them to be political stakeholders. But the same democracy becomes a prisoner of tunnel vision in Jammu and Kashmir - we rig our own potent idea in the disputed territory.

In his book "India and Pakistan" Stanley Wolpert writes:

The people of Kashmir themselves must be permitted to choose their own leaders in free and fair elections, as do Indians in every other states in that union, and New Delhi solemnly commit to supporting Kashmir's provincial autonomy and rights of its people, as it does the autonomy and rights of the people of Punajb,Maharashtra or West Bengal.

But on the contrary, these liberal and democratic values are given a short shrift in the state. And in this crime, the government and the Indian people are complicit. The moral courage and intellectual integrity that is needed to stand up against the brutalities of the forces in the valley is missing. We tend to largely ignore the widespread human rights violation and suppression, and never support their urge for liberation and freedom.

Still, we expect them to stand by us and sing the national anthem at every Independence and Republic Day.

In his book "Until My Freedom has Come", independent documentary film maker and activist, Sanjay Kak writes:

Today the Kashmir Valley has the highest concentration of soldiers in the world - more than Afghanistan, Iraq or Burma. It is only in the last five years that the shape of this intervention has been dragged out of the guarded penumbra of Indian national interest.

He further writes:

…seventy thousand Kashmiris have been killed since 1989,and 8,000 have gone missing. To this must be added the less visible costs of torture, rape,life long physical incapacities and grievous economic, social, and psychological damage.

Pakistan also cannot absolve itself from bringing trouble and hardship to the Kashmiri people it claims as its own. It cannot escape the blame of radicalising the society and precipitating the crisis by its support to militancy and the destructive elements in the valley. By making Kashmir a prestige issue, Islamabad has forgotten the plight and pain of the people.

Wolpert, an old hand in South Asia and a professor emeritus at the University of California, writes:

(Pakistan's) failure to sustain a freely elected civil polity and its inability to control the al Qaeda and the Taliban militants who inhabit its entire Afghan frontier, and to end the nurturing of the Pakistani soil of suicide bombers, its demand for a democratic resolution of Kashmir conflict will have little credibility and win scant support.

At the same time the South Asian expert argues that India should stop the military occupation and "praetorian attacks on Kashmir's Muslim majority".

More than an issue between India and Pakistan, Kashmir is a challenge to India and its idea of democracy and pluralism.

It is a slap to our claim to be a true democracy.

By not honouring our commitment to our Constitution and its values in the disturbed valley, we are inflicting injustice and injuries to our own idea of India.

Kashmir is the place where Indian democracy comes to weep.
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Pakistani Fishermen catch their biggest fish yet

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:36:00 +0000

Fishermen killed and transported an 11-meter long whale shark, weighing in at 22 tons, to the Karachi Fish Harbour from the open seas. Although they paid Rs50,000 alone to lift and transport the carcass of this endangered sea mammal, they were only able to sell it for Rs170,000 as fish trash.

The crew of the small fishing boat, Al-Hafeez, spotted the sea giant near Ghora Bari in the Arabian sea. Experts believe that the crew fed the animal diesel or fresh water to kill it, and then towed the creature to the harbour in hopes of making a profit by auctioning it.

The dead marine mammal did not, however, prove to be worth the hectic efforts made by the fishermen: they paid Rs50,000 to crane operators to lift the dead animal out of the water, but were only able to make a few thousand each, as the animal was auctioned for Rs170, 000, according to officials at the harbour.

A large number of people had excitedly gathered at the Karachi Fish Harbour upon learning that fishermen had caught a mammoth fish; several children and adults were even seen jumping on the body of the dead whale shark.

Initially, the owner of the boat had hired two small cranes to lift the whale shark. The two cranes were unsuccessful in lifting the 22 ton animal out of the water, which prompted the boat's owner to arrange for a single heavy-duty crane to get the job done.

Marine experts said the fish was a whale shark, scientific name Rhincodon Typus. It is better known as "Andhi Mangar" among the local fishermen. The experts said that the creature was a blind sea animal; it was not a predator, nor was at all as ferocious as it appeared, and that it probably proved easy prey for the fishermen.

Experts deplored the fact that no law existed at the provincial or federal levels to prevent the killing and sale of such a precious, rare and large fish. They stated that such animals are usually not used for human consumption, and that their killing deprives the Pakistani waters of an extremely rare organism.

Fisheries sources said the whale shark, which was sold as trash at the harbour, would not be used for preparing poultry feed. Former director KFHA and Marine expert Dr Moazzam Khan informed The News that the whale shark is an endangered species. They stressed the need to create awareness about the affects of it being hunted in Pakistani waters.

"It is of no use of humans other than that its oil is used for wooden fishing boats or for making poultry feed. I read an old article that said that Britishers living in Karachi used to hunt wale sharks in late 19th century and early 20th century, and that this practice continued till the creation of Pakistan" he recalled.

Dr Khan pointed out that this type of whale shark was an extremely vulnerable marine creature. He urged to fishermen to avoid hunting it, even though there were no laws in place against doing so.
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Rupee overvalued against the dollar by 10 percent: IMF

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:23:00 +0000

Area 14/8

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday that the rupee is overvalued against the dollar by as much as 10 percent. In its country report, the Fund said the assessment of real effective exchange rate and external competitiveness shows that there are different scenarios estimating overvaluation of the rupee in the range of 10 percent.

The rupee hit a record low of 90.78 to a dollar on January 9. The local currency, which has lost over 45 percent since the present regime came to power in 2008, has come under renewed pressure in recent weeks due to emerging vulnerabilities on the front of country's external account balance.

The IMF report makes a number of observations. It states that Pakistan's recent export sector performance has been relatively weak. Its share of world export volume has witnessed a downward trend since the mid-1980s, with a significant decline in 2007 amid the crisis.

However, in nominal terms, Pakistan's share of world exports has been relatively stable since 2007, helped by a recovery in cotton prices. Moreover, Pakistan's real effective exchange rate (REER) has been relatively stable since the end of the 1990s, despite significant variations in the current account balance.

According to the report, the key to Pakistan's external competitiveness is improving security conditions, the reliability of energy supply, and its business environment and governance.

Out of 142 countries included in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2011-12, Pakistan ranked 118, with weaknesses identified in: (i) macroeconomic environment; (ii) labour market efficiency; (iii) higher education and training; and (iv) infrastructure. Allowing more flexibility in the exchange rate is necessary to protect the external position, the report said. The authorities have recently allowed more exchange rate flexibility, and as a result Pakistan's de facto exchange rate arrangement has recently been reclassified by the Fund as "floating".

However, the IMF report noted that recent reserve losses had been sizeable and that the exchange rate had not been allowed to move much, considering strong market pressures. The report argued that the State Bank of Pakistan should allow more flexibility during phases of depreciation pressures, while building reserves during phases of appreciation pressures.
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For Indian troops in IHK suicide is a common end

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Tacstrat

A recent report issued by the Indian Defence Ministry has indicated that around 780 Indian troops have committed suicide since 2005 in Indian Held Kashmir.

According to KMS, a study conducted by two Indian psychiatrists shows that 38.56 per cent of Indian forces are schizophrenic, 14.17 per cent suffer from alcohol dependence syndrome and 9.8 per cent are struggling with depression.

Experts are of the opinion that the growing numbers are due to the rigors of dealing with protesters in occupied Kashmir and the remote northeast. The Indian troops have mainly been used for guarding restive borders, quelling civil riots and rescuing operations during natural calamities such as floods, cyclones and earthquakes.

Analysts believe that Indian forces are under tremendous stress, which is a result of low morale, bad service conditions, insufficient home leave and low pay.

Sheikh Showkat, a political analyst, told newsmen that the troops were over-stretched by continuously being in the field with hostile conditions.

"They are not able to go and see their families. They are living in areas where people do not perceive them to be their own people. All this has landed the troopers to psychological stress. The psychological stress makes them go for killing each other or committing suicide," he added.
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Not Such a Super Power

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:12:00 +0000

By Ahsan Waheed

Tacstrat

The discovery of a very large consignment of adult pampers in a consignment meant for US troops in Afghanistan has led to laughter all around especially among their hosts---the Afghans. Apparently the pampers are used by troops so that they do not have to get out of their bunkers at night and so that they are not caught in vulnerable positions by enemies lurking all around them.

Earlier a video had surfaced showing US Marines urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters. Such desecration is particularly repugnant to Islam and such treatment of the enemy dead is seen as cowardly and immoral. The US has indicated that the Marines involved in such shameful behavior have been identified. Even if they are punished the damage is done because it shows a mind set and reflects poorly on discipline and training of US personnel. There was also the much publicized case of Western troops cutting off body parts of dead Taliban to take home as trophies. This had sent a surge of hatred and violence not just in Taliban ranks but all Afghans---even those forced to accept them as allies.

Much earlier in Iraq there was the scandal of ill treatment of Iraqi prisoners---even sexual abuse by US male and female soldiers. Even dogs were used and the sole purpose was humiliation of the enemy when he could not retaliate. Iraqis will not forget. Similar abuses and torture have been reported in detention centers in Afghanistan. President Karzai has been forced to publicly condemn the infamous night raids on Afghan households where not even women and children are spared. Karzai has also acted against the US contractors who are drawn from the ranks of jobless veterans and are truly at the bottom of the food chain in their homeland. These agents have no ethics or morals and are trigger happy killers as the Raymond Davis affair indicated to the whole world. Guantanamo is too well known to comment upon and now there is the new US law under which people can be detained indefinitely on suspicion of terrorism.

Some concerned quarters are now raising concerns over the large numbers of Iraqis and Afghans killed in the US war on terror. US statistics only tally American deaths---there are no statistics on others killed and maimed. The effect on US servicemen is however extreme as is evident from the large numbers suffering from post trauma stress disorder-a euphemism for the reaction from brutalities seen and carried out. As more troops head home the violence in the 'homeland' is sure to increase and will be directed at the most vulnerable segment of society. In the countries where the US has operated a backlash of hatred is already evident making new US allies like India wary and careful how far they go in an embrace that always betrays. An article in the NY Times Jan 15 details the post US reaction in Iraq against US contractors.
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ISI Cleared In Journalists Murder Probe

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:08:00 +0000

ZoneAsia-Pk

The secretary of the Saleem Shehzad Commission on Tuesday presented its probe report to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on the mysterious murder of the journalist, giving a clean chit to the country's security agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Saleem Shehzad was an investigative journalist who had claimed of receiving life threats and pointed fingers at the country's security agencies, especially the ISI, only a few days before his murder.

A source privy to the details said the 140-page report had recommended the prime minister make the report public. "The commission found no involvement of any security agency, including the ISI, in the killing of the journalist. Moreover, none of the journalists interviewed gave any evidence or shared information about the involvement of agencies. No one even blamed any intelligence agency of involvement," added the source. However, the source said the commission directed the intelligence agencies to streamline their working vis-à-vis media and maintain proper record of their interactions with journalists.

The commission further directed the Islamabad and Punjab police departments to continue their respective investigation process to identify the perpetrators of the crime. The commission further asked the government to pay compensation amount to the family of the slain journalist and also cater for the educational needs of his children. "Though the commission was given six weeks to compile its report, it took six months to finalise the probe due to the sensitive nature of the matter. During the period, the commission recorded interviews of 41 individuals that have been made a part of the report," the source said.
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Oil prices drop as situation in Europe and Iran worsen

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:31:00 +0000

Tacstrat

Oil fell for a third day in New York as bets that Europe's debt crisis will worsen and curb fuel demand countered concern that tension with Iran may disrupt Middle East crude exports.

Futures declined as much as 0.5 per cent before German and French leaders meet in Berlin today as they seek to craft a plan for rescuing the euro over the next three months. The US will act to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Iran blocks the channel, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Martin Dempsey said in an interview on the CBS "Face the Nation" program yesterday. Brent oil's premium to West Texas Intermediate crude rose to the highest in almost two months.

"It's a matter of two factors for the market," said Ric Spooner, a chief analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. "We have concerns about potentially significantly reduced economic activity emanating from Europe, and Iran. Any potential disruptions have to be taken seriously because it won't take much to put us into a supply problem."

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Crude for February delivery slipped as much as 46 cents to $US101.10 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $US101.26. The contract fell 0.3 per cent to $US101.56 on Jan. 6, the lowest close since Dec. 30.

Brent oil for February settlement was at $US113.17 a barrel, up 11 cents, on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The European benchmark contract's premium to WTI was at $US11.91, the highest gap based on closing prices since Nov. 15. The difference rose to a record $US27.88 on Oct. 14 as the uprising in Libya curbed supplies of light, sweet crude.

Berlin meeting

"Oil prices have been volatile, caught between a weakening Europe and tensions around a key supply route," Sharon Zollner, senior economist at ANZ in Wellington, said in a note today.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy will meet in Berlin to flesh out a new rulebook for fiscal discipline negotiated at a Dec. 9 summit. Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany plan to sell bonds this week, offering a gauge of market confidence. Spanish 10- year yields rose by the most in almost 17 years last week.

Factory orders in Germany, Europe's largest economy, dropped the most in almost three years in November. Orders, adjusted for seasonal swings and inflation, slipped 4.8 per cent from October, the Economy Ministry in Berlin said Jan. 6. That's the biggest drop since January 2009.

Strait of Hormuz

Iran has the ability to block the Strait of Hormuz, a transit route for a fifth of the world's oil, "for a period of time," according to Dempsey. The US tightened economic sanctions against the Persian Gulf nation over its nuclear program on Dec. 31 and the European Union is weighing a ban later this month on purchases of Iranian crude.

A pipeline that would allow oil from the United Arab Emirates to bypass the Strait of Hormuz separating it from Iran has been delayed because of construction difficulties, two people with knowledge of the matter said yesterday. The 1.5 million barrels-a-day link would ensure the U.A.E. can export crude without risking a blockade at the channel.

The $US3.3 billion project won't be ready until at least April, one of the people said. Abu Dhabi, holder of most of the UAE's oil reserves, had planned to start exports in January 2011 through the pipeline to a port outside the strait, Dieter Blauberg, the project's former director, said in May 2009.

Hedge funds increased bullish positions 4.1 per cent in the week ended Jan. 3, according to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Commitments of Traders report. Open interest advanced 3.5 per cent, rising for a second week after falling in December to the lowest since May 2007, according to the CFTC

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Cuts in military budget for US will not change World’s #1 ranking

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:13:00 +0000

ZoneAsia-Pk

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta cautioned global rivals on Sunday not to misjudge U.S. plans to slash military spending over the next decade, saying America would still field the world's strongest military and nobody should "mess with that."

Panetta, speaking on CBS's "Face the Nation" ahead of Tuesday's New Hampshire primary, also reminded Republican presidential contenders who have criticized the Pentagon's new military strategy that the decision to cut $487 billion in defense spending was made by a bipartisan Congress.

Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the cuts and their impact. Leading Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney charged that President Barack Obama's new military strategy unveiled this week was "inexcusable and unthinkable" because it would reduce U.S. global military capability.

The new strategy, which is meant to guide defense spending over the next decade as the military cuts back, calls for greater emphasis on Asia even as the Army and Marines shrink to become smaller and more agile forces.

"I think this country has to deal with the reality of the situation that we're confronting," Panetta said in a pre-recorded interview. "We're coming out of a decade of war. We're facing a huge budget crisis in this country. The Congress said ... we have to reduce the defense budget by $487 billion."

General Martin Dempsey, the top U.S. military officer as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told "Face the Nation" he worried that some countries might misunderstand the debate Americans are having over changing strategy and the need to cut defense spending.

"There may be some around the world who see us as a nation in decline, and worse, as a military in decline. And nothing could be further from the truth," Dempsey said.

He said such a miscalculation could be "troublesome" in dealing with countries like Iran or North Korea but it could also cause close friends to wonder if the United States would continue to be a consistent ally.

"What I'd like to say right now is we're the same partner we've always been, and intend to remain that way," Dempsey said.

Panetta said U.S. rivals should not misunderstand the situation.

"I think the message that the world needs to understand is: America is the strongest military power and we intend to remain the strongest military power and nobody ought to mess with that," he said.

Asked whether it would be difficult to take out Iran's nuclear capability, Dempsey said it was his job to plan and understand the risks associated with any military option and "all those activities are going on."

Pressed on whether the United States could take out Iran's nuclear sites without using nuclear weapons, Dempsey would only say: "I absolutely want them to believe that that's the case."

"They need to know that ... if they take that step, they are going to get stopped," Panetta added. The United States is concerned that Iran's nuclear program is aimed at producing a weapon, but Tehran insists it is for peaceful energy production.

Obama and Congress agreed in August to cut some $487 billion in defense spending over the next decade as part of efforts to bring of the nation's $14 trillion debt under control.

Defense spending could be cut by another $600 billion as part of the August spending deal unless Congress compromises on an alternative. Congress missed the deadline for reaching an agreement but could still take action to override the cuts before they are due to go into force next year.

Obama, in unveiling the new defense strategy at a Pentagon news conference on Thursday, noted that even with the $487 trillion in cuts to projected spending, the defense budget would continue to grow in nominal terms.

He also said the U.S. defense budget would still be by far the world's largest - roughly the size of the 10 next-biggest defense budgets combined.

If the second round of defense cuts takes place, the Pentagon's base budget would fall to roughly $472 billion in fiscal 2013 - about the level of fiscal 2007 in inflation-adjusted dollars, according to an analysis by Todd Harrison of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

That represents a real cut of about 11 percent. It would remain at roughly the same level for about eight years, growing only at about the pace of inflation, Harrison's analysis said.

Panetta told National Public Radio on Sunday the Pentagon was not ready for cuts of that magnitude.

"If we had to do over a trillion dollars in cuts in this department, I have to tell you that the strategy that we developed, we'd probably have to throw that out the window and start over," he said.

Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod downplayed the likelihood that the second round of cuts would actually occur, telling ABC's "This Week" program "we expect we're going to deal with that ... during the course of this year."
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Saudi brothers have declined Pak request for oil on credit

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

All rhetoric of brotherhood notwithstanding, two 'friendly' Arab countries have refused to supply oil to Pakistan on long-term credit.

Plagued by circular debt, and faced with high international oil prices, Pakistan had requested Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to extend their credit term for oil payments.

During his two-day visit in August last year, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had requested Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to either restore 'free oil facility' or extend the credit term for oil payment from the existing 30 days to one-year.

Saudi Arabia had granted Pakistan a 'free oil facility' in 1998, in the aftermath of the nuclear tests and subsequent economic sanctions from the United States and Europe.

"Saudi Arabia has turned down Pakistan's request on grounds that since it exports oil to other countries, they may demand similar treatment," said sources, quoting Saudi officials.

Saudi authorities also said that oil export is a commercial business for them and they would offer Pakistan the same terms that are offered to other countries, sources added.

Pakistan had also requested Kuwait to extend its credit terms for oil payments to six months, from the current two-month deferral period.

A formal request in this regard was made during President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to Kuwait on May 7, 2011. At that time, Kuwait said it would discuss the matter with concerned authorities and let Pakistan know later.

Kuwait is the only country that supplies oil to Pakistan on a two-month deferred payment plan, an arrangement secured during the 2008 financial crisis. Other Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, export oil on 30-day credit term.

When contacted, however, Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain said he had no knowledge of such requests.

Earlier, Iran had been supplying 45,000 barrels of crude oil to Pakistan on a three-month deferred payment plan until January 2011. UN-imposed sanctions, however, brought a halt to these due to difficulties in opening Letter of Credits from global banks for oil imports from Iran.

Since then, Iranian oil is largely smuggled to Pakistan. Officials say people of Baluchistan meet most of their requirements with smuggled oil.

Cash crunch at PSO

With almost Rs200 billion due to pay local and international fuel suppliers as of January 6, 2012, the largest public sector oil marketing company, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), is in dire straits.

Of that amount, PSO owes almost Rs114 billion to international fuel suppliers, including Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). "PSO is facing an emergency-like situation and has no money to pay for oil supplies," sources said.

"The situation has been aggravated due to nonpayment of dues by power sector and some other clients; PSO's receivables have piled up to Rs185.2 billion," sources added.

The company is mainly dependent on oil imports since oil refineries in the country are operating at 70% capacity due to circular debt, sources added.
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Siraiki Suba divides Punjab Assembly

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:39:00 +0000

As the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its allies plan to table a bill on the creation of a Seraiki province in the next National Assembly session, the situation in the Punjab Assembly (PA) remains uncertain, with legislators from both sides of the divide staying strongly aligned to their party affiliations.

For a bill to succeed in the Punjab Assembly, it has to have a bipartisan consensus and must include the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) which holds the lion's share of seats in the house.

The PML-N's position on the Seraiki province is that the new unit must be based on administrative requirements, instead of ethnic or linguistic factors. The PML-N is not eager to embrace the Seraiki cause mainly out of suspicion that the PPP is using it as a political ploy to retain its vote bank in south Punjab while eroding its own political appeal in the province. The reason is clear: the party draws its power from central and northern Punjab and would not like to see its sphere of influence shrunk to one-third once a Seraiki province is carved out.

However, there are signs that if a resolution or a bill is taken to the voting stage in the Punjab Assembly, it will be very difficult for members of south Punjab to vote against the aspiration of their constituents. "Though I am tied to my party policy on the province in south Punjab, I definitely feel that not returning the state of Bahawalpur to the Bahawalpur people would be a grave injustice," said Haji Zulfiqar, a PML-N legislator from Bahawalpur.

"Compared to the Seraiki province, a separate province for Bahawalpur is a more just cause and it is not all that difficult as the state of Bahawalpur, annexed by Pakistan in the early sixties, can be returned to its people through an executive order," said Zulfiqar, whose party baulks at the idea of a Bahawalpur province.

The PML-N's Mohsin Leghari, who is a vocal force behind the Seraiki province, says he did not see a problem with a bill or a resolution for the Seraiki province being presented in the National Assembly. "Actually, it has to start from the National Assembly after the amendment in the constitution in 1985. A province containing Multan, DG Khan and Bahawalpur divisions has to be carved out as it makes administrative, economic and political sense," Leghari said.

However, the PPP's constitutional wizard Senator Raza Rabbani has warned against starting the amendment process from the National Assembly. Addressing the media on Friday, Rabbani said that the process should start from the concerned provincial assembly otherwise it would look like a centrist attempt. "My party and I support the constitutional position on this," Leghari said.

Article 239, clause 4 reads "A bill to amend the constitution which would have the effect of altering the limits of a province shall not be presented to the president for assent unless it has been passed by the provincial assembly of that province by votes of not less than two-thirds of its total membership."

PPP's senior member of the provincial assembly Nazim Hussain Shah said that the Seraiki province is a reality, and historically, areas inhabited by Seraikis had been an administrative unit. "We want our own province at all costs - even if we have to go to civil war for it. We know that we don't have a two-thirds majority in the assembly, but how would a Seraiki member oppose the resolution or a bill on the province?" Shah said.

So far, Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Iqbal has held off all attempts by Seraiki members to bring a resolution in the house, pitting Seraiki members against the PML-N.

During the last session, members belonging to Seraiki areas frequently huddled together in meetings to evolve a bipartisan consensus on the issue.
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Blochistan enters third day without gas

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:34:00 +0000

As temperatures continue to plummet in Balochistan, gas supply remained suspended for the third consecutive day in the province on Sunday causing serious inconvenience to people.

Despite repeated claims by officials of the Sui Southern Gas Company that supply will be restored within hours, residents in provincial capital Quetta kept waiting for gas supply.

Supply to Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, Pishin, Ziarat and other districts was suspended about three days ago after an 18-inch gas pipeline was blown up twice near the troubled Dera Bugti region. But despite the lapse of three days, the damaged pipeline has not been repaired.

According to an SSGC official, repair work has begun after receiving the security clearance. He claimed that the pipeline will take a few hours for repair.

Quetta's residents, meanwhile, faced great difficulty in going about normal activities, including cooking food. "Every winter we face this problem when gas is desperately needed," said a despairing resident Muhammad Babar. Most people went to work without even having breakfast and long queues were seen outside bread shops, he said.
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On removing the crosses

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:59:00 +0000

The crosses at Camp Pendleton erected to memorialize fallen Marines are a sensitive issue. On the one hand, the religious symbols are a way to honor people who scarified their lives for our country. On the other, there's the constitutional issue of separation of church and state.

The editorial board weighs in on this issue in Wednesday's pages, putting it bluntly:

The military, like any other government agency, cannot allow people to install large religious symbols wherever they want on public property. Once in place for any length of time, those symbols (and usually that means a cross) tend to be seen as established markers, and proposals to remove them are wrongly viewed as anti-religion and, specifically, anti-Christian.

But the board also offers a compromise:

One course of action that would allow the new crosses to remain would be to invite Marines of other religious beliefs to add their own symbols to the hill. That would ensure the separation of church and state while also being sensitive to the sense of loss suffered by those in the armed services. It would create a place where all people in uniform can remember the sacrifices made by so many.

The majority of readers debating on our discussion board are less flexible. In between commenters calling The Times a communist newspaper and The L.A. Slimes, there are passionate arguments that share a range of perspectives. Some respond directly to the editorial, while others are responding to the debate generally. Here's a selection of comments.

A note from a Marine

You know, I hear a lot of whining and complaining from outsiders who will never see this memorial on the base. We Marines fight to protect American freedoms -- which includes the freedom of religion. You decry these individuals who have gone out on their own time with their own resources to honor the fallen in their own way. Instead of complaining, then step up to establish other memorials, but do not ask others to conform to your views. I and my brother/sister Marines fight to protect the rights of ALL Americans, not just a vocal minority that want it all their own way instead of learning how to live with others and respect the fact that there are many divergent views in this country.

-- an old Marine

The casualties overwhelmingly borne by Christians

The casualties in these latest wars are overwhelmingly being borne by Christians -- active or nominal. The Jewish weekly 'Forward' did a profile of all the Jewish casualties they could find, there were something like 35 -- less than three quarters of one percent of casualties. I suspect similar figures for Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Wiccans, etc. If there are to be other religions represented, then the proportionality of casualties should be represented also.

--JohnDrakeSloat

Soldiers' rights

Since when do soldiers have the right to set up personal monuments on military bases? It seems to me that it is more of a military discipline issue than a Constitutional issue ...

-- Songquo

A mission to destroy our Constitutional government

God please save us from Christians. They will not rest until they destroy our Constitutional government and replace it with a religious-fascist state.

--GaryRath

In favor of equal access

I don't recall anything in the Constitution that specifically addresses such things as Miranda rights, bi-racial marriage or segregation in the schools, but every one of these were Constitutional issues that were decide by the Supreme Court.

But personally, I say just allow others to erect memorials using their respective religious symbols and presto; equal access and no Constitutional issue!

-- HiVeloCT

*For clarity purposes, spelling errors in the above comments have been corrected.

ALSO:

Video: A cross to bear

Camp Pendleton's other big cross

Dispute over cross casts light on four fallen Marines

--Alexandra Le Tellier
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Seraiki province to be expected in the future: Gillani

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:24:00 +0000

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said here on Sunday that his government was determined to set up a new province in the Seraiki belt.

"People are seeking their rights and it is my promise to them that a Seraiki province will soon emerge and the people of the area will soon get their own province and the assembly," the prime minister said while addressing a public meeting at Khanpur Maral.

He said that although some people in the opposition termed the issue of Seraiki province an election stunt of the PPP, but, he added, his party was sincere in its promise to set up new province.

"They (opposition) should suggest ways which should be used for creation of the Seraiki province. They should say whether they want the new province to be created through the ballot or through a protest movement." He asked the opposition to tell the people what course should be taken.

Referring to severe power and gas shortages which have triggered riots and disturbances across the country, the prime minister claimed that his government would resolve the crisis within a few months.

Mr Gilani said the government had strengthened provinces by giving them autonomy, adding that the PPP was a federal party with roots in the entire country.

"Two things are necessary for security of the country; one of them is the Constitution and the other is a federal political party," he said, adding that attempts to weaken the federal political party would weaken the country.

He said the government was committed to solving all problems of the country to accomplish the mission of assassinated PPP leaders.

He claimed that the PPP government was moving forward in accordance with the Constitution and people who were accusing the PPP of not acting in accordance with the Constitution, were "misleading the masses".
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Dubai Government reduced business fines by 40%

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:18:00 +0000

The Dubai government, in a bid to facilitate business community in the emirate, will reduce the value of fines imposed on the economic establishments up to 40 per cent.

In this regard a decree was issued on Sunday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai.

Top government officials, businessmen and business consultants welcomed the move and said it would help reduce cost of doing business in the emirate and also boost confidence of business community. "The violations which existed prior to the issue of the decree on January 5, 2012, only will be eligible for reductions," Wam reported.

Early settlement of dues will provide higher amount of reduction in fines while late settlement will reduce the fines by 20 per cent.

"Forty per cent of the amount will be waived on fines payable from the date January 1, 2012, until February 29, 2012. A total of 30 per cent will be reduced from fines payable between the dates March 1, 2012, and April 30, 2012, and 20 per cent from fines payable between May 1, 2012, and June 29, 2012," according to the news agency.

The first decree of 2012 by Shaikh Mohammed brings relief for the business community and specially for small and medium enterprises in the emirate.

"Another great initiative by Shaikh Mohammed for the betterment of the large business community. This will be a big relief, especially to the small and medium businesses operating in Dubai and help them clear their dues with ease," Yusuffali MA, managing director of EMKE/Lulu Group, told Khaleej Times.

Yusuffali urged all business leaders to grab this opportunity and settle their dues once for all and start afresh this new year.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director-General Hamad Buamim said the decree reflects the commitment of the Dubai government to support businesses in the emirate.

Buamim said the farsighted and prudently planned decision, which will beef up investors' confidence in Dubai, reflects a hard-working government that provides all facilities and potentialities to back the private sector.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), said the gesture reflects the trends of our sagacious government in upgrading and developing the business environment in the emirate.

"It also stems from his realisation to the importance of studying all the effective factors in the cost of practising business in the emirate, and review its reduction to boost the position of Dubai on the world map of investment, and create a competitive investment environment," Al Qamzi noted.

NMC Healthcare managing director and chief executive officer Dr B.R. Shetty also welcomed the decree and said it is a good news for business community at the start of the year. It is an opportunity by the Dubai government for companies to streamline their businesses by paying off pending dues with up to 40 per cent discount, he said, adding that it will help them improve their performance and keep on their growth journey.

Divya J Gianchandani, a partner in Jitendra Consulting Group, said: "Concession on fines is a big relief for many residents and business community, particularly for large SMEs operating in the UAE, which represent more then 95 per cent of UAE's businesses." Many SMEs are not able to renew their trade licenses due to deteriorated business and hence not able to cancel or apply for new visas, she said, adding: "I think it is a good time for them to correct the legal position. The new decree will definitely improve the business environment in the country."
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Musharraff heads home to lead APML

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:15:00 +0000

Exiled former president Pervez Musharraf said on Sunday he would return to Pakistan later this month to lead his recently formed party in campaigning for a parliamentary election, despite the possibility of his arrest and concern over his security.

"There are efforts to scare me, but these people don't know that I'm not among the afraid," Musharraf told a rally of about 8,000 supporters in the commercial centre Karachi via video link from Dubai.

The former general said he would return between January 27 and 30 and dismissed concern about his security. "I have fought wars. I am not scared of danger."

Musharraf's return, to lead his All Pakistan Muslim League's campaign for an election due by 2013, would add to the political uncertainty at a time of tension between the weak civilian government and the powerful military, which sets foreign and security policies.

Musharraf resigned and went to live abroad after his allies lost a parliamentary election in 2008 and the new coalition government threatened him with impeachment.

His popularity had plummeted after he became embroiled in a row with the judiciary and briefly imposed a state of emergency in 2007.

Saudi and Pakistani sources told Reuters on Sunday that Musharraf, who seized power in a 1999 coup, planned to travel to Saudi Arabia to seek the kingdom's backing before going home.

SAUDI INDLUENCE

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, has considerable influence in political circles in Pakistan because of its assistance to the South Asian nation's fragile economy.

"Musharraf will be travelling to Saudi soon in order to get support before he goes back to Pakistan," said a Gulf-based Saudi source familiar with the matter. A Pakistani source also said Musharraf, who is in Dubai, would go to Saudi Arabia soon.

The source declined to say what form of support he was seeking. Some reports have said Musharraf, who faces possible arrest on charges of failing to provide adequate security to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto before her assassination in 2007, will seek Saudi guarantees that he would not be detained.

He also faces threats to his life from Islamist militants seeking revenge for the crackdown he ordered against them.

In 2007, Saudi King Abdullah helped broker the return to Pakistan of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who Musharraf had sent to Saudi Arabia in 2000 under what his government said was an agreement that Sharif would stay in exile for 10 years.

Saudi sources say their country is concerned about the friction between Pakistan's army and government in recent months.

"The stability of Pakistan is very important to the region and has to be maintained," said a second Pakistani source.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is facing his biggest political crisis since taking office in 2008, over an unsigned memo to the Pentagon seeking U.S. help to rein in Pakistan's generals, who have ruled the nation for more than half its history.

Businessman Mansoor Ijaz, in a column in the Financial Times, said a senior Pakistani diplomat had asked for the memo to be delivered. Ijaz later identified the diplomat as Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's then ambassador in Washington and a close Zardari aide.

Haqqani denies any involvement, and no evidence has emerged that the military was plotting a coup.

The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into the matter, which could further threaten the civilian government, especially if it established a link between the memo and Zardari.
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Internal Instability and rift in KPK might win PML-N support

noreply@blogger.com (Pakistan Pal) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:11:00 +0000

At a time when most of the political parties are strengthening their position by enticing workers of rival groups, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz faces a threat of losing key leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if their reservations are not removed swiftly.

Owing to internal differences the party has to delay naming of its provincial office-bearers for over a year, but its effort to keep the dispersed activists united are yet bear fruit.

PML-N president Mian Nawaz Sharif visited Peshawar on December 28 and held meetings with the disgruntled leaders, particularly former central general secretary Saranjam Khan and former provincial minister Abdul Subhan Khan, but his efforts to satisfy these leaders remained fruitless.

Though, Mr Saranjam turned up at the council meeting at Nishtar Hall on December 28, but walked out in protest when Rehmat Salam Khattak's name was announced as provincial general secretary.

Three candidates, including Shazia Aurangzeb, Mr Khattak and Mehr Sultana, were in the run and their respective supporters were shouting slogans and as result of the disturbance Mr Sharif had to come to the rostrum where the women withdrew their papers and resultantly Mr Khattak was declared successful.

Ms Shazia was the nominee of Mr Saranjam and as she withdrew her papers he along with his supporters left the hall.

Mr Sharif had arrived a day before the council meeting to meet and woo the disgruntled leaders, but the issues remained unresolved. Both Mr Saranjam and Mr Subhan have resigned from their party offices and are likely to form a pressure group in the party.

"A party delegation, including Anwar Kamal Marwat and Farid Toofan, came to my residence and assured me of meeting our demands within 10 days. A meeting with Mr Sharif has is also being planned in Islamabad to review these issues. Let's see what happens," Mr Saranjam told Dawn on Sunday.

About his conditions, he said that Mr Khattak should be replaced and the party office-bearers at Mardan and Karak re-appointed. "Otherwise none of my friends is ready to accept leadership of Mr Khattak and thus our ways will be separate," he said.

However, Mr Saranjam said he would remain a Muslim Leaguer as in this age he could not join any other party though he was contacted by PTI chairman Imran Khan and PML-Q provincial president Amir Muqam for his support.

He said that his nominee Ms Shazia was compelled to withdraw in favour of Mr Khattak, but she could not disclose the details due to fear of Mr Sharif.

Abdul Subhan, on the other hand, even avoided attending the December 28 council meeting where he was appointed provincial vice-president, the seat he refused.

Mr Subhan said he did not accept the provincial council as an independent body, as its members were nominees of Mr Khattak and Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, who, he added, was against Saranjam group.

"According to the party constitution no one can become member of the provincial council if he/she has spent less than three years in the party, but those recently joining the party were also appointed members of the council," he revealed.

Mr Subhan said that party leadership had failed to redress grievances of the party activists and leaders and that was why staunch leaders like Javed Hashmi had left the party.

He claimed that the party had parallel groups in every district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said that meetings of old workers had been planned in Mardan to decide future line of action for getting their rightful place in the party.

"During his government Pervez Musharraf had offered me Rs20 million for his support when Nawaz family was out of the country, but I rejected the offer and then faced police actions and imprisonment only for the party cause," he recalled.

Mr Subhan said he did not attend the council meeting as Mr Sharif had already disclosed his decision that he wanted Mr Khattak as provincial secretary despite opposition by majority.

When contacted, Mr Khattak told this correspondent that efforts were being made to remove differences in the party, as replacement of anyone in the provincial cabinet was impossible.
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