25 men killed by our own FC?

I got call yesterday from someone who witnessed first hand these events. That person is a Sindhi-Baloch and is a permanent resident of Dera.

He informed me that there was an attack on FC convoy in which one man, presumably of the FC, was killed. In retaliation, FC men indiscriminately started firing towards the local people, who were running halter shelter to save their lives after the bomb blast. Instead of understanding the situation FC started firing and killing. One of the relatives of my friend, who related this incidence to me, was also shot dead inside his own shop which happens to be nearby the place of bomb attack. In total, 25 men were killed by FC men. Many more are injured. I think Tribune should carry out more research as the numbers of dead might as well increase.

In a sad tone my friend told me that he did not object to the presence of FC in his province before this incident. But from now on he demands, like all residents of embattled province of Balochistan, that these killer FC men be brought to justice. But he also told me that he cannot imagine our crooked Army and Court officials to take a stand against FC. So the sufferers would remain the poor and the down trodden of Balochistan.

I would like to hear the version of Pak Army / FC about this incidence.

Davis to be released soon: FO

Yes sir, I will personally drop your citizen and killer of my citizens at your doorstep. I am sorry we had to keep him for so long just for killing our useless Pakistanis. In any case Pakistanis are killed by your good drones. I am sorry and so is my President for holding your Highly Honourable Citizen. Please don’t worry about our courts. And just forget our media and our people. Sorry again.

(I imagine our worthless minister for nothing, Mr. Rehman Malik saying such things to US delegation which visited Pakistan yesterday to demand immediate release of this CIA agent.)

Well done, Democracy.

Britney as Jamila: Afghan elections goes awry

Funniest thing to have happened in a week is this: One Afghan election card has a photograph of a blond Britney Spears next to a name which says 'Jamila', a fairly common Muslim name. If it had been James Bond as Muala Buksh or Beckham as Barish Khan, it could have been missed by a lot of men at Afghan polling station. But to make Britney into Jamila is taking things to far. And I am not sure if Britney really enjoyed that sort of name changing and even nationality changing.

Such picture, though being hilarious, nevertheless proves beyond doubt that Afghan polls are total sham. And USA, of all the countries, wishes to save its face on Afghan democracy reforms. I am not sure who will win - one which is supported by USA will win - but whoever does will have to face lots of criticism over the conduct of this elections - and probably lot of Britneys as nightmare.

I hope, for once in a century, rigging at Afghan polls are not connected to Pakistan or its intelligence agency, ISI. Pakistan has been a kicking bag for much of American media. And Indians have ridden the wagon on and off. I am yet to hear someone suggest that Pakistan may be involved. It is good news so far. And we hope it remains as such.

Gojra violence

Gojra violence is the newest touted phenomenon across world media. And once again Pakistan is the key to it all. No matter how many Muslims and their kids are burnt alive by the blood-thirsty Ultra-Jewish Israelis, all incidents related to Pakistan make it to the world headlines. And no wonder this violent episode will remain on world debate for quite sometime. It will be used by all and sundry as one more reason why Pakistan should disintegrate; a good reason why Pakistan has to be called a failed state [sic].

According to wikipedia, 'Gojra (Punjabi, Urdu: گوجرہ), the capital of Gojra Tehsil, is a city of Toba Tek Singh District in the Punjab province of Pakistan[1], it is located at 33°16'60N 73°20'60E[2] and is located 30 miles (50 km) from Faisalabad,.. ' So you know, if you happen to be a fan of Saadat Hassan Manto that Toba Tek Singh is and has been part of violent, mentally short circuit culture of many parts of our region, specially that of South Punjab. I was, therefore, not surprised to hear from Dawn's analysis in monthly Herald that many of the most cultivated terrorists of Pakistan are actually coming down from Southern Punjab region including nearby Jhang. Further, it should not surprise any that the violence which killed 7 Christians in Gojra this Sunday was perpetuated by the men from Jhang and that it was supported at Police level. And considering the recent reports about an imminent operation in South Punjab by Pakistan Army [Punjabi-led Army higher ups are concerned about the fall out of this war zone] we know for certain that ISI officials must have known this mischievous act in the making. They did nothing speaks for itself about the quality of men we now have at all official levels: Army, Intelligence, Police and Ministers.

Damage has been done and now Shahbaz Sharif, who himself supports hardliner Wahabis and Jihadis, has ordered an inquiry. What for? Why did he and his minnows not stop the violence when it was perpetuated in broad daylight? Why O Why dear Minister? And no answers from his office or any such office are forthcoming. That itself is sad and speaks for all of us.

For me it goes to another level. For 11 long years, from Class 1 till completion of my O' Levels [Year 1999 Batch] I studied at one of the premier schools of the city, St. Michael's Convent School. It disturbs me no less that the Christians with whom I studied and who were well behaved would be treated in such a brazen, horrific manner. It is hopeless to note that certain elements within our country would want to destroy such a peaceful bunch of men and women. And more so to note that such elements operate with immunity across the country. They burn everything; they kill everyone. For them Islam and Prophet are but a step towards their own nefarious goal achievement strategy.

This incident, and the past incidents involving minorities in the country, clearly shows our apathy towards other faiths, towards other human beings. This incident would no doubt put a question mark over many Christians' minds. They have been inevitably forced to rethink their loyalty to Pakistan. It being August, month of our freedom, government should at all costs bring to gallows the men involved in this heinous crime. Instead of giving sweeping and long statements by ministers, we need to ask why this crime was done. And who did it.

Of Pirs and Hobbies

Recently, while searching for some item at google.com, I came across a very self-centered website of an incredibly self-centered political and religious leader, Pir Pagara.

His personal website, http://www.pirpagara.com, displays his hobbies in no nonsense terms. It states, under the grand title: [http://www.pirpagara.com/hobbies.htm]

HORSE RACING - SPORT OF KINGS

* Pir Sahib is very fond of Hunting some areas as Awadh is reserved for.

* Pir Sahib hunting where no body else is allowed to hunt.

* Pir Sahib is very fond of horses and horse racings. He has many horses of high breed, which often win the races Karachi race club has been restored only with Pir Sahib's efforts.

* Forecasting is also hobby of Pir Sahib. His Political forecast often comes true.

No wonder than that most of the Pakistanis, under such Pirs and Faqeers, remain illiterate and highly charged, senseless people. No wonder that Pakistan today finds itself under immense pressure from all fronts. When our so-called great leaders have over the head hobbies such as stated above, Pakistanis can safely go to the doldrums.

Zardari M'athar Ch'od

I found this really interesting comment in the bathroom of the masjid where I usually pray my Zuhar (afternoon) and Asar (evening) prayers. Someone had pointed out really nasty things about President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. I thought this would make an interesting photograph. And an even more interesting blog entry!

By the way, the red marker on top says, 'Zardari mother fucker'. And the bottom line says, 'Benazir's killer is Zardari'.

Pakistan Army’s Repression of the Punjab Farmers’ Movement

I was reading HRW report on Pakistan Rangers abusive attitude and torture of farmers there. It is really sad to note that our so-called mohafiz are doing this to our men and women. Excerpts from the report are produced below. Detailed reading may be done here.

From the report:

'Torture, beatings, kidnappings, and arbitrary arrests of tenant farmers and their families became increasingly commonplace between May 11, 2003 and June 12, 2003, when the Rangers mounted its second siege on parts of Okara district. While the abuses are ongoing, most of the violations identified in this report are from the period of the siege. '

Further a case of Bashir Ahmed is presented:

Bashir Ahmed

'On January 7, 2002, Colonel Mohammad Ali, the commanding officer at Renala Estate Military Farm, personally led a contingent of some thirty to forty armed men on a mission to confiscate land cultivated by the elderly farmer Mohammad Ali Kumboh, resident of Village 21/1-RB. According to witnesses, fewer than ten of the armed men were serving army soldiers and the rest were private thugs. Two farm employees told Human Rights Watch that it was common knowledge that Colonel Mohammad Ali personally ordered the confiscation “at any cost” as he viewed the Kumboh land as a test case that would set the right precedent in the village: Kumboh had refused to sign the new contract.

'Initially, Kumboh’s family alone—Kumboh, his brother Aslam, Aslam’s wife Aziza Begum, and their twenty-one-year-old son Ejaz—offered resistance. Kumboh, Aslam, and Ejaz were beaten, overpowered, and tied up by Colonel Ali and his contingent. Colonel Ali and his armed group then apparently set the family dairy and the grain depot on fire. At this point, Aslam’s three teenage daughters, Zahida, Shahida, and Nazia, emerged from the house armed with sticks and tried to free their family. The women were severely beaten by Colonel Ali’s men, who also began firing in the air.

'It was the fires, the gunshots, and the screams of the women that finally attracted the attention of the rest of the village. Nadeem Ashraf described the scene to Human Rights Watch:

'We heard firing and went to see. Bashir, who lived in the neighboring village also came with us. The women from the village came armed with sticks as did the men. We went and untied Ejaz. In the rush, I heard Colonel Ali shout the order to start firing. Instead of firing in the air, the army officers then started firing at us. Ejaz, Bashir Sidiq, and Hameed sustained bullet wounds. The colonel’s men then retreated while firing in the air.²²

'Bashir Ahmed died on January 9, 2002, two days after the attack. He was twenty-one years old'.

More cases may be read here.

Musharraf's legacy and a broken republic

Musharraf is out but he has left Pakistan in a mess which would not leave us easily - or at all. It is clear Musharraf wasn't in power all the time and that Americans forced him to go naked on many things. For one, Americans used him to use our army against our own people. And we can see what may be achieved when you start killing your own sisters and daughters and young men after calling them localized terrorists.

He has left a legacy which is absolute and has left Pakistan with deep scars. CIA men and Israelis would be glad to know that Pakistan is weaker, and not stronger, after Musharraf. In fact, every successive government has left Pakistan weaker at the core. Now, young generation is not thinking of staying back in the country; everyone wants to leave at any cost and people can swear by God that Pakistan is lost. That is the charm of long-term US planning of the region. They wanted to leave a total mess in the region and with the help of Musharraf and so-called Pakistani Taliban, ably funded by US-led CIA and Afghan puppet govt., the entire region from Swat to the borders of Russia and in the south towards Iran, the entire area is just too dangerous in any and every sense of the word. Next step, if Americans get yet another Musharraf look-alike would be to create ultimate chaos in Iran, and the Muslim states of former Russia. Off course Russians aren't happy and are looking over their shoulder for any suspicious movement behind their backs.

It is also a part of US Think Tank planning structure to divide the entire region in manageable, smaller chunks of land (instead of big countries as they are presently) and rule over their resources. It is a return to old colonial mind-set and every move in that direction is emphatically termed as a victory for democracy (sic).

Musharraf has also left another legacy, that of hate towards Pakistan Army. Many Pakistanis, especially those who have a religious bent, favour in some sense destruction of the power of our army. That is the most dangerous thing and Musharraf successfully helped Americans achieve that target in a very short period of time. Constant bombings of madrassahs and masjids has caused this sense of anger and revenge. Just imagine what would happen to a country whose people are against its own army? It is a terrible thought, one that would have long lasting effects on the country.

Musharraf, for all his faults, atleast got some able men and women for the job. We know that many foolish army men were appointed at civilian posts (like SUPARCO's chief, KPT chief, etc...) but he still managed to get some good work going. For instance, his work along with MQM in Karachi is commendable. They joined his ranks and were amply rewarded lucarative contracts some of which led to some of the finest road projects in the country. In earlier times, Nawaz Sharif with his typical Punjabi mind-set had totally ignored Karachi causing massive capital flight from the city in his second term in office. (And this was one major reason why Musharraf was so much despised by the Punjabi Bureaucracy; he was an Urdu speaking General). Musharraf will be surely remembered for all these roads for which Centre provided fast funds to Mr. Mustafa Kamal, the ever-present and ever-talking MQM-appointed Nazim-e-Karachi.

Other legacy of Musharraf is ultimate insecurity. Before Musharraf travelling cross country was far easier and less hazardous. Now, that has unfortunately changed much to the chagrin of travellers like myself. FATA is off-limits so is much of Swat valley. Now, much of Baluchistan (in fact all of Baluchistan for Punjabi speakers) is also off-limits and may only go there with life in total danger of being destroyed at the earliest. We constantly recieve reports about daylight murders and it appears to me that India is finally catching up and providing arms and training and maybe satellite support to BLA, a terrorist outfit which wants Baluchistan hacked away from Pakistan. (This strategy of India's RAW is due to our support for Mujahedding whom we allowed easy access to Indian-side of Kashmir. Now, thankfully, Kashmiri muslims are fighting a peaceful battle against Hindu kingdom).

Musharraf will also be remembered for a press which is mainly bonkers. Take GEO for instance. It is free, alright, but in a FOX style. It reports things which are at best useless or dangerous for the country. And it closely follows the tradition of CNN where selective reporting is used. It hides lots of things and dares not speak against the atrocities committed by MQM goans. (Now, PPP goans are proving that MQM was a child play 2). But despite its many set-backs Musharraf can claim that he was much better than all the previous leaders combined in terms of freedom of expression. He allowed press to abuse him, to scrutinize him, and to challenge him. Let us see if Zardari would do the same.

Overall, Musharraf has been a good leader in his first four years and then started to drift away in egoistic behaviour and lack of common sense. He could have done lot of good things for us like not kicking out CJ and his party, not bringing Zardari and his ilk back; he could have also opened cases against land mafia and could have eased the business issues of our business community. Unfortunately, he failed in many respects and Kashmir being one of them. He will be mainly remembered as yet another dictator but will surely come out better than the likes of Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.

American Boy: Asif Ali Zardari

Zardari is a wonderful player. No one really imagined, not Mr. Nawaz Sharif, that Zardari would turn out to be such a deft player with so many trump cards. He is not only playing with Nawaz or other likewise politicians, he is certainly playing with the entire nation. And till now he is winning. And that's bad news for all of us.

Zardari is now touted as the most powerful president of the country. This may not be yet true. For me, Gen. Musharraf was a more powerful, but less revengeful, president. And he certainly held sway over Pak army. Zardari is being looked with increasing suspicion by the generals in uniform. Till now he has done nothing to merit their displeasure or his ouster.

Lot of people think that Zardari is Mr. 10% (my uncle comments that now that he is the President of a god-forsaken country, he is likely to be Mr. 110%). Being 10% is not good especially when businessmen are sure that Mr. Zardari has been responsible for spate of kidnap-for-ransom. That looks pretty bad for a president. He has also spent over 9 years in Pakistani prison(s) for which he must have suffered a lot of mental displeasure. Most of those cases remain cases only. None of them have ever been proved by any court in the country. And the cases in Swiss court were swiftly withdrawn by then President, Musharraf. (Musharraf, while playing golf, would rethink his stupidity).

Writing in Guardian newspaper, Mr. Peter Preston has this to say on the present situation of the country and about Zardari's outcome:

'Yet the Taliban, whom the generals must defeat to get America's billions, are much more than a gang of terrorist thugs. They are also a madcap reform movement of young men disgusted by corruption and the godless wheeler-dealers they think have drained the purity out of Jinnah's "pure state", and the success they're experiencing in the borderlands and beyond shows that many ordinary Pakistanis agree with them. It's a battle for hearts and minds and, on his record, Asif Ali Zardari is the predestined loser of last resort.'

This is one more problem with Zardari: he is often referred to as the husband of Benazir Bhutto. Zardari has already shown the door, by not appointing any good friends of BB, to the loyalists of BB. He has also clearly noted distinction b/w friends and friends of BB. Zardari has another more serious problem. He is clearly seen as an American boy back in the country and that most Pakistanis don't approve of him.

Tariq Ali, leading writer on politics of the region and history, has this to say on Zardari in his article, published in Guardian on 7th Sep, 2008:

'Zardari fitted the bill. He is perfectly suited to being a total creature of Washington. The Swiss government helpfully decided to release millions of dollars from Zardari's bank accounts that had, till now, been frozen due to the pending corruption cases. Like his late wife, Zardari, too, is now being laundered, just like the money he made when last in office as minister for investment. This weakness will make him a pliant president of Pakistan.'

If Zardari wishes to survive as the President of the country, he needs to take some really drastic steps. First, he should immediately get deposed CJ back to office. Secondly, he must get a negotiated settlement with the militants of Swat and FATA region. (We know for sure that most of these militants are trained in Afghanistan and funded ably by US CIA and India's RAW. Same is the case with BLA of Baluchistan). Zardari must also secure Pakistan's border and shoot down any militant crossing into Pakistan or from it. For this, he needs active support from Pakistan Army.

My prediction: Zardari will do US bidding with total dis-regard for the safety of the country. He wishes to throw the country in total chaos and will be instrumental in the future break-up of this country.

Discussion with Muhammad

Ameer: asalam u alikum
how is life in USA

any better

Muhammad: it is good

University will open from Monday

Ameer: well it is good here as well except for zardari

Muhammad: ha ha ha

Ameer: mush is gone

Muhammad: Zardari has lost all of his credibility

Ameer: but he expects something better

Muhammad: I am surprised. He is the one who will put the PPP to its natural death

Ameer: for one mushi expects the coalition to break down

and kyaini to either take over

or make mushi the king again

but for the hundreds of Baluchis he cannot possibly come

Muhammad: this is hilarious

did mush say that?

Ameer: he did not

but lot of analysts think that way

or else mush is going to go abroad

though he wants to stay here

amid security

his son is in USA
and keeps away from media

Muhammad: I think he should allow to stay in Pakistan

that is a much better punishment

Anyway, I have heard that Zardari is going to be a president.

Ameer: he is

for sure

and no one is stopping him

USA wants the most corrupt person on tip

top

and they can't find any besides him

even Chaudrys look paler

Muhammad: Apparently, he is pursuing mush policies even better.

Ameer: yes

and the militants are ready to trounce

it appears that militants only want to kill military and police and spread choas

they never touch any PPP office

Muhammad: I have a feeling that if he continued that way he might get murdered in a year or two.

Ameer: how is that

???

and they don't wish to kill Zardari

Muhammad: may be by ISI itself

Ameer: maybe India and Afghanistan have told Mehsud, agent of CIA and FBI not to touch our men

it is ISI but most of it is RAW

for sure

i have no doubt

India wants to break pakistan within 2 years

that's my guess

and it certainly wants Sindh and Punjab

atleast Punjab to end Kashmir struggle and let loose Sikh men to rape Muslim women once and for all

I am sure Punjabis wont mind that

after all they are the ones who created this mess

Muhammad: I have watched an interview by Stephen Cohen. He was saying that India wants to weaken the Pakistan as much as possible, but donot want its disintegeration.

Ameer: India would be stupid to think that they can weaken Pakistan but not break it

they want to

Muhammad: so you think that at present Taliban, say Pakistani Taliban, are playing in the hands of RAW.

Ameer: there is no such thing as Pakistani Taliban

they are a bunch of frustrated guys, sexullay and morally, and they want to do something

so they are bombing everything they can

and RAW is clearly enjoying this

after all we supported Kashmiris since 1988

and helped kill lot of Indian soldiers and common Hindus

now it is time to die

you just think on these lines:

schools are bombed daily

Muhammad: You have told me that there are numerious suicide bombers waiting for their turn

Ameer: all important bridges, roads and offices are bombed

Karachi is to be attacked during and after ramazan

dont be surprised if your friends die on Eid Day

that is their plan

there are around 500 of them according to one of my contractors whose house is in Waziristan

ISI knows it

but cant do anything

no orders from the top

they have also blown away SUI gas main pipeline

what the hell

Muhammad: It seems there is no way out at the moment

Ameer: Zardari wishes to take revenge from everyone

so he will help further destruction

at any cost

even at the cost of the country

Muhammad: military action can only yield short term results

Ameer: MQM supports Zardari so that he does not kill them

but he will order mass killings of MQM within 6 months

and USA is playing double policy

they will support MQM with weapons

and they will give PPP weapone

Muhammad: I thought USA is backing MQM

Ameer: and everyone kill everyone else

they are backing both sides

equally

and MQM says we want Pushoons out

Muhammad: I remember this is the plan you told me about a year ago

Ameer: why???

yes now it is time for final implementation India has beefed up security across its borders

Pakistan and Bangladesh and have sent extra army to Kashmir war is on

Muhammad: somebody has said that freedom movement againt sparked in the kashmir itself. That is ISI didn't play any role for this

Ameer: yes, this time ISI really did not do anything in fact, the stupidity of Indian hardliner Hindus did this let me tell you this India is playing the policy of Israel pushed Muslims so much that Muslims got economicall and socially downgraded as citizens of Israel India will follow the same policy to the letter in coming 10 years; and will kill Muslims across; loot their properties, kidnap their most cherished men, rape their women, and would do to make lot of Muslims dis-appear

Muhammad: but this will result in the rise of muslim extremism with in India itself

Ameer: A Muslim writer, Jawed Akhter, could not buy a home in Mumbai and he clearly told media that was because he is a Muslim Indian wants to raise Islamic militancy in India

Muhammad: however, he declare himself non-muslim

Ameer: to get free weapons from USA and Europe

Muhammad: interesting

Ameer: to kill Islamic Facsists as they would then be called

Muhammad: they are perhaps commiting a suicide. In the sense that things do not always work according to your plan. There are so numerious a parameters.what if this extremism become uncontrolled.

Ameer: they think they will kill most muslims and force many others to migrate to what would be left of Pakistan or Bangladesh see their name: HINDUS TAN

well that is a very clear agenda

Muhammad: again this is a too simplistic thought. In India there have been movements like this in the past. Like Shuddi tehreek, sanghattan movements it is the re-emergence of these movements

Ameer: I am not sure but India wishes to act like Americans and Israelis and killing Muslims seems to be the easiest route

Muhammad: that is for sure. Moreover it didn't want to share its region with any of the US or Israel

Muhammad: I guess then that Army has no choice except to launch a major attack on Mehsud or Fazl-Ullah. But they are well trained with gorilla wars which is almost impossible to win, if they also enjoy support from tribesmen

Ameer: they have almost no support from tribesmen because of the army operation in fact ISI can train tribesmen and get these bastards killed

Muhammad: but then they will have to deal with the tribesmen later

Ameer: now that is a problem which can be solved by opening roads and making education common and also by having a stricter control over border with afghanistan

there was a report in DAWN 2 days back that around 6000 afghan men are in Pakistan to fight

Muhammad: this what they should have done when Soviet quits

they are silly people. They should have thought in the entire world their only supporter is Pakistani people. There is a simple rule in the goriall was that you don't let your base camp in trouble. But as we know stupidity knows no bound. Perhaps they are being over-confident.

Ameer: i am not sure what they are thinking

but hearing all those comments from people like Imran Khan and others I feel that all tribesmen think that they are just not beatable

and they imagine that the mountains would save them

they are living in times when that was the case

they need to get out and see the world

Muhammad: This is not much untrue.
Gorilla wars aryou have the support from the people in whicnless you have the support from the people in which you are operating

yes, once Imran Khan said that solution is that make tribesmen your allies. Give them task and support. they will do your jobs. A solution which is very similar to you just told me.

Ameer: what I understand is that lot of tribesmen have nothing to do all day

so they like having guest

fighting over smaller things

enjoying kewa or chai

and keeping their women shut

or producing children

or learning Quran without understanding any thing

so the best way to deal with these rough tough people is to get them doing something all day long

so that they have no time for stupidities

Muhammad: this is our fault too we continued the Bristish policies rather then integerating them to the Pakistani society.

Ameer: we have lot to answer to ourselves and to the people who;ve suffered due to us