Sunday, 30 October 2011
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Of holy cows and unholy alliances
The three musketeers are back together in the government. Or would you rather I call them idiots? Indeed, the rising anti-government discourse – and the explosion of anti-Zardari rhetoric from right-wingers – and among some conservatives, is well deserved. However, will this hysteria secure optimum result for the myriad problems confronting the country? Sadly, simplistic attacks on President Zardari and his government’s initiatives – or lack of – are an insult to the audience. Rather than engaging ourselves in substantive analysis and policy critique, we have all become easy prey for mindless debate.
Yes, President Zardari is smart. He plays well. He has his coalition partners exactly where he wants them. With him. The PML-Q – an uneasy alliance partner that was cleverly placed to replace the unpredictable MQM – is now a more permanent member of the PPP ‘coalition club’. But rules apply: the member must strengthen the ruling government in parliament and a seat-adjustment promise for the next elections.
In return the auspicious ‘PPP club’ must ensure Moonis Elahi’s freedom and make true on their promise of carving out lucrative ministries for the member’s greedy lot. Meanwhile, for the MQM, the membership fees has considerably been reduced while the fine has been paid by the PPP club itself: a state ministry or two, a ‘certain’ someone to be implicated and kept in custody (preferably forever) and of course, a large (read: largest) share in Karachi.
Analysts dismissed the PML-Q’s resignations act as nothing more than “political posturing”, while the MQM hoped people would buy their ever sellable mantra: of “rejoining the government in the national interest” of the country. For those who were hedging their bets on whether the MQM would make a comeback – the party has quit the coalition at least five times before – were richer Wednesday night. “Let us forget the past,” said Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad in a joint press conference moments after the news of MQM’s return dominated the airwaves. Yes, Mr Governor. Let us look beyond the target killings, which left hundreds of people dead and forget that there ever existed a man called Zulfikar Mirza. Let’s forge ahead on a path that was laid out in blood a short while ago. Let’s welcome another round of an unholy alliance.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, in its verdict on Karachi implicates all political parties – the PPP, MQM, ANP, Sunni Tehrik and Jamat-e-Islami – of their involvement in criminal activities. They have been asked to expel all criminal elements from their parties’ rank and file. Other than making a few observations and recommendations, it seems that the Supreme Court has thrown the ball back into the government’s court.
Speaking of alliances, guess who the new kid on the block has allied with recently? Imran Khan’s new man: former governor of Punjab and ex-president of the PML-Q, Mian Mohammad Azhar. Are you rejoicing yet? Well, Khan obviously was ecstatic and made sure that his voice carried twice as far as he stood outside his house in Model Town, Lahore. “We will rid the country of corrupt politicians,” said Khan. Too bad that Khan’s recent disciple has been himself implicated in vote rigging scandals. But Azhar is a small drop in the big ocean where vote rigging is a right especially reserved for the security establishment. With their support, and Khan’s hypocrisy, the votes will be forthcoming.
Who cares if Imran Khan wears a liberal face for the rest of the world while he assumes a conservative demeanour for Pakistan? The fact that Khan campaigned for Musharraf’s referendum in 2002, and doesn’t seem to understand the basics of democracy is a moot point. Our naïve countrymen will still fall for his ghairatmand exterior, voting in a candidate known more for his exploits than his team spirit. Howzzat, Mr Khan? The people who flock to see Khan perform in rallies and support his sit-ins have little idea that running a country is far more complex than steering a cricket team towards victory. A fixed match, Mr Khan, is not fair play.
Our country’s higher-ups have strange bed-fellows to say the least. From the Haqqani’s “non-militant” wing to other terrorist and sectarian groups, one wonders how such alliances can bode well for the country, and simultaneously cause harm to external powers. However, with increasing sympathy for one side, another side is being alienated: the US. With threats to halt all aid to Pakistan and a tough exterior to boot, the Americans are asking for some straight answers. As is this nation, which has been silenced with a resolution that was generated at the All Parties Conference. And just when we were trying to understand our own failings, the lights went out. Literally. Herculean power breakdowns and gas shortage plunged this nation into another form of disarray, providing the opposition with a much welcome opening.
The friendly opposition decided to go for an image makeover. Violent protests and accusatory remarks became the order of the day. What started out as attacks on offices and grid stations of Pepco and Lesco developed into a fiery war of words between the ruling government and the PML-N. One spoke of inept attitude of the ruling elite for regular wage earners, while the other accused the first of not being able to rid Punjab of dengue.
Those who vowed to safeguard democracy now took to the streets to dismiss Zardari. That will help us overcome our power shortage for sure. The government is ignorant on how to avert the crisis for good, but it doesn’t seem like the opposition has a plan either. Nor did those who walked the extra mile behind Chaudhry Nisar. A principled stance always comes second to show of strength. The party that has recently been attacked by right-wingers on their friendly policy with India stance, now walked together towards the presidency.
Lastly, what is beginning to cause me great concern is our collective hysteria in response to the government’s lack of enterprise. Would our people be better or worse off under the agenda of directionless violent protests? I ask you.
Yes, President Zardari is smart. He plays well. He has his coalition partners exactly where he wants them. With him. The PML-Q – an uneasy alliance partner that was cleverly placed to replace the unpredictable MQM – is now a more permanent member of the PPP ‘coalition club’. But rules apply: the member must strengthen the ruling government in parliament and a seat-adjustment promise for the next elections.
In return the auspicious ‘PPP club’ must ensure Moonis Elahi’s freedom and make true on their promise of carving out lucrative ministries for the member’s greedy lot. Meanwhile, for the MQM, the membership fees has considerably been reduced while the fine has been paid by the PPP club itself: a state ministry or two, a ‘certain’ someone to be implicated and kept in custody (preferably forever) and of course, a large (read: largest) share in Karachi.
Analysts dismissed the PML-Q’s resignations act as nothing more than “political posturing”, while the MQM hoped people would buy their ever sellable mantra: of “rejoining the government in the national interest” of the country. For those who were hedging their bets on whether the MQM would make a comeback – the party has quit the coalition at least five times before – were richer Wednesday night. “Let us forget the past,” said Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad in a joint press conference moments after the news of MQM’s return dominated the airwaves. Yes, Mr Governor. Let us look beyond the target killings, which left hundreds of people dead and forget that there ever existed a man called Zulfikar Mirza. Let’s forge ahead on a path that was laid out in blood a short while ago. Let’s welcome another round of an unholy alliance.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, in its verdict on Karachi implicates all political parties – the PPP, MQM, ANP, Sunni Tehrik and Jamat-e-Islami – of their involvement in criminal activities. They have been asked to expel all criminal elements from their parties’ rank and file. Other than making a few observations and recommendations, it seems that the Supreme Court has thrown the ball back into the government’s court.
Speaking of alliances, guess who the new kid on the block has allied with recently? Imran Khan’s new man: former governor of Punjab and ex-president of the PML-Q, Mian Mohammad Azhar. Are you rejoicing yet? Well, Khan obviously was ecstatic and made sure that his voice carried twice as far as he stood outside his house in Model Town, Lahore. “We will rid the country of corrupt politicians,” said Khan. Too bad that Khan’s recent disciple has been himself implicated in vote rigging scandals. But Azhar is a small drop in the big ocean where vote rigging is a right especially reserved for the security establishment. With their support, and Khan’s hypocrisy, the votes will be forthcoming.
Who cares if Imran Khan wears a liberal face for the rest of the world while he assumes a conservative demeanour for Pakistan? The fact that Khan campaigned for Musharraf’s referendum in 2002, and doesn’t seem to understand the basics of democracy is a moot point. Our naïve countrymen will still fall for his ghairatmand exterior, voting in a candidate known more for his exploits than his team spirit. Howzzat, Mr Khan? The people who flock to see Khan perform in rallies and support his sit-ins have little idea that running a country is far more complex than steering a cricket team towards victory. A fixed match, Mr Khan, is not fair play.
Our country’s higher-ups have strange bed-fellows to say the least. From the Haqqani’s “non-militant” wing to other terrorist and sectarian groups, one wonders how such alliances can bode well for the country, and simultaneously cause harm to external powers. However, with increasing sympathy for one side, another side is being alienated: the US. With threats to halt all aid to Pakistan and a tough exterior to boot, the Americans are asking for some straight answers. As is this nation, which has been silenced with a resolution that was generated at the All Parties Conference. And just when we were trying to understand our own failings, the lights went out. Literally. Herculean power breakdowns and gas shortage plunged this nation into another form of disarray, providing the opposition with a much welcome opening.
The friendly opposition decided to go for an image makeover. Violent protests and accusatory remarks became the order of the day. What started out as attacks on offices and grid stations of Pepco and Lesco developed into a fiery war of words between the ruling government and the PML-N. One spoke of inept attitude of the ruling elite for regular wage earners, while the other accused the first of not being able to rid Punjab of dengue.
Those who vowed to safeguard democracy now took to the streets to dismiss Zardari. That will help us overcome our power shortage for sure. The government is ignorant on how to avert the crisis for good, but it doesn’t seem like the opposition has a plan either. Nor did those who walked the extra mile behind Chaudhry Nisar. A principled stance always comes second to show of strength. The party that has recently been attacked by right-wingers on their friendly policy with India stance, now walked together towards the presidency.
Lastly, what is beginning to cause me great concern is our collective hysteria in response to the government’s lack of enterprise. Would our people be better or worse off under the agenda of directionless violent protests? I ask you.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Sunday, 25 September 2011
While we are looking East
Do we in Pakistan sleep well at night? We should, knowing that we are being guarded by Pakistani troops on our eastern border with India. Bless the Khakis for keeping us safe from India’s evil intentions. We should be grateful that our army, with an active force of 619,000 personnel and another 528,000 in reserve is ready to protect our borders and always there to defend our country’s national interests. So, when Uncle Sam starts playing the same old “Haqqani network” tune, ignore it. If the likes of Leon Panetta and Admiral Mike Mullen accuse us of supporting militants, think “strategic depth.” What do we civilians know about safeguarding our national interests? Apparently nothing. If our Interior Minister Rehman Malik tells us that the Haqqanis are “sons of the soil,” accept them as our dear brothers. Don’t fall for what Google or history tells you. It’s a conspiracy being hatched by Mossad, Raw and the CIA. No arguments please.
If the Taliban kill a few hundred people in Peshawar, please do not waste your time talking about security lapse. Get over it and brace yourself for the next attack. It could be that you go to attend the last prayers of someone else but instead offer your own last prayer. There is also the possibility that you go to offer your weekly Friday prayers and are blown up before you could even properly kneel in front of Him. At least it is a privilege to die in a state of ablution. Imagine dying in a hospital bed with no medicines and no platelet separator machines to treat your dengue fever. We cannot be spending precious millions on these machines at a time of global recession. Buying F-16s, however, would be better value for money. National interest first.
If bleeding to death vis-à-vis a mosquito bite is not bad enough, think how awful it would be to die in a flood-stricken area of Sindh. With no funds to rehabilitate the millions rendered homeless, death is inevitable. Gastroenteritis, starvation and waterborne diseases – without proper medication and care – would make death slow and very painful. Isn’t it wonderful then that there is an alternative way of dying so readily available to us mere mortals in Pakistan?
Why should we worry about a little water and a few hundred mosquitoes when we have bigger issues to lose sleep over? We have to counter the Indian threat. We haven’t gone to war with them since 1971 but there’s a chance that we could. Let’s not forget the Kargil Conflict in 1999 when tensions between India and Pakistan erupted in a war-like situation over the Line of Control, in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. India almost waged war again, in response to an attack on its parliament in December 2001, which left at least 12 people dead. A cable recently released by Wikileaks suggests that Pakistan sought the help of Gulf countries to bring India back on the negotiating table. Rubbish! Our strength – nuclear and otherwise – refrained the Indians from reacting. Not intervention from the Gulf countries.
Lastly, post 26/11, India has been looking for an excuse to attack us, in a bid to get even. Recently, at least three Pakistani soldiers posted along the LoC were martyred by the Indian troops. An Indian junior commissioned officer was also killed during the struggle. It is alleged that a ceasefire violation occurred from the Pakistani side of the border. Such violations, India believes, are a cover for infiltrating militants into Kashmir. Absolute lies! There are no militants in Kashmir and the Pakistan Army has no links to the LeT. Why would we subject ourselves to such petty tactics when we have nukes? The nuclear bomb is a far greater threat than Lashkars. And the Indians know it.
“But for ye who disbelieve, there are signs...” There are some who believe that sectarian groups such as the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi , religious organisations like the Jaish-e-Mohammad and/or the Taliban are linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Indian agents all of them! And now we have the Americans on Capitol Hill accusing us of playing double games. The Haqqani network is a “veritable arm” of the ISI, says Admiral Mullen. Indeed! What evidence do they have for such blatant accusations? We have proof to the contrary: Rehman Malik’s rejection and Hina Rabbani Khar’s outright dismissal on America’s newfound ‘absurdity.’ Add to that some credibility: General Kayani’s ‘categorical denial’ to American outbursts. “These rumors are being dispelled by the US,” argue media loyalists, “so they can make Pakistan a scapegoat for their own failures in Afghanistan.”
Enough! It’s about time to snap out of our hypnotic state. Many have already broken away from the trance, while others are awakening from their deep slumber. Pakistan supports the endgame in Afghanistan, except that they want India dealt with, while the US wants the Haqqani network. India is a threat yes, but there’s proof that its last few attempts at threatening us were reactionary to our alleged actions.
Too much has been compromised in the name of national interest. What national interest is being served when the lives of your own “nationals” are at risk. Pakistanis, and there’s evidence. A Nadra ID card, a wailing wife (also Pakistani), a sobbing mother, a forlorn father and if you look very carefully, maybe a child or two.
Even those indifferent to Peshawar violence have been slapped in the face by the Karachi attack on SSP CID Chaudhry Aslam’s home in a posh locality. An eight-year-old boy looking forward to his sports day and his mother were amongst those killed in the explosion. The blast did not only break glass and furniture of the surrounding schools and houses, it also shattered the confidence of parents who send their children to school in this vicinity. For them, it will never be the same again. On September 13, parents in Peshawar had felt the same way when a school bus was targeted. Three children were shot dead while ten others were seriously wounded. Media followed the story for two hours but than political statements and dengue became priority. As if we silently accepted the fact that dengue is curable, while terrorism isn’t.
It’s time to come clean: we need to accept that we have allowed ourselves to weaken by making our “assets” stronger; we have dreamt of Afghanistan as our fifth province and used every backhanded tactic in the book to acquire it. We have increased military budgets and support to militants. Our gain? We are regarded as the single biggest exporter of terrorism in the world. Our neighbours are quick to point fingers at us for any act of militancy or terrorism in their country. Our biggest ally and aid-giver is holding a gun to our head to get rid of a menace which is perhaps deadlier for us, than for them.
Regardless of whether we win or lose US support, we now have both nukes and militants at our disposal – alas, neither can help our children sleep better. Nor us.
If the Taliban kill a few hundred people in Peshawar, please do not waste your time talking about security lapse. Get over it and brace yourself for the next attack. It could be that you go to attend the last prayers of someone else but instead offer your own last prayer. There is also the possibility that you go to offer your weekly Friday prayers and are blown up before you could even properly kneel in front of Him. At least it is a privilege to die in a state of ablution. Imagine dying in a hospital bed with no medicines and no platelet separator machines to treat your dengue fever. We cannot be spending precious millions on these machines at a time of global recession. Buying F-16s, however, would be better value for money. National interest first.
If bleeding to death vis-à-vis a mosquito bite is not bad enough, think how awful it would be to die in a flood-stricken area of Sindh. With no funds to rehabilitate the millions rendered homeless, death is inevitable. Gastroenteritis, starvation and waterborne diseases – without proper medication and care – would make death slow and very painful. Isn’t it wonderful then that there is an alternative way of dying so readily available to us mere mortals in Pakistan?
Why should we worry about a little water and a few hundred mosquitoes when we have bigger issues to lose sleep over? We have to counter the Indian threat. We haven’t gone to war with them since 1971 but there’s a chance that we could. Let’s not forget the Kargil Conflict in 1999 when tensions between India and Pakistan erupted in a war-like situation over the Line of Control, in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. India almost waged war again, in response to an attack on its parliament in December 2001, which left at least 12 people dead. A cable recently released by Wikileaks suggests that Pakistan sought the help of Gulf countries to bring India back on the negotiating table. Rubbish! Our strength – nuclear and otherwise – refrained the Indians from reacting. Not intervention from the Gulf countries.
Lastly, post 26/11, India has been looking for an excuse to attack us, in a bid to get even. Recently, at least three Pakistani soldiers posted along the LoC were martyred by the Indian troops. An Indian junior commissioned officer was also killed during the struggle. It is alleged that a ceasefire violation occurred from the Pakistani side of the border. Such violations, India believes, are a cover for infiltrating militants into Kashmir. Absolute lies! There are no militants in Kashmir and the Pakistan Army has no links to the LeT. Why would we subject ourselves to such petty tactics when we have nukes? The nuclear bomb is a far greater threat than Lashkars. And the Indians know it.
“But for ye who disbelieve, there are signs...” There are some who believe that sectarian groups such as the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi , religious organisations like the Jaish-e-Mohammad and/or the Taliban are linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Indian agents all of them! And now we have the Americans on Capitol Hill accusing us of playing double games. The Haqqani network is a “veritable arm” of the ISI, says Admiral Mullen. Indeed! What evidence do they have for such blatant accusations? We have proof to the contrary: Rehman Malik’s rejection and Hina Rabbani Khar’s outright dismissal on America’s newfound ‘absurdity.’ Add to that some credibility: General Kayani’s ‘categorical denial’ to American outbursts. “These rumors are being dispelled by the US,” argue media loyalists, “so they can make Pakistan a scapegoat for their own failures in Afghanistan.”
Enough! It’s about time to snap out of our hypnotic state. Many have already broken away from the trance, while others are awakening from their deep slumber. Pakistan supports the endgame in Afghanistan, except that they want India dealt with, while the US wants the Haqqani network. India is a threat yes, but there’s proof that its last few attempts at threatening us were reactionary to our alleged actions.
Too much has been compromised in the name of national interest. What national interest is being served when the lives of your own “nationals” are at risk. Pakistanis, and there’s evidence. A Nadra ID card, a wailing wife (also Pakistani), a sobbing mother, a forlorn father and if you look very carefully, maybe a child or two.
Even those indifferent to Peshawar violence have been slapped in the face by the Karachi attack on SSP CID Chaudhry Aslam’s home in a posh locality. An eight-year-old boy looking forward to his sports day and his mother were amongst those killed in the explosion. The blast did not only break glass and furniture of the surrounding schools and houses, it also shattered the confidence of parents who send their children to school in this vicinity. For them, it will never be the same again. On September 13, parents in Peshawar had felt the same way when a school bus was targeted. Three children were shot dead while ten others were seriously wounded. Media followed the story for two hours but than political statements and dengue became priority. As if we silently accepted the fact that dengue is curable, while terrorism isn’t.
It’s time to come clean: we need to accept that we have allowed ourselves to weaken by making our “assets” stronger; we have dreamt of Afghanistan as our fifth province and used every backhanded tactic in the book to acquire it. We have increased military budgets and support to militants. Our gain? We are regarded as the single biggest exporter of terrorism in the world. Our neighbours are quick to point fingers at us for any act of militancy or terrorism in their country. Our biggest ally and aid-giver is holding a gun to our head to get rid of a menace which is perhaps deadlier for us, than for them.
Regardless of whether we win or lose US support, we now have both nukes and militants at our disposal – alas, neither can help our children sleep better. Nor us.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Monday, 5 September 2011
Lekin – 5 September, 2011 - Exclusive interview of Dr.Zulfiqar Mirza
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
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