Sindhi Lady Jounalist Working with BBC world Service

A Sindhi female journalist is working with BBC. Ms. Karishma Waswani is associated with BBC since 2003. It just clicked the mind that how much education makes a difference. Women folks among Sindhi Hindus in Sindh remain confined to medical and teaching professions.

Below is her biography, her family is originaly from Sindh but she herself was born and raised in Singapore and educated in UK and now reports from India. Will she ever write some thing about her motherland Sindh and its poverty stricken masses.

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Biographies
Karishma Vaswani , Mumbai Business Correspondent
Karishma Vaswani is the presenter of India Business Report, BBC World News’ business programme dedicated to examining the issues of trade, business and economics in India.

Let us welcome restoration of CJ and hope he will help in restoration of provincial rights

by Khalid Hashmani, McLean, Virginia, USA
It is indeed a good decision by the PPP leadership to show flexibility and restore illegally fired justices including Chief Justice Iftikhar Choudhry. At the same time, after hearing that anti-Sindh and anti-Sindhi slogans were raised in Punjab, I am fearful that the federal judiciary may derail the train moving towards provincial autonomy. Unless the restored justices are pure hearted souls, their future rulings may favor rulings that favor federal jurisdictions over provincial matters and concurrent lists. I hope my fears are unfounded. Otherwise, Sindhis may see some real tough times.

Charter of Democracy Signed by Benazir Bhutto & Nawaz Shairf says;

Charter of Democracy Article 4 says;
A federal constitutional court will be set-up to resolve constitutional issues, giving equal representation to each of the federating units, whose members may be Judges or persons qualified to be judges of the Supreme court, constituted for six years period. The Supreme Court and High courts will hear regular civil and criminal cases. The appointment of judges shall be made in the same manner as for judges of higher Judiciary.

Anti-Sindh slogans shouted by participants of the long march in Lahore!

MQM threatens to pull out of coalition
Courtesy and thanks: Daily Times
LAHORE: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Coordination Committee has decided that the party would quit the coalition from the Sindh and federal governments within 48 hours if the Sindh government did not take notice of anti-Sindh slogans shouted by participants of the long march in Lahore. A private TV channel reported on Sunday that the decision was made in a joint meeting of the party’s London and Pakistan coordination committees. The meeting condemned the slogans and said any slogan against the people of Sindh would not be tolerated. The committee sent its decision to London for MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s approval. Meanwhile, the MQM chief called upon those who cared for the country’s solidarity to ponder over the views expressed by the JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman in an interview to another TV channel, APP reported. Hussain said Fazl’s views should be considered instead of being criticised. daily times monitor/app.

CJ reinstatement: congratulations to Sindhi community in North America

by Aziz Narejo, TX, USA
An epic struggle by lawyers, civil society activists and some political parties has finally succeeded and the government has been forced to reinstate the judges deposed by military dictator on 3rd November, 2007. SANA has been steadfastly supporting the reinstatement of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry and other judges. Our members have organized, supported and participated in several rallies in USA and Canada for the cause and we have been writing on various forums on the subject.
I congratulate SANA members on the reinstatement of the Chief Justice and other judges.

Discrimination with Sindhis- The number of Sindhi bureaucrats in the federal govt. is about 1 in 10 of about it is supposed to be.

Sindh seeks increased representation in federal bureaucracy
Friday, March 13, 2009
By Imtiaz Ali
Courtesy and Thanks: The News
Karachi- The Sindh government has approached the federal government for increasing the number of officers, including secretaries, from Sindh in the federal bureaucracy to address the ‘sense of deprivation’ in the province, Sindh Law Minister Ayaz Soomro said on Thursday.

Chief Justice reinstated

Pakistan said to give in to protesters’ demands
by Laura King,
Courtesy and Thanks: LA Times
March 15th, 2009
- Wichaar.com

Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan – Wild rejoicing erupted in the Pakistani capital early Monday amid news reports that the government would capitulate to protesters’ demands to reinstate the popular chief justice fired by former President Pervez Musharraf. Word of the reversal by the government of President Asif Ali Zardari came as a huge caravan led by opposition leader Nawaz Sharif bore down on the capital in defiance of a government ban. Police resistance had melted away hours earlier as the convoy left Lahore, a center of Sharif’s power, with the crowd that accompanied him dismantling barricades along the 200-mile stretch of road to the capital. As the night wore on, thousands of followers flocked to the slow-moving convoy’s route, throwing rose petals and dancing by the roadside.

Is A Military Coup In the Wings?

Pakistan: Is A Coup In The Wings?
by Farhan Bokhari
- Wichaar.com
March 15th, 2009
(CBS) Pakistan’s growing political turmoil risks drawing in the military into a political role, and endangers U.S. interests in the war on terror across the Pak-Afghan region, two western ambassadors in Islamabad warned Sunday night, in separate interviews with CBS News. These warnings came after a day of mayhem in Lahore, the country’s second-largest city and its political nerve center, where supporters of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif clashed with police and security services.

Chief Justice of Pakistan restored

by Ayaz Latif Palijo Advocate, Chairman FRJP
The writer can be reached at ayazlatif@gmail.com
Today is the day of triumph for all of us and lets take this opportunity to salute the people of Pakistan, the martyrs of 12th May, the lawyers who were burnt to death in Karachi, the courageous members of the bar, the brave representatives of media, Hon Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chodhri, Rana Bhagwandas, Khalil u Rehman Ramdey, Ali Ahmed Kurd, Aitzaz Ahsan, Muneer Malik, Rasheed Rizvi, Baz Mohd Kakar, Tarik Mahmood, Athar Minalah, Asma Jahangeer the leadership & activists of Sindhiani Tahreek, PMLN, TI, JI, Awami Tahreek, Nationalist Parties of Sindh, Balochistan & Pakhtoon Khuwah.

Opinion- Sindhis should support restoration of judiciary including deposed chief justice of SCoP, justice Iftikhar

by Mohammad Khan Sial

I suggest that people of Sindh (Sindhis) must support Long March meant to restore judiciary including chief justice of supreme court of Pakistan (SCoP) Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar. Justice Chaudhry Iftikhar had took more than 5,500 suo moto actions including of missing Dr Safdar Sarki. I remember when I was in El-Campo, TX, I created a special website for Dr Safdar Sarki. On behalf of his family members, I made correspondence to Ms Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, Chairperson, PPP and other political parties. Only BB replied and strongly supported the release of Dr Sarki despite she was heading separate political party She strongly raised the issue of Dr sarki about 8/10 times at different occasions and assured all support to the family members of Dr Sarki.

The Lahore rebellion

It seems a total collapse of the state arrangements to stop the rally. The whole city is coming to the streets. The police brutalities of the last few days are coming to an end.
by Farooq Tariq, Lahore
The writer can be reached at farooqtariq@hotmail.com
The fight is going on. Police is sometime retreating and coming back to use tear gas. The protesters are also determined to express their right to get together.
Police is firing directly at the demonstrators. One casualty the Shahid siddique, the newly elected president of Lahore High Bar Association. Thousands of rounds of tear gas been fired at General Post Office Chouck. Many has injured. Asma Jehanghir is also been effected badly.

There is No Statesman in PML(N)- May Allah help us!

by: Khan Arif
All they can do to issue inflammatory statements distorting facts. We lost Eastern wing (Bangladesh) because we lacked the statesmanship to know the right time and the manner of yielding to the conditions for national integrity. Statesmen may make mistakes but they make amends when needed. The essence of statesmanship is not a rigid adherence to the past, but a prudent and probing concern for the future. It is because of statesmanship in PPP that they formed Ruling Alliance not only in Federal capitol but also in the three provinces and they also joined Punjab Government fro a brief period. By reconciling their differences PPP and MQM have shown statesmanship and one wishes that Nawaz League also does that.In the past he had irreconcilable differences not only with President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, but also Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, and he participated in toppling PPP Government twice and Junejo government and went back on his promises with MQM and ordered military crackdown creating MQM Haquqi group of militants for bashing Altaf group. Now it is his third attempt to topple PPP Government by raising calls of civil disobedience and rebellion and calling the parliament and judiciary bogus. If this is called statesmanship may Allah help us.

Opinion- Sharif Conspiracies!

by Prof. Gul Agha, Illinois, USA
No one said anything about Zardari, but I have no reason to think that he is not a friend of Sindh. And, yes, we know the title “President” is a mirage — as Zardari has found out when he tried to fight the Taliban, influence Balochistan policy and promote peace and trade with India (he can’t even order his Intelligence chief to meet Indians! or keep his security advisor from being fired for acknowledging what the whole world already knew).
But with the current regime has come a Sindh Assembly and Govt. that is much better than before. The stronger Saaiin Zardari feels, the more room to maneuver Sindh PPP will have. Until they decide to remove him.. then they will go after all these Sindhi folks too. History repeats itself, first as tragedy than as a farce.
I do think the majority of this Sindh Assembly is a friend of Sindh. Reading the papers has been a breath of fresh air. I have been impressed by their honesty about the situation and the nature of the problems as well as their demands

Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Afzal Khan Lala

Peshawar- Afghan President Hamid Khan Karzai called veteran Pashtun nationalist politician muhammad Afzal Khan lala on telephone and enquired about his health and his ordeal in Swat pakhtunkhwa which he has been facing for last more than one year. Afghan President telephoned khan lala at a time when Afzal khan lala,s life is once again under threat from the terrorists who have turned Pashtun region like a hell and most of the Pashtun have been forced to have migrated from their homes at sawt and FATA.

Opinion- Sherry, heeds to her conscious, resigns, keeps her word unlike her party chief

Sherry Rehman

by Aziz Narejo, TX, USA
Sherry Rehman heeds to her conscious, resigns, keeps her word unlike the accidental leader of her party. It was reported a few days back that federal information minister Sherry Rehman had vowed to resign if any action was taken to curb the freedom of media. That was a principled stand by someone who had been associated with journalism in the past. It is reported in a section of the press that she kept her word today unlike the accidental boss of her party and tendered her resignation when government shut down GEO TV in the country.
One must appreciate the decision of Ms Sherry Rehman. It is an honorable and a principled decision. One hopes each major political party in the country has leaders like Sherry Rehman and Raza Rabbani who have the courage to differ with their leadership and could stand for what they think is right.

Opinion- Sherry Rehman Resigns!

By Prof. Gul Agha, USA
The writer can be reached at gul.agha@gmail.com
So her conscience had no problem providing speaking twaddle and giving absurd excuses while hundreds of thousands of Swatis, including women who bear the brunt of Taliban atrocities, were abandoned by the govt., but is now pricked because her friends in the media are being prevented from fanning the flames of destabilization?
Pakistan is a scorpion’s den. The Sharif’s are masters at the game. The only purpose of their current involvement is to destabilize and displace the Sindhi led govt. This is a power game that has nothing to do with any principal. They know they cannot get a vote of confidence even in the Punjab Assembly so they are taking to the streets, as the anti-Thaksin forces did in Thailand.
Only a fool cannot see through their game. The Sharifs have never been friends of Sindhis, they even campaigned on Punjabi chauvanism. Last time around, they voted to bring Shariah law and even today are catering to the reactionary recidivists. They didn’t speak out for justice when the Swatis are abandoned by Pakistan. Nor did the lawyer’s movement care for the most basic human rights of the Baloch or the Swatis.
Sindhis have to make clear they will not tolerate this kind of blackmail by the minority party in Punjab to destabilize the govt., destroy law and order, and divide the coalition of Sindhis, Pushtuns and Baloch which are trying to establish a small foothold. Recently, the Sindh govt. demanded the rural Sindhi quota in federal jobs. The Sindh Assembly noted the on-going conspiracy against Sindhi Hindus. This is the sort of stuff they fear.
Of course, in the big picture, it won’t matter. Pakistan will still be run by the military. And if they succeed in destabilizing the current govt., they will simply show they cannot tolerate a Sindhi as President with any semblance of a little power, or a Sindh Assembly which is trying to do the right thing on many counts.

Opinion- Sherry joins forces of destablization to help undo what Sindhis won in Elections

by Khalid Hashmani, McLean, Virginia, USA
… She is one of those politicians who has always used her Sindhi heritage to gain prominence in politics but never said a single word in protection and preservation of Sindhi rights either inside PPP forums or on external forums. A good next step for her would be to join PML-N, which really is her natural constituency.

Let us not exaggerate or say “out of context” or attribute incorrect statements and motivations to others. Let us keep discussion focused on facts and question people’s personal motivations, etc. I do not think any one has praised Mr. Zardari or is saying that the present PPP regime has met all people’s expectations or promises they made. As a matter of fact, imposing Governor’s rule in Punjab has been criticized by almost all of us. However, when we see that PML-N and their supporters are bent upon removing the government that was duly elected by people through street violence and anarchy, one must ask whether the government that will assume the power if the PML-N and its supporters succeed would be better for Sindhis than the present government?
If we observe the governments that have ruled Pakistan in the last few decades, I do not believe that any Sindhi will deny the fact that Sindhis received better treatment during the rule of Z. A, Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto regimes than any other regime. As a matter of fact, the regime of Nawaz Sharif has the worst record than even some of the military regimes including physical attacks against Sindhi Chief Justice and eventually engineering ouster of Justice Sajjad Shah.
The path of prudence tells us that even though the current treatment of Sindhis is not good, we will fair much worse if Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his supporters take over the power. At least, now there is no direct threat to our language and culture. With Nawaz brothers at the helm, I believe we not be able to even maintain status quo.

Step of UNHCR and Pakistan lauded to allow Afghan till 2012: Zar ali musazai

Press Release: Chairman Pashtun Democratic Council Zar ali khan musazai has appreciated the role of UNHCR and Pakistan to sign a letter of mutual intent regarding the situation of the registered Afghan in Pakistan.Their stay till year 2012 is also not enough.

Coffee: the Black Magic- Seeing ghosts!

People who drink too much coffee are in danger of having illusions and seeing ghosts during the day according to a new research. Our body releases a hormone called cortisol whose production is triggered by caffeine. This hormone actually leads to illusions and hallucinations. This research is directly linked to the intake of caffeine which is major content of coffeine. However, caffeine is also present in tea and chocolate. So research has also linked caffeine to miscarriages of birth problems about women.

Federalism and Democracy – Pakistan’s Experience and Challenges

Forwarded by Khalid Hashmani (McLean, Virginia, USA)
“The breakup of Pakistan would be a costly and destabilizing development that can still be avoided, but only if the United States and other foreign donors use their enormous aid leverage to convince Islamabad that it should not only put the 1973 Constitution back into effect, but amend it to go beyond the limited degree of autonomy it envisaged. Eventually, the minorities want a central government that would retain control only over defense, foreign affairs, international trade, communications and currency. It would no longer have the power to oust an elected provincial government, and would have to renegotiate royalties on resources with the provinces.”

No where in history judiciary has been independent in the absence of democracy

by Abdul Latif Khuhro, latifk@hotmail.com
No where in history judiciary has been independent in the absence of democracy. Normally, parliament is the forum where political battles are fought. That is the democratic norm to which the PML-N continues to be publicly committed. However, Nawaz Sharif’ pronouncement indicates that the PML-N has jettisoned the parliamentary route and opted for flexing its muscles on the streets…

The real goal of PML-N is to topple the PPP govt

by Prof. Gul Agha

It is clear that the real goal of PML-N is to topple the PPP govt., as they did last time they controlled Punjab. PML- N who attacked the Supreme Court have never apologized or even acknowledged their sins. They do not respect this one either and would not respect any other. The only reason they are interested in restoring the most recent past Chief Justice, CJ is to get President Zardari out-of-the-way. After all, they are not demanding restoring Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah…..

March 13, 2009

Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups.

The destruction of Manchar & Haleji Lakes- It is a standard tragedy of Sindh

by Azhar Ali Shah

It seems that main reason behind the destruction of Manchar, Haleji and other lakes of Sindh is just negligence and improper planning of government coupled with selfish interests of local zamindars/feudals who want their land and fish farms to be irrigated at the cost of the supply of drinking water to the local people and preserving public tourist points!. Its all shame for the related ministries, departments, offices and peoples as well.

Deja vu for Sindh Govt., Sindhi Hindus

In 1948, the Sindh govt. resisted sponsored rioting against Sindhi Hindus and was dismissed by central establishment of the country.
Today, a new Sindhi representative govt. is again noting the ugly reality and standing up for the rights of all Sindhis.
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It is Deja vu.
Organised conspiracy’ against Hindus in Sindh: Mirza
Friday, March 13, 2009
By our correspondent

Courtesy and Thanks: Daily Times
Karachi: Sindh- Legislators during the Sindh Assembly session on Thursday expressed concern over a whole range of issues, including kidnapping of minority members, corruption at the Civic Centre during registration of vehicles, continued load-shedding, non-payment of salaries to lady health workers (LHW), extra fees by private schools, theft of steel from railway tracks and cutting of trees.

WORLD SINDHI CONGRESS ATTENDS THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN GENEVA

Report by Information Secretary Ali Memon

6 March 2009
WSC ATTENDS 10TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
World Sindhi Congress, a leading Sindhi organisation working for the cause of human rights of Sindh and Sindhis, is attending the 10th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva , scheduled from 2-27 March 2009.

Asif Zardari with Sarah Palin speaking Sindhi

Sindh minister’s wife gets high profile diplomatic job in London

ISLAMABAD-Sindh minister’s wife has gotten a lucrative diplomatic post abroad. Observes alleged that Ms Shahenaz Mazhar, the wife of Pir Mazharul Haq, a senior minister in Sindh cabinet.
Ahsan Iqbal, the PML-N information secretary, termed the appointment of Ms Shahenaz a clear violation of merit. “This is a very sad situation, the government is openly violating the merit. Such high profile jobs require a great deal of experience he said. The govt had earlier appointed a daughter of commerce minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim to another high-profile diplomat post in Ireland.

Opinion

Govt. on suicide mission; Raza Rabbani, others must speak up, join long march
by Aziz Narejo, Huston, TX, USA
The writer can be reached at anarejo@yahoo.com
The situation is as bad as it gets. Political forces in the country have finally collided with each other against the wishes of the people who wanted them to bury the hatchet, work together, strengthen democracy, eradicate corruption, terrorism and poverty, provide education and health to citizens, solve other serious issues facing the country, end inequalities and discrimination and build a system based on justice and fairness.

Time running out for stable Pakistan

- Ali Gharib and Jim Lobe

- Wichaar.com
WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) – The United States and its allies must act urgently to prevent Pakistan from descending into a spiral of economic, security, and political crises, according to a new report released here by an influential think tank.

The 27-page report, “Needed: A Comprehensive U.S. Policy Towards Pakistan,” called for at least $4 billion to $5 billion in new aid for Islamabad of which $1 billion should be earmarked for the military and the police, to help ward off the growing threat posed to the central government by Islamic militants based in the frontier regions with Afghanistan and linked to Al-Qaeda.

“Simply put, time is running out for stabilizing Pakistan’s economy and security,” the task force warned. “We cannot stress the magnitude of the dangerous enough nor the need for greater action now,” it stressed, adding that failure to provide needed assistance could well result in “state failure.”

Islam’s last Messenger Muhammad (PBUH)- Saviour of humanity & mercy for whole mankind

The 3rd Islamic month is Rabiul Awwal. On 12th day of this Islamic month each year, more than 1.5 billion Muslims of the world celebrate birth anniversary of Islam’s last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (PBUH). This year 12th Rabiul Awwal 1428 falls on last week of March 2007. To more than 1-5 billions Muslims of the world, irrespective of their sectarian, cultural geographical and political differences, Islam’s last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) is regarded as Allah’s greatest creation, noblest personality, savior of humanity and mercy for whole mankind. These more than 1.5 billion Muslims on this planet do not require any survey, research, credentials or certificates to arrive at this conclusion. It is a non-negotiable article of faith, firm and absolute belief that Muhammad (PBUH) is the greatest and noblest personality.
But his is the firm and absolute belief of Muslims. What about non-Muslims? It may be surprise to know that over the centuries ago, many eminent and renowned non-Muslim writers, historians, philosophers, intellectuals and political leaders have rated Muhammad (PBUH) most highly and given him due recognition to his greatness and his noblest character. Michael H. Hart, a Christian American, astronomer, mathematician, lawyer and scientist, after extensive research, has published biography of 100 most influential personalities of all time… From this research, which included most influential personalities such as Jesus Christ, Moses, Napolean, Shakespeare, Columbus etc… this author Michael H. Hart has rated Muhammad (PBUH) as number ONE in his book “The 100″- entitles Muhammad (PBUH) number ONE in human history…

Hindu Methodology

The roots of Hindu methodology is deeply imbedded in the Indus valley civilization. Hindu methodolgy recognizes one supreme God, one divine entity who is both at one with the universe and transcends it at the same time. In Hindu methodology, it is believed that the one and only divine entity to exist as three separate parts: 1. Brahma, the Creator, who perpetually creates new realities, 2. Vishnu, or Krishna, the Preserver and the protector, 3. Shiva, the Destroyer. In Hindu belief everything comes from nothing and goes to nothing, in cycle after cycle. Therefore, Brahma creates the universe, Vishnu takes over as its caretaker and then Shiva destroys it so that Brahma can begin the cycle again.

Hinduism is such an ancient religion; there are many divisions and variations in tradition and custom. Hindu sects are enormously tolerant of each other, and to other religions, believing as there are many paths to the one true omnipotent God.

Zardari Follows Musharraf? Nawaz Sharif says

Pakistan Muslim Leage- Nawaz (PML- N) chief Nawaz Sharif had said that people are not willing to accept the judges appointment by former president Pervez Musharraf. Addressing a public rally in Norwal on Monday, he said that massive public turn out was prelude to change. “Zardari has embraced Musharraf- appointment judges,” he said, adding that change was indispensable. Addressing to general public meeting, he said President Zardari offered him to compromise with the PCO judges but he refused to do so and sacrificed the CM-ship and government of Punjab. He appealed to the people to participate in the long march for the supremacy of the constitution and for the restoration of the judiciary.

Explosions at the tomb of Afghan Poet Rahman Baba

by Zar Ali Khan Musazai, Peshawar

This was shocking news to hear that terrorists and miscreants bombed the holy tomb of the Pashto language greatest mystic poet Rehman Baba situated in Hazar khwani village of Mahmand tribe of Pashtun/Afghan in the south of Peshawar city. It was about 5pm when my eyes suddenly opened due to a big bang of the explosion.

Pakistan is a Threat to Entire World? – Pranab Mukherjee says

Condemning the attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore, India today said terrorism based in Pakistan is a “grave” threat to the entire world and warned that such acts would not stop till Islamabad takes “prompt” and “decisive” steps to dismantle terror infrastructure. Underlining that it is in Islamabad’s own interest to destroy the facilities for terror and bring such perpetrators to justice, New Delhi asked it to focus on this aspect rather than diverting attention of world community to others issues. “Attack on Sri Lankan team is highly condemnable,” External Affairs Minister of India Pranab Mukherjee said.

Judaism

According to the Jewish faith, prophets were far more than simply those who could see the future. They were people chosen by God to speak for him as his messengers. According to Jewish faith, the prophet Moses is greatest prophets in all prophets, who freed the Israelites from the slavery of Pharaoh and took them to the Promised Land. In Jewish faith the book of Torah is from God. The Talmud is a book of Jewish Law, describing how to apply the rules of the Torah in different circumstances. The female prophets listed in the Talmud are Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Huldah, Abigail and Esther.

Faith, Belief and Reason

The human understanding is not composed of dry light, but is subject to influence from the will and the emotions, a fact that creates fanciful knowledge; man prefers to believe what he wants to be true. - Francis Bacon, The New Organon, XLIX, p. 44