World Sindhi Congress participated in UN Human Rights Council, Geneva

WSC PARTIDCIPATES IN THE NINTH SESSION OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, GENEVA
Ms Suraiya Makhdoom, Senior Vice-Chair, World Sindhi Congress participated in the 9th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva .
During her visit, Ms Makhdoom spoke about the current situation in Sindh, attended the Human Rights Council, some of the NGOs briefings and met various delegates from all over the world.
Speaking in a briefing on South Asia , Ms Makhdoom highlighted the main current problems of Sindh, such as, Centralising of Sindh resources without the consent of the people of Sindh Examples: Coal resources of Sindh are being taken away by the central govt.

The  Federal government has taken control of the coal resources of Sindh by creating a new body through a notification only. Thar Coal Authority, established by the Federal government, is to be managed by the Federal government and not the Sindh government, which was doing so under the provincial law and authority.
The Peoples Party government in Sindh resisted the above take over first, but finally gave in. The people of Sindh and the civil society have been protesting against it.
Ms Makhdoom said the federal government has been interfering with the development of coal resources of Sindh. In 2004 a Chinese company invested $1.5 billion in Thar by installing machinery but the federal government forcibly shut down the project.
The above move of the Central government is unconstitutional as the constitution guarantees provincial autonomy in this matter. The present government has shown to be no different than their predecessors in usurping the resources of Sindh.
Motorways and High ways of Sindh: the Central govt has taken away many Motorways or highways of Sindh. So now the people pay toll tax on their roads to the Central government instead of the Sindh government. This again shows the federal government has no respect for the constitution of the country. It does not pay any heed to the sentiments of the people of Sindh and has no interest in their welfare and self esteem.
Sindh language: the website of Sindh Assembly is in English and Urdu, but not in Sindhi. So the people of Sindh can’t access their Assembly site in their language.
Elaborating the point Ms Makhdoom said that Sindhi language has been the target  right from the inception of the country. The present elected government too is continuing with the same policies and have shown no signs of redressing the damage done to Sindhi language by the previous regimes so much so that they have even failed to provide a website of the Sindh Assembly in Sindhi.
Sindhi was the official language of Sindh even under the British rule. But after the partition Sindhi medium schools were closed down and so forth. Hence Sindh lost its language as well as many other things by joining country . When for the first time there was an elected govt in Sindh in the 1970s, Sindh Assembly passed the Sindhi Language Bill declaring Sindhi to be the official language of Sindh.  Previously there used to be some sign posts in Sindhi, but during the last government, all the sign posts in Sindh, especially in the cities have been written in non-Sindhi and even the website of Sindh Assembly is not in Sindhi. PTV had only one hour programme in Sindhi, but Musharraf govt closed down that as well. Sindhi artists protested, but nothing happened.
The audience took a sympathetic view and even the Chair agreed that there were problems with the Sindhi language

Apart form the briefings, Ms Makhdoom attended the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Council’s meeting with the NGOS. That was very useful. It was good to see and hear the OHCHR in person. This meeting focused on hearing NGO’s concerns, suggestions, etc. for the conduct OF HR Commission business and other issues. The new UNHCHR, Ms Navanethem Pillay Comes from South Africa . She was a front-line, grassroots lawyer who acted as a defence attorney for many anti-apartheid campaigners and trades unionists. Her many illustrious assignments include serving as a judge on two of the most important international criminal courts of the modern times, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and International Criminal Court in the Hague. During her visit to the UN, Ms Makhdoom also attended the meeting of the UNHR Council, where on 18th September she had the honour of listening to the Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who presented the Report of the special fact finding mission on the HR violations of Israel in Beit Hanoun.
On 19th September the Council debated agenda Item 8 entitled “Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.” In this debate, Two NGOs, Association for World Education and International Humanist and Ethical Union referred to the honour killings and other crimes against women in Pakistan. Humanist and Ethical Union mentioned recent cases in Punjab and Balouchistan and quoted a Baloch Senator as saying, “these are centuries old traditions and I will continue to defend them.

Sep 28, 2008

Washington DC Discussion on “Baloch and Sindhi rights”

By Khalid Hashmani, McLean, Virginia

The following are my notes and impressions from the discussion on “Sindhi and Baluch Rights” held in Washington DC yesterday.

Key Take-aways from Washington DC Discussion on “Baluch and Sindhi rights” held on September 27.

Washington DC, September 27, 2008: The American Friends of Baluchistan, a local organization of Baluch rights and their supporters, organized a discussion on “Baloch and Sindhi struggle for rights with Asif Ali Zardari’s rise to the presidency”. The event was held at a local restaurant on Saturday, September 27, 2008.

The organizer Mr. Ahmar Mustikhan welcomed participants, who introduced themselves and briefly stated their expectations from the discussion session. On a point raised by Dr. Jawaid Bhutto that the focus of the discussion should not be on one or more individuals but rather on the root causes and solutions, every one agreed to broaden the subject and not limit the discussion to only the context of Zardari’s ascend to the Presidency of Pakistan.

Dr. Safdar Sarki (http://www.pakusonl ine.com/page. aspx?page_ id=57), General Secretary of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) (http://www.geocitie s.com/jeaysindh_ org/press. html) stated that he and his party are not against any individuals. They are only against the actions taken by individuals that suppress rights of Sindhis and Baluch. Pressing his point about the unfair treatment being melted out to Sindhis, he said that Sindh produces 60% of gas, 40% of oil, and 67% of revenue in Pakistan and yet receives back only 23% of benefits for this contribution. He said that in the last few decades, the successive Pakistani governments have treated Sindh and Sindhis with discrimination and attempted to make them happy with peanuts and lollipops. He asserted that 1973 constitution has lost its credibility and validity as none of the provisions for provincial equitability has been acted upon. He said, “An example of this is that concurrent lists were supposed to have been abolished within 10 years but after 35 years, many more provincial rights have been encroached and put in the constitution. The new “social contract” that Mohtarama Bhutto talked about had much to do with enshrining the principles of the 1940 resolution. Nothing short of a new constitutional setup where the main legislative body has equal number of seats from each province would be acceptable.

Dr. Wahid Baluch, http://intellibrief s.blogspot. com/2006/05/balochistan-drwahid-baloch- for.html, former Deputy Speaker of Baluchistan Assembly and President of Baloch Society Of North America (BSO-NA) USA (http://www.bso-na.org/index. html) said, “We know Mr. Zardari has no real power as in spite of his assurances, the war still continues to be wedged against Baluch.” He added “We look at the positive side and are hopeful that some positive results would result from Mr. Zardari’s presidency. It is more probable that only some cosmetic changes would come about during his rule and the root causes will remain unresolved.” Giving an account of his recent meetings with the US officials, he said that he sees hopeful signs of some understanding about the Baluch point of view. He said that it US officials are quite uneasy that after 10 billion financial assistance to Pakistan, there is very little evidence that Taliban and Al-Qaida have been weakened. If anything they appear to have become much stronger and are now pose a very serious risk to Pakistan’s stability.

Mr. Amir Baloch, a local Baluch leader expressed that he was not very optimistic of any positive results and said that so far, the only tangible results of some improvement are that the wholesale allotment of lands to MQMwallas in Gawadar Sea port has been stopped. He was afraid that that Baluch and Sindhis expereincing a false sense of security and will lower their guards thinking that as a Sindhi of Baluch origin is now in the top position, they can go back to their hibernation.

Mr. Faisal Qazi. a well-known journalist and Chief editor of local Pakistani newspapers Asian Tribune (published in Urdu and English) and Pakistan Journal posed a very interesting question. He said, where as, the National Awami Party, the main nationalist party of Pakhonwa (offical nane NWFP Province) has secured electoral successes in that province, Sindhi and Baloch nationalist parties have not achieved similar successes. Dr. Jawaid Bhutto answered that it is simply the fact PPP is the most popular political party in Sindh and Sindhis have consistently voted for that party in the belief that this party would deliver them their rights.

Mr. Ahmar Mustikhan said that he believes that the main culpirts behind the assassination of Mohtarama Benzar Bhutto are not “fundamentalist” forces but this is a dirty deed of agencies and some Generals. He added that the Benazir Bhutto’s elimination from the poltical scene is a great loss for Sindhi, Baloch, and people of Pakistan. Ms. Nafeesa Hoodbhoy said that it is too simplistic blame security establishment for this crime. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had become too close to USA and USA has many enemies in Pakistan. The fact is that we do not know who killed her. For the same reason, Mr. Zardari too has become the most threatened person in Pakistan.

Mr. Aijaz Sindhi, a local journalist, said that Sindhis are still waiting for the restoration of their rights under the new PPP government. He said that onlaught on Sindhi rights continues. He gave examples of the recent federal actions to privatize Qadirpur gas fields in Sindh http://www.apakista nnews.com/ qadirpur- gas-field- four-options- for-sell- off-referred- to-ccop-81196. and federalizing of the Sindh goal authority in support of his argument. He said that no decisions with respect to Sindh’s natural resources would be acceptable unless representatives of Sindh are participants and primary decision makers. Mr. Khalid Hashmani, a local Sindhi activist, said that Sindhis and Baloch rights groups are still using 20th century tools and techniques to secure their rights in 21st century. They have to take global factors into account and balance nationalistic instincts with the need for developing natural resources and to ensure that the needed help reaches rural populations of Sindh and Baluchistan (where poverty has has become main impediment to education and health services) as soon as possible.

The Influence of Sufi Thought and Poetry on Panjabi Literature

IV. THE PLACE OF PANJABI SUFI POETRY IN PANJABI LITERATURE
Courtesy and Thanks: Wichaar.com
A good number of Panjabi Sufi poets made attempts to create friendly feelings between the different communities by harmonizing the opposing systems. For this reason their poetry became clear to all sections of the Panjabi people. Besides, from the literary point of view also it deserved and was allotted a very high place. It retains the favor of both Hindus and Mussulmans and circulates among the masses in the form of songs, proverbs, and hymns even to this day.1 In short, without this strain, Panjabi literature would be poor and devoid of a good deal of its beauty and literary charm.

Here we shall give explanations of those few words that are used in their original forms in our discussion of the Sufi poets.

Socialism for the rich

WASHINGTON DIARY: Socialism for the rich
by Dr Manzur Ejaz, USA
September 26th, 2008
Courtesy and Thnaks: Wichaar.com
Perhaps US-controlled international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF will also take a U-turn and make similar attempts to save the economic elite in developing countries. But this may not halt the global economic collapse.

Grave of the Legend Sindhi Hero Dulah Drya Khan demolished by Minister

Graves of Dulah Drya Khan & Hisamudin Rashdi demolished by Minister

By Aziz Narejo

There are conflicting reports on this matter. It would be a grave crime if it has really happened and in that case it should be strongly condemned and opposed and it should be ensured that any action destroying important historical sites is reversed. Is there a way the matter could be independently verified? A group of credible people under the guidance of a person like Ibrahim Joyo may visit the site and let us know the facts.

¦¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦¦

Posted by: “Ali Raza Lone” Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:35 am (PDT) on Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups.

Graveyard of great Dulah Drya Khan & Pir Hisamudin Rashdi demolished by PP Minister Sasui Paleijo and her father in Makli Thatto for land garbing. Kindly read Daily Hilal-e-Pakistan and Sindhoo today. Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party and Jeaay Sindh head Bashir Khan Qureshi has called APC in Thatta. – ALI Raza

Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups.

Sindhies Denied Job Opportunities in Oil and Gas sector of Sindh

By Khalid Hashmani, McLean, Virginia, USA
It would really be shameful if the same kind of discrimination and job denial practices against native Sindhis are still prevailing in Sindh’s oil and gas sector as before the current people’s government came into power. I believe that the time is now to put pressure on the current government to appoint native Sindhis and native Baluch to head all government controlled oil and gas organizations in Sindh and Balochistan respectively. We should also write to the Board of Directors (BOD) of the multi-national and other Pakistani oil and gas companies to have affirmative action programs in their organizations to recruit and promote native people and meet their civil society obligations to local areas/people.

Karo Kaarii: Whose culture is this?

By Professor Gul Agha, USA
..Shah Latif teaches different. Suhrnii is revered, not condemned as kaarii. We have to take the message of Shah Latif and outcast the fundamental religious scholars who talk of stoning people.
Karo Kaarrii (honor killing) is Arab cultural import we should reject it. It doesn’t belong to Sindhi culture.

Pakistan: Seminar on Military Action in FATA Reality, Myths and Implications

Pakistan is at war from within and without… The US is attacking our borders. The Pakistan Military is engaged in a relentless operation. 2,000 civilians have died in the last year alone. About 800,000 have been displaced in the Northern areas.

Why is this happening? Who is responsible? What is the real story? What can ordinary citizens do to end this violence?

Conspiracy against Sindhis

 How did they start conspiring against the Sindhis and their institutions?

To read BBC Urdu article, please click here

Pak Capital be shifted

By Khalid Hashmani, McLean, Virginia

There is a very interesting discussion occurring on other Sindhi e-lists about the increasing terrorist attacks in Islamabad and other cities. A proposal initiated by Ayaz Palejo calls for the shifting of the Pakistani capital from Islamabad to Deira Ghazi Khan/ Bahawalpur/ Raheemyar Khan or Sukkur. The main advantage being cited is the closeness of the proposed area to all four provinces and the shifting of the Pakistani capital will promote better relations between the people of four provinces.

The main counter argument being presented is that it does not matter where the Capital is and that these attacks are being instigated by the shakers and movers in Punjab as they do not accept the presidency of a Sindhi having Baluch roots.

I personally think that moving of the Capital, although a costly step would definitely bring a lot of convenience for almost all people in Pakistan. Currently a person living in Quetta or Sindh has to travel even on small matters to far away city of Islamabad. This is done at a considerable expense. For example, I recently read that it costs for a Sindhi in hundreds of dollars to go to Islamabad just to try to get a visa for travel to the USA. As far as, vicious propaganda against Mr. Zardari is concerned, it is being instigated and supported by traditional anti-Sindhi, anti-Baluch, anti-PPP, and anti-Pakistani people groups and individuals who believe that their interests would be better served if a General or Nawaz Sharif was to head the Pakistani government.

Sep 24, 2008

BBC REPORT ON THE AWAKENING: Singlish (Sindhi-English) Movie

BBC report by Nisar Khokhar on The Awakening: Singlish (Sindhi-English) Movie produced by Koshi Lalwani, a famous Sindhi singer, musician and composer.

Courtesy and Thanks: BBC Urdu

To read BBC report by Nisar Khokhar in Urdu, please click here.

Pakistan- War against terrorists: is it our war or is it not?

By Javed Qazi, Karachi, Sindh

Being a student of English legal system I had been through general principles of law. These are the principles quite universal in nature and the English or European Union courts basically upheld to these principles via encoded laws or if those legislatures made laws are not corresponding to these principles, the principles will prevail. The idea behind rule of law is basically to uphold the general principles and gauge the man made law through such spectrum.

The exceptional out of these principles that stroked me the most is the doctrine of proportionality: that obligation on individual can only be imposed when his rights are safeguarded. From this preview if we shall see to the present confusion the nation is fraught with that pertains to the war against religious extremists and that weather this war is our war or merely we are used by the US, we could visit to its breadth and width, and some how get to nearly a position to draw some outlines. That why is it my war? Or when the state is not mine why this war is mine? Or make the state protect my rights thus proprietary right I get in it and I will own this war too.

WHY IS IT OUR WAR?

At one place to say that it is not our war would completely be wide of the logical reasoning if we own our country. Since the very immediately these are the people, economy, culture and history which are under threat. These are Pakistanis not the Americans. This is not American land in which they have made terrorist hatcheries. This is not Americans Christian religion which has been hijacked. This is not American video shop for that barber shop, this is not the Marriot hotel located in Florida or this was the Benazir Bhutto not Hillary Clinton whom they had killed.

Yes after that if there is any one against whom these religious extremist are at war with is not the US alone but is it the entire world. I still do own the war of Chi Guerra in Latin America that was against the imperialism and one way was identical to that of Talibans etc for they had also used guerrillas war tactics but again they did not misused religion and using of guerilla tactics was limited to the level fighting with the rulers force; their places were hit not the common men¢s; not that they destroyed girls schools or they had put woman under the veil and were barbaric. They basically had faith on bringing the social security to every man not that the wanted to bring the rule as these Talibans and Al-Qaeda had brought in Afghanistan. I own a fight that could be fought against  imperialism and that is in the hands of sensible leaders not that blinds having a blind faith and the blind interpretation of Islam.

One can wonder! How religion could become a deadly weapon if it is exploited and the beginning in this respect was mad by the US when they installed usurper in Pakistan and passively was behind the civilian and secular and popular leader¢s murder by that dictator. It was not the murder of an individual; the dictator destroyed the whole plurality of the society. And then they installed another dictator to undo what Zia had done. But since dictator and peoples rules are antonyms of each other, this recently went dictator distorted the plurality in his own way. People had no trust in him rather they were more in support of Taliban as they had challenged to the dictator. It is ironical still there are many writers and the journalists like who are feeling that this is war against Imperialism and against their agents here in Pakistan.

I am afraid it is the way they hold that as the US exploited religion against the Soviet invasion let now the religion is used as weapon against the US.

This society has gone divided now that there are people and segments of society who being conservative and religious centric are not openly criticizing rather are sympathizers of Taliban etc. They are devoid to resolute and vow against this barbaric acts and the acts that weakens the country from within. The whole plurality the very fundamental element that society is made up of is being jeopardized by these religious terrorists. If such criminal silent is continued from their part and they hold that they are Jihadies and fighting against infidels and their agents in this country and that they are our strategic asset given to our geo political surroundings and thus provide us a strategic depth. This belief surely ends up at bringing this country to the brink of to get wiped off from the worlds map. God forbid!

We have to own this war for they have exploited our religion that beautiful religion of peace and love of the holy prophet that beautiful interpretation of it made by Moulana Jala-u-din Rumi. We will not allow letting this religion be hated by the world merely because of these few misguided and blind believers of Islam.

Why is it not our war?

As the facts suggest, still people are not participatory and active to feel it as our war in these critical days of economic crisis. Right from inception people have not been delivered the goods. Their schools, health and all the amenities providing institutions and the courts are not functioning. This is the country which had become security state from a welfare state. And back again to become a welfare state requires the same long decades as it can not be achieved overnight. These people will have ownership in the affairs of state only when the state will protect their rights.

The Musharaf¢s rule was per se illegal and delivered nothing to the commaon men and that is why also this encouraged and was reason of the growth in fundamentalism, people send their children to these madrassahs for they were providing these children bread cloth and shelter and the job as well if they turn up to be a jihadi and join their brigade.

Surely now there is civilian and democratic government but we shall remember always it is not an end or welfare per se; it is a medium to achieve that. Yes democracy has been achieved but not the welfare. The moment this democracy will get mature and will be able to deliver welfare to the people. That shall be the very reason per se in bringing end of these extremists which are basically an outcome of nepotism, despotic and corrupt regimes of the past. And equally of the American policy for this region and for the world at large is another cause.

The answer of this tragedy lies in the very fabric of rule of law and its fundamental principal of doctrine of proportionality. The lack of rights that were given to the people brought this tragedy to the country in particular and to the world at large. And the sustainable solution lies in the rule of law and application of the principle of proportionality so that the ownership of people may be created in the state and thus the death of this cancer that has gone in the veins of our society.

Courtesy: Sindhi e-lists/ e-groups.

Sep 24, 2008

Capital be shifted from Islamabad to Dera Ghazi Khan/ Bahawalpur or Raheemyar Khan

By Ayaz Latif Palijo Advocate, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Friends Pakistan is in a precarious position at the moment. At this crossroad of our history, keeping an eye on the various religious groups, conflicting interests of local and international agencies, various militant groups, divided tribal loyalties, a struggling economy, an apparently reasonably aware but weaker civic culture, a nominal democracy contrasted with militant tribes, as inside observers all we can say is it looks like an incredible mess. In this catastrophic condition I have following four
suggestion for all of you and for all the rulers (PPP, PML-N, ANP, JUI & MQM) and for the civil society of Pakistan. I think after the Marriot blast and continuing insurgency in NWFP & tribal areas it is high time when we should address the fundamental questions.

The recent history of Sindh

By Dr Bakht Jamal

… if we see the recent past of Sindh, British invaded in 1843 and Sindh lost its status of Province in 1847 and they converted it to Commissionrate by annexing it with Bombay Presidency. After 89 years, status of Province reinstated and Governor Graham became first Governor of Sindh Province. After 11 years only, we became part of Pakistan and again lost status of Province merely after 8 years in 1955 by One Unit formation. It was restored again after struggle of 15 years in 1970. Then from 1972 to 1977 we have taken sigh of relief but again from 1977 to 1985 at least no representation from Sindh.1985 assemblies dissolved in 1988. For two brief periods PPP governments remained in between for total period of 6 years. Again in 1999 assemblies dissolved and in 2002 PPP denied its right government formation in spite of its majority in Provincial assembly.

Therefore if we sum the above we can conclude that out of 165 years starting from 1843; we merely enjoyed our representation to some extent only for 18+05+03+06=32 years i.e 19.40% That may be one reason that if we struggle 60% we can reap only 20% of 60% i.e. 12%.Thanks to this historical burden of subjugation.

Sep 23, 2008

A film titled “Sindhi Rocks” is going to be shot in three countries; Denmark, London and Dubai

A film titled “Sindhi Rocks” is going to be shot in three countries; Denmark, London and Dubai. It is a contemporary love story.

Payr Kare Dis: Feel the power of love

Director Kamal Nathani’s project Pyar Kare Dis: Feel The Power of Love was released on September 14, 2007. It is unfortunate that in the last 61 years, there have been only 20 Sindhi releases while in the last 23 years, only two films came,” Kamal Nathani said.

Marriot bomb speaks of more than merely a terroris attack

By Javed Qazi, Karachi

Although it was a bomb explosion by a suicide attacker on Marriot Islamabad, it speaks a lot more than merely be named a terrorist activity. It speaks of the torn society, of intolerance and how the extremists are using it more so that finally create a civil war situation and thus take over the reign of the country. If inflation had created Hiltler. If torn Afghanistan could create Mulla Umar, why not this conflict, within our texture of society, would create any other Ghazi of Red Mosque sort? Yet all these are not sustainable, they exploit and aggravate the conditions that are created by the corrupt illegal and nepotistic regimes, be that civil or the military ones. Where have those 71 billion dollars gone, the great foreign money flown in the last eight years regime of Musharaf, that has no prcedence. He has left a very legacy of great economic crisis behind. (and equally covertly a regime that cattered tot the needs of flourishing to these talibans for whole until recently we were holding it as our asset and factor extend us a strategic depth.) And this government which has hardly, after removing Musharaf has got a power in real sense. And still are kept busy by these terrorists not to get time to address the economic crisis of the country. The government whose writ is now seriously challenged by these terrorists is still to go long way ahead to create its writ.

Let us assume for a while that Talibans have taken over Islamabad! One can easily understand now they will run this country as they ran to Kabul. And finally will the world allow it to rule Islamabad? The answer is flatly no, the world will enter in this country and will take over nuclear assets and so many disasters the country would face the way it is happening in Afghanistan.

Only the sense if it could prevail would help us to save ourselves that to stop the world get against us. Only democracy and plurality could make us stand in the bunch of responsible states of the world. If we fail to let this sense prevail or let these terrorist consume the whole county, it will invite the world to deal us differently. It will turn up it to a no men land.

One may truly have lot of reservations for the US policy for this region, this country and Afghnistan. But we can not equally accept the pattern of religious extremists here in this country the way they want to handle to this conflict.

They want to deprive the nation of Pakistan from their right of choosing their regimes. Their first and foremost target to destroy is the democracy in this country. Thus the right of the people to choose their destiny on their choice, and thus to the very plurality as conceived by the Great Jinnah.

Pakistan needs a great moral and economic as well as all other support of the world to combat against terrorists and to their ideology. A way of combating against these terrorists is multidimensional, sensitive and subtle. A war which can not be fought the way these terrorists want us to drag in. it has a lot may fronts and dimensions.

It is the defeat of these terrorists they have become well exposed now and the whole nation is getting united rapidly against them and soon they shall be isolated.

These terrorists are against the very idea that was involved in formation of country. Let us work together all to defend to the idea of Jinnah of Pakistan: a country predominantly comprised of Muslims yet shall be secular.

And for that we have values of Sufis and Sadhus to help us. we have Rumi, Kabir, Bhittai, Bullah, Bahu, Fareeda, Bhagat Kanwar, sachal.

Sep 22, 2008

Islamabad Hotel Bombing

By Khan Arif

The manner in which the security officials were hoodwinked in carrying the deadliest ever terrorist bombing in Islamabad is surprising and shocking. It is a serious reflection on the competence of our intelligence and security services.

Courtesy: Pakistani e-groups, Sat, Sep 20, 2008

Marriott Hotel Blast in Capital Islamabad!!???

Islamabad: At Marriott Hotel, when the Pakistan Assembly Speaker, Fehmida Mirza was hosting Iftar (dinner) in the honor of the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, a sudden bomb blast, killed over 60 including 7 Foreigners and 257 injured so far. President Zardari reportedly was not at the dinner at the time of the blast. The blast was within half a mile from the lawn to the PM house. The Press and PM of Pakistan and all parliamentarians were there for Iftar before it happened. It was seemed as a conspiracy and was a planned bomb blast against the elected government of Pakistan!

According to some reports the hotel gates were remained open for small cars, followed by an explosive-laden truck that detonated. The fire quickly surrounds the entire structure. According some reports, the blast caused a natural gas leak that set the top floor of the five-story on fire. 8 p.m. blast was a Sucide Truck bomb blast, police said.

PAKISTAN: No action taken against Geo TV presenter who incited Muslims to murder members of Pakistan minority on air

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AHRC-STM-2 44 -2008, September 18, 2008 
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission 
PAKISTAN : No action taken against Geo TV presenter who incited Muslims to murder members of :country-regionPaki stan minority on air. 
The government of Pakistan has not held the presenter of a popular TV program on Geo TV, accountable for stoking the already-prevalent religious hatred of Pakistan ‘s beleaguered Ahmadi minority, on 7 September, 2008. 

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

Ahmed and Hamid are both beggars in London.

Ahmed drives a Mercedes, lives in a mortgage free house and has a lot of money to spend.

Hamid only brings in 2 to 3 pounds a day.

Hamid asks Ahmed how he manages to bring home a suitcase full of £10 notes every day.

Ahmed says, “Look at your sign – It says, ‘I have no work, a wife and six kids to support.’

Britons who see that, do not feel as if they have accomplished anything by giving you money. You will still have no job and a large family. Now look at my sign.”

So Hamid looks and Ahmed’s sign reads, ‘I only need another £10 to move back to India.

Cold-War-like conditions rapidly developing

Dr. Manzur Ejaz

Hanging On

– Dr Manzur Ejaz, USA

Courtesy and Thanks: Wichaar.com

It is clear that new lines are going to be drawn between pro-US countries and other international competitors
The growing tension between the US and Pakistan should be viewed in the context of the Cold-War-like conditions rapidly developing between Russia and the West.

US FINANCIAL CRISIS

‘The World As We Know It Is Going Down’

By Marc Pitzke in New York

Courtesy and Thanks: Spiegel Online International

Panic is the word of the hour on Wall Street. Now even Morgan Stanley is fighting for survival. The commercial bank Wachovia and China‘s Bank Citic are being discussed as possible rescuers. The crisis has led President Bush to cancel a trip.

Science: Researchers suppress hunger hormone

Scientists say they have found a way to physically stop the stomach from making the hormone that tells the brain, “you’re hungry,” aat least in pigs’… the part of the stomach where 90% of the body’s supply of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” is produced. The process supresses the hormones… Courtesy and Thanks: Daily National Post, Sept. 17, 2008, page A6

“The Sindh Story” A Great Account on Sindh by Dada Kewal Malkani

By Zulfiqar Halepoto, Hyderabad

Karachi: Queen of the East

“It is a book which should find a place in every Sindhi home.” Shaikh Ayaz

Mushtaq Talpur shared an interesting and thrilling link to me, which is sent to him by Iftikhar Soomro. This is about a book “The Sindh Story” written by Dada Kewal Malkani, a renowned journalist, scholar and professor of Indian History. Book is dedicated to “the sacred memory of Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro & Bhagat Kanwar Ram”. Foreword is written by Dada Ram Jethmalani.

I believe that this book must have gone through by lots of friends but for me it was an amazing account.

Though the entire book is a must read account but four chapters are incredible “Sindhu is Devine” “Karachi: Queen of the East” “I am a Sindhi- Gandhi” and “Alexander’s Waterloo in Sindh”

On Karachi I must suggest to you all that you should also read our friend Gul Hasan Kalmati’s Encyclopedia like new book on Karachi “Karachi: Marvi of Sindh”

Content of the book “The Sindh Story” is very inspiring:-

Cover

Preface to Reprint

Preface

Foreword

Sindhu is Divine

Sindhu Mata

The Immortal “Mound of the Dead”

Alexander’s Waterloo in Sindh

Truth about Dahir Sen

“Jhoolay Lal”

Karachi: Queen of the East

From Brahmo Samaj to RSS

Freedom Movement in Sindh

“I am a Sindhi” — Gandhi

Thrown to the Wolves

Jiye Sindh

Allah Alone Knows

Sindhi Society and Culture

Shah, Sachal and Swami

The Sindhi Revival

Appendix: G M Syed’s Visit

Bibliography

Kashmiri delegation Met with the Senior Officials at the State Department

KAC delegation Met with the Senior Officials at the State Department
Washington, D.C. September 16, 2008. A delegation of the Kashmiri American Council met with Ambassador Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs to apprise him about the latest situation in Kashmir.  The members of the delegation were, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Dr. Khalid J. Qazi, Mr. Sareer Fazili, Esq, Dr. Imtiaz Khan, Dr. M. Ishaaq, and Ms. Safia Qadri.

Pakistan spy agency must be reformed -US official

INTERVIEW-Pakistan spy agency must be reformed -US official

Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:36am BST

By Arshad Mohammed

Courtesy and Thanks: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Sept 15 (Reuters) – The Pakistani military’s powerful and controversial spy agency needs reform but there is no indication this is happening yet, the top U.S. diplomat for South Asia said on Monday.

Pakistan: Foreign Policy Past Its Expiration Date

Pakistan: Foreign Policy Past Its Expiration Date

Courtesy and Thanks: Brookings

Pakistan, Transnational Security Threats, Terrorism, Diplomacy, Foreign Aid

Bruce Riedel, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy, Saban Center for Middle East Policy

The Washington Post

September 09, 2008- Bruce Riedel reviews The Duel, by Tariq Ali.

Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world. No other country poses the issues of al-Qaeda, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear war and peace, drugs, democracy, military dictatorship and Islam in such a volatile and combustible way. If there is another 9/11-like attack on the United States, the postmark almost certainly will be Pakistan.

US military chief to visit Pakistan for security talks

US military chief to visit Pakistan for security talks

Military and Security    9/16/2008 12:04:00 PM

Courtesy and Thanks: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)

ISLAMABAD, Sept 16 (KUNA) — A US military chief is likely to visit Pakistan on Wednesday to hold security talks with his counterparts amid growing concern in Islamabad over repeated air and ground operations by US troops that have killed dozens and tribal people.

What Sindhis should do to get their right share?

By Munawar Ali, Washington DC

Every day we see new exploration of Gas and Oil/Coal from Sindh. Sindh produces major portion of the energy resources in Pakistan. Sindh’s Karachi port earns lots of wealth and Sindh generates revenue more than any other province. Yet why Sindh is one of the poorest areas of Pakistan and why Sindhis are living below poverty line?

Punjabi becomes official language of Indian Punjab

By Santosh Tangri

Punjabi has become official language in Punjab after the passage by Punjab Assembly on Thursday of Punjab official language amendment bill 2008. With passage of this bill, Punjabi has been made one of the compulsory subjects in classes from first to tenth standard in the schools of the state.

According to reports available with SAFP, Punjabi will now be extensively used in the administrative work and correspondence of Punjab government. Upinderjit Kaur, Punjab Education Minister, who had moved the bill in the Punjab assembly, observed that state-level and district-level committees, would be constituted to monitor the progress of the implementation of this act in the state. Punjab Congress leader Ajit Inder Singh Mofar had supported the bill which had got unanimous support from all sections of the house for its swift and smooth passage. Punjab Assembly later passed also the learning of Punjabi and other languages bill 2008 on Thursday…

Courtesy: South Asian Free Press, Sept 13-14, 2008