Zardari, Gilani should apologize to Sindhi people

by Aijaz Abro

“We demand Zardari, and Gilani to unconditionally apologize to the Sindhi nation, and take appropriate actions to rectify the human rights violations, and crimes committed against the Sindhis, by the establishment, bureaucracy, PPP government and its allies.” Ayaz Latif Palijo, said this in an exclusive telephone conversation with The Sindh Telegraph (TST), Monday.

He said that President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Yousif Raza Gilani, have apologized to just about every nation and group in Pakistan, over the human rights violations, and crimes committed against those nations on part of the government, bureaucracy, and military. What makes Sindhis any lesser of a dignified nation than the others?

Mr. Palijo condemned the MQM in strongest terms for attacking Chakraw Goth, in Karachi. He said that the PPP government has failed to provide protection to indigenous people of Sindh. …

Read more →  SindhTelegraph

Anna effect? Burney to launch anti-graft movement in Pakistan

Islamabad, Aug 22: Pakistani rights activist Ansar Burney said today (Aug 22) he would launch a campaign against corruption and terrorism in his country after Eid-ul-Fitr, mirroring an anti-graft drive by Anna Hazare in India that has gained thousands of followers.

Pakistan is confronting a “dire and painful period in its history, with rampant and continuously growing corruption and terrorism destroying every fabric of our nation and any prospects of a decent future for our children and grandchildren”, Burney said in a statement.

Burney made no reference to Hazare, whose movement has captured the public imagination in India, but said his movement would get underway after the Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that will be celebrated at the end of this month.

“It is now up to civil society to take steps to rid the country of this evil before it is too late, and the Ansar Burney Trust will kick-start a massive anti-corruption campaign and anti-terrorism movement following Eid as a first step towards saving our country,” he said.

Burney said his proposed movement is aimed at bringing “the nation together and making a stand that corruption will no longer be tolerated”. ….

Read more → oneindia

Canada’s charismatic NDP leader Jack Layton passes away at age 61

– Jack Layton dead of cancer at 61

By Meagan Fitzpatrick

Toronto: NDP Leader Jack Layton, who led Canada’s Official Opposition, has died at his Toronto home at age 61 after a battle with cancer.

Layton died peacefully early Monday, surrounded by family and loved ones, according to a statement from his wife, Olivia Chow, and his children, Sarah and Michael Layton.

“We deeply regret to inform you that the Honourable Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, passed away at 4:45 am today, Monday August 22. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones,” the statement read.

Read more → CBC News