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Water is not a commodity like oil; Miguel Brockmann |
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Turkey: March 20, 2009. ( Bobby Ramakant for PCP) The President of the United Nations General Assembly has told delegates at the 5th World Water Forum (WWF) in Istanbul, Turkey, that, "those who are committed to the privatization of water, making it a commodity like oil, are denying people a human right as basic as the air we breathe."
In a speech delivered by his senior advisor on water Maude Barlow, UN president Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann said, "We must work quickly to guarantee that access to drinking water constitutes a fundamental right of all peoples..."
"Water belongs to the people, to the ecosystem and the species and it belongs to the future" had said Maude Barlow earlier this week in Istanbul.
Ms Barlow, who is also the national chairperson of the Council of Canadians, delivered the president's message to the People's Water Forum, a counter-forum being held by hundreds of civil society members from nearly 70 countries whose voices have not been at the WWF. The speech was later released to the World Water Forum, which is being attended by 20,000 delegates from 150 countries.
The UN president also questioned the legitimacy of the forum itself. His speech stated, "The forum's orientation is profoundly influenced by private water companies. This is evident by the fact that both the president of the World Water Council and the alternate president are deeply involved with provision of private, for-profit, water services."
He added that future forums should, "conduct their deliberations under the auspices of the United Nations."
D'Escoto Brockmann also criticized the World Water Forum's draft Ministerial Declaration, which sees water as a "human need" rather than a human right. He said, "As it stands, this important statement undermines the efforts of those who are struggling for access to clean water and sanitation."
"Global water justice movement advocates welcome this being the last World Water Forum in its present format," adds Barlow. "There is an urgent need for an accountable and legitimate global water forum to be held regularly to address the grave threats facing our blue planet."
Earlier last week, a group of 118 organizations from 33 countries had signed and issued a letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon that calls on him to withdraw his support for the 'CEO Water Mandate', a corporate driven water initiative under the 'UN Global Compact' that facilitates corporate control of water resources. Representatives of the letter's signatories had delivered a copy of the letter to the Deputy Director of the UN Global Compact, Gavin Power at the 5th World Water Forum.
The CEO Water Mandate's leading endorsers currently include water bottlers Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Pepsi, as well as Suez, one of the world's largest privatizers of water services and systems.
"All of these corporations have a vested interest in controlling water resources and profiting from water scarcity, so there is a great danger in leaving international water policy in such hands," said Richard Girard, researcher for the Polaris Institute.
"Those who are dealing with corporate control of water's manifold downsides – water takings, water shut-offs, price hikes, short cuts on water treatment – are people deeply affected by the water crisis and corporations' actions," said Mark Hays from Corporate Accountability International. "Yet these same people, who are going thirsty, don't have a true voice at these meetings – their voices need to be heard, and they should be in the drivers' seat."
The Global Water justice Movement activists are calling on the United Nations to take the lead in creating transparent, democratic space to decide international water policy. But to date, the UN continues to be in a contradictory position by, on the one hand, raising awareness about the world water crisis and calling for needed change, and on the other housing the CEO Water Mandate. Groups like the Polaris Institute and Corporate Accountability International are challenging the CEO Mandate because it allows corporations to undermine democratic control of water under the aegis of the United Nations.
- Bobby Ramakant, Citizen News Service (CNS)
(The author is a World Health Organization (WHO) Director General’s WNTD Awardee (2008) and writes extensively on health and development. Email: bobbyramakant@yahoo.com) |
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Chak Shehzad effected shall burn tents and house holds in protest on July 29: J Salik |
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Islamabad: July 29, 2009. (PCP report) We shall wait seven days for taking “Suo-Motu action” by honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan to resolve our problems and rehabilitation of effected families back to Chak Shehzad, other wise we will come back in a rally on Tuesday 28th July and next day on 29th we shall burn out our tents and other house holds in protest. It was announced by ex Federal minister Julius Salik, addressing a rally here in D-Square near Parliament Complex.
On 62nd day of struggle for rehabilitation of Effectees of Chak Shehzad Brutal Police Action a rally “Injustice Rally” was organized by World Minorities Alliance. Hundreds of men and women were carrying place cards having portrait of Chief Justice of Pakistan with slogan “Injustice with Minorities . . . Why?” When a jumbo size banner was also in the procession having all details of injustice by CDA with contract workers and about their demand for minimum salary of Rs.8500/=. There was heavy number of police at D-Square with bar bade wire to stop the rally. At this point participants stopped and several women and children kissed the barbed wire to symbolic that even they have been stopped to go near the Supreme Court buildings still they love their beloved country.
Addressing rally Julius Salik said that we came to get justice from the supreme court of the country but Chief Justice could not remove this barricade from our way to the highest forum of Justice. We fought for democracy and now when we are in democratic era, we are facing these barbed wires, he said. Taking about representation of minorities in parliament Julius Salik said we the minority people don’t accept selection system we need election of our representation in Parliament.
Julius Salik was carrying a huge iron scale from one side and Mrs. Marry Salik from the other side when leading the rally. They put that scale on barricade and said that they will wait seven days for taking “somoto action” by honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan to resolve our problems and rehabilitation of effected families back to Chak Shehzad, other wise they will come back in a rally on Tuesday 28th July and next day on 29th we shall burn out our tents and other house holds in protest. It was announced by former Federal minister Julius Salik, addressing a rally here in D-Square near Parliament Complex. |
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Nazir Bhatti to speak on Human Rights Day News Conference |
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December 10, 2009, 12:30 p.m., National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW 13th Floor, Washington, DC
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Event Type: News Conference
Sponsored by: Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)
Event Location: Zenger Room
Details: Human rights activists discuss importance of religious, racial, ethnic, and gender equality and liberty on "Human Rights Day," addressing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Please join us at the National Press Club for a thought-provoking briefing and panel discussion that will address threats to universal human rights from ideologies that seek to deny both human equality and liberty.
The speakers will focus special attention on human rights challenges to women and children. Emphasis will be on increased individual responsibility in defending universal human rights as a shared social priority.
Panelists will include:
* Jeffrey Imm, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), on women's and children's rights, the dual challenge of religious supremacism and freedom, the challenges to human liberty by totalitarian ideologies, and growing challenges to racial equality by supremacists
* Dr. Nazir Bhatti, Pakistan Christian Congress, on Pakistan's blasphemy law, threats, attacks, and killings of Christian religious minorities in Pakistan
* Ashraf Ramelah, The Voice of the Copts, on the suppression of Christian religious minorities in Egypt, including kidnapping and forced conversion of Coptic Christian women and girls
* Lisa Tao, Falun Dafa (Falun Gong), on human rights atrocities against the Falun Gong over the past 10 years in Communist China (in Chinese with English Interpreter).
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) has support in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe for the mission of renewed focus on national and international policies designed for consistent support of our universal human rights. The press conference will be a part of other international public outreach events on December 10, Human Rights Day. Jeffrey Imm has spoken at the George Washington University's Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) on the challenge of the ideology of Islamic supremacism, which was reportedly attended by Fort Hood attack suspect Major Nidal Hasan. |
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Pakistani Christians reject claim of Acting President of Pakistan “Minorities enjoying equal rights” |
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Karachi: March 4, 2010. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said that 20 million Pakistani Christians are treated as 2nd class citizen in Pakistan and claims made by Acting President of Pakistan Farooq H Naik in a meeting with Swedish Ambassador that minorities in Pakistan are enjoying equal rights are not true.
The Article 2 of constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan undermines equal rights to religious minorities in Pakistan. Article 41 (2) and Islamic provisions are contrary to fundamental rights guaranteed in Article 9-21 of constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Moreover, Article 203 D, section 298, 298 B, 295 B and 295 C of PPC, Law of Evidence and Compensation and Hadood Ordinance make Pakistani Christians 2nd or 3rd class citizens in state.
Nazir Bhatti said “5% Quota to minorities is not proportional to our population and Mr. Farooq H Naik, Acting President of Pakistan must note complains of Christian youth that this quota of job is being sold by parliamentarians and heavy bribes are demanded by bureaucracy”
“Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have always demanded election of Christian parliamentarians not selection by Muslim political groups because selection under Joint Electorate is undemocratic and negation to equal basic rights. In such circumstances, if government of Pakistan awards few seats in Senate of Pakistan, it will be addition in number of seats of Muslim political group nor representation to Christians in Senate” said Nazir Bhatti
“We demand dual voting rights that Christian may elect their representatives in National Assembly of Pakistan, Senate of Pakistan and provincial Assemblies and may also vote to candidates of Muslim political groups in respective constituencies“ added Nazir S Bhatti
Commenting of formation of separate Minority Ministry by Farooq H Naik, Pakistan Christian Congress President said “Shahbaz Bhatti is powerless Federal Minority Minister and can not walk out of Islamabad without orders of President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Gillani because he is selected by PPP not elected by Christian voters. Shahbaz Bhatti have less authority than any peon of federal secretariats”
Dr. Nazir S Bhatt paid homage to Swedish Ambassador in Pakistan Ulrika Sundberg on raising minorities issues in his meeting with President of Pakistan and urged all foreign missions in Pakistan to raise Christian issues with government of Pakistan in their formal meetings.
Nazir S Bhatti invited attention of Acting President of Pakistan on violence against Christians on pretext to blasphemy law, killing of 12 years old Christian girl Shazia Bashir, rapes and abduction of Christian women, enforced conversion of Christian girls and false cases of riots against victims of Muslim mob attacks in Korian, Gojra, Bahminwala, Karachi and Gujranwala.
“Mr. Acting President ensure justice for 20 million Pakistani Christians and start with justice for Shazia Bashir who was raped and killed in home of one influential Muslim attorney in Lahore and government of Punjab changed medical reports to safe a culprit” said Nazir Bhatti |
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AWAM and other Civil society activists rally against national budget |
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Faisalabad: June 12, 2010. (PCP) On 10th June 2010, The Faisalabad based civil society organizations staged a protest rally and raised slogans to show gesture of unacceptability among public of new federal budget for 2010-2011. The participant organizations included AWAM (Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation), WPP (Workers Party Pakistan) and other civil society organizations.
The rally was joined by people from different schools of thought including representatives of trade unions, student unions, political parties and human rights organizations, who marched from District Council to Circular Road, and chanted slogans against federal government for introducing public unfriendly budget. The demonstrators carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of poor people of Pakistan and public friendly budget.
At this juncture, Shazia George (Coordinator-AWAM), Arif Ayaz and Safdar Sajjad addressed the rally. Shazia George demanded removal of VAT (value added tax), subsidy on food commodities and relief for poor people of Pakistan. Arif Ayaz demanded increase in the budget for education and health, decrease in the budget for defence and complete boycott of the loans from IMF and World Bank. Safdar Sajjad demanded increase in the wages for labourers, decrease in the salaries and allowances of ministers.
The protesters demanded from the government that: Concrete steps must be taken to control price hike and inflation; Subsidies on flour, rice, sugar, pulses and cooking oil must be provided to give relief to the poor, Minimum wages Rs. 15,000 must be fixed for the labourers; Proper steps should be taken to ensure facilities for labourers such as: social security, pension, old age benefits, free medical, in all industrial units especially power looms factories and brick kiln; Government should ratify ILO C-177 and should ensure proper implementation of already ratified ILO C-100 for the protection of rights of working women engaged in informal sectors. |
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ICC Launches Religious Persecution Chapter in University of Maryland |
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Washington, D.C: September 22, 2010. (PCP) International Christian Concern (ICC) is launching the first persecution-based campus chapter at the University of Maryland, College Park.
“Many students were not aware of the issue of religious persecution,” said club President Jessica Ford. “They thought that worldwide religious freedom was like here in America. When they realized the terrible circumstances some Christians live under, they wanted to assist and learn more.”
The campus chapter will have its kick-off meeting on September 23, from 1-2 pm in the Stamp Student Union. All students are welcome regardless of religious background. After the initial meeting the chapter will focus on educating members about the issue, and then increasing campus awareness of persecution. The chapter also plans on partnering with the ICC special blessing campaign by gathering gifts for orphans.
“Even though there are around 27 Christian clubs on campus, they are all focused on Bible study or a specific denomination. To date there isn’t one with the mission of helping persecuted Christians overseas. We are changing that,” said Jessica.
ICC’s President, Jeff King, stated, “We are so excited to celebrate the launch of the first ICC campus chapter at UMCP. College students around the country have been trying to do this for years and seeing this finally happen is a huge boost to religious freedom. I think college students are a large untapped resource in helping their vulnerable brothers and sisters around the world.” |
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Pakistani Christian Condemn Jamaat-e-Islami leaders comments on Pope Benedicts |
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Karachi: January 11, 2011. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have strongly condemned comments of Liaqat Baloch, JI leader to ask Holy Father Pope Benedict to apologize on his comments on blasphemy law in address to diplomats in Vatican City in which he asked government of Pakistan to repeal blasphemy laws.
Nazir Bhatti said “Liaquat Baloch or Munawar Hassan are to little to comment on Holy Father Pope Benedict and to seek an apology from him”
Jamaat-e-Islami is not worthy to be stakeholder of Pakistan because it was against formation of Pakistan while Christian through All India Christian Association voted for Pakistan in Round Table Conferences in London in 1930-32.
“A military ruler Zia-ul-Haq made blasphemy law to prolong his rule and 18th Amendment have scratched all his Ordinances then why not blasphemy laws” said Nazir Bhatti
Nazir Bhatti clarified that a clever Muslim dictator imposed blasphemy law and Muslim men as Justices of Federal Shariat Court introduced Section 295 C PPC and man made law can be revised or repealed that’s why Holy Father Pope have urged Pakistan to repeal it.
There is no death sentence or life imprisonment on blasphemy law in any other Islamic state on globe but Islamic elements in Pakistan call it soul and spirit of Islam.
“If any Christian tool of Jamaat-e-Islami JI, Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam Fazal group JUI(F) and other Islamic group issued any statement against comments of Holy Father Pope Benedict on blasphemy law weather he is a Pastor or Bishop of any Christian denomination in Pakistan, he will face social boycott of Christians in Pakistan” added Nazir Bhatti
Nazir S Bhatti urged 20 million Pakistani Christians not to fear of Islamic leaders but to pray for Holy Father Pope Benedicts who’s fighting for our rights.
Nazir Bhatti also condemned Egyptian government on calling back ambassador from Holy See on his concern on situation of Coptic Christians. |
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Traders Threaten to Boycott PPP in forthcoming Elections |
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LARKANA: May 16, 2011. (By Nazir Siyal) The members of Federation of Trade Association (FTA) has expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of elected representatives of present government and local administration Larkana to overcome the increasing load shedding in home town of Shaheed Bhutto’s and they have threatened to boycott the PPP in upcoming election.
Speaking to the press conference on Monday, FTA business community allegedly said that the local elected representatives and district administration Larkana are busy in the arrangements of ladies Festivals in Larkana/Naudero and spending millions on unnecessary activities during summer time, added the such money should have been sued for the betterment and welfare of poor masses but they have forgotten the basic problems of public and traders.
They said that the present government have been failed to provide the relief to the business community and controlled unannounced power outage in Larkana and other parts districts.
The office bearers of more than 27 trade associations including FTA President Tariq Nazir Shaikh, Akber Ali Shaikh, Masood Ahmed Shaikh, Anwer Ali Shaikh, Dur Mohammed Shaikh, Hafiz Suleman Shaikh, Ramesh Lal and several others in joint press conference have criticized the poor armaments of electricity and prolonged load shedding of 18 hours have affected the daily business and trade activities.
They further said that instead of ending load shedding, the local administration along with local representatives are non serious and they are celebrating festivals and fares in Larkana and Naudero, while the common men were suffering from various crisis of load shedding, inflation, poverty, unemployment and other social issues.
They also said that their rice mills, ice factories, flour mills and several other small industries as well as the business have been badly affected and hundred and thousands have been unemployed due to the failure of electricity in country.
FTA allegedly said new grid station is still in doldrum and Naudero Power Plant inaugurated by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari could not be restored and huge corruptions have been reported in various rental powers they said.
FTA leaders have early demanded the early completion of Lodran Grid Station and other projects including 132 KV grid station circuit line to increase the number mobile transformers in the district to facilitate the consumers of Larkana.
They also slammed the local authority of SEPCO Larkana on receiving bribe on illegal connections and sending detection bills in June to June every year to conceal their inefficiency they said.
They have also threatened to start mass movement by rallies, protests, shutter down strikes if the government failed to end load shedding. |
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Egyptian blogger passes 40th day of hunger strike |
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Cairo: October 4, 2011. (PCP) It’s Maikel Nabil Sanad’s 26th birthday but he is in no celebratory mood. When I arrive at El Marg prison north of Cairo during visiting hours on Saturday 1 October, I can barely hide my shock at seeing his bony physique. Maikel is wearing a wrinkled blue track suit and on his head is a baseball cap worn backwards in a sign of rebellion. It is clear that Maikel is in extremely frail health. He attempts to stand up to greet me but almost immediately falls back into his chair in sheer exhaustion. That’s because today, Maikel tells me, is also the 40 day of his hunger strike — one that he had hoped would draw public attention to his plight and force the ruling military council to reconsider what he describes as the military’s “discriminatory “policies.
“I have been tried in a military court and sentenced to three years in prison on charges of spreading rumors about the armed forces and criticizing the ruling military council, SCAF in my blogpost. Other high profile figures have simply been summoned by the military prosecutor for questioning for similar charges. They have had their sentences revoked,” he explains. His voice is weak and I have to lean over to hear him clearly.
Maikel, who now weighs 48kgs after shedding 12kgs as a result of his food abstinence — has languished behind bars since the 28 March 2011 when he was detained for accusing the military of having conducted virginity tests on female protesters earlier that month — a charge that a senior military general later admitted was true. He had also written on his blog that “The army and the people are not one” — a view that ran counter to the one expressed by tens of thousands of pro-democracy activists in Tahrir Square during the mass uprisings earlier this year. Chants of “The army and people are one” had echoed through Tahrir Square after it became clear that the military had chosen to side with the opposition activists –possibly even defying orders to shoot them. Maikel is post-revolutionary Egypt’s first prisoner of conscience. He was handed the harsh jail sentence after being tried in a martial court where, according to his younger brother Mark, “eyewitnesses were barred from testifying in the case.”
After spending a fortnight in the notorious state security prison at the Hikestep, Maikel was moved to the civilian prison at el Marg where he has since languished in near solitary confinement.
“Other prisoners have been warned against talking to me. The prison guards have also been spreading rumors to turn fellow prisoners against me. They tell them I have called on Israel to prolong its occupation of Palestinian land or that I support gay rights,” he says, his voice now a soft whisper.
In a conservative predominantly Muslim society, Maikel’s unconventional religious and political views have at best, raised eyebrows or been dismissed as the hallucinations of a madman. At worst, they have earned him the ire — even hatred — of some of his fellow countrymen and provoked the wrath of the ruling military council, for Maikel is a self-proclaimed atheist and liberal who supports normalization of relations with Israel and who has called for military service to be non-compulsory.
“Many intellectuals whom I have associated with share my views but do not dare voice them publicly,” he says, shaking his head.” I do not like hypocrisy so I have openly shared my views knowing they may ruffle some feathers.”
But that is an understatement. Maikel’s refusal to go along with the flow has come at a terribly high price: not only is he serving prison time and losing his health and vitality, but he also risks death, according to a warning from doctors who believe few can survive more than forty days without food. “I’d rather die than live as a slave without dignity under an oppressive regime,” is Maikel’s explanation for refusing to end his hunger strike. He has survived on nothing more than water and a few sips of fruit juice since starting his food abstinence.
I offer Maikel a can of orange juice and urge him to take a sip. He reluctantly accepts it and I notice that his hands are as cold as ice as his fingers accidentally brush my hand. Four of his friends have joined me on the visit to lend their support and try and coax Maikell into ending his hunger strike. Like him, they are all ardent activists and revolutionaries.
” You have already made a statement. Enough Maikel. We need people like you to continue to push for change,” argues Sahar Maher, a mass communication student.
“If I die, scores of Maikels will emerge after me,” is Maikel’s stubborn response.” I have already succeeded in winning many converts. Many of my friends, my brother and my father have all become politicised.”
But his father is quick to point out that while he shares many of Maikel’s political stances, he vehemently rejects Maikel’s religious views. “We are a pious Coptic family. Maikel became an atheist when he started associating with the wrong crowd at university and this is where it has led him.”
While his religious views are not the cause of his imprisonment, they are partly responsible for the little sympathy afforded Maikel by fellow Egyptians — which is not surprising in a society where religion plays a significant role in shaping people’s lives. Maikel is disappointed by the almost complete lack of local media support which he also blames on what many in Egypt perceive as his pro-Israeli stances. He has expressed his admiration for “Israel’s democratic values and freedom of expression” — an opinion that has shocked the Egyptian public angered by Israel’s aggressive policies towards the Palestinians and the recent killing of a number of Egyptian security guards by Israeli forces near the border with Israel. In recent weeks, anti Israeli protesters have called for the dismissal of the Israeli ambassador from Egypt and an annulment of the Camp David peace accords with Israel.
Lack of local support for Maikel in his native Egypt is however compensated for by the strong show of solidarity for him by the international community. A “free Maikel Nabil page” on FaceBook currently has more than 61,400 fans from around the world and the number is steadily on the increase.
As his friends sing happy birthday and Maikel blows out the candle on the small cake they’ve brought with them, he says that his birthday wish is for more Egyptians to read his blogs. He also yearns for his freedom “so that I can receive medical care in a proper hospital,” he says.
Maikel cites a long list of ailments including a tooth infection, scabies , low blood pressure and low sugar level. He says he is being denied the blood tests and treatment he badly needs to recover. The on-duty prison inspector Sameh Labib denies this. He insists that Maikel, like all other prisoners is getting the attention he requires at the prison hospital.
But whether or not Maikel will be released soon will be decided on the 4th of October when his appeal is scheduled. That day will also mark Maikel’s 43rd day of hunger strike. As we head out of the prison compound, Mark says “We can only hope for the best. There cannot be another Khaled Saeed. Our revolution was sparked by Saeed’s brutal killing by police officers. There cannot be others losing their lives in similar fashion in post-revolutionary Egypt.”
Maikel’s lawyer Negad el Borei says he does not have high expectations from the appeal. He adds that Maikell’s imprisonment is “another black spot for the image of the SCAF.” EL Borei also regrets the lack of media attention to Maikel’s case adding that this is because of new restrictions imposed on the media by the ruling military government which are greater today than those imposed by the former regime. “The media in post-revolutionary Egypt has gone as far as condoning torture which never happened under Mubarak,” he laments.
(Source Index on Censorship) |
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Canada wants a peaceful resolution of Kashmir |
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Toronto: March 20, 2009. (PCP) Canada takes the issue of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue very seriously and it regularly presses India to respect human rights of Kashmiris, says Canada’s Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon.
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a letter thanked Mr. Mushtaq A. Jeelani, Executive Director of Peace and Justice Forum (PJF), for his letter to the Prime Minister concerning the unresolved Kashmir issue and India’s failure to live up to its promise of a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy towards human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister Cannon says: “The Government of Canada takes the issue of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Kashmir very seriously and continues to encourage the governments of India and Pakistan to move forward with the ongoing Composite Dialogue process, focussed upon the resolution of key issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.” He added, “Canada also engages in dialogue with like-minded partners to promote sustainable peace in South Asia, including with the members of the G8.”
On the issue of systematic human rights abuses against civilians in Kashmir, Honourable Cannon writes, “your [PJF’s] letter also addresses reports of egregious violations of human rights in Kashmir. Through the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, Canada has established an ongoing dialogue with the Government of India on human rights issues.” He assured that “Canada regularly presses India to ensure that human rights, including the rights of Kashmiris, are respected...”
Minister Cannon concludes with further assurance, “please be assured that we will continue to engage with the Government of India in this regard.” |
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4 Christians injured in attack of PPP activists in Sindh |
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Kotri: July 27, 2009. (Abbas Kassar reports for PCP) : Residents of Christian Colony Sikendarabad held protest demonstration here on Sunday against attack on their colony in which 4 persons were injured and forcible occupation of their colony primary school by attackers and demanded protection to their community.
The demonstration was led by Dr. Emanuel Shahzad who told this scribe that more than 1200 homes of Christians were living at Christian Colony Sikendarabad near Kotri since before creation of Pakistan.
He said that land of Christian colony was donated by late MNA Malik Sikendar for residential purpose to Christians. He said that government had granted primary school and dispensary for their colony which was inaugurated by formed MPA Javed Micheal in 2005.
He said that some days back few persons Javed Shana, Wazir Khunharo, Amir Khunharo, Fida Khunharo, and other armed men who claim to be members of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party attacked the Christian Colony with iron sticks and Dandas beat the residents of colony in which 4 Christians Imdad Masih, Waris Masih, Riaz Masih and Asif Masih were brutally injured.
He said that injured were taken to Taluka hospital Kotri. He said that attack was made in presence of police who did not move to save the Christians and rather protected assailants who took control of primary school building and threw children out of it. He said they brought whole incident to notice of District Coordination Officer and District Police but they did not take any action and school still remains under the control of assailants. He said that when police failed to take action against the attackers, they have now started to threaten them of death. He said the Christians of this colony numbering more than 6000 were passing nights and days under threats and were feeling danger to their lives. He also said that whenever any Christian goes out of colony he is beaten by the Ghundas who are keeping watch on them. He said Javed Shana who is notorious with many cases against him on various police stations but police fails to take action against him. He demanded action against the assailants, recovery of primary schools from clutches of Ghundas and to providing protection to Christian community.
To a question Dr. Emanuel said that federal minister Shahbaz Bhatti who represents Christians in government cannot help them because when in past they approached to him for help his reply was that he belongs to Punjab so cannot come to their help. He said that the terrorists were roaming around Christian
colony with arms and they might kidnap their women folk or kill their men. |
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Human rights Groups in America ask Barak Obama to stress religious freedom in talks with Indian Prime Minister |
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WASHINGTON: November 27, 2009. (Jochanj) Several human rights groups in America have asked the president Obama to pressurize the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan SinghManmohan Singh to include religious freedom in discussions between the two countries. The Indian Prime Minister is on an official state visit to America.
In a letter addressed to the President the United States Commission on International Religious FreedomFreedom (USCIRF) counseled the President to speak to the prime minister on the “culture of impunity for perpetrators of violence against religious groups in India, and to prevent future incidents of sectarian violence against religious minorities.”
Manmohan Singh reached Washington on Sunday for a four day visit as the state guest of the president. There is also a delegation with the prime minister to hold bilateral talks between the countries. It is expected that the largest democracies in the world would discuss terrorism, nuclear disarmament, environment and climate change, and the global economic recession.
The USCIRF Chief Leonard Leo in his letter dated on Nov. 20 states, "India is the world’s largest democracy and home to a multitude of religious communities that have historically coexisted peacefully; however, the Indian government has failed to bring the perpetrators and instigators of sectarian violence to justice."
Amnesty International urged the US president to “candidly’ address the human rights violation in India and ask the Prime Minister to improve the situation “substantively”, in their meeting. Larry CoxLarry Cox the Amnesty International Executive Director wrote in his Nov. 18 letter, “While you discuss economic cooperation and civilian nuclear partnership with the Indian Prime Minister, it is vital that you also raise human rights concerns affecting millions of Indian citizens.”
The letter strongly suggest that the President should include human rights violations in India as a point for discussion, saying. “Amnesty International strongly urges you to include human rights concerns in India in your joint communiqué with Prime Minister Singh and to address human rights concerns during your joint press conference.” It further states, “Mr. President, we urge you not to miss this opportunity to speak for those whose rights have been violated in India. They need your help.”
Pointing out the Kandhamal Violence last year in Orissa, the USCIRF said, “Many thousands of accusations against alleged perpetrators in the aftermath of this violence, and to date there have been few convictions.” The USCIRF points a finger at the ruling Congress party as well saying that the party had been talking a lot about peace and religious pluralism in India,"its words have not translated into actions to protect religious freedom throughout the country."
The letter by USCIRF signs off the letter with the words, "As you noted in your remarks last January on the fifty-eighth anniversary of Indian democracy, the United States and India have a shared belief in ‘democracy, liberty, pluralism and religious tolerance’. Therefore, in the spirit of partnership, we encourage you to raise these issues with Prime Minister Singh."
Voices for Freedom, another human rights group also have submitted a memorandum to the President to take up the matter with Mr. Manmohan Singh the Indian Prime Minister |
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Punjab government orders re-investigation of Korian and Gojra Muslim mob attacks |
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Faisalabad: March 5, 2010. (Shahid Anwar) On the directives of Rana Sanaullah, Provincial Law Minister, Punjab, an investigation into Korian and Gojra attacks had been restarted in January 2010, because complainants were not contented with pervious investigations. He deputed Mr. Yousaf Ali Hurl, Senior Superintendent of Police, SSP-Faisalabad, for supervising said investigation. In Gojra case, SSP recorded about 45 statements of complainant party and 30 statements of accused party for declaring their innocence. In Korian case, he recorded about 5 statements of aggrieved party and 46 statements of aggressors for claiming themselves as innocent. The next hearing of said investigation will be heard on 8th March 2010.
Update Gojra and Korian attacks:
BRIEF HISTORY OF INCIDENT:
On the evening of 30th July 2009, a mob attacked Christian community on the accusation of alleged blasphemy by Mukhtar Masih, Talib Masih and his son Imran Masih of village Korian (7km from Gojra), District Toba Tek Singh. During the violent attacks, armed mob torched 57 homes of Christians, looted their belongings and desecrated the churches and religious books. In reaction to alleged desecration of the Holy Quran in Korian Village, another mob attacked Christian Colony in Gojra city on 1st August 2009. They burnt down 68 houses and killed 7 Christians including three women and two children, plundered their belongings and ransacked churches. Afterwards, separate cases were registered against hundred of attackers involved in both cases.
The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), Faisalabad is legally pursuing both the cases. The recent developments in said cases are as follows:
GOJRA CASE:
On 2nd March 2010, 42 accused of Gojra attacks were produced before Judge of Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) Faisalabad, including 6 detained accused and 36 were those who are on bail. These 42 accused will be re-produced before court on 16th March 2010 for charge frame. The police has already declared 47 accused as fugitive; those were nominated in FIR (First Information Report) and supplementary statements by complainant and witnesses.
KORIAN CASE:
On 2nd March 2010, 54 accused of Korian attacks were produced before Judge of Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) Faisalabad, including 8 detained accused and 46 were those who are on bail. These 54 accused will be re-appeared before court on 16th March 2010 for charge frame. The police has already announced 49 accused as absconder. |
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Taliban and establishment conspiring to recruit poor Christians in Pakistan |
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Karachi: June 12, 2010. (PCP) It has been learnt by Pakistan Christian Post sources and also confirmed by other reliable Christian leaders that a well organized plan is underway through which the “Jihadist”/ Militant organizations with the blessings of Government Agencies is recruiting poverty stricken Christians to be trained and used as Militants.
They have previously recruited, trained and used such poor people from the Muslim back grounds from the slums of Pakistan.
These Christians converted to Islam will be used (1) To target the Churches/Christians (2) Since their identity will not be altered in documents it is feared that some of them will be apprehended and presented in the world media to nullify the impression that Muslim militants are not the only source of militancy.
Since the western agencies are already on ground such practices should not be left unattended by the western Governments.
The e-Mails received by PCP have urged Pakistan Church leadership to take a serious note of this situation both on the National and International levels. |
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Pakistani Hindu Diaspora in USA expresses concern in meeting with Pakistani Mission |
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WASHINGTON DC: September 22, 2010. (PCP) A delegation of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has expressed its concerns over the alleged human rights violation of the minority Hindu Sindhi community in Pakistan to the country's Embassy officials here.
The HAF delegation during its meeting with the Pakistan Embassy officials proposed to send a team of Hindu American physicians on an immediate basis to offer medical-aid and supplies specifically to the people of the Sindh region in the country.
"The Pakistani Hindu Sindhi community requires unique dietary, psychological and rehabilitative needs," HAF's Arvind Chandrakantan said.
"We sincerely believe that a medical team from the Hindu American Foundation with its combined expertise in a variety of medical sub-specialities can evaluate, provide medical care for and help coordinate the future needs of this community," he added.
The delegation also presented a copy of the latest edition of HAF's human rights report 'Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: a Survey of Human Rights 2009'.
The Foundation's Human Rights Coordinator, Professor Ramesh Rao listed four major concerns consistently raised in its annual report: the abduction and rape of young Hindu women/girls who might then be forcibly converted or married to Muslim men, blasphemy laws targeting minority members, the inclusion of religious identity in Pakistani passports and bonded labour in Sindh province that mostly affected poor Hindus. |
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HRFP protest on killing of Salman Taseer |
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Lahore: January 14, 2011. (PCP) Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) protest against the assassination of Salman Taseer (Governor Punjab, Pakistan) was assassinated Tuesday January 04, by one of his own security guards. The shooting took place in the Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad .Human Rights Focus demand for the repeal of Blasphemy Laws, for the reinstatement of Human Rights and minorities concerned rights in specific and for the release of Asia Bibi who was the first Christian woman sentenced to death on Nov 08, 2010.
Slman Taseer met to Asia bibi in district jail Sheikhupura and tells to media that she is a poor Christian lady and she attempted no crime against our prophet so I think she is innocent and she is not eligible for punishment. He also demands to his own Governments for her release and also demands to President , Mr. Asif Ali Zardari for her pardoned .The typical fanatic people start the agitations against this act of governor and demand to hung him and Asia till death .They mange many processions against governor and in favor of 295C. In one TV interview Salman Taseer called 295C a black law, is using for strengthen to Islamists and for their political curial aims and is danger for Christian community and misusing against them and killing many innocent people.
Governor Salman Taseer was blamed by the fanatics that he is not a true Muslim so God gave him this kind of death and the person who killed to Governor, the fanatic groups apprised him on his brave act; some throw flowers in the killer’s home and give him respect as a great man. The funeral of Governor, Salam Taseer was late because no religious leader (Molana) was agreeing for his funeral prayer because of fear by the fanatic strong groups. Then a “Molana” from their own party leads the prayer. The killer named Mumtaz Qadri said “he killed to Governor Salman Taseer because he favored to Asia and he called to blasphemy law, a “black” law, and he makes a blasphemy, so I killed him”
Asia bibi , mother of 5 children was alleged by group of women from the same village “ Ittanwali” in district Nankana Sahib objected, saying she should not touch the water bowl because as a non-Muslim, she would make it “unclean”. Later, some of the women tried to get Asia to forsake Christianity and convert to Islam and during the exchange; she was alleged of insulting the prophet Muhammad by Muslim field workers in June2009.
Naveed Walter, president for Human Rights Focus Pakistan gives a wonderful words to Salman Taseer for his great sacrifice for a Christian woman Asia Bibi . President HRFP said “We demand for the punishment to killer according to the rule and we appeal for the release of Asia Bibi. The President Mr. Asif Ali Zardai should use his right of article 45 and she have to be pardoned and finally she have to be set free but the question is, if the blasphemy laws(295B/C) will remain another innocent Christian can be alleged again and then another. We condemned this law which is a smack in a face of human rights & democracy and we demand for its total repeal” he added more.
Naveed Walter said, “Human Rights Focus Pakistan is struggling for the religious liberty and minority rights since 1994 and lobbying with all powers of minorities for their human rights & equality, against discriminations in Pakistan. He said all minority groups & human rights organizations have demand to Government for the total repeal of blasphemy laws and restoration of minority’s human rights. |
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Muslim attackers kill one and injure hundred of Coptic Christian protestor in Egypt |
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Cairo: May 16, 2011. (AINA) Muslims attacked Coptic Christian protesters at Maspero thrice on Saturday, killing one and injuring over 100. The first attack occurred near midnight when two bearded Muslims wearing Salafist attire attempted to enter the rally via an entrance that was not guarded by security but by the Christian youth who were checking all persons at the entrance. One or both of the Muslims opened fire with guns. One escaped and the other was apprehended by the Christian youth and subsequently handed over to the police. His identity papers showed that he was called Ramadan Abdallah, graduate of al-Azhar high school.
At the same time another Muslim group was attacking the protesters from the bridge overlooking the site where the sit-in is staged. According to eyewitness Emad Abdelmalak from Assuit, who was also injured, a minibus stopped at the bridge overlooking the sit-in site, a dozen men came out of it carrying Molotov cocktails and stones. He said the Salafis were very organized, they came in minibus, attacked and disappeared.
Five Christians were shot, one seriously in the eye, in these two attacks, said Father Mettias Nasr, one of the Rally organizers, to Al Ahram newspaper.
The third attack occurred at nearly 1 AM when the Muslims of Boulak, a poor area near Maspero, came with guns and Molotov cocktails. They surrounded the Christians on all sides and fired guns and threw Molotov cocktails at them. Scores of Christians were severely injured and taken away to the Coptic Hospital. A boat in the Nile belonging to the TV authorities was completely torched (video).
Hannan, a Copt who was working at the rally canteen, told Coptic activist Mariam Ragy "We were shocked when we heard shots, and Molotov cocktails, empty bottles and stones were hurled at the crowds."
Samuel Sobhy, one of the rally organizers, said he was attacked by a man with a knife, who injured his leg and hand. The Muslim attacker was caught and turned over to the police. Sobhy said that Muslims came to disrupt the protest, but as soon as Copts heard of the attacks, they started to flock to Maspero .
Fearing that protesters may be killed, Father Filopateer Gameel read the absolution of sins for all Christians present.
Father Botros from Moqattam Church called Way TV, a US based television network, saying the same thing happened during the Muslim attack on them. "These are not thugs, they are criminals hired by Security authorities and the army to break up the Coptic sit-in. The army and the security should be held accountable. We have rights and we will take them." He said that his church as well as other churches will go to Maspero tomorrow after mass to join in the protest.
Father Filopateer Gameel said that he had received a threat last night from a number of Muslims that they will attack the protesters and subsequently informed the security authorities, who told him they could not do anything and he should call the army. He held the Interior Minister el-Essawy responsible for what happened and for failing to perform his duty. He said the minister said on TV that this sit-in has to end by any means, and therefore, he gave the "green light" to the Muslims to carry out their threat.
The Copts have held an open-ended sit-in in Maspero, in front of the State TV building, since May 7, demanding the release of seventeen Christians unjustly detained and sentenced by a military court for 3-years on March 16, as well as over 400 others detained unjustly. They are also demanding the Muslim perpetrators who torched the church in Soul, Moqattam, Abu Qorqas, Embaba and Alexandria on New Year's Eve be brought to justice. |
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Pakistan Christian Writers Guild Punjab to hold “National Christians Conference” |
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Sialkot: October 5, 2011. (PCP) The Pakistan Christian Writers Guild Punjab have extended invitations to distinguished writers, Social Workers, Civil Society Activists and Politicians to participate in “National Christian Conference” at Sambrial, Sialkot, on October 8, 2011, to discuss situation of Pakistani Christians.
Rana Asif Mahmood Member Punjab assembly and Sarfraz Khan Chairman SMS Foundation shall be Chief Guests while prominent Christian leader and former Federal Minister Julius Salik will preside over Conference.
Professor Yousuf Nayyer from Sialkot, Yousaf Naz from Jehlum, Javed Yadd from Multan, Tariq Tabassum, Charles Gill and Parvez Bazmi from Sialkot, Aftab Javed and Zehshan Joseph from Lahore will be among speakers.
The organizing Committee for National Christian Conference consists on Javed Gull, Ajnum Parvez Gill, Tariq Tabassum, Dr. Tajumal Fiaaz, Babar Imtiaz, Nasir Javed, Zafar Khokhar and Fazal Khiali.
Professor Kaleem Dean and Master Rafiq Gill will be guests of Honor in this conference of Pakistani Christians.
The National Christian Conference will be one day conference which will be open for question to speakers by participants.
The Sialkot District of Punjab province of Pakistan is rich place for Christian Writers and leaders and all eyes are on this conference that what comes out for betterment of oppressed Christians in two sessions of this venue.
Rev. Fr. Aftab James Paul, Rev. Fr. John Joseph, Fr. Nasir, Joseph Hakim Dean, Dr. Benjamin Gill, Daniel Bhatti, Dr. Adil Ghouri, Iqbal Khokhar, Asif Imran, Rana Zia, John Kennedy, Dr. Ashar Kanwal, Basharat Gill, Taseer Javed, Amjad Ghouri, George Masih Sohtra, Piyara Masih, Shaoukat, Arshad Sanni, Ilyas Anjum, Victor Ehsam, Amir Gill, Dr. Ilyas Gill Gazanfar, Sohail Sandhu, Younas Masih Gill, Younas Mahmood Ghouri, Ghani Masih Gill, Tariq Masih Sonni, Nadeem Sohtra, Danish Khan, Pastor Markus Shreef, Amir Bhatti, Ajiz, Waseem Dean, Elder Ilyas Masih, Ch. Mubarak Masih, Munawar Marshal Gill, John Piyara Masih, Anwar Zahid and Salamat Bhatti shall represent different religious, social and political organizations in National Christians Conference. |
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Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana: Arrangement underway for Shaheed Bhutto anniversary. |
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LARKANA: March25, 2009. (Nazir Siyal for PCP) Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the son of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto arrived Wednesday accompanied by Provincial Home Minister Dr. Zulfikar Mirza and Local Government Minister Agha Siraj Durani and his University colleagues reached Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto. He visited mother’s grave and laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha on the Mazars of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto later the grand father Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid visits to the various parts of Larkana city and reviewed the on going development work and new roads of VIP, Station Road, Jinnah Bagh Chowk road, Bunder Road, drainage schemes and others.
Bilawal also purchased oranges and other fruits and paid 1000 to cart pusher (seller) moreover he also purchased Sindhi Ajrak and paid 2000 to shopkeeper on the occasion.
DCO Larkana Muhammad Jaffar Abbasi, Muhammad Anwar
Bhutto and other PPP leaders briefed about the city and development work in Larkana and arrangements of 30th death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on April 4.
Before this, Chairman PPP Bilawal also visited the SZABIST Larkana along with his University/College friends and he expressed satisfaction over the education and development schemes in Larkana.
The District Coordination officer Larkana Muhammad Jaffar Abbasi presided over a meeting regarding arrangements of 30th death anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on 4th April 2009 at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto.
The meeting reviewed and discussed in detail regarding the facilities which will be provided to take people who
will come from all over the country on April 4th 2009, the meeting was informed that the parking for vehicles will be provided on the selected spot on the day.
The drinking water, accommodation facilities will also be provided to the people. The reception camps for male and
female will be installed at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto. During the meeting the representative of DPO Larkana informed the meeting that the strict security measurers will be adopted surrounding the Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto. The ladies force will also be deployed for providing security to ladies who will come at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto.
The police force will be increase in order to control on traffic from Garhi Khuda Bux to Naudero. The food will also be provided to people on the occasion.
The meeting was also informed that the seeting for 10 lacs peoples will be arranged at the main pindal where PPP leaders will address the public meeting and informed regarding the achievements of Shaheed ZA Bhutto and will rich tributes to Shaheed Quaid.
The street light will be ensured at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto and its surrounding roads, the
stand by generators will also be made available on the occasion, it was also informed the meeting that all the restaurants and rest houses of Larkana will also be booked for the people who come to attend 30th death anniversary of Shaheed ZA Bhutto. During the meeting the EDO works & services, EDO Health, MS CMC Hospital Larkana, EDO/DO Revenur, SE provincial Highways, XEN WAPDA (HESCO) Larkana and heads of various Nation building departments assured the meeting that all arrangements
will be completed by March 30th 2009. |
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Christian have no true representation in assemblies |
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Islamabad: July 27, 2009. (PCP) Former President Gen. Pervez Musharaf introduced a system for minority’s representation in assembly by selection instead of election, because it was in dictator’s personal interest. Which was injustice to minorities as well as dangerous for democratic sprit. It is our bad luck that present democratic government is also stepping on the same foot prints of dictator’s path. Minorities especially Christians are facing dire situation because puppets are sitting in assembly claiming as their representatives, said by Julius Salik when he was addressing during a protest here in Green Park of National Press Club.
J Salik, Convener World Minorities Alliance spent hours under the shadow of a big “scale of injustice”. Hundreds of women and men from kachi abadies of city participated in protest; they were chanting slogans “We want Justice!” Julius salik wearing black dress fell unconscious due to hot weather.
Christians are struggling for rehabilitation of their fellow effectees of 18th may Police action since last 69 days when government quarters are keeping silence in this matter. Julis Salik showed very deep concern for this situation and said that it’s a shameful attitude for a democratic government. He was sad to say that an old Christian man was hit by tear gas during that brutal police action and later he passed away. J Salik asked that why not a FIR being launched against the responsible officials for his death or murder, only because he was a poor Christian?
Julius Salik warned that a strong grief and wave of strong feeling is being feel against shameful confinement of 47 young Christian women in private camps of police all night long on 18th May. Former Federal Ministrer Julius Salik said all it happens because there is no proper representation of Christian minority in assemblies. Only selected puppets are there instead of elected ones. It is always hazardous for democracy itself and democratic forces plus minorities. “Former President Gen. Pervez Musharaf introduced a system for minority’s representation in assembly by selection instead of election, because it was in dictator’s personal interest. Which was injustice to minorities as well as dangerous for democratic sprit. It is our bad luck that present democratic government is also stepping on the same foot prints of dictator’s path” he added. |
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FATA: The Troubles and the Solution |
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Rawalpindi/Pakistan: November 28, 2009. PCP) On Sunday 22nd November Thinkers Forum Pakistan met for its regular monthly meeting. The topic was. “ FATA: The troubles and the solution. Learned speaker, Air Marshall Syed Qaiser Hussain (Retd) belonging to Parachinar focused mostly on Kurram and Orakzai agencies. He enumerated the corner stones of life in FATA. It was Islam and Pakhtoon Wali. He explained at length the five pillars of Pakhtoon Wali. Then unfolded the critical areas where malice had crept in. First on the list was Mulla, an ignorant leader of Islam but wielding great influence over the naïve tribesmen. The Maliks, were next; the custodians of Pakhtoon Wali, who seem to have lost the veneration they held once. Next were the Political Agents some inept and lacking the acumenship required for dealing with the tribesmen. Frontier Constabulary was the next weakening link, and finally the abolition of the FCR. He praised FCR, and wished it could be followed and practiced.
Suggesting the solutions the learned speaker emphasized that the Mulla had to be effectively countered with more learned clerics disseminating true Islam and its teachings to the simpletons.. The PAs’ lot had to be improved and the way they govern should follow the old traditions of British time with the carrot and stick philosphy. Quality of officers in FC be improved and the deployment of the troops should remain restricted to the areas to which they belong. He emphasized on how locals should be empowered through enrichment of Maliks. It was to enable Maliks to maintain their Lashkars and Chigga. Overall revival of Pakhtoon Wali was the solution.
He covered in detail the various tribes and the way they populated various agencies. Their restriction to some agencies and sprinkling and spread across the Durand Line was intriguing. By and large the tribal code of ethics was hospitable, peaceful and Islamic in nature. Though of late the magnitude of Sunni-Shia divide – particularly after the North-South polarization in Afghanistan - and its effects was quite disturbing. Similarly, the existence and role of millions of cash changing hands and the existence and role of Taliban, could not get an in-depth treatment. The discussion was enriched by high quality input from analysts like Gen Asad Durrani.
TFP – a non political, non parochial, non-ethnic, non profit yielding and purely voluntary forum is striving for Better Pakistan for our children and their children by spreading the word and creating awareness amongst us all. Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd) is A/Chairman of TFP while Col. Bakhtiar Hakeem (Retd) is Secretary General of this Think Tank established in Pakistan. |
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AWAM organizes “Education for Democracy and Human Rights” program |
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Faisalabad: March 5, 2010. (PCP) Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) in collaboration with Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) organized a two-days training of trainers titled “Education for Democracy and Human Rights” under ‘Democratic Education for Women-DEW Program’ from 28th February to 1st March 2010, at Centre for Peace and Harmony in Faisalabad. 42 Muslim and Christian trainees including political workers, teachers, students and representatives of NGOs actively participated in the training. The purpose of the training was to educate trainees about democratic norms and principles, to multiply political awareness for the participation of masses in the political process and to discuss challenges for democracy in Pakistan.
The facilitators of the training included; Naseem Anthony (Executive Secretary-AWAM), Suneel Malik (Secretary-NCJP), Shazia George (Coordinator-AWAM), Iftikhar Ahmad, Najeeb Ali Shah, Sitar Haider, Kaneez Ishaq and Zafar Iqbal. The content of the training included: concepts of democracy and human rights, democracy and characteristic of a democratic state, situation of civil and political rights in Pakistan, role of political parties and NGOs for the promotion of democratic culture, democratic system in Pakistan: challenges and resolves, women participation in political process: social and cultural barriers.
The facilitators termed ‘restrictions on the participation of women in political process, buying and selling of votes, politics in the name of caste’ as contrary to democratic values. They showed their grave concerns over the undemocratic decision of democratic government of appointing administrators and decreasing the participation of women in the political process by the dissolution of local government system.
The trainers for the strengthening and success of democratic system in Pakistan demanded that: the state institutions should be allowed to function in accordance with the Constitution while the laws, constitution and policies, discriminating on the basis of religion and sex, should be amended to comply with the standards and norms of human rights; balance of the powers among state institutions such as; judiciary, legislature and executives, must be ensured, separation of religion from the state affairs should be ensured; rule of law and participation of marginalized groups in the mainstream should be ensured.
Shazia George, Coordinator, Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) prepared and issued this report. |
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57th birthday celebration of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto |
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LARKANA: June 12, 2010. (By Nazir Siyal) 57th Birthday Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto former Prime Minister of Pakistan will be celebrated in respectable manner at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto and President House Naudero on June 21st, 2010.
The day dawn with Quran Khuwani at Mazars of Shuhda at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto and the floral wreaths will be laid on the Mazars of Shuhda, while “Guard Of Honor” will be presented at Mazars of Shuhda and National anthem will also be presented by the children of different Schools at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto on June 21st, 2010 morning.
While at evening a 56th pound Cake Cutting Ceremony will be held at the President House Naudero, where the party leaders, MNAs, MPAs and Ministers will paid glowing tributes to the martyr PPP leader Benazir Bhutto sources said.
The President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Sayed Yousuf Raza Gillani is expected to participate in the birthday celebration of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah along with his cabinet members will also participate on the occasion and oversee all the arrangements of birthday celebrations, besides the Central and Provincial leadership of PPP will attend the birthday anniversary programs at Garhi Khuda Bux and Naudero House on June 20 and 21st, 2010.
On the occasion continue three days Blood Bank donation Camps will be established by EDO (Health) Larkana Dr. Abdul Fattah Bughio from June 20 to 22nd at Garhi Khuda Bhutto, besides the blood bank donation camp will be arranged at party office Kennedy Market Larkana on 20th June, 2010. Medical superintendent Chandka Medical College Hospital Larkana Dr. Zulifqar Siyal will supervise the Camp on the occasion.
Similarly the Blood Bank Camps will be established at Ratodero, Naudero, Bakrani, Dokri and Badah on 20th June, 2010, while the EDO (Health) Larkana will supervise the camps. The donated blood will be sent to Pak Army for the treatment of ailing soldiers.
While, the Ladies Wing Larkana will also establish a Blood Donation Camp at party office at Kennedy Market Larkana on June 13th, 2010 and on the same day ladies wing will also arrange same kind of camps at Naudero, Ratodero, Baqrani, Dokri and Badah tehsils of Larkana district on 13th June, 2010.
National Highway Authorities will ensure the repair and development work of roads from Larkana to Naudero and Naudero to Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto on the occasion.
On the day security arrangements will be ensured by the Law enforcing agencies and the administrators of T.M.A’s included Larkana, Ratodero, Naudero, Dokri and Badah tehsils will ensure the lighting arrangements and cleanliness of the city and towns of the district.
Mazar Committee including Ghulamullah Mahoto, Senior Advocate of Larkana Abdul Razzaq Soomro, Khan Bahadur Ghulam Mustafa Agham, Aijaz Ahmed Laghari, Aftab Bhutto will make necessary arrangements and oversee the preparation on the occasion. |
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Pakistani Minorities Launch Poster Campaign in front of the United Nations |
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Geneva: September 22, 2010. (PCP) European Organization for Pakistani Minorities this week launched 3 week long hunger strike with a poster campaign outside the United Nations in Geneva during the 15th Session of the Human Rights Council which commenced on 13th Sep till 1st October 2010. The demonstration will continue till the end of the session till 1st October 2010. EOPM will focus during the demonstration on atrocities against minorities in Pakistan. The plight of Christians, Sikhs, hindus and other communities like ahmediyas and shia’s.
The last few months have witnessed unprecedented atrocities on minorities including ruthless attacks on places of worship. EOPM contempt’s this brutal attacks and calls upon the government of Pakistan and International Community to stop the violence against the innocent people.
In protest to the atrocities to the Christians Rev. Saloman Masah and Rev. Tahir Yaqub who arrived from Pakistan have sat down in front of the United Nations to have their plea heard by the International Community. |
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Christian leaders condole deaths of Mehboob Sada and Master Jacob Bhatti |
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Lahore: January 14, 2011. (PCP) Mr. Khalid Gill, Chairman, Christian Lawyers Federation Pakistan CLF, Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC and Mr. William Xavier, Director of Life for All have expressed grief on deaths of Master Jacob Bhatti, father of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti who is Federal Minister for Minorities and Mr. Mehboob Sada, Editor of Shalom and Director of Christian Study Center, Rawalpindi.
Master Jacob Bhatti was laid to rest yesterday in his native village Khushpur in Faisalabad district and his Memorial Services will be held in local Church on Sunday.
Mr. Mehbood Sada, a famous writer and Human Rights Activist expired on January 13, 2011, in Rawalpindi and his funeral services will be performed here today at 12.00 Noon, in local Christian graveyard,
The Community representatives and Christian leaders from all walks of life have issued condolences messages on deaths of Mr. Mehboob Sada and Master Jacob Bhatti and offered prayers for peace to greived families. |
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Assyrian Christian in Iraq: Sunni Islamists gouge his eyes out and torture him to death. By Lee Jay Walker, The Modern Tokyo Times |
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Ashur Issa Jacob was butchered and mutilated by Sunni Islamic fanatics in Iraq and the Assyrian International News Agency (http://www.aina.org) and Ankawa (http://www.ankawa.com/english/) are working tirelessly in order to notify the outside world about the plight of religious minorities in Iraq.
It appears that Sunni Islamic operatives had demanded a huge ransom and in the mindset of these Sunni Islamic fanatics they will justify the slaughter of an innocent on the basis of jihad, jizya, and the House of War theory which can be found in the Koran and the Hadiths.
Arthur Issa Jacob was an Assyrian Christian construction worker and it is clear that he was tortured slowly before his death. Of course America had to give Osama bin Laden a Muslim burial and show respect to a global jihadist who gloated when thousands of innocents were killed on September 11.
However, for the followers of radical Sunni Islam all non-Muslim infidels are not worthy of any kindness and in their mindset they can kill humans in such bestial ways and somehow they still deem themselves to be holy warriors of Islam.
Sunni Islamic fanatics in Iraq have massacred Shia Muslims, Christians, Shabaks, Yazidis, Mandaeans, moderate Sunni Muslims, and others; and in their world view they will meet many virgins in heaven after killing innocents in the name of Allah.
Sunni Islamic fanaticism is destroying the fabric of Iraqi society and many Shia Muslims have been killed during funerals, visiting religious holy places, while shopping and in their homes.
The Kurds in the north have military power in order to protect themselves because Sunni Islamic fanaticism is also tinged with Arab chauvinism.
However, the Christians, and other smaller minorities, have no militias to protect themselves from the evil of radical Sunni Islam.
Multinational forces have been told by political elites to do nothing, therefore, the invasion of Iraq left minorities to the evil forces of Sunni Islamic jihadists. Political elites in the West have “turned a blind eye” and just like in Kosovo the Christian community has been abandoned.
Assyrian International News Agency stated that “Ashur Issa Jacob, an Assyrian construction worker, was found dead today in Kirkuk, North Iraq. He was kidnapped on Saturday by Al-Qaeda operatives, it is believed, who made a $100,000 ransom demand. His body was mutilated. His head was nearly severed off. He was tortured before he was executed, according to the Kirkuk police. His eyes were gouged out, his ears were cut off and his faced was skinned. There also were signs of dog bites on the body. Mr. Jacob is survived by his wife and three children.”
Note the difference: America gives an Islamic funeral to a mass killer called Osama bin Laden but radical Sunni Islamists torture an innocent Christian to death and then they leave his body to be humiliated and left out in the open for all to see.
Iraq’s future is being destroyed by religious fanatics whose only goal is to enforce a medieval system alongside Arabization and a Sunni Islamic state based on Islamic Sharia law.
America and other Western nations who invaded Iraq have a moral obligation to protect the citizens of Iraq; irrespective of religious faith, ethnicity or no faith.
After all, the fleeing of so many Christians and other minorities began because of the forces which were unleashed after Iraq was invaded.
If nothing is done to stem the tide of Arab Sunni Islamic fanaticism then Iraq will become a nation where non-Muslim minorities will no longer exist.
The brutal murder of Ashur Issa Jacob clearly shows you the mindset of radical Sunni Islam in Iraq.
Therefore, why isn’t something being done to protect the religious minorities of Iraq?
Please visit www.aina.org (ASSYRIAN INTERNATIONAL NEWS AGENCY)
Please visit www.ankawa.com (ANKAWA)
http://www.ankawa.com/english/?p=5050#more-5050 – ORIGINAL LINK AND MORE PHOTO IMAGES
http://www.aina.org/news/20110516141347.htm – ORIGINAL LINK and more information. |
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Government abandons 8.8 million flood affected people, death toll cross 1000 |
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BADIN: October 5, 2011. (By Abbas Kassar) The government of Pakistan as well as well as that of Sindh have failed to provide food, medicines and clean drinking water to around 8,8 flood affected people of 23 districts of the province as a result, more than 1000 people have died of house collapse, drowning in gushing rain/drain water, being electrocuted, spread of epidemics of gastro, malaria and other water borne diseases and hunger. According to National Disaster Management Authority, 3 million have been inflicted in various diseases mostly children and women. In a report made public 2 days back NDNA says “because of no proper medical arrangements one million people have fallen ill since last 20 days." It has apprehended that as many as 40,000 women (who are said to be pregnant) might lose their lives if they are not properly given medical care. In its earlier report it had alleged that government has failed to come to rescue and then relief to flood affected people.
So far 1032 people out of flood affected have died throughout the province in a month long rains that played havoc with almost all 23 districts of Sindh but few districts including Badin, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Thatta,Tando Muhammad Khan,Tando Allahyar, Sanghar, Tharparkar and Benazirabad were hit hard where the rain and canal/outfall drains breach water was still standing causing spread of water borne diseases that are taking toll on daily basis as the authorities have totally failed to provide health cover to the teeming millions especially children who are dying of gastro, malaria, flu and skin and other diseases. No day passes when more than dozen people do not die of diseases while the federal as well as provincial governments appear to be indifferent with the suffering and pathos of the ill-fated people. The National Disaster Management Authority has alleged that government was holding Rs.5 billion as balance from last year's flood fund and said that if this amount was released and used on giving food and health care to affected people many a precious lives could have been saved. Meanwhile former prime minister and leader of the opposition Mian Nawaz Sharif has also alleged that government of president Asif Zardari has ignored nearly 9 million flood affected people of Sindh ( despite fact that the president belongs from Sindh) and have left the helpless people on mercy of hunger and diseases. He has said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Jeelani was keeping Rs.19 billion in his discretionary fund but was not releasing amount from this fund to alleviate sufferings of the affected people; It is a cruel joke with more than 8 million flood affected people passing days and nights under miserable condition, that Sindh health secretary Rizwan Ahhmed says that the medicines they have asked from India and France will reach in first week of October which means until then many hundreds more are to die. There has been no or little arrangement of medical care either by the government or NGOs. There has been no arrangement of temporary latrines as a result people especially women feel humiliation. In fact in view of dearth of items of food, drinking water and medical care flood affected people are humiliated and are trying hard to save lives of their children. In many places affected people are forced to drink the stagnant rain water which is causing more diseases. This water has turned blue and brackish. According to statement of Sindh Chief Minister that 70% damage was done by breaches in outfall drains main among them being Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) which is most hated among people of Badin as this very LBOD had brought devastations in past many occasions. Due to its wrong design the outfall drain which carries saline and drain water of Punjab and upper Sindh districts, flows backward carrying the sea water back to inundate the fertile belt of lower Sindh. It is most amazing fact that despite statements of chief minister and other ministers, the breaches to outfall drains and canals has not been plugged despite passage of 24 days since it rained last. Another failure was on part of irrigation department whose minister Saifullah Dharejo has confessed inefficiency of his department to plug breaches and to drain out rain and breach water yet he is still in his chair along with his boss chief minister Qaim Ali Shah who has done no service to Sindhi people except chairing meetings that have proved futile.
Pakistan government had taken no lesson from last year's floods that had rendered almost 7 million people in Sindh alone as homeless and in all 1.8 millions in whole country. Many affected of last year's floods have not been rehabilitated as yet. Government also turned its ears on weather warnings in early August this year of torrential rains and did take to steps to make arrangements for any emergency plans.
The President of Pakistan Asif Zardari had not visited the flood affected area of Sindh which makes the size of Egypt and half of England except for once at his own district Benazirabad for the purpose of photo session while the chief minister of Sindh and his whole big cabinet of the size of China has been locked in provincial capital city Karachi holding meetings of the issues of lesser nature.
President Zardari continued to visiting foreign countries including China, Tajkistan and other central Asian countries caring no or little about the sufferings of flood hit people as flood was playing havoc with people. Sindh government has said that the province has received losses of more than 550 billion dollars but he did not spell out what measures his government was taking to recoup these losses. According to independent sources crops of cotton, sugar cane, rice, vegetables and fruit sown on 1.2 million hectares of land had been swept away in rain and drain breach waters.
A parliamentary delegation that was headed by former federal minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and that had visited flood hit districts of Sindh, had said in a press conference in Karachi on 21 September that no one had died of hunger or drowning but alas the delegation that had taken only aerial view of the flood hit areas and had landed at Mirza farm in Badin did not bother to meet or talk to any flood affected family and also did not take briefing from any official. Raja Pervez Ashraf was accompanied with 2 Sindh ministers Ayaz Soomro and Sharjeel Memon during his press conference in Karachi. However a week later irrigation minister has confessed that few persons had died of hunger. It is my conviction that had there been a younger chief minister in Sindh in place of present octogenarian Qaim Ali Shah, he would have surely stood among the people in flood water and had helped reduce their miseries .
Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah had told another lie while during his meeting with WB and ADB officials in Karachi on Wednesday that only 400 persons had died during the rain/breach water flooding in Sindh and that 8.9 million people were affected while his information minister Sharjeel Memon on same day told media that number of deaths was more than 400 while 8.1 million were affected. There is contradiction in statements issued by various ministers’ reason being that they have not visited the affected areas and are issuing statements from their air-conditioned offices. I have complied a list of 7 persons who had died of hunger, their names are being written here as eye opener to federal parliamentary delegation who claimed no death by hunger. The died are: Muhammad Bux Khaskheli in Digri, 10 years Sindhu daughter of Ali Akbar Leghari in Nabi Ser, 25 years Bilal son of Mataro in Bhirya
City, 60 years Mushtaq in Talhi, an unknown woman also died of hunger in Jogi Basti near Tando Jan Muhammad, 4 years Seema and 2 years Bilal Jeskani on Gharo canal near New Dumbalo. The list of those who had died of drowning in flood water contains 98 names mostly children but due to space these names cannot be written here. However if Raja Pervez Ashraf desires to see the list I can then show him same because it is he who had lied that no one has died of drowning. Of 1034 dead majority is of children and also a number of pregnant women had died of receiving no medicines or medical treatment.
There is wide criticism on distribution of ration and other food items to affected people in relief camps or sitting on the road sites and canal banks as local media is full of political interference in the flood relief. The NGOs and officials of local administration provide ration to such persons who bring a Sifarshi Chit from local PPP Jiala( ruling party workers) and in most cases only favorite ones find the way to get Chit. There are wide spread reports that in Badin Jialas and NGO workers have filled their homes and warehouses with relief goods received by them from state or foreign donor agencies. These hundreds of thousands of hungry people when see ay vehicles approaching they rush to get the food first and in stampede many are injured. In Jhol town of Sanghar district an MPA of ruling party Rana Sattar filled his warehouses with relief items and when the hungry people came to know they rushed to his go downs to get food so to that they can remain alive for few more days but the guards of MPA opened fire on them killing two 2 hungry men 12 years Ghulam Hussain Shar and Ghulam Rasool Mari. In Badin while standing in a long row outside NADRA office to get the Pakistan Card through which one can get Rs.10,000 from bank, an old man Umar Mallah died of stempede. There are other instances where police have baton charged the hungry when they rushed to get food.
The interesting fact is that during more than one month long rain and floods no federal or provincial minister is seen sharing the miseries and pathos of the affected people. All except a few have kept themselves away from their constituencies out of rage of people. Badin district has been hit worst with 1 million out of 1.4 million population being affected and more than 2,00,000 homes destroyed people are sitting on road sites or on canal banks as they have been ejected from relief camps which were set up in schools. They watch truck loads of relief goods passing through them but not stopping as the district administration has issued orders that all relief material be brought first to DCO office. However from DCO office the relief materials finds its way to ruling party MPA and other Jialas who give same to their own favorite men mostly unaffected while the ill-fated remain hungry.
It was ashtoning that government continues to tell lies to the nation and international community. On 4th October President Zardari held video conference in which his spokesman has said that 300,000 tents have been given to the homeless affected people in 7 districts including Badin, Mirpurkhas, Benazirabad, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Sanghar but in Badin as this scribe has visited the hundreds of thousands of affected people sitting on road sites on Badin-Golarchi road, Badin, Tando Bago road, Badin Talhar road and Badin to Kadhan road no tent was seen to the length of my look. |
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Philanthropists Congress Fosters Partnerships for Effective Development |
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Abu Dhabi, UAE: March 25, 2009. (PCP) The 2nd World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists (WCMP) concluded today after several key developments had been achieved that indicate an evolution in Muslim giving. The WCMP is a high-level network of donors and foundations established to promote informed and effective giving. The annual Congress itself is a unique event which brings together a diverse set of participants, with the hope that enhanced cooperation between different philanthropies through strategic partnerships will add profound value to address global challenges that affect both humanity and the environment.
Dr. Tariq Cheema, the founder of the WCMP, affirms that the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists (WCMP)' brings together leaders who understand the risks and opportunities they have are common as global citizens, and therefore realize that collaboration across the lines of faith and race is a necessity and not merely a choice'.
Developments
The conference, co-sponsored by Islamic development Bank, Emirates Foundation and Al-Faleh Group, served as an important occasion for the major Muslim philanthropic organizations—such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Islamic Development Bank—and other major regional or international organizations—like Tony Blair Faith Foundation, The Global Fund, Malaria No More and UN Millennium Campaign—to meet one another. It enabled excellent opportunities for bridge building between participants and accordingly a series of high-level negotiations took place that are likely to lead to future partnerships.
The WCMP organization itself also showed dynamism as it grows and its role expands. The WCMP organizers fostered deeper connections with a growing number of key philanthropies in the Muslim world, affirming its place as the as a research centre, a unified voice and a staunch advocate of Muslim philanthropy.
The atmosphere of openness, cooperation and trust-building in the Congress enabled the development of closer working relationships between the WCMP and its partners. The reality that organizations need to work more closely together to address challenges was underlined.
The speakers carefully examined the current economic situation's effect on Muslim philanthropy, and looked at ways that can be found to deal with challenges we face. The need for foundations to continue to fund social- and third-sector activity was stressed.
The speakers underlined the harmful effect that economic troubles have on the poorest members of our societies, but raised the encouraging fact that as need increases during a recession so does giving. It was emphasized that in every recession the amount of giving increases, and we should not shy away from the idea of donating during an economic downturn. The speakers suggested that the onus should be put on spending more efficiently, creating strategic partnerships, and reducing non-developmental spending.
The WCMP also succeeded in launching the Academy of Philanthropy. The Academy will provide donor education with an emphasis on how to give strategically and safely through a program known as “Building Leaders for Change”. The Academy will also partner with Human Development Foundation to establish “Human Development Institute” that will enhance the capacity of service delivery at the grassroots level.
World-renowned industry experts and high-level representatives of the World Bank, Organization of Islamic Conference, Islamic Development Bank, Malaria No More, Reach Out To Asia, the Emirates Foundation, the King Khalid Foundation, Religions for Peace, Al-Waleed bin Talal Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, Grameen-Jameel and Arab Science & Technology Foundation contributed to the vibrant debates around global challenges, accountability, and partnership building.
Former UK Prime Minister Mr. Tony Blair, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, icon of the Muslim world Mr. Amr Khaled, UAE Minister Shiekha Lubna Al Qasimi, UK Justice Minister Shahid Malik, UN Special Envoy Mr. Ray Chambers, SheikhaAisha bint Faleh Al-Thani of Qatar, and internationally renowned Musician and philanthropist Mr. Youssou N'Dour addressed the conference, among others. |
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Xavier William appointed Coordinator of Islamabad PCC |
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Karachi: July 27, 2009. (PCP) Morris Sadiq, Secretary General of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC announced here today confirmation of Xavier William as Coordinator of PCC Islamabad and Capital area by Central Executive Council of PCC.
Mr. Xavier shall reorganize PCC offices in Islamabad and in capital vicinity and present report to PCC Central Council before Annual General Convention of PCC in Lahore in 20010.
The Central Executive Council members of PCC welcomed Mr. Xavier William in Pakistan Christian Congress and hoped that Mr. William shall effectively promote PCC manifesto and strength campaign launched for equal democratic rights of Christians in Pakistan. |
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Commonwealth’s help in resolving the Kashmir issue would usher in a new era of a peaceful coexistence between India and Pakistan |
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Toronto – November 28, 2009: On the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (November 27-29), Peace and Justice Forum (PJF) has urged the Commonwealth leaders to help the Kashmiri people’s longstanding demand for justice, freedom, and respect for human rights.
Mr. Mushtaq A. Jeelani, Executive Director of the PJF in separate letters to 53 Commonwealth leaders and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, expressed his serious concern about deteriorating human rights situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The Executive Director reminded the leaders that the Kashmir issue has dominated the geopolitics of South Asia for nearly 62 years because of continuing rivalry between India and Pakistan. They have fought three major wars since their independence from Britain in 1947, two of them over the disputed region of Kashmir. The dispute between the rivals is the root of the nuclear arms race, which has resulted in the diversion of resources from human development to militarization. Unfortunately, the people of Kashmir are caught in the middle of this deadly tug-of-war.
He underscored that the 700,000 strong Indian forces have killed more than 100,000 Kashmiris to silence the people’s demand for freedom, justice, and respect for human rights. They continue to carry out arbitrary detention, summary executions, custodial killings, extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, rape, sexual exploitation, torture and fake encounters. Generations of Kashmiris have grown up under the shadow of the gun; not a single family is unaffected; property worth hundreds of millions of dollars has been destroyed and the suffering and devastation continues unabated, sadly drawing no significant attention from the international community.
Mr. Jeelani cautioned the leaders that impunity has become a licence for the Indian occupation forces to wreak havoc with the lives of Kashmiris. The deliberate and unprovoked attacks and other patterns of abuse have all become too frequent to report. No perpetrator has ever been prosecuted in a real manner, despite the fact that such crimes have been extensively documented by many international human rights organisations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
The Executive Director urged the leaders’ attention to the following statement: “There can be no lasting political settlement in Kashmir unless human rights abuses that have fueled the insurgency are addressed,” underlined Brad Adams, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, February 9th, 2009. “Human Rights Watch called for the repeal of laws such as the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, and the Public Safety Act. These laws provide the armed forces with extraordinary powers to search, detain, and use lethal force, leading to numerous human rights violations. They also provide immunity for security forces. Prosecutions of security force personnel, even where the facts are well established, are rare.”
Mr. Jeelani brought to the leaders’ attention Amnesty International’s letter, November 18th, 2009, to the US President Barack Obama: “The Indian side of Kashmir is another area where Indian Security forces commit mass human rights abuses with impunity. Once again, the abuses are facilitated by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 and other similar laws. The civilian population of Kashmir has paid a high price for the conflict. Thousands have disappeared over the years.”
He emphasised that both the Harare and Singapore declarations reaffirmed commitment of the Commonwealth to the promotion of international understanding and world peace. The Harare declaration further reaffirmed “fundamental human rights including equal rights…for all…regardless of their political belief” on the principles to which the Commonwealth countries are committed.
Mr. Jeelani reminded the leaders that as a signatory to the Commonwealth's Harare declaration, government of India should be committed to the defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The fact remains that New Delhi continues with its brutal military campaign to silence Kashmiris demanding the right to self-determination. Therefore, India’s conduct is evidently in violation of the principles set out in the Harare declaration. However, the Commonwealth has been turning a blind eye to the unprecedented human rights abuses committed by the Indian occupation forces in Jammu and Kashmir, more particularly during the past 20 years.
The Executive Director underlined that the Kashmir conflict is a “political” and “human” tragedy and the world community, including India and Pakistan, has overlooked this critically important human dimension of the issue. Kashmiris’ demand is simple and in accordance with international law: implementation of the United Nations resolutions for a plebiscite to determine the future status of the disputed region in a peaceful and democratic way. Whatever the outcome, it will be impartial and binding for all three parties – India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir.
Mr. Jeelani said that last two years have seen renewed and spontaneous, massive and non-violent protests where virtually everyone young and old, men and women, boys and girls are out on the streets protesting against India’s continued occupation. Such – on and off – protests have totally transformed the Kashmiri freedom struggle into a classic people’s movement demanding the right to self-determination.
He reminded the leaders that Kashmiris are yearning for peace, justice and freedom. They want a just and dignified peace that guarantees total freedom from foreign occupation and alien domination. Their struggle to achieve that right to self-determination will not be extinguished until India and Pakistan accept its exercise by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Executive Director emphasised that the perception that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan is unsubstantiated. Kashmir is not a territorial or bilateral issue. It is about the future of 15 million people with their own history of independence; their own language and culture. This is a simple explanation for the failure to resolve the Kashmir issue through on-again and off-again bilateral dialogue for the past 62 years. The people of Kashmir have lost complete faith in the bilateral process of India and Pakistan and their ability to resolve the issue.
He underlined that the right to self-determination is the cornerstone of the United Nations system that underpins the contemporary international order. Its unquestioned acceptance has been established by core international instruments including the Charter of the United Nations, the two Covenants on Civil and Political and Economic, Social and Cultural rights and the declaration adopted by General Assembly resolution 1514.
Mr. Jeelani emphasised that effective exercise of a people’s right to self-determination is an essential pre-requisite for the genuine exercise of other human rights and freedoms. Only when self-determination has been achieved can a people take the measures necessary to ensure human dignity, the full enjoyment of all rights including political, economic, social and cultural progress without any form of discrimination.
The Executive Director underscored that the right to self-determination is thus the raison d’etre of the contemporary international order and an absolute must for the progressive realisation of all fundamental human rights; this right must be exercised freely without covert influence, coercion or repression; it cannot be exercised under conditions of foreign occupation and it is non-lapsable.
He hoped that the leaders meeting in Port of Spain would encourage the UN to implement its longstanding resolutions on Kashmir; by doing so the Commonwealth in principle would honour its commitment to Harare’s declaration: “support the United Nations and other international institutions in world’s search for peace, disarmament and effective arms control; and in the promotion of international consensus on major political, economic and social issues.”
He warned that the failure of the Commonwealth to address the unresolved issue of Kashmir would be making a mockery of Harare’s declaration and point to institutional weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s capacity to promote and protect human rights.
The Executive Director underscored that it is high time that the Commonwealth leaders meeting in Port of Spain demand that India put an end to widespread human rights violations by its security forces, and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The poor human rights records of any member country undermines the Commonwealth’s important role of promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. The Commonwealth needs to hold members accountable for their abusive human rights records.
Mr. Jeelani said he is convinced that the Commonwealth’s help can aid India and Pakistan to transform the Kashmir issue from being a bone of contention to a bridge of understanding for lasting peace and prosperity of South Asia’s billion plus people.
The Executive Director underlined that a peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute will help to bring stability in the South Asian region, including in Afghanistan and eliminate a potential threat of another major war. This would further help laying the foundation for a new era of coexistence between India and Pakistan. |
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Government to establish Youth Development Centers for females. Shahid Bhutto |
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LARKANA: March 5, 2010. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Federal Minister for Youth Affairs Shahid Hussain Bhutto has determined to establish “Youth Development Centers” for females to facilitate them in metropolitan cities regarding the accommodation and other healthy activities across the country, so far the ministry has provided 45000 jobs to the unemployed youth for the eradication of poverty, which is a positive development according to the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
Addressing the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Sports Talent Award in Larkana by Pakistan Sports Welfare Association, federal Minister said that the youth delinquency is a common in society and they were facing various social and economical issues, while there is no development role of youth due to the government policies and the state is responsible to resolve the youth generation issues and their employment. He said that there is need to facilitate youth in every sector and the opportunities should be given according to their criteria.
Shahid Bhutto said the ministry has signed MoU for the trainings most of them are under pipeline/process, with various International agencies including UNFP, UNDP, ILO, World Bank and others for 30 youth development center establishment in country. He said the YDC projects at various cities including Gilgit, Peshawer, Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sukkur and other parts of country are suggested and most of the completed in country.
Federal Minister said it was only 40 million budget, which now have been increased up to the four billion for country wide youth development sector, it reflects the expansion of his ministry and youth activities across the country.
He said there are new windows of opportunities and facilities for gender balance, adding that two youth centers in each tehsil level will be completed, where the skills, trainings and different English coaching classes will be run for the youth development he said.
He said the Sports and Youth seminar will be organized soon and the Prime Minister of Pakistan will expected to preside over the event at Karachi. He also announced that the committee of Pakistan Sports Welfare Association should give/select the names of talented youth awardees for joining youth delegation to China in May-June 2010.
On the occasion, Patron Pakistan Sports Association MPA Haji Munwer Ali Abbasi said that the present government has provided sports facilities to the people of this area to groom their talent and the youth of the area start campaign from Larkana and prove in the national level sports activities.
He said there are no opportunities for the small towns and cities to participate on Pakistan level sports activities, but the Larkana players should come forward to play and prove their efficiencies. He also emphasized to the Minister sports must take interests to the objective.
He said he will take efforts to organize functions/sports activities thorugh out Sindh and in the name of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed sports activities will be continued. |
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Fake Degrees of Pakistani politicians. By Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd) |
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The issue of a plethora of fake degrees is being given a Machiavellian twist by the politicians who take the naïve voters for a ride by saying that a usurper had introduced this clause with the malafides intention of keeping the seasoned politician out of the assemblies. Some of them even justify such forging by the affected MNAs and MPAs on one pretext or the other. This is strange to say the least. The question is not of the qualification (graduation) but of the character of the persons involved, who acquired such fake degrees by illegal means, by deceitfully forging the documents! Does it behove a law maker to be a cheat, a forger, a fraud, a swindler or an imposter?! It strikes at the very roots of his personal conduct and character. There is an old saying, “If wealth is lost, nothing is lost. If health is lost, something is lost. But if character is lost, everything is lost”.
Should such characterless forgers be trusted with the sacred task of framing the laws for the nation? Incidentally, issuing of party tickets to such charlatans speaks volumes about the concerned party leadership also. |
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USCIRF urges Egypt to bring Sectarian Killers to Justice |
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WASHINGTON DC: September 22, 2010. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) called on the Egyptian government to ensure the resumption tomorrow of the trial of the men charged with seven murders in the small town of Naga Hammadi in southern Egypt. Court proceedings have been postponed numerous times since February.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Is it possible for Coptic Orthodox Christians to get justice in the Egyptian court system?” asked Leonard Leo, USCIRF chair. “USCIRF was encouraged by Egypt’s initial decision to bring the Naga Hammadi case to trial quickly, but now, eight months later, there have been no convictions and there is no end in sight. Unfortunately, this only encourages further violence and is reminiscent of so many past trials where justice was never served.”
On January 6, three Muslim men were charged with killing six Christians and one Muslim security guard on Coptic Christmas eve outside a church in Naga Hammadi. The trial began in February in a state security court and resumes tomorrow in the Qena governorate.
A USCIRF delegation visited Egypt earlier this year just weeks after the Naga Hammadi incident and concluded that there was a window of opportunity for the Egyptian government to conduct a thorough investigation and to bring to justice perpetrators of sectarian violence before the upcoming parliamentary elections in November when government attention will shift.
“That window is closing quickly,” said Mr. Leo. “The Egyptian government’s negligence has created a climate of impunity. The government knows well that accountability could serve as a deterrent, and would demonstrate that the government is interested in addressing the issue through application of the rule of law and not just reconciliation sessions.”
In recent years, in response to sectarian violence, Egyptian authorities have conducted reconciliation sessions between Muslims and Christians as a way of easing tensions and resolving disputes rather than bringing perpetrators to account. However, in its most recent annual human rights report on Egypt, the U.S. Department of State found that reconciliation sessions not only “prevented the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against Copts and precluded their recourse to the judicial system for restitution” but also “contributed to a climate of impunity that encouraged further assaults.”
USCIRF has recommended that the United States should more aggressively press the Egyptian government to prosecute perpetrators responsible for sectarian violence and to remove de facto responsibility for religious affairs from the state security services, with the exception of cases involving violence or the advocacy of violence.
Due to persistent and serious religious freedom concerns, Egypt remains on USCIRF’s Watch List. Egypt has been on the Watch List since 2002.
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives. USCIRF’s principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress. |
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Egyptian Police Fire Bullets into Peaceful Crowd |
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Cairo: January 14, 2011. (PCP) Copts gathering Thursday morning in the streets of the Zabbaleen suburb of Cairo to peacefully protest the fatal attacks upon Coptic Christians in recent days were surrounded by Egyptian police who fired live bullets and gas bombs into the crowd leaving many people injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the state police were joined by Muslims from nearby homes who hurled stones at the protesting Copts.
The majority of Zabbaleen residents are Copts. Copts took to the street in protest of the recent killings - first, the New Year's car bomb in Alexandria and then a few days later the killing of a Christian passenger and injury of others on a train on route to Cairo. An Egyptian off-duty police officer boarded the train, sought out Christians and opened fire.
According to the Egyptian regime, the police officer is mentally unstable. This predictable response by authorities is one that has been heard consistently for the past thirty years in defense of anyone who kills or injures a Christian!
The area of Zabbaleen is internationally known for the massacre of pigs by the Egyptian regime a few years ago when, against the advice of the world community, the regime used the swine flu epidemic as an excuse to kill (in some cases clubbing to death) more than 600,000 pigs owned by Copts. The regime was successful in wiping out the entire economy of the Copts in this area. |
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Rising misuse of Blasphemy law in Pakistan demands repeal of controversial law |
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Karachi: May 18, 2011. (PCP) The Central Council of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC Secretariat issued here today statement of PCC Chief Dr. Nazir S Bhatti to demand repeal of controversial Blasphemy law in Pakistan which is being misused by Islamists in Pakistan against Christians and other religious minorities on petty disputes and business rivalry.
Dr. Nazir Bhatti alleged that Punjab province of Pakistan is safe heaven for Islamic militants who have conspired to use blasphemy law to force Christians to fled from Punjab where they are number two in population after Muslims and have valuable properties.
There have been 99% cases under blasphemy against Christians and Ahmadi Muslims in Punjab province of Pakistan where worship places have been attacked with grenades and properties destroyed by Islamic Jihadists in Pakistan.
Nazir Bhatti said “The recent incidents of attacks on Church and Theological Seminary in Gujranwala on pretext to blasphemy forced hundreds of native Christians to take refuge in other cities and to charge a Christian businessman in Sialkot are worst pat of misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan”
“I condemn Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz government in Punjab which is protecting banned Islamic terrorists outfits and providing them freedom of violence against Christians” said Nazir Bhatti
There are 13% Christians in province of Punjab where they have missionary schools, colleges and hospitals which benefit Muslims and Islamic outfits plan to take over these valuable properties under cover of blasphemy law.
Nazir Bhatti expressed concerns not arresting culprits involved in assassination of Federal Minority Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who was campaigning revision in Blasphemy laws because Tehreek Taliban Punjab which took responsibility to gun down Shahbaz Bhatti on March 2, 2011, in Islamabad are protected by Punjab government and Pakistani establishment.
The PCC Chief also expressed concerned on delay in hearing of appeal in Asia Bibi in Lahore High Court who was sentenced to death on blasphemy charges in Punjab.
Nazir S Bhatti, as Chief of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC was only leader who filed law suit in Lahore High Court to repeal blasphemy laws and later appealed against decision of LHC in Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan in 1998. |
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One Pakistani Christian killed dozens injured in Muslim mob attack in Punjab |
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Multan: October 7, 2011. (PCP) Muslims armed with lethal weapons attacked Christians to grab a piece of land bought for a Social Project in village Chak Number 134/16-L, in sub-district Mian Channu of District Khanewal in Southern Punjab.
On evening of October 5, 2011, Muslim land mafia tools came to village 134/16, which is marked as Christian village in NADRA of Pakistan discriminatory opened fire on Christians.
Sabir Masih was gunned down on sport while more than two dozen Christians including children, men and women were seriously injured who were rushed to Civil Hospital Mian Channu city. The seriously injured Christians were moved to District Hospital Kanewal and Multan city.
According to Asianews, the piece of land was purchased by a local Church with very small congregation for Orphanage Center which was liked by local influential Muslim landlord who hired gangs of Muslims to use force to grab this land.
Mr. Khalid Gill, Chief Organizer of APMA, talking to PCP told that one Muslim family in village instigated other area Muslims to grab this land for him which turned into violence.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Christian Congress PCC, All Pakistan Minority Alliance APMA, Mission and action for Social Services MASS and Masiha Millat Party Pakistan Condemned this attacked and demanded arrest of killers.
The First Information Report FIR was not registered with police station till filing this story as Muslims were pressing upon police to register case of riots among two communities instead of attack of Muslims and killing of Sabir Masih. |
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Sign Petition to Free Uzbekistan Pastor: 8 year old daughter of Pastor Shestakoy appealed ICC Chief Jeff King |
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http://www.persecution.org/suffering/petitions.php.
USA: March 26, 2009. On January 21, 2007, Pastor Dmitry Shestakov was arrested in a raid on his Full Gospel Church in Andijan, Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's Religious Affairs Committee claims Shestakov, an evangelical pastor affiliated with the registered Full Gospel Church, is not an authorized leader of any officially-recognized religious organization in Uzbekistan. They describe him as an "imposter" leading an underground group engaged in proselytizing under Shestakov's leadership. He is appealing his four-year labor camp sentence.
ICC is joining a broad effort to send letters to Uzbekistan on behalf of Pastor Shestakov for the month of April, in conjunction with the website www.freepastordmitry.com. Would you join us, and help Vera see her father again?
ICC recently received a letter from a young girl in Uzbekistan. She wrote:
My name is Vera. I am 8 years old. I live in Uzbekistan. I have a Dad, a Mum, and two older sisters. We all believe in Jesus. My Dad is a pastor. Two years ago he was put in prison, because he spoke to people about God. I don't understand why.
My Dad is the best of all!
He is good, fun-loving and generous. I really miss him. He used to take me to the park and bought me ice-cream. We all long for him to be here. Mum often cries and worries about him. When I wake up each morning I really want to see Dad. I ask God to bring Dad back to us. So that everything will be as it was before. Help us to get my Dad back!
Vera Shestakova
Pastor's daughter. Uzbekistan
Here's How You Can Help
#1 Pray: The first thing you can do to help is stop right now and ask the Lord to intervene.
#2 Next, review our petition at http://www.persecution.org/suffering/pdfs/2009-03_Petition_to_Free_Pastor_Dmitry_Shestakov.pdf. Uzbekistan officials are concerned about their relationship with the United States and other countries, so when the people shout, they will listen. We have also found that evil prefers to stay hidden and when we shine the light on it, it flees.
#3 Electronically sign the petition at http://www.persecution.org/suffering/petitions.php.
#4 Print out the petition and take it to your church and have everyone you know sign it. Send it back to us so we can present it to the Uzbekistan President and Ambassador. Feel free to print out extra signature pages for large numbers of sign ups. When you have collected all your signatures, please mail the signature pages to (please note that our address has changed!):
ICC
PO Box 8056
Silver Spring, MD 20907 |
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Strong parliament essential for democracy: HRCP |
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Islamabad; July 27, 2009. (PCP) The parliament must be made strong and popular with the people if continuation of the democratic system is to be guaranteed. This was the consensus at a consultation with parliamentarians, leaders of political parties and civil society activists from Punjab and Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP) organized here the other day by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
The participants were unanimous in holding the military’s, especially the intelligence agencies’, interference in political matters as the biggest obstacle to parliament’s supremacy and stability of the democratic system.
There was complete unanimity among the participants on restoration of the 1973 constitution except for certain amendments (voting age, women’s seats, etc)
The participants were also unanimous in calling for due accountability of political leaders and stricter checks on floor-crossing. A call for reducing election expenses and for political parties to award election tickets on merit was also supported.
They agreed that parliament will become strong and play its leading role in promoting democracy if it paid due attention to people’s concerns and gave their interest preference to all other matters.
There was some difference of opinion on the suggestion that religious forces had put unwarranted restrictions on the parliament’s supremacy and therefore the ideal of a secular democracy had to be reaffirmed. One political party was seriously opposed to this formulation.
The main recommendations made by the meeting included:
The federal and provincial legislatures should be the only law-making bodies. No other entity/forum should have the power to make laws. The central parliament should avoid encroaching on provinces’ legislative functions.
The constitution should be amended to bar any fresh taxation without the parliament’s approval. Parliament should also oversee subordinate legislation, such as rules made under enactments. Non-legislative acts, such as SROs and notifications enjoying the power of law, should always be put on legislatures’ tables.
A parliamentary commission should examine all ordinances that have been issued over the past many decades so that they can be validated or dropped under parliament’s authority. No law that has not been made by a competent legislature should be allowed to remain on the statute book for more than four months.
No government policy should be adopted without a thorough debate in parliament.
Parliament should have a say in the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner, service chiefs, and the judges.
The Rules of Business should be approved by the legislature concerned.
All international treaties signed by Pakistan as well as reports to the UN must be debated in parliament.
The standing committees should be set up within two weeks of the formation of the legislatures and they should meet regularly.
The parliament will gain in stature if Senate’s power are increased.
The proceedings of legislatures should be published within two weeks of events and in national languages. Each legislature must offer up-to-date information on its website. It should also issue an annual report on its activities.
All legislatures should provide space for the articulation of special groups’ (women, minorities) views.
The procedure regarding private members’ bills/resolutions should be revised so as to increase their contribution to legislative work.
The question hour should be used to provide as much information on the state’s and government’s affairs as possible.
The meeting also called upon the political parties to train their workers in parliamentary proceedings, hold discussion on legislative proposals at the various levels of organisation, exercise their powers of overseeing the work of their government/parliamentary parties and sensitise their following to the demands of participatory democracy.
Prominent among those who attended the Islamabad roundtable were parliamentarians Afrasiab Khatak (ANP), Begum Tehmina Daultana (PML-N), Shahid Khaqan Abbasi (PML-N), MNAs Jamila Gillani and Bushra Gohar, former MNAs Latif Afridi, and M. Aslam (Jamat Islami), Punjab Tehrik Insaf leader Asif Khan. Advocates Sher Mohammad (Swat) and Kamran Arif (Peshawar), Mr Amirul Azeem (JI), media and civil society representatives from Punjab, Pakhtunkhwa, tribal areas and Islamabad |
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Inderias Bhatti nominated as President of Lahore City Pakistan Christian Congress Council |
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Karachi: November 29, 2009. (PCP) According to press note issued by Pakistan Christian Congress PCC Central Council here today Mr. Inderias Bhatti, a prominent human right activist in Pakistan have been nominated as President of Lahore Metropolitan PCC Council.
Mr. Inderias Bhatti will also hold additional offices of Kasur district and Raiwind as PCC Organizer and shall recommend the PCC Councils in respective districts and vicinities.
Mr. Inderias will finalize program for PCC Annual Convention in Punjab in 2010. His recommendations in holding of Annual Convention in 2010 shall be presented in June 2010, in Annual Central Council meeting with organizing committee of Convention.
Mr. Inderias Bhatti shall also nominate Lahore City, Kasur district and Raiwind PCC Councils officials till February 2010
Dr. Nazir S Bhatti congratulated Mr. Inderias Bhatti on joining Pakistan Christian Congress PCC and said that PCC will be more strong in Punjab now as Christians representative political party.
Nazir Bhatti urged Christian Social and Political leaders in Punjab to quit such Christian groups which are being led by leaders or Members of National or Provincial Assembly on intimation of Muslim political parties in Pakistan.
Nazir Bhatti said “Christian groups with Punjab government or Federal government have fail to present any draft resolution or legislation to repeal blasphemy law and sincere Christians must leave these groups and join Pakistan Christian Congress’
“PCC will never bargain on principals and will keep struggling to repeal blasphemy law which is root cause of violence against Christians” |
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ASPTA stages protest against non provision of Teaching allowances |
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LARKANA: March 6, 2010. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) All Sindh Primary Teachers Association (ASPTA) staged a protest rally followed by dispatched memorandum letters to the President of Pakistan against the non provision of Teaching allowances and Timing scale to the primary teachers of Sindh here on Saturday.
The rally was led by district President Syed Raza Ali Shah, rally started from Deeni Madarsah School and reached at Press Club Larkana, where the large number of teachers around 1550 employees chanted slogans in favour of their demands. The rally demanded to provide them teaching allowances and timing scale to the Sindh teachers.
Later, the rally marched to the General Post Office Larkana and dispatched 1550 memorandum letters to the President Asif Ali Zardari for the resolution of their genuine issues.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that the over 0.1 million teachers of Sindh were also dispatching same memorandum letters and protest rallies across the Sindh for their issues.
While other, large number of National Program for Improvement of Water Courses (NPIW) Larkana chapter held demonstration and staged sit in at Jinnah Bagh Chowk against the brutally baton charge on peaceful protesters of NPIW rally for their regularization of their jobs in Karachi.
On the occasion, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz local leaders and workers in support of NPIW employees took out protest demonstration and staged sit-in at Jinnah Bagh.
The protest demonstration was led by JSQM local leader Muzafar Sandano, Athar Soomro, Zafar Muheri, Aziz Shaikh and others. They all condemned the atrocities of Karachi police, resorted the baton charge on the NPIW employees they were protesting for their regularization of jobs.
The employees demanded from the high authorities to release their arrested employees and take action against the police. |
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A Christian Minister in Balochistan PPP government, A victim of hate on religion |
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Lahore: June 13, 2010. (PCP) The news of sacking of Jaffer George, a PPP selected member of Balochistan Assembly and later elevated to be a Minister without portfolio in cabinet of PPP Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Khan Raisani was heard with surprised and anger by millions of Christians in Pakistan.
The incident of drunken creating unrest in a Lahore cinema was broadcasted by media and without any enquiry Jaffer George was sacked by Balochistan Chief Minister in a press note.
Lahore is capital of Punjab province and on hours drive from Quetta city of Balochistan where Jaffer George resides and was selected by PPP on reserved seats of Christians in Balochistan assembly.
According to PCP sources in Lahore, Alfalah Theatre on Nisbat Road Lahore is owned by an influential Muslim where staff usually misbehaves with patrons.
PCP sources revealed that when Jaffer George reached to Alfalah Cinema he requested staff to arrange for him seat in VIP area which is allocated to all Muslim members of Punjab Assembly and other dignitaries but when Jaffer George introduced himself that he is Christian and a minister in Balochistan province, the cinema staff disrespected him and said “no special or gallery seat for any Chorra“
In Punjab province word “Chorra“ is used for Christians, which is derogatory word based on hate due to religion.
There were harsh argument among Muslim manager and Jaffer George on word “Chorra“ on which manager called the all Muslim staff of cinema and started beating a Christian member of Balochistan Assembly and a minister in Nawab Raisani cabinet.
The cinema manager called Qila Gujjar Singh Police and accused him of creating uproar in theatre and used his drunken position to lodge case and arrest him with his friends in Lahore.
It seems strange that Chief Minister of Balochistan takes notice of media reports and sacks Jaffer George from post of minister without any enquiry or meeting with his Christian cabinet member. |
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Killing Christians in Somalia, burning Bibles in Pakistan and stealth jihad. By Lee Jay Walker, The Modern Tokyo Times |
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The mass media and the political correct are in a spin because they cry “Islamophobia” but in the real world it is the followers of Islam who are slaughtering Christians in Somalia and it is only the Islamic faith which continues to kill apostates. Therefore, you had mass coverage about a pastor who was going to burn the Koran but you have a virtual silence about the annihilation of Christianity in Somalia and the burning of Bibles in Pakistan.
In truth, the Islamists are clearly winning the media war and the political correct, trendy left, and mass of liberals are at odds with what they believe in. After all, the religion which supports the stoning to death of homosexuals and which enforces women to remain in the shadows is being mollycoddled by a plethora of “well meaning hypocrites.” Therefore, it appears that killing Christians in Somalia is fine because we must not upset the religion of Islam and the same applies to burning Bibles in Pakistan.
It is striking by the amount of political pressure and media pressure which was put on one single pastor, who in truth had no political or religious power, but became a household name in order to show how evil parts of America are. This suited the “Islamophobia” agenda and political leaders like President Obama joined the bandwagon and once more the religion of Islam became “the innocent victim.”
Yet what about the burning of Bibles in Pakistan or the ongoing witch-hunt in Somalia where the Sunni Islamic al-Shabaab (al-Shabab) desire to kill all Christians; does this count? It would appear not because these problems are ongoing and just like the persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt or the continuing destruction of Christianity in Iraq ,you hear little about this in the mass media.
Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC), condemned and rebuked the attack against the Nasri Pentecostal Church which took place on September 18th, 2010.
He stated that “The Sindh government must adopt necessary security measures of Churches and bring accused before justice to those who burnt Holy Bibles and vandalized (the) Church in Shah Latif Town.” Dr. Nazir S. Bhatti and fellow workers at the Pakistan Christian Post work around the clock (http://pakistanchristianpost.com) in order to highlight and campaign for all minorities in Pakistan.
Despite this, while the “trendy brigade” and “political correct” pat themselves on the back about supporting the Islamic faith and showing how tolerant “our Western societies are.” They remain mainly silent about reports which highlight the rape of Christian females in Egypt and the forced conversion of these Christian females by their Muslim rapists. Sadly the same brutal method of rape against Christian and Hindu females in Pakistan by Muslims is also a disturbing reality but you have no demonstrations nor is the mass media “sinking their teeth” into issues like this.
Therefore, we have a strange “mirror” which is being told by the majority of the mass media. On the one hand we are told that Islam means peace but we know that all apostates face death in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Maldives, and a few other nations. Even in so-called moderate nations like Egypt, prison awaits the apostate from Islam and the family court system in Egypt clearly discriminates against all Christians in divorce cases involving children.
The sad reality is simple and it applies to the “dhimmis” bending over backwards in order to appease the Islamic agenda of stealth jihad. After all, Muslims are free to build their mosques all over America, India, the United Kingdom, and in other democratic nations.
However, people do have genuine fears when they know that Christians have been burnt alive in Pakistan; Christian pastors have been beheaded in Nigeria; Hindu and Christian females have been raped in Pakistan; apostates to Christianity are being killed in Somalia; the Christian community in Iraq is under siege; Buddhists are killed and persecuted in southern Thailand; the Ahmadiyya suffer systematic persecution in Pakistan; the Baha’is reside in fear in Iran; and the list is endless.
Remember, all religions will have fanatics but the persecution of Christians in Somalia is being done by a mass terrorist organization called the al-Shabaab (al-Shabab) and the government of Somalia also supports discrimination because Islamic Sharia law supports the death of apostates. The same applies to Pakistan because Ahmadiyya Muslims, Christians, and others, reside in fear because of the blasphemy law which is punishable by death in this nation.
Therefore, the media highlights one pastor in America and condemns him and the same applies to senior political leaders. Yet we have silence when Christians are being beheaded while Muslims recite the Koran and shout “Allah Akbar” while killing someone in such a brutal way.
Given this, it is clear that systematic persecution in Muslim nations against all non-Muslims in societies like Saudi Arabia is tolerated. The same applies to this nation spreading Islam by funding Islamic mosques, Islamic colleges, Islamic newspapers, Islamic think tanks, and so forth, in order to further stealth jihad.
In the last 20 years we have witnessed the Islamization of the Chittagong Hill Tracts where tribals, the majority being Buddhist, have suffered mass Muslim migration from other parts of Bangladesh and systematic persecution. The same process of Islamization took place in Kashmir because Hindus and other minorities were forced to flee and the same is happening in Kosovo against Orthodox Christianity and Buddhists in southern Thailand face the same fate.
These tragedies, and many others that I have not mentioned, are all part and parcel of Islamization. After all, Islam is vibrant in India because this nation is secular and democratic but de-Hinduization is ongoing in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Therefore, non-Muslims are faced with a “two-edged sword” and this applies to systematic persecution in the vast majority of all mainly Muslim nations. At the same time, the Muslim population continues to grow in Western Europe, North America, and in nations like India because of democracy, liberal values towards religion, Islamic kitman, open-minded immigration policies, and massive funding from nations like Saudi Arabia.
It is abundantly clear that Saudi Arabia is determined to spread the Islamic faith irrespective if by militancy or by stealth jihad which is based on playing “the victim card” and reinventing Islam to suit the long-term agenda. Given this, the systematic persecution of Christians in Somalia and open discrimination in Pakistan is ignored because other factors are at play.
I stated in my article called Somalia and the reality of radical Islam that “….in modern day Somalia it is open season for killing Christians, killing Muslim apostates, and stoning people to death for adultery. Other draconian measures have also been implemented and chopping the hands off small time criminals is deemed to be a religious duty. Also, strict dress codes are getting even stricter and women have to remain in the shadows.”
I also stated in another article called Nigeria and Christian martyrs after several Christian pastors were beheaded by Islamic fanatics in Nigeria that “This madness will never end if appeasement is the answer or if political leaders like Obama, the President of America, make false statements about the real nature of aspects of Islam. I should also stress that “important and deadly facts about the Islamic faith are not being told.” However, Islamists are doing this carnage in the first place because of their deep knowledge of Islam and because killing apostates, forcing minorities into dhimmitude, and declaring jihad is all sanctioned by Mohammed and the Islamic faith.”
It is clear that in the modern world that many political elites, the mass media, major non-Muslim religious leaders, educational institutions, and so forth, alongside the political correct brigade, are playing into the hands of the Islamic agenda.
This agenda was laid down by Mohammed himself and it is part and parcel of Islam and organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood must be “washing their hands” at the naivety of many. Therefore, the killing of Christians in Somalia is rarely mentioned and the same applies to the systematic persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and other minorities in Pakistan.
Until senior elites and religious leaders speak out against the brutality of Islamic Sharia law and the true message of Mohammed then little will change in the Muslim world. However, what will change, is that the power of Islam will grow in Western Europe, North America, India, and other parts of the world and so many factors will enable this, including the betrayal and collective amnesia of the mass media and political elites who have their own agenda.
The persecution of Christians in Somalia and all religious minorities in Pakistan is also reaching closer to home. After all, the London bombings and the Pakistan connection is clear for all to see and many Somali migrants in America have returned to Somalia in order to kill Christians and stone women to death for adultery.
The principle of secularism and liberalism is falling on deaf ears because Islamists have freedom to kill in distant lands like Somalia and Pakistan. While closer to home in nations like the UK and America they can indoctrinate and spread the message of hate and work alongside liberal Muslims because this dual agenda is about stealth jihad and Islamization at any cost.
Every time a Christian is killed in Somalia or when a Hindu woman or Christian woman is raped in Pakistan and this is met by global silence or indifference. Then this is a victory for Islamists because they understand that “their brutality” is being met “by weakness or indifference.”
I am alarmed by the current reality of stealth jihad at home and systematic persecution of religious minorities and women in the mainly Muslim world. It appears that the side of hate and slavery via dhimmitude and persecution is winning because of many factors. Are you not alarmed?
Lee Jay Walker
http://islamicpersecution.wordpress.com
http://themoderntokyotimes.wordpress.com |
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BPCA Homage to Salman Taseer: A Wreath of flowers to Pakistan High Commission |
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London: January 14, 2011. (PCP) The British Pakistani Christian Association BPCA has arranged to hand over a wreath of flowers to the Pakistani High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan, at 17:00, today
Our wreath will be a representation of the love our community has for the nation of Pakistan and for the late Governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer.
In sounding out a voice for women and minorities two of the more persecuted groups in Pakistan Governor Taseer placed himself on the front-line of the Pakistan Freedom movement.
The loss of his life may seem as a triumph to extremists, however, we believe that Salmaan Taseer has become a strong emblem of the campaign towards a fairer Pakistan. As such we strongly believe that despite any initial dent in the impetus of the change in Pakistan, his sacrifice will create an even bigger surge for equality, justice and peace.
Governor Salmaan Taseer is a martyr for justice and Peace and we hope that teh international Pakistani body, irrespective of faith joins us at the peaceful demonstration of our solidarity as brothers. |
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STPP stage protest against Torture on inmates in Sindh Jails |
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LARKANA: May 18, 2011. (By Nazir Siyal) Sindh Taraqi Passand Party Larkana staged protest and observed token hunger strike against Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghaffar Dahar and Deputy Jail Superintendent Aslam Malak on torturing prisoners here out side Larkana press club.
On the occasion, Sadhoro Khan Jatoi, Mainthar Ali Mughari, Muajhid Ali Dayo, Ahmed Nawaz, Imran Khan and others chanted slogans against Jail Administration and called for immediate removal of Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghaffar Dahar and Deputy Jail Superintendent Aslam Malak while talking to media men they told that jail superintendent after drinking wine usually inters in barks and torturing innocent poor prisoners who are not paying bribe, they alleged that jail administration has deployed several police agents
who are collecting the money over the meeting of prisoners with their relatives, they alleged that jail superintendent along with concerned officials are earning millions rupees in month.
They appealed to higher authorities to immediately remove corrupt jail officials and appoint honest officers on their place other wise they will continue their movement.
Meanwhile, protest and boycott of Para Medical Staff and Doctors continued on its 6th consecutive day all the units of CMC Hospital Larkana including Shaikh Zaid women Hospital, Children Hospital, CMC Teaching Hospital, Civil Hospital, OPD Block were remain completely closed in protest for removal of Medical Superintendent CMC Hospital Dr. Zulifqar Siyal.
On the occasion, Pakistan Para Medical Staff Association, Pakistan Medical Association and several other political, social and nationalist organizations including Sindh Taraqi Passand Party, JSQM, Young Samaje Itehad, Awami Itehad Party, PPP S.B and others joined in ongoing protest of Para Medical and doctors against MS CMC Hospital Dr. Zulifqar Siyal other side hundreds patients of different wards including Cardiology Units, Urology, Surgical Ward, Orthopedic Ward and others were discharged and several serious patients moved to private medical centers to save their lives.
While clash between MS and Para Medical Staff and doctors could not be resolved whereas both doctors and para medical staff associations have jointly decided to carry out boycott of duties till the removal
of MS Dr. Zulifqar Siyal. |
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Reservation of NSF on voter registration |
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LARKANA: October 7, 2011. (By Nazir Siyal) Vice Chairman Sindh National Front (SNF) Ameer Buksh Bhutto has expressed apprehensions regarding the preparation of fake votes in constituency of P.S-37, said in his letter sent to Election Commission of Pakistan the Chief Election Commissioner on 3 October 2011.
In a continuation of letter, it has been brought in notice that high ranking persons of the ruling party, including the President’s sister, MNA Faryal Talpur and the Sindh Law Minister Ayaz Soomro, who was elected MPA from said constituency in 2008 have been pressurizing the education department staff who were carrying out the process of verification of new electoral rolls to enter fake and duplicate votes in P.S-37 constituency to benefit them in future elections he said.
He said as such, they have already initiated the process of rigging and if allowed to have their way, all expectations of a free and fair election will be dashed even at this early stage.
He further disclosed that the following are a few examples of entries of fake votes made at their insistence in Taluka Ratodero 366 fake votes have been entered, while in villages Nabi Bux Brohi and Allah Bux Brohi in Deh Wassayo Bhutto of Union Council Waris Dino Machi also.
Upon the close scrutiny by SNF party workers, it was also revealed that not only these entries fake but even said villages are fake as no villages exists in these area by those names, another 551 fake votes have been entered in village Khatin-jo-Daro in Deh Saidudero, Union Council Saidudero.
Also 420 votes from Union Council Behman have been added in duplicate to electoral rolls in village Panjoo Lorer, Deh Panju Lorir of Union Council Lashari he told.
Son of Mumtaz Bhutto further told that many other illegal and fake entries have also been identified by the party workers done by the education department staff.
He demanded to bring knowledge for appropriate action to ensure fairness and transparency in future. |
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Nawaz Sharif can not be reliable partner in war on terrorism. Nazir S Bhatti |
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“Success of Long March by Islamists in Pakistan shall encourage Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan”
The long march ended in restoration of deposed judges on March 16, 2009, leaving behind impression of weak federal government led by moderate Muslim PPP, ANP and JUI while a success of lawyers, religious political groups and radical Muslim elements from NWFP and Punjab. When Islamist groups opened front against government by hijacking lawyers movement at same time there was an other front launched by Tehreek Nafaz Shariat Mohammadi TNSM with a deadline of March 15, 2009, to establish Kazi Courts under Sharia law in Swat, Malakand and Northern Areas of NWFP. What a co-incident that radical Muslims of NWFP and religious political groups like PML(N), JI and TIP from Punjab launched attack on both fronts by deadlines to government in month of March, 2009. Was there any cooperation among NWFP Taliban and Punjab or any link in demands of Kazi Courts under Sharia Law in Swat and reinstatement of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry? We will discuss this question in light of war on terror by Pakistan and NATO.
Such rumors are circulating that decision of Pakistani government to implement Sharia law in Swat valley after months fighting was under directions of US envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Obama appointed Richard Holbrook as US envoy on his achievement to establish peace in Ireland among two Christian sects. If such proposal came by US administration to accept demands of TTP and TNSM of Sharia law in Swat, Malakand and Northern Areas then it is negative step to end insurgency in Afghanistan and long term peace in region or an end to terrorism. The situation in Ireland was entirely different than Afghanistan-Pakistan because that was fight among to Christian religious sects for power while in this region Islamic radicals, Islamic sects, Islamic political groups and Islamic moderate are at constant war. Do US administration truly understands conflict among Muslim sects and Islam by itself? It is also learned that US administration pressurized government of Pakistan to accept demand of long marchers to restore judges to avoid instability which may harm efficiency of Pak armed forces to fight terrorists in FATA, a tribal belt of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan. Does a success of Islamist forces in Swat and Long March provides strength to Taliban? It requires an analysis.
Here comes a warning bell for US administration and Pakistan to back Sharia law in Swat and moment of re-thinking for Richard Holbrook. US toppled Taliban regime on violations of human rights, harboring terrorists and misuse of Islamic Sharia laws. We can count days after Kazi Courts in Swat and statement of Moulana Sami-ul-Haq appears in media on March 22, 2009, demanding Sharia law within all Pakistan. What shall be situation when nuclear armed Pakistan turns to be a Taliban style Sharia law state where women shall not attend schools, cinemas will shut down, barber shops will be closed, beheadings without trial and a Muslim radical’s finger tip on nuclear button to destroy India, Israel and Western countries? Sharia laws are on doors of Pakistan and Islamist forces in Punjab and NWFP are stronger after Long March and Swat Sharia law truce.
What is terrorism and why it is linked to Islam? What Islamists forces or Islamic teachings have role to promote terrorism? The Western forums and think tanks have very little practical knowledge of Islam because they rely on statements of some so-called moderate Muslims settled in Western countries who interpret Islam for their vested interests and mislead policy makers.
Terrorism is major threats to civilized societies in 21st century waging war to damage socio-economic structure around globe. If we have to win war against terrorism, then we must understand force behind terrorism. If any one thinks that Taliban insurgency is achieving success in Afghanistan with poppy smuggled cash or any foreign hidden hand then they are not fully aware of situation because apart from cash and guns there is force of Islamic teaching as major source of strength behind Taliban.
Those who think, peace can be restored through dialogues in Afghanistan are living in fools paradise because Taliban are winning on all fronts in Afghanistan or in tribal belt of Pakistan and in high spirits to defeat NATO as they defeated Russia.
When we say Islamists political parties in Pakistan, we mean elements which are struggling to impose Sharia law through ballot like PML(N), JI, JUI(S), TIP and when we say Taliban, we mean organizations planning to enforce Sharia law with guns, battles and suicide bombers like Tehreek Taliban Pakistan, Al-quida, Lashkar Taiba, Laskar Jangvi, Jaish Mohammad, Jamat-ud-Dawa and other radical groups. The Islamic political parties and Taliban have close working relationship to impose Sharia law in Pakistan to establish Afghanistan style Taliban government. Do Taliban or Islamic groups believe in peace by dialogue? There is very clear answer according to Islamic teaching “No” .
When we read Qur’an it says: "Fight and slay the pagans [Christians] wherever ye find them and seize them, confine them, and lie in wait for them in every place of ambush" (Surah 9:5) Contrary to Muslim rhetoric that claims Islam means peace, the truth is that the word Islam does not mean peace, but "Submission" as this authority verifies: "The term Islam in the lexicon of the Arabs means 'Submission' to God." One who accepts Islam and makes such submission is a Muslim. Such a person is termed a mu'min (believer), and one who does not accept Islam is a kafir (unbeliever). Hadith 1.24”
Narrated Ibn `Umar: Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle. It adds more in Hadith 9:50, 57 "No Umma (a member of Muslim community) should be killed for killing a Kafir (an infidel). . Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him."
These are comments of few famous Muslim leaders which are never denied nor discussed by moderate Muslim who appear on Western media to claim Islam as religion of peace. Such moderate Muslims are sponsored by Christian organizations, Think Tanks and Academic institution in name of Human Rights.
Imam Ayatollah Khomeni ssaid:
“Whatever good there is exists thanks to the sword.' The sword is the key to Paradise, which can be opened only for the Holy Warriors! Does all this mean that Islam is a religion that prevents men from waging war? I spit upon those foolish souls who make such a claim." and "Islam makes it incumbent on all adult males to prepare themselves for the conquest of countries so that the writ of Islam is obeyed in every country in the world."
In Ibn Khaldun, The Muqadimmah: Ail Introduction to History, Islamic historian, 1377 AD is written:
“In the Muslim community, the holy war is a religious duty, because of the universalism of the Muslim mission and the obligation to convert everybody to Islam either by persuasion or force“
Sayyid Qutb, Egyptian says:
"The foremost duty of Islam is to depose the government and society of unbelievers (jahiliyyah) from the leadership of man."
The Islamic Council in Chechnya, comments:
"the religion of Islam could be above all, so that all areas of life could be guided by Islam, and so that the earth could be cleansed from unbelief" (The Islamic Council in Chechnya)
Mohatir Mohammad says:
“The true Muslims have waged war while moderate Muslims are waiting to statrt Jihad”
But Muslim propaganda machinery in Western countries are making extraordinary efforts to change the image of Islam by reintroducing in 21st century as a religion of peace which rejects violence. Such moderate Muslims fail to issue any religious decree on comments by Muslim leaders given up or to clarify when Islamic history says:
“Prophet Muhammad used to send letters to the kings and leaders of the surrounding countries and tribes, inviting them to surrender to his authority and to believe in him as the messenger of Allah. He always ended his letters with the following two words: "Aslim, Taslam!". Which meant ‘surrender and you will be safe’, or in other words, ‘surrender or face death” So where is the ‘Peace’ in such a religion that threatens to kill other people if they don't submit to it?
After defining Islam and ultimate peace efforts through dialogues with Muslim world, we can conclude that a small portion of Muslims tried to present Islam which they termed as moderate Islam while majority of Muslims settled in Western countries never abandoned Islamic teachings. These Muslims have achieved many successes in Europe and North America by forcing Western countries to establish Sharia law for them. As a result of these Sharia Courts in UK, Muslims are dreaming to extend Sharia in limits of Europe and North America. Already, France, UK, Norway, Sweden and Netherland are on mercy of Muslim population who have been creating law and order situation by processions on issues like Cartoons or Palestine benefiting from freedom of expression and speech guaranteed under state constitutions. The Western world which believes in Human Rights and religious freedom rather than practicing Christianity have failed to compel Saudi Arabia to permit building one Church to promote interfaith dialogues while thousands of Mosques are being built in EU and North America. The Western leaders are also not successful to make changes in syllabus of Islamic seminaries in Islamic world where Jihad is preached as I have presented. In 21st century, Islamic forces shall not invade Europe like Tariq Bin Ziad because such invasion is underway by increasing birth rate and Sharia law by Muslims and decreasing by Christians which shall enable them to capture Europe by ballot in 2075.
Before postmortem of long march to point out how it shall support Taliban insurgency in region? We must know more about deposed Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry and Nawaz Sharif;
The focal point of long march was Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry, who was deposed by President Pervez Musharraf in 2007. We can doubt on sincere efforts of President Pervez Musharraf against war on terror but no one shall ever deny that he saved Islamabad from Taliban to enforce Sharia law by Lal Masjid operation. The demand raised in Swat Valley by Tehreek Taliban Pakistan in 2009, was being made from Lal Masjid in 2006. The Lal Masjid which was situated in heart of capital city of Islamabad and very next to military offices was running an Islamic seminary with enrollment of six thousand students who were openly operating Islamic Sharia courts and issuing Islamic decrees. The capital was at brink to fall in hands of this Al-Hafsa seminary students who planned to enforce Sharia law on power of guns like Taliban in Swat, Malakand and other Northern Areas of Pakistan but President Pervez Musharraf saved Islamabad and Pakistan from wave of Talibanization by a military operation.
Al Jazeera English TV in his broadcast of July 11, 2007, said “Parents are anxiously awaiting news of children allegedly used as human shields in the mosque” which clarifies that armed students were using same terrorists tactics as Taliban are using in Jihad in Afghanistan and tribal areas of Pakistan to use innocent people as human shields. It was surprising for administration that Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry passed orders in favor of Islamic elements of Lal Masjid who have established parallel judicial system in Islamabad and challenged writ of government.
According to agencies news release on July 17, 2007, of dateline Islamabad it was quoted “Expressing displeasure over the continued detention of surrendered "students" of Lal Masjid's madrassas, the Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered the release of all students”
Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's second in command, released a message which included the sentence: "Your salvation is only through jihad", heightening tensions in the region.
When Al-Qaeda was warning violence in Pakistan, the Supreme Court of Pakistan headed by Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry passed another order to reopen Lal Masjid and Madrassa Afsa on October 2, 2007, which had launched a Taliban-style anti-vice campaign in capital, warning massage centers and music shops to close but same was being protected by supreme court of Pakistan which never took notice when students of madrassa were waving arms before TV cameras and announcing Jihad. Was Supreme Court of Pakistan protecting enforced Sharia law in Islamabad? Such serious issues created doubts on intentions of Supreme Court which forced President Musharraf to depose Chief Justice and to file reference against him while lawyers associations announced protests demanding reinstate of Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry.
Since November 3, 2007 the lawyers’ movement witnessed many vicissitudes, ranging from incarceration of about 60 judges; stoning, burning, brick-batting, arresting and tear gas shelling on lawyers, disappointment when some judges took fresh oaths and left the struggling lawyers in a mess; reneging of the rulers after making promises to reinstate of judges; and even leaving its torch bearing leaders into doubt of betraying the legal fraternity.
They succeeded in achieving their motive within 4 months and 11 days when Chaudhry was restored as chief justice on July 20, 2007 but the president, in capacity of the chief of army staff, imposed emergency rule in the country and detained more than 60 judges who denied taking oath under the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) on November 3, 2007.
On the same day a seven-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry declared the emergency illegal and unconstitutional. The lawyers again spearheaded their movement with cooperation from political parties against the imposition of emergency. On November 5, 2007, police raided the Lahore High Court Bar Association and arrested around 800 lawyers.
Now view an other side of story, on September 7, 2007, Justice Shabbir Hussain Chatha ordered police to arrest Shahbaz Sharif, brother of Nawaz Sharif and produce him before the court, after the hearing in Lahore. The court ruled that "Shahbaz Sharif should be arrested (at) whichever airport he lands at". On September 10, Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad where National Accountability Bureau chief issued a warrant due to corruption charges made against him. After that, Nawaz Sharif boarded another airliner to be exiled back to Saudi Arabia.
It is very important to record political activities of Nawaz Sharif before we head to wards count down on long march led by him. Nawaz Sharif was never an enlighten Muslim but a fundamental Muslim which he proved as Prime Minister of Pakistan when approved Islamic laws in Pakistan. After proposed amendment, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "I congratulate the nation on the passage of the bill which will help create a truly Islamic system.
The Economist (US) on April 20, 1991, published that “Although the sharia bill proclaims the Koran and the sunnah (way of the Prophet) as the supreme law of the land, many of the draft proposals merely emphasise …”
Nawaz Sharif, born in Lahore in 1949, his family, along with other major industrial families suffered from the nationalization of large industrial enterprises during Bhutto's regime of PPP (1971-77). Nawaz Sharif worked to build a political constituency that would punish PPP and revenge on its nationalization. When Ishaq Khan dismissed Benazir and her government in 1990, he again called a general election. As a result, Nawaz Sharif was brought to power in 1990.
Nawaz Sharif government's by Shariat Bill, which declared the Quran and the sunna to be the law of the land and theocracy was being established. A working group was set up to monitor and make recommendations for enforcing Islamic laws in the country. The working group adopted a nineteen-point plan that included calls for the implementation of all Islamic legislation, especially the laws creating sharia courts; transformation of the education system to reflect Islamic teaching; controls on the print and electronic media designed to ensure Islamic moral values; uniform and enforced prayer schedules; and the establishment of an Islamic banking system and the total abolition of interest.
Nawaz Sharif tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan expanded Islamic Seminaries which were established by his political Guru General Zia-Ul-Haq and fully protected by his Sharia Bill. These seminaries were openly recruiting Jihadi for Holy War and ISI was training terrorists in camps of Pakistani occupied Kashmir territory for suicide missions in Indian Kashmir.
countrystudies.us reported on Tuesday, October 07, 2008, that PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif is playing a key role in conjunction with Saudi Arabia in bringing about a negotiated settlement between the Taliban and the Karzai regime to pave the way for withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from Afghanistan. “Nawaz Sharif was invited by Saudi King Abdullah and he undertook the present visit to stay in Saudi Arabia for nearly two weeks to talk peace process,” the source said. “Nawaz Sharif is serving as a bridge,” one political source said and added the PML-N chief is an “old hand” on Afghanistan. During his two stints as prime minister, Nawaz Sharif had developed good working relations with almost all the Afghan Mujahideen leaders, who were now largely irrelevant because of the fighting strength of the Taliban.
Lets look into ousted of Benazir Bhutto government in 1996 and her blames on I.S.I. for toppling her, saying she had angered them by her refusal to recognize the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan. Her military-backed replacement, Nawaz Sharif, extended the first diplomatic recognition to the Taliban in May 1997 and traveled to other Muslim countries in an attempt to persuade them to recognize the student militia but only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates agreed.
By 1998, Osama bin Laden was well established in Afghanistan after fleeing Sudan two years earlier. He and his network had set up terrorist training camps throughout the country, many of them alongside camps operated by the Taliban and I.S.I.
After the bombings of two American embassies in East Africa in the summer of 1998 killed more than 250 people, the United States tried to find a way to pry Mr. bin Laden, who the Americans blamed for the attacks, out of Afghanistan.
In September 1999, government officials said, the director general of I.S.I., Lt. Gen. Ziauddin and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was summoned to Washington. American officials told them Pakistan should force the Taliban to moderate their positions and turn over Osama bin Laden. Nawaz Sharif sent General Ziauddin to Kandahar to deliver the American message to Mullah Omar, who refused and next month, on Oct. 12, 1999, Nawaz Sharif was overthrown in a military coup.
www.adnki.com (AKI) reported that former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif did meet al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at least three times in order to get financial help, according to Khalid Khawaja, the former official with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). In an exclusive interview with Adnkronos International (AKI), Khawaja, once a close friend of Osama bin Laden, rejected the statements by a spokesperson for Sharif's political party, denying that Sharif had sought political cooperation from bin Laden in the past.
"Nawaz Sharif met Osama Bin Laden on at least three occasions and was desperately seeking his financial assistance," Khawaja told AKI in response to recent news reports regarding a possible meeting between the two.
In an interview with a national Urdu daily, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Amir of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and of the six party religious alliance MMA, said that Nawaz Sharif had repeatedly met Osama bin Laden who offered him money to buy the loyalties of parliamentarians in the late 1980s in order to topple the government of then prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Qazi also said that bin Laden was a big supporter of Nawaz Sharif's bid to be prime minister in 1990.
Khalid Khawaja's name resurfaced when US reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted and subsequently killed. Pearl had come to Pakistan and met Khalid Khawaja in order to investigate the jihadi network of revered sufi, Syed Mubarak Ali Gailani.
"Now after Benazir Bhutto formed her government and the opposition parties moved for a vote of no-confidence, Osama Bin Laden comes in a picture," Khawaja recalled.
"I still remember that Osama bin Laden provided me with funds, which I handed over to Nawaz Sharif, then the chief minister of Punjab [and later premier], to dislodge Benazir Bhutto. Nawaz Sharif insisted that I arrange a direct meeting with the "Sheikh", which I did in Saudi Arabia. Nawaz met thrice with Osama in Saudi Arabia.
The links among Nawaz Sharif and his support to Taliban make his role doubtful in war against terror in region while his sudden rise after long march creates suspicions. If International forces under new administration in USA and swift change in policy to end terrorism in Afghanistan-Pakistan are planning to use Nawaz Sharif then it is time to re-think thrice.
It is for notice of Mr. Richard Holbrook that Afghanistan and tribal belt of Pakistan are not Ireland where he dealt with Christian armed sects which were persuaded to dialogue in name of peaceful teaching of Christianity. The moderate or enlightened Muslims engaged to advise US administration and other forums are misleading which can result in failure of long term peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Therefore, it is very important to study volatile history of Afghanistan and interests of China, Russia, Iran, Indian and Pakistan in region. The stability in Pakistan is directly related to peace in Afghanistan which urges international forces to support government and Armed Forces to end terrorism in region and fear of terror around globe. Any attempt to bring new players in Pakistan shall damage war against terrorism because Pakistani Armed forces formed Taliban, so, let forces handle them under NATO dierections No one shall deny historic fact about Pushtons that they only sit for Jirga or dialogue table when under pressure unless never fear to kill. |
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PCC leader beaten on rescue efforts of Christian youth from Muslim attackers |
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Rawalpindi: July 28, 2009. (PCP report) A Pakistan Christian Congress PCC leader of Islamabad was also beaten by Muslim attackers when he tried to rescue one Christian youth on broad day light on busy road of Rawalpindi.
Mr. Xavier William, coordinator of PCC Islamabad, at 9;35 AM, when driving through Muree Road to Islamabad, saw people beating one youth in front of Jang Building. He stopped by to enquire the reason of kicking a youth on busy street by more than 20 people.
He was told that young boy is car lifter but youth was crying lying on street that “he is not a car lifter but with a mistake he touched other car of same color and model which he drove from home to pick photos from shop in Jang Building”
Mr. Willam requested gathering to stop beating youth and asked youth to show registration of his car to clarify situation. His name was Sunil John from his identification can white care tag number was RIP 3587, white color Toyota registered in his uncle name when he was accused car lifting of same model same color car tag number 3785. Sunil John borrowed car from his visiting uncle to pick photos.
When gathering of Muslims came to knew that boy is Christian and his rescuer is also Christian, they attacked both Mr. William and John and started beating and hitting them.
The Journalists from offices on building also approached the scene and joined beating Mr. Xavier William and Sunil John. Instead to clarify the mistake of Sunil John, the journalists called police who took them to Waris Khan Police Station. In police station, Muslim journalist from one daily English newspaper pressed upon SHO to arrest and lodge report of car lifting against them. The Muslim journalist said to police “ Christians must be punished of mistake” on which Mr. William lodged protest before police but SHO of police ordered policemen to teach lesson to Mr. William on helping car lifters and then policemen put him under third degree torture. The used special “leather whips” used on criminals to beat Mr. William and was kicked until he became unconscious.
When police was taking them to Waris Khan Police Station from Jang Group Newspaper Building, Mr. William used his cell phone to inform Inspector General Police Punjab IG to inform about beating by Muslims. The Deputy Superintendent Police DSP reached in police station who learned facts and ordered police to release Xavier William and Sunil John.
There was outrage among Christians of Punjab on manhandling of Mr. Xavier by police. The Christian organizations are holding press conference in Lahore to condemn attack on Mr. William.
We wish to bring on record that Pakistan Christian Congress PCC leadership have been always target of establishment in Pakistan since 1998, which forced majority of Christian leaders to fled from country.
The recent move to reorganize PCC in Pakistan is under strict notice of establishment and secret agencies agents are harassing PCC leaders.
Mr. Xavier William was recently nominated as Coordinator of Islamabad PCC to launch reorganization of PCC in Islamabad and capital areas. |
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Considering Christmas-Muharam, Chhattisgarh Civic Poll Re-scheduled |
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Bhopal, India: November 29, 2009. (Fr. Anand Muttungal for PCP) Considering Christmas-Muharam, the Chattishgah State Election Commission today re-scheduled the local body elections in the state. The demand was raised by the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum,(CCF). The State Election Commissioner , Shivraj Singh, announced the new dates for the local body election. As per the new dates 21st and 23rd December will be two faces of voting and the counting will be on 27th of the same month. He also gave exemption to Christians on poll duties too.
CCF approached the state election commission on 25th of November to re-schedule the election. The Second face of election was falling on 24th December. The elections were to be held in three faces. CCF General Secretary Panna Lal said, “ Our delegation met the State Election officer to change the date, we told him that a week before Christmas Christians start cleaning the house, special fasting and prayer.” He said, “We appraised the commission of the special meal given to poor and needy on the even of Christmas, it is also a family festival and many Christians are Government employees so their homes will not be able to celebrate festival.”
The memorandum highlighted that it will not only affect the Christians of celebrating festival but also affect voting. Christian candidates and voters will find it difficult to exercise their right with internal freedom. Since they are busy it can affect the rate of polling.
Necessary prayers to be offered by Christians from moring has been successful in getting the local bodies’ election schedule changed as they were overlapping Christmas Eve. The Christian employees of C.G. have also been exempted from the election duty keeping in mind the Christmas week.
In a hurriedly called press conference State Election Commissioner told newsmen that on 25th representatives from both Christian and Muslim communities came and sought to change polling schedule in view of their major festivals, Christmas and Moharum clashing with election dates. The decision was taken on 26th after consultations with major political parties we have changed the dates.
He said,”all political parties have agreed to change the dates.”
The Christian and Muslim communities have welcomed the decision of the election. CCF GenerL Secretary said ,”It is clear that we still are governed by the secular constitution of our country. Christians have shown unity in all these process.” Isai Mahasangh Chattisgah In-charge Dr. Christy Abraham expressed greater hope that this achievement of Christians will also unite them and it can be seen in the local body elections.” |
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PCC Holland Chapter to present Petition on Christian persecution to UNHRC in Geneva. |
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Karachi: March 7, 2010. (PCP) Mr. Parvez Iqbal, President of PCC-Holland Chapter will present a petition to UNHRC on Christian persecution in Pakistan during annual session of Commission in Geneva on March 8-9, 2010.
PCC Central Council here in a meeting decided to present a follow up petition with offices of United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva which was presented to Secretary General UN offices in New York to grant Refugee Status to Pakistani Christians on February 25, 2009, by PCC President Dr. Nazir S Bhatti.
PCC central Council expressed confidence in leadership of Pakistan Christian Congress President Dr. Nazir S Bhatti and his struggle to seek Refugee Status for Pakistani Christians on suffering constructional genocide and oppression in Pakistan.
An additional petition was also dispatched citing recent incident of violence against Christian on pretext to blasphemy law.
Mr. Parvez Iqbal, President PCC Holland Chapter, representing PCC shall submit petition with regard to anti human activities against Christians in Pakistan highlighting very recent situation with Christians in Pakistan such as cases against Christians under Blasphemy laws, incidents like as Life imprisonment to Christian couple, Shazia Murder Case, attacks on Christians in Karachi , Gojra and Korian. |
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Christian Lawyers moot in Pakistan demands repeal of Blasphemy law. |
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Lahore: June 14, 2010. (PCP) First National Conference of Advocates Pakistan with the co-ordination of Centre For Legal Aid Assistance & Settlement (CLAAS) held on May 29th, 2010 at National Council of Churches in Pakistan (NCCP), 32/B Shahrah-e-Fatima Jinnah, Lahore Pakistan. The topic was “The role of Christian Advocates for Justice”.
More than fifty Christian Advocates and Church dignitary participated the conference. Miss Katherine Sapna Program Officer served as facilitator. The first session chaired by Rt. Rev. Samuel Robert Azariah, Bishop of Raiwind Diocese, Moderator Church of Pakistan. Mr. Victor Azariah General Secretary (NCCP), Mr. Saleem Khursheed Khokher Advocate, Member Provincial Assembly Sindh Province and Mr. Ezra Shujat Advocate, President Advocates Pakistan shared their views on the topic.
The second session was chaired by Mr. Sohail Akhtar chairman Students Christian movement Pakistan (SCM). Mr. Raiz Anjum Advocate, Mr. Ilyas Javaid Advocate and Mr. Tariq Javaid Tariq Advocate shared their views on the topic. The participants unanimously appreciated and encouraged Mr. Ezra Shujat and CLAAS office for arranging this fruitful National conference and conformed their full confidence and trust on Mr. M.A Joseph Francis as honorary Chief Patron and Mr. Ezra Shujat advocate as President Advocates Pakistan and assured their full support and co-operation.
The house unanimously passed the following:
RESOLUTIONS
1. To Condemned the terrorist attack on minorities’ worship places in Pakistan, specially the most recent attack on two worship places of A Minority sect “Ahmadis” (who claim themselves Muslim but the Muslims treat them as minority) on May 28th, 2010 were 89 persons brutally killed and above 200 injured by the terrorists.
2. To join hands with Trinity Law College Lahore Pakistan for its uplifts and promotion.
3. To affiliate Advocates Pakistan with Advocates international.
4. To struggle for the repealment of Black discriminatory Laws i.e. Blasphemy Law which are the Hanging sword for the Christians in Pakistan.
5. To struggle against the discriminatory clauses in the Constitution of Pakistan which are against the Human Rights charter of United Nations?
6. To struggle to protect the Rights of Christians and other minorities at large in Pakistan.
7. To established and raise funds for the uplifts and help of the Christian Advocates and to provide Financial Assistance to the fresh law graduates for the enrolment in bar council.
8. To struggle for the uplift of the Christian community at large in Pakistan.
9. To guide and make way for the Christian advocates for Higher education by finding Scholarships for Higher Education inside and abroad the country.
10. To provide political awareness to the Christian advocates so they can serve the community at large.
11. To struggle for the women rights in Pakistan and to stop forced marriages by forced conversion to Islam.
12. To provide legal help to the religious persecuted victims and sexually abused women. |
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Christian Worshippers sued up in a fake case by angry Muslim mob. By: Jawad Mazhar (PCP) |
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Peshawar, Pakistan (PCP) Sept 22nd: Within the jurisdictions of Yakka Tout Police Station, Zargar Abad, Peshawar Christian Worshippers were framed in a Police Case by angry Muslim mob of defunct fundamentalist Islamists’ group Sippah-e-Sahaba on the evening of Aug 18th while Christian worshippers were praising the Lord by singing hymns and Psalms with Musical instruments, said legal advisor Church of Pakistan Peshawar Diocese Advocate Sadiq James.
Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Christian legislator and Sargodha Regions head of APMA said local Muslims harbored an old grudge against Christians over playing Musical Instruments. He added their Muslim mob framed a case against the Christian worshippers of different congregations.
Advocate Sadiq James told PCP there is no Church in Zargar Abad Peshawar therefore local Christians used to conduct prayer meeting in local Christian Community Center. Legal Adviser Church of Pakistan Peshawar Diocese also said some fanatic Muslims ripped up their cloths and went to the Yakka Tout Police Station and sued up Christian worshippers by saying that they were attacked by Christians. .
Advocate Sadiq James corroborated the news and further said that Four Christian youths were arrested by Yakka Tout Police Station but they were released later, on the request of more than 100 Christian elders.
PCP maintained through the first hand account of Sadiq James, Christians also registered a cross version against the Muslim attackers.
On the other hand Muslim men said it was time of their Taravih Prayer (During Islamic fasting month Muslims recite Quran and finish the whole Book before the end of Islamic month Ramadan) in the mosque and they have gotten disturbed by the sound of Music which is taboo in Islam, Yousaf George quoted Muslim men’s stance.
Till the writing of these lines Christian youths were released and both rival parties have reconciled, said Advocate Sadiq James.
On the evening of Aug 23rd both Christians and Muslims negotiated with each other in a Jirga (Local elders meeting in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Former NWFP) province), said Church of Pakistan’s Legal Adviser adding, the Jirga ended up in reconciliation between Muslims and Christians |
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Ashraf Ramelah comments on Public demonstration of Copts in Milan, Italy |
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Washington DC: January 14, 2011. Dr. Ashraf Ramelah, President of Voice of The Copts have said that we are appalled at the Copts' rejection of fellow protesters who were draped in the Israeli national flag as a show of solidarity with Israel and the Jews.
We strongly condemn the actions of those Coptic Christians (mostly immigrants living in Italy) against the Italian citizens who joined them for the same fight against a common enemy.
This display of anti-Semitism has no place in our struggle for freedom in the world today.
Voice of the Copts stands together with the Jews of Israel and Jews around the world to confront the vicious attacks stemming from a religious and political ideology aimed against each and every one of us who are non-Muslim.
Furthermore, as Christians we stand upon the Biblical precept that we are grafted into the promises of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, a legacy which serves as the basis of our support of the Jews and their inheritance, and we join with them in their suffering.
Those of us who live in Egypt or have loved ones there may in fear or ignorance act out against the Jews, but these sentiments are in no way right or acceptable and will surely lead to devastating results for Copts, politically and religiously.
In addition, as Israel is a sovereign state recognized by the entire world, including the Egyptian regime, Copts have a choice to either align themselves with Islamic hatred or to align themselves with the official stance of their government. There is absolutely no justification for the former, for even if this position actually serves to reduce the Islamic bomb attacks, shootings and kidnappings which take place regularly against Copts, which it clearly does not, it is unconscionable.
We thank God for Israel, the one free democratic country within the Middle East. We pray for their prosperity and safe-keeping. May America and European countries continue to support and strengthen Israel! |
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Nawaz Finds Alliance with Sindhi Nationalists |
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HYDERABAD: May 18, 2011. (By Abbas Kassar) Being fed up with wrong policies of PPP government headed by president Asif Zardari, Mian Nawaz Sharif at last visited long ignored Sindh and held meetings with heads of nationalist Sindhi party leaders by visiting their homes in Hyderabad on Tuesday and was assured of full support as allies of PML(N) against any movement he launches against the PPP government and also alliance for the forthcoming elections at Sindh level which is widely considered as political base of PPP. After severe criticism by Sindh branch of ML(N) for sidelining Sindh during last three years (mis) rule of PPP and
being its friendly opposition, Mian Nawaz Sharif started his visit for two days of Sindh from Karachi on Monday and came down to Hyderabad political and cultural center of Sindh on Tuesday. He visited Palijo
House where he inquired about health of ailing veteran nationalist politician and noted intellectual Rasool Bux Palijo and held lengthy meeting with him helped by Awami Tehrik president advocate Ayaz Latif Palijo. He also held a meeting with Dr. Qadir Magsi chairman of Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party and addressed news conference along with Dr. Magsi. Sources said that Nawaz Sharif wanted to take Sindhi nationalists on board for forthcoming elections, adjustment for which was discussed. Nawaz Sharif told press conference that he shares the views and agenda of nationalist parties of Sindh. He supported demand of nationalist parties that the Jagridars in PPP who inundated more than half of Sindh during last year's floods must be brought to book as they had drowned Sindh and made its 7 million peoples homeless only to save their Jagirs.
Mian Nawaz Sharif said, “their agenda is the same as that of ours—nationalism is a good thing. They also talk of riddance, justice and rights and we also say so. He said it is our desire that an enquiry be made into the breaching of the embankments for saving their lands during the floods and it should be dug out who the culprits are.” He said that the resolution on the drone attacks be implemented.
AT Prsident Ayaz Palijo said that he was thankful to Nawaz Sharif for giving importance to issues like breaching of the embankments, target killings in Karachi etc.
Earlier Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif said in Karachi on Monday that Pakistan was heading towards doom; no one including the army or elite is above the state. “Before any one else suspends our aid we should ourselves decide not to take anymore of it,” he asserted while talking to media after visiting Mazar-e-Quaid. He said the aim of building Pakistan was not to trade its sovereignty and honor. The incumbent government, Nawaz Sharif maintained, was incapable of overcoming serious problems like poverty, unemployment and energy crisis.
To a question, he said the passport of Raymond Davis was still lying with the Punjab Government and that the ISI Chief Lt Gen Shuja Pasha had already told the joint session of the parliament that the twin killer of Pakistani nationals had been released on the orders of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.
Earlier, in his brief talk to media men at Karachi airport upon his arrival from Lahore, the PML-N Chief said he had come to the metropolis after a very long time and that he was glad to be here.
Later, Nawaz Sharif reached his hotel where his party workers turned up in a large number which prompted a bit of a disorder, leading to the breaking of the hotel’s glass door.
Chairing a meeting of the workers, Nawaz Sharif said right from the first day of the present government he had been standing by for protecting democracy and country, but not anymore. “Now the Constitution and the institution upholding its rule would have to come forward to play their role,” he stressed.
Muslim League Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif told joint press conference with Dr. Magsi that all those judge and generals, who had collaborated with Musharraf are traitors and added not only the Generals, but the judges also would be herded to the docks.
He said that the political principles were run down and an alliance was made with the ‘Qatil League’. “When would the principled politics emerge, today the political principles were rubbished, where to this
politics taking Pakistan, we will fight out this dirty politics,” he vowed.
He said, “Pakistan’s economy and sovereignty are at stake. It is over sixty years we haven’t left stretching our hand, we will not allow the sell out of the sovereignty of Pakistan.” He said that in both of his power stints ended before completion of the term, first by the president and secondly by the general. Musharraf terminated the government and made me hijacker. He further said that if he would have been allowed to rule for the ten years terms, then Pakistan today would have been on the way to progress.
Musharraf and Zardari had the hands in making him ineligible, the government was at odds with every organizations including the judiciary—had also taken a fight with the Punjab government—Governor
‘Raj’ was imposed and even today the constitution and the law were run down, he recollected. Nawaz vowed to fight this dirty politics. |
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Pakistan takes no measure to prevent deaths in hunger of flood victims |
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BADIN: October 7, 2011. (By Abbas Kassar) The government of Pakistan has taken no measures to prevent deaths of flood affected people in Sindh as it continues to fail to provide food, medicines and clean drinking water to around 8,8 flood affected people of all 23 districts of the province as a result, more than 1000 people have died of house collapse, drowning in gushing rain/drain water, being electrocuted, spread of epidemics of gastro, malaria and other water borne diseases and hunger.
According to National Disaster Management Authority, 3 million people have been inflicted with various diseases mostly children and women. In a report made public 2 days back NDNA says “because of no proper medical arrangements one million people have fallen ill since last 20 days." It has apprehended that as many as 40,000 women (who are said to be pregnant) can die if they are not properly given medical care. In its earlier report it had alleged that government has failed to come to rescue and then relief to flood affected people.
So far 1042 people have died throughout the province in a month long rains that played havoc and thereafter due to hunger and diseases.
According to initial report made public by National Disaster Management Authority and UNO before media in Karachi on 9 September 2011, a total of 4 million acres of land including 1.7 lands with standing crops have been has been inundated causing damage to 80% cash crops. Sindh government spokesman Sharjeel Memon has said that 8.9 million people have been affected.9 districts of Sindh including Badin, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Thatta,Tando Muhammad Khan,Tando Allahyar, Sanghar, Tharparkar and Benazirabad were hit hard where the rain and canal/outfall drains breach water was still standing causing spread of water borne diseases that are taking toll on daily basis as the authorities have totally failed to provide health cover to the teeming millions especially children who are dying of hunger, gastro, malaria, flu and skin and other diseases. No day passes when more than dozen people do not die of diseases while the federal as well as provincial governments appear to be indifferent with the suffering and pathos of the ill-fated people. The National Disaster Management Authority has alleged that government was holding Rs.5 billion as balance from last year's flood fund and said that if this amount was released and used on giving food and health care to affected people many a precious lives could have been saved. Meanwhile former prime minister and leader of the opposition Mian Nawaz Sharif has also alleged that government of president Asif Zardari has ignored nearly 9 million flood affected people of Sindh ( despite fact that the president himself belongs from Sindh) and have left the helpless people on mercy of hunger and diseases. He has said that prime minister Yousuf Raza Jeelani was keeping Rs.19 billion in his discretionary fund but was not releasing amount from this fund to alleviate sufferings of the affected people; It is a cruel joke with 9 million flood affected people passing days and nights under miserable condition, that the medicines worth millions of rupees were damaged outside office of director general health services Sindh instead of handing them to aid workers. Furthermore the medicines brought from Egypt on 3 rd. October worth Rs. 5 million were given to Peoples Primary Health Institute ( a body of ruling party workers) who have sold same in market. These medicines were meant for flood affected people but were handed to PPHI without approval of competent authority. To add further miseries the government says that they have asked medicines from India and France will reach in second week of October which means until then many hundreds more are to die. There has been no or little arrangement of medical care either by the government or NGOs. There has been no arrangement of temporary latrines as a result people especially women feel humiliation. In fact in view of dearth of items of food, drinking water and medical care flood affected people are humiliated and are trying hard to save lives of their children. In many places affected people are forced to drink the stagnant rain water which is causing more diseases. This water has turned blue and brackish. According to statement of Sindh Chief Minister that 70% damage was done by breaches in outfall drains but due to inefficiency of government these breaches have still not been plugged despite fact that 25 days have passed when it had rained last.
As a result people of 9 worst hit districts were not able to return to their devastated villages as area was still under 4 to 7 feet water. Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) which is most hated among people of Badin as this very LBOD had brought devastations in past many occasions. Due to its wrong design the outfall drain which carries saline and drain water of Punjab and upper Sindh districts, flows backward carrying the sea water back to inundate the fertile belt of lower Sindh.
Pakistan government had taken no lesson from last year's floods that had rendered almost 7 million people in Sindh alone as homeless and in all 1.8 millions in whole country. Many affected of last year's floods have not been rehabilitated as yet. Government also turned its ears on weather warnings in early August this year of torrential rains and did take to steps to make arrangements for any emergency plans.
The President of Pakistan Asif Zardari had not visited the flood affected area of Sindh which makes the size of Egypt and half of England except for once at his own district Benazirabad for the purpose of photo session while the chief minister of Sindh and his whole big cabinet of the size of China has been locked in provincial capital city Karachi holding meetings of the issues of lesser nature.
President Zardari continued to visiting foreign countries including China, Tajkistan and other central Asian countries caring no or little about the sufferings of flood hit people as flood was playing havoc with people. Sindh government has said that the province has received losses of more than 550 billion rupees but he did not spell out what measures his government was taking to recoup these losses. According to independent sources crops of cotton, sugar cane, rice, vegetables and fruit sown on 2.4 million acres of land had been swept away in rain and drain breach waters.
A parliamentary delegation that was headed by former federal minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and that had visited flood hit districts of Sindh, had said in a press conference in Karachi on 21 September that no one had died of hunger or drowning .
Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah had also said earlier that no one had died of hunger or drowning but this scribe has a list of at least one dozen people who had died of hunger while the list of those drowned in gushing water is longer than 150. Of 1044 dead from 9th August (first rain downpour to 5th October 2011) majority is of children and also a number of pregnant women had died of receiving no medicines or medical treatment. Though it is now 25 days since there is no rain yet the affected people specially children and women as well elderly continue to die due to no foof no medicine.
There is wide criticism on distribution of ration and other food items to affected people in relief camps or sitting on the road sites and canal banks as local media is full of complaints of political interference in the flood relief. The NGOs and officials of local administration provide ration to such persons who bring a Sifarshi Chit from local PPP Jiala( ruling party workers) and in most cases only favorite ones find the way to get Chit. There are wide spread reports that in Badin Jialas and NGO workers have filled their homes and warehouses with relief goods received by them from state or foreign donor agencies. These hundreds of thousands of hungry people when see ay vehicles approaching they rush to get the food first and in stampede many are injured. In Jhol town of Sanghar district an MPA of ruling party Rana Sattar filled his warehouses with relief items and when the hungry people came to know they rushed to his go downs to get food so that they can remain alive for few more days but the guards of MPA opened fire on them killing two 2 hungry men 12 years Ghulam Hussain Shar and Ghulam Rasool Mari. The MP has not been arrested because of his links with president Zardari.In Badin while standing in a long row outside NADRA office to get the Pakistan Card through which one can get Rs.10, 000 from bank, an old man Umar Mallah died of stampede. There are other instances where police have baton charged the hungry when they rushed to get food.
The interesting fact is that during more than one month long rain and floods no federal or provincial minister is seen sharing the miseries and pathos of the affected people. All except a few have kept themselves away from their constituencies out of rage of people. Badin district has been hit worst with 1 million out of 1.4 million population being affected and more than 2,00,000 homes destroyed people are sitting on road sites or on canal banks as they have been ejected from relief camps which were set up in schools. They watch truckloads of relief goods passing through them but not stopping as the district administration has issued orders that all relief material be brought first to District administrator office. However from DCO office the relief materials finds its way to ruling party MPA and other Jialas who give same to their own favorite men mostly unaffected while the ill-fated remain hungry.
It was astonishing that government continues to tell lies to the nation and international community. On 4th October President Zardari held video conference in which his spokesman has said that 300,000 tents have been given to the homeless affected people in 7 districts including Badin, Mirpurkhas, Benazirabad, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Sanghar but in Badin where Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon claims to having given 43000 tents, as this scribe has visited the hundreds of affected people sitting on road sites on Badin-Golarchi road, Badin, Tando Bago road, Badin Talhar road and Badin to Kadhan road has seen not more than 100 tents.
The leaders of human rights organizations including Aslam Rana advocate and president of Peace and Human Rights Trust Pakistan chapter, Dr. Ashotham provincial coordinator special task force Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Sarwan Kumar head of AADRISH organization, Dr, Illahi Bux of ARADA, Abdul Jabbar Rehmani of Fundamental Human Rights Org, Roshan Sunder Chandio advocate and president of Mazloom Bachayo Committee, Bhagwandas advocate,Muhammad Moosa Jokhyo a writer, Jam Saqi former first secretary of Communist Party of Pakistan, Ms. Zahida Detho, Ms. Nasreen Shakeel, professor Ms. Amar Sindhu and others have made appeal to international community to rush the food items and medicines to millions of flood affected people of Sindh who are living under open sky in miserable conditions to save their lives as the present government of Pakistan has totally ignored them and was unwilling to save their lives. |
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Success of Long March by Islamists in Pakistan shall encourage Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan: By Nazir S Bhatti |
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The long march ended in restoration of deposed judges on March 16, 2009, leaving behind impression of weak federal government led by moderate Muslim PPP, ANP and JUI while a success of lawyers, religious political groups and radical Muslim elements from NWFP and Punjab. When Islamist groups opened front against government by hijacking lawyers movement at same time there was an other front launched by Tehreek Nafaz Shariat Mohammadi TNSM with a deadline of March 15, 2009, to establish Kazi Courts under Sharia law in Swat, Malakand and Northern Areas of NWFP. What a co-incident that radical Muslims of NWFP and religious political groups like PML(N), JI and TIP from Punjab launched attack on both fronts by deadlines to government in month of March, 2009. Was there any cooperation among NWFP Taliban and Punjab or any link in demands of Kazi Courts under Sharia Law in Swat and reinstatement of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry? We will discuss this question in light of war on terror by Pakistan and NATO.
Such rumors are circulating that decision of Pakistani government to implement Sharia law in Swat valley after months fighting was under directions of US envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Obama appointed Richard Holbrook as US envoy on his achievement to establish peace in Ireland among two Christian sects. If such proposal came by US administration to accept demands of TTP and TNSM of Sharia law in Swat, Malakand and Northern Areas then it is negative step to end insurgency in Afghanistan and long term peace in region or an end to terrorism. The situation in Ireland was entirely different than Afghanistan-Pakistan because that was fight among to Christian religious sects for power while in this region Islamic radicals, Islamic sects, Islamic political groups and Islamic moderate are at constant war. Do US administration truly understands conflict among Muslim sects and Islam by itself? It is also learned that US administration pressurized government of Pakistan to accept demand of long marchers to restore judges to avoid instability which may harm efficiency of Pak armed forces to fight terrorists in FATA, a tribal belt of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan. Does a success of Islamist forces in Swat and Long March provides strength to Taliban? It requires an analysis.
Here comes a warning bell for US administration and Pakistan to back Sharia law in Swat and moment of re-thinking for Richard Holbrook. US toppled Taliban regime on violations of human rights, harboring terrorists and misuse of Islamic Sharia laws. We can count days after Kazi Courts in Swat and statement of Moulana Sami-ul-Haq appears in media on March 22, 2009, demanding Sharia law within all Pakistan. What shall be situation when nuclear armed Pakistan turns to be a Taliban style Sharia law state where women shall not attend schools, cinemas will shut down, barber shops will be closed, beheadings without trial and a Muslim radical’s finger tip on nuclear button to destroy India, Israel and Western countries? Sharia laws are on doors of Pakistan and Islamist forces in Punjab and NWFP are stronger after Long March and Swat Sharia law truce.
What is terrorism and why it is linked to Islam? What Islamists forces or Islamic teachings have role to promote terrorism? The Western forums and think tanks have very little practical knowledge of Islam because they rely on statements of some so-called moderate Muslims settled in Western countries who interpret Islam for their vested interests and mislead policy makers.
Terrorism is major threats to civilized societies in 21st century waging war to damage socio-economic structure around globe. If we have to win war against terrorism, then we must understand force behind terrorism. If any one thinks that Taliban insurgency is achieving success in Afghanistan with poppy smuggled cash or any foreign hidden hand then they are not fully aware of situation because apart from cash and guns there is force of Islamic teaching as major source of strength behind Taliban.
Those who think, peace can be restored through dialogues in Afghanistan are living in fools paradise because Taliban are winning on all fronts in Afghanistan or in tribal belt of Pakistan and in high spirits to defeat NATO as they defeated Russia.
When we say Islamists political parties in Pakistan, we mean elements which are struggling to impose Sharia law through ballot like PML(N), JI, JUI(S), TIP and when we say Taliban, we mean organizations planning to enforce Sharia law with guns, battles and suicide bombers like Tehreek Taliban Pakistan, Al-quida, Lashkar Taiba, Laskar Jangvi, Jaish Mohammad, Jamat-ud-Dawa and other radical groups. The Islamic political parties and Taliban have close working relationship to impose Sharia law in Pakistan to establish Afghanistan style Taliban government. Do Taliban or Islamic groups believe in peace by dialogue? There is very clear answer according to Islamic teaching “No” .
When we read Qur’an it says: "Fight and slay the pagans [Christians] wherever ye find them and seize them, confine them, and lie in wait for them in every place of ambush" (Surah 9:5) Contrary to Muslim rhetoric that claims Islam means peace, the truth is that the word Islam does not mean peace, but "Submission" as this authority verifies: "The term Islam in the lexicon of the Arabs means 'Submission' to God." One who accepts Islam and makes such submission is a Muslim. Such a person is termed a mu'min (believer), and one who does not accept Islam is a kafir (unbeliever). Hadith 1.24”
Narrated Ibn `Umar: Allah's Apostle said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle. It adds more in Hadith 9:50, 57 "No Umma (a member of Muslim community) should be killed for killing a Kafir (an infidel). . Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him."
These are comments of few famous Muslim leaders which are never denied nor discussed by moderate Muslim who appear on Western media to claim Islam as religion of peace. Such moderate Muslims are sponsored by Christian organizations, Think Tanks and Academic institution in name of Human Rights.
Imam Ayatollah Khomeni ssaid:
“Whatever good there is exists thanks to the sword.' The sword is the key to Paradise, which can be opened only for the Holy Warriors! Does all this mean that Islam is a religion that prevents men from waging war? I spit upon those foolish souls who make such a claim." and "Islam makes it incumbent on all adult males to prepare themselves for the conquest of countries so that the writ of Islam is obeyed in every country in the world."
In Ibn Khaldun, The Muqadimmah: Ail Introduction to History, Islamic historian, 1377 AD is written:
“In the Muslim community, the holy war is a religious duty, because of the universalism of the Muslim mission and the obligation to convert everybody to Islam either by persuasion or force“
Sayyid Qutb, Egyptian says:
"The foremost duty of Islam is to depose the government and society of unbelievers (jahiliyyah) from the leadership of man."
The Islamic Council in Chechnya, comments:
"the religion of Islam could be above all, so that all areas of life could be guided by Islam, and so that the earth could be cleansed from unbelief" (The Islamic Council in Chechnya)
Mohatir Mohammad says:
“The true Muslims have waged war while moderate Muslims are waiting to statrt Jihad”
But Muslim propaganda machinery in Western countries are making extraordinary efforts to change the image of Islam by reintroducing in 21st century as a religion of peace which rejects violence. Such moderate Muslims fail to issue any religious decree on comments by Muslim leaders given up or to clarify when Islamic history says:
“Prophet Muhammad used to send letters to the kings and leaders of the surrounding countries and tribes, inviting them to surrender to his authority and to believe in him as the messenger of Allah. He always ended his letters with the following two words: "Aslim, Taslam!". Which meant ‘surrender and you will be safe’, or in other words, ‘surrender or face death” So where is the ‘Peace’ in such a religion that threatens to kill other people if they don't submit to it?
After defining Islam and ultimate peace efforts through dialogues with Muslim world, we can conclude that a small portion of Muslims tried to present Islam which they termed as moderate Islam while majority of Muslims settled in Western countries never abandoned Islamic teachings. These Muslims have achieved many successes in Europe and North America by forcing Western countries to establish Sharia law for them. As a result of these Sharia Courts in UK, Muslims are dreaming to extend Sharia in limits of Europe and North America. Already, France, UK, Norway, Sweden and Netherland are on mercy of Muslim population who have been creating law and order situation by processions on issues like Cartoons or Palestine benefiting from freedom of expression and speech guaranteed under state constitutions. The Western world which believes in Human Rights and religious freedom rather than practicing Christianity have failed to compel Saudi Arabia to permit building one Church to promote interfaith dialogues while thousands of Mosques are being built in EU and North America. The Western leaders are also not successful to make changes in syllabus of Islamic seminaries in Islamic world where Jihad is preached as I have presented. In 21st century, Islamic forces shall not invade Europe like Tariq Bin Ziad because such invasion is underway by increasing birth rate and Sharia law by Muslims and decreasing by Christians which shall enable them to capture Europe by ballot in 2075.
Before postmortem of long march to point out how it shall support Taliban insurgency in region? We must know more about deposed Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry and Nawaz Sharif;
The focal point of long march was Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry, who was deposed by President Pervez Musharraf in 2007. We can doubt on sincere efforts of President Pervez Musharraf against war on terror but no one shall ever deny that he saved Islamabad from Taliban to enforce Sharia law by Lal Masjid operation. The demand raised in Swat Valley by Tehreek Taliban Pakistan in 2009, was being made from Lal Masjid in 2006. The Lal Masjid which was situated in heart of capital city of Islamabad and very next to military offices was running an Islamic seminary with enrollment of six thousand students who were openly operating Islamic Sharia courts and issuing Islamic decrees. The capital was at brink to fall in hands of this Al-Hafsa seminary students who planned to enforce Sharia law on power of guns like Taliban in Swat, Malakand and other Northern Areas of Pakistan but President Pervez Musharraf saved Islamabad and Pakistan from wave of Talibanization by a military operation.
Al Jazeera English TV in his broadcast of July 11, 2007, said “Parents are anxiously awaiting news of children allegedly used as human shields in the mosque” which clarifies that armed students were using same terrorists tactics as Taliban are using in Jihad in Afghanistan and tribal areas of Pakistan to use innocent people as human shields. It was surprising for administration that Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry passed orders in favor of Islamic elements of Lal Masjid who have established parallel judicial system in Islamabad and challenged writ of government.
According to agencies news release on July 17, 2007, of dateline Islamabad it was quoted “Expressing displeasure over the continued detention of surrendered "students" of Lal Masjid's madrassas, the Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered the release of all students”
Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's second in command, released a message which included the sentence: "Your salvation is only through jihad", heightening tensions in the region.
When Al-Qaeda was warning violence in Pakistan, the Supreme Court of Pakistan headed by Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry passed another order to reopen Lal Masjid and Madrassa Afsa on October 2, 2007, which had launched a Taliban-style anti-vice campaign in capital, warning massage centers and music shops to close but same was being protected by supreme court of Pakistan which never took notice when students of madrassa were waving arms before TV cameras and announcing Jihad. Was Supreme Court of Pakistan protecting enforced Sharia law in Islamabad? Such serious issues created doubts on intentions of Supreme Court which forced President Musharraf to depose Chief Justice and to file reference against him while lawyers associations announced protests demanding reinstate of Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudry.
Since November 3, 2007 the lawyers’ movement witnessed many vicissitudes, ranging from incarceration of about 60 judges; stoning, burning, brick-batting, arresting and tear gas shelling on lawyers, disappointment when some judges took fresh oaths and left the struggling lawyers in a mess; reneging of the rulers after making promises to reinstate of judges; and even leaving its torch bearing leaders into doubt of betraying the legal fraternity.
They succeeded in achieving their motive within 4 months and 11 days when Chaudhry was restored as chief justice on July 20, 2007 but the president, in capacity of the chief of army staff, imposed emergency rule in the country and detained more than 60 judges who denied taking oath under the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) on November 3, 2007.
On the same day a seven-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry declared the emergency illegal and unconstitutional. The lawyers again spearheaded their movement with cooperation from political parties against the imposition of emergency. On November 5, 2007, police raided the Lahore High Court Bar Association and arrested around 800 lawyers.
Now view an other side of story, on September 7, 2007, Justice Shabbir Hussain Chatha ordered police to arrest Shahbaz Sharif, brother of Nawaz Sharif and produce him before the court, after the hearing in Lahore. The court ruled that "Shahbaz Sharif should be arrested (at) whichever airport he lands at". On September 10, Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad where National Accountability Bureau chief issued a warrant due to corruption charges made against him. After that, Nawaz Sharif boarded another airliner to be exiled back to Saudi Arabia.
It is very important to record political activities of Nawaz Sharif before we head to wards count down on long march led by him. Nawaz Sharif was never an enlighten Muslim but a fundamental Muslim which he proved as Prime Minister of Pakistan when approved Islamic laws in Pakistan. After proposed amendment, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "I congratulate the nation on the passage of the bill which will help create a truly Islamic system.
The Economist (US) on April 20, 1991, published that “Although the sharia bill proclaims the Koran and the sunnah (way of the Prophet) as the supreme law of the land, many of the draft proposals merely emphasise …”
Nawaz Sharif, born in Lahore in 1949, his family, along with other major industrial families suffered from the nationalization of large industrial enterprises during Bhutto's regime of PPP (1971-77). Nawaz Sharif worked to build a political constituency that would punish PPP and revenge on its nationalization. When Ishaq Khan dismissed Benazir and her government in 1990, he again called a general election. As a result, Nawaz Sharif was brought to power in 1990.
Nawaz Sharif government's by Shariat Bill, which declared the Quran and the sunna to be the law of the land and theocracy was being established. A working group was set up to monitor and make recommendations for enforcing Islamic laws in the country. The working group adopted a nineteen-point plan that included calls for the implementation of all Islamic legislation, especially the laws creating sharia courts; transformation of the education system to reflect Islamic teaching; controls on the print and electronic media designed to ensure Islamic moral values; uniform and enforced prayer schedules; and the establishment of an Islamic banking system and the total abolition of interest.
Nawaz Sharif tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan expanded Islamic Seminaries which were established by his political Guru General Zia-Ul-Haq and fully protected by his Sharia Bill. These seminaries were openly recruiting Jihadi for Holy War and ISI was training terrorists in camps of Pakistani occupied Kashmir territory for suicide missions in Indian Kashmir.
countrystudies.us reported on Tuesday, October 07, 2008, that PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif is playing a key role in conjunction with Saudi Arabia in bringing about a negotiated settlement between the Taliban and the Karzai regime to pave the way for withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from Afghanistan. “Nawaz Sharif was invited by Saudi King Abdullah and he undertook the present visit to stay in Saudi Arabia for nearly two weeks to talk peace process,” the source said. “Nawaz Sharif is serving as a bridge,” one political source said and added the PML-N chief is an “old hand” on Afghanistan. During his two stints as prime minister, Nawaz Sharif had developed good working relations with almost all the Afghan Mujahideen leaders, who were now largely irrelevant because of the fighting strength of the Taliban.
Lets look into ousted of Benazir Bhutto government in 1996 and her blames on I.S.I. for toppling her, saying she had angered them by her refusal to recognize the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan. Her military-backed replacement, Nawaz Sharif, extended the first diplomatic recognition to the Taliban in May 1997 and traveled to other Muslim countries in an attempt to persuade them to recognize the student militia but only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates agreed.
By 1998, Osama bin Laden was well established in Afghanistan after fleeing Sudan two years earlier. He and his network had set up terrorist training camps throughout the country, many of them alongside camps operated by the Taliban and I.S.I.
After the bombings of two American embassies in East Africa in the summer of 1998 killed more than 250 people, the United States tried to find a way to pry Mr. bin Laden, who the Americans blamed for the attacks, out of Afghanistan.
In September 1999, government officials said, the director general of I.S.I., Lt. Gen. Ziauddin and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was summoned to Washington. American officials told them Pakistan should force the Taliban to moderate their positions and turn over Osama bin Laden. Nawaz Sharif sent General Ziauddin to Kandahar to deliver the American message to Mullah Omar, who refused and next month, on Oct. 12, 1999, Nawaz Sharif was overthrown in a military coup.
www.adnki.com (AKI) reported that former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif did meet al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at least three times in order to get financial help, according to Khalid Khawaja, the former official with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). In an exclusive interview with Adnkronos International (AKI), Khawaja, once a close friend of Osama bin Laden, rejected the statements by a spokesperson for Sharif's political party, denying that Sharif had sought political cooperation from bin Laden in the past.
"Nawaz Sharif met Osama Bin Laden on at least three occasions and was desperately seeking his financial assistance," Khawaja told AKI in response to recent news reports regarding a possible meeting between the two.
In an interview with a national Urdu daily, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Amir of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and of the six party religious alliance MMA, said that Nawaz Sharif had repeatedly met Osama bin Laden who offered him money to buy the loyalties of parliamentarians in the late 1980s in order to topple the government of then prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Qazi also said that bin Laden was a big supporter of Nawaz Sharif's bid to be prime minister in 1990.
Khalid Khawaja's name resurfaced when US reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted and subsequently killed. Pearl had come to Pakistan and met Khalid Khawaja in order to investigate the jihadi network of revered sufi, Syed Mubarak Ali Gailani.
"Now after Benazir Bhutto formed her government and the opposition parties moved for a vote of no-confidence, Osama Bin Laden comes in a picture," Khawaja recalled.
"I still remember that Osama bin Laden provided me with funds, which I handed over to Nawaz Sharif, then the chief minister of Punjab [and later premier], to dislodge Benazir Bhutto. Nawaz Sharif insisted that I arrange a direct meeting with the "Sheikh", which I did in Saudi Arabia. Nawaz met thrice with Osama in Saudi Arabia.
The links among Nawaz Sharif and his support to Taliban make his role doubtful in war against terror in region while his sudden rise after long march creates suspicions. If International forces under new administration in USA and swift change in policy to end terrorism in Afghanistan-Pakistan are planning to use Nawaz Sharif then it is time to re-think thrice.
It is for notice of Mr. Richard Holbrook that Afghanistan and tribal belt of Pakistan are not Ireland where he dealt with Christian armed sects which were persuaded to dialogue in name of peaceful teaching of Christianity. The moderate or enlightened Muslims engaged to advise US administration and other forums are misleading which can result in failure of long term peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Therefore, it is very important to study volatile history of Afghanistan and interests of China, Russia, Iran, Indian and Pakistan in region. The stability in Pakistan is directly related to peace in Afghanistan which urges international forces to support government and Armed Forces to end terrorism in region and fear of terror around globe. Any attempt to bring new players in Pakistan shall damage war against terrorism because Pakistani Armed forces formed Taliban, so, let forces handle them under NATO dierections No one shall deny historic fact about Pushtons that they only sit for Jirga or dialogue table when under pressure unless never fear to kill. |
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Pakistan Court grants bail to Joseph Francis |
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Lahore: July 28, 2009. (PCP) CLAAS Director Joseph Francis was freed from prison on bail granted by Lahore Courts on July 25, 2009. His bail was suspended on July 12, 2009, in Lahore High Court and he was arrested in case pending in lower courts since 2006.
His friends and co-workers in CLAAS welcomed Joseph Francis and expressed their gratitude’s. (The detailed story is coming) |
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Will Saudi Arabia allow construction of Cathedrals to challenge Swiss ban on minarets ? Nazir Bhatti |
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Karachi: November 30, 2009. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC expressed surprise on statement of Pakistani representatives in UNHRC expressing concern on Swiss vote ban on construction of minarets on mosques and other Islamic institutions in Switzerland when construction of new Churches in Pakistan has to follow strict government guidelines which prohibits one furlong from existing mosque and use of loudspeakers.
Nazir Bhatti said “ Christ The King processions and other open rituals have been banned in public places from decades but not any Muslim human right activists have raised voice against government actions to damage true spirit of religious freedom in Pakistan but their protests in name of human right against Swiss government vote to ban minarets is index of substandard”
In a statement released by PCC Central office here today also urged Saudi Arabia to allow construction of Churches in kingdom to challenge Swiss ban on minarets.
“The Human Right activists around world shall raise voice to press upon Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries in Middle East to permit construction of Cathedrals and ensure religious freedom for Christian minorities” added Nazir S Bhatti
Meanwhile news agency Reuters have reported that unexpected vote and high turnout in Sunday's referendum gives a boost to the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP), a relatively new political force that has shaken up the country's traditionally cozy power-sharing system. |
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Pakistan Embassy in DC attempts to mislead Round Table discussion on Drone Attack on Quetta Shura |
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Washington DC: March 7, 2010. (Ahmer Mustikhan) A Pakistani air force officer who by his very looks is a Punjabi and most possibly an operative of the infamous Inter Services Intelligence lied at a gathering of intellectuals and writers in Washington DC that Pakistan army has never used U.S.-supplied F-16 jets and Cobra helicopters in the restive Balochistan province, scene of a bloody insurgency that the Baloch call the fifth war of liberation.
Group Captain Ahmer Shehzad, an air attache at the Pakistan embassy in Washington DC took offense to an event organized by a premier U.S. think-tank in association with the American Friends of Balochistan to highlight the dangers of Talibanization in Balochistan.
Shehzad complained that the Middle East Institute had organized a talk on "Drone attacks on the Quetta shura? pros and cons" that opened up a discussion on the atrocities of the Pakistan military in Balochistan.
The speakers included Selig S. Harrison, Andrew Eiva, Ashraf Kakar, and Baloch notables Maqbool Aliani and Zain Magsi, while professor Marvin Weinbaum moderated the Friday noon event.
The serving air force officer defended the role of the infamous Inter-Services Intelligence and denied that Pakistan military has ever used F-16 jets or gunship helicopters against Baloch freedom fighters, who are demanding a timetable for Pakistan troop pullout from Balochistan.
Baloch patriots aleege that paid agents of the ISI attacked an event organized by students at the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology in Khuzdar on March 2 that left two students, Junaid Baloch and Sikander Bangulzai dead. Two others Bebargh Zehri and Malik zain Zehri were critical among the 35 wounded.
The PPI news agency said a spokesman for the Baloch Armed Defence Army has claimed responsibility of bomb explosions. Speaking on phone with correspondents at the Khuzdar Press Club form an unknown location, Mir Jang Baloch warned BSO Azad and the Baloch resistance parties in the Baloch National Front, that it will continue to target them.
The spokesman also warned correspondents not to publicize news of the resistance or his army would target them as well.
The spokesman said that they would offer more resistance and target BSO, Baloch National Front and BRP in every nook and corner of Balochistan
Observers in Khuzdar said the pro-Pakistan terror group is headed by former cartaker echief minister of Balochistan, Mir Naseer mengal, whose ISI links are wellknown all over Balochistan.
Group Captain Shehzad also misled the seminar that he is a Baloch -- he later told some participants he did have some Baloch in him.
"You can see from his face he is a Punjabi," said Rashid Baloch, presiding council member of the American Friends of Balochistan.
Group captain Shehzad conceded that Pakistan military has used rocket-propelled grenades against the Baloch and also admitted Pakistan treated the Baloch people unfairly.
Use of F-16s and Cobra helicopters on Baloch freedom-fighters have been widely reported in world newspapers, including the Washington Post.
In a report on February 17, 2006 the late U.S.-based journalist Khalid Hasan wrote in the daily Times newspaper:
Army heavily deployed’ to fight Baloch insurgency
WASHINGTON: According to US intelligence sources, six Pakistani army brigades, plus paramilitary forces totalling some 25,000 men, are battling Baloch Liberation Army guerrillas in the Kohlu mountains and surrounding areas.
This and other figures are quoted in an analysis by Selig S Harrison, published on Wednesday by the Washington Post. The writer also quotes the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan as having reported “indiscriminate bombing and strafing” by 20 US-supplied Cobra helicopter gunships and four squadrons of fighter planes, including US-supplied F-16 fighter jets, resulting in 215 civilian dead and hundreds more wounded, many of them women and children.
Mehran Baluch, who represents Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council, said Pakistan military officers are well-known for their lies. "They even deny there is a military operation in Balochistan," Mehran Baluch said.
The uniformed Pakistani officer further alleged that Baloch national hero Brahumdagh Bugti travels from Kabul to Kandahar in an M17 helicopter of the Indian air force.
It was not sure if Group Captain Shehzad acted on his own or was deputed by Pakistan Ambassador Hussain Haqqani. Generally, Pakistan military officers do not answer to civilian authorities and Haqqani is widely despised by the I.S.I. as he had formulated the idea of bringing the rogue agency under civilian control at the time of the first official visit o Premier Yusuf Raza Gilani to the United States in 2008.
U.S. scholar Stephen P. Cohen, who has a soft corner for Pakistan soldiers, felt uncomfortable about the characterization of the Pakistan military as "Taliban in uniform" and questioned the role of the Baloch chieftain in their drive for independence.
At this, Maqbool Aliani drew a parallel between the American systematic annihilation of the Native Americans on the grounds that they were uncivilized and giving a license to Pakistani occupation force for a genocide of the Baloch tribesmen.
Zain Magsi, a self-made technological entrepeneur, said the Pakistan military as it exists today was created by the British as an anti-people force to check the freedom aspirations of the people. One of Magsi's ancestors Nawab Yusuf Ali Magsi is regarded as the founder of the Baloch nationalism. He was killed in a devastating earthquake that struck Quetta in 1935.
The premier pro-independence American Friends of Balochistan in a statement released on the occassion said:
Let me first go to Khuzdar, a Baloch town about 300 miles southeast of Quetta. It is March 2, 2010 soon after dusk and one the largest students body, the Baloch Students Organization, is holding a Baloch cultural day at the campus of the Balochistan University of Engineering and Techonolgy, Khuzdar.
All of a sudden, paid agents of the Pakistani state, most probably the ISI, descend on the gathering and hurl three grenades on the cultural show.
BSO Azad member Junaid Baloch dies on the spot; another member Sikandar Bangulzai is wounded and shifted to a hospital in Karachi where he succumbs to his injuries. Both were in their early twenties. As many as 35 students and some faculty members are injured. Two are in critical condition. Their names are Beebargh Zehri and Malik Zain Zehri, a member of the central committee of the BSO Azad informed me on the phone yesterday afteroon.
This mourning apart, most Baloch are gungho over the prospects of U.S. drone attacks on the Taliban homes and hideouts in Quetta. They think it will be a day of reckoning for the Pakistani ISI and military. As much as some U.S. liberals dread these drone attacks, Baloch seculars say these are compulsory if the unfinished agenda of the war on terror is to be brought to its logical conclusion.
The relationship between Quetta and the AfPak war theatre is not new. Ribbon-shaped Quetta, the capital of restive Balochistan -- scene of a bloody insurgency that Baloch nationalists call a liberation war --, was once a part of greater Kandahar. It finally came under British occupation in 1876. Due to its geo-strategic importance, the British built Quetta as a garrison town. They extended the roads and railway network to Afghanistan and Iran.
Quetta is also the only bone of contention between the Baloch and Pashtuns, the two dominant groups that have a population of roughly half million each in the Balochistan capital. There are also about 0.3 million Hazaras, who are shias, and nearly 100,000 recent migrants like Punjabis, Urdu-speaking people and even some Bengalis.
More recently, Quetta has earned itself the dubious distinction of being one of the world's largest Afghan refugee cities. The refugees outnumber the local Pashtuns and Baloch taken together. Quetta was home to the present Afghan president Hamid Karzai for nearly two decades from 1983 to 2001. Ahmed Rashid in his book Descent Into Chaossays just two weeks before 911 Karzai was told by the infamous Inter Services Intelligence that he and his family will have to leave Quetta. He writes the orders came from none else but Taliban leader Mullah Omar. In 1999, Karzai's father and 12 other prominent Afghans were murdered by the Taliban in Pakistan, with the collusion of the ISI.
Quetta may now also imminently become known worldwide thanks to the U.S. infotainment channels and the datelines of global newspapers if Vice President Joe Biden's pet idea of drone attacks are launched there to take out Taliban insurgents creating a nightmare for the International Security Assistance Force in neighboring Afghanistan.
The Taliban are also bent upon imposing their own brand of Islam on one of the most modern cities closest to Kandahar. But don't get me wrong, western trousers are not the norm and even when male wear pants they get strange, side looks from other males in baggy trousers.
Chaddor is compulsory for most women.
Talking with me on the phone from Quetta, senior journalist Shahzada Zulfikar said officially the population in Quetta is still cited at 0.7 million, but the local municipal sources say they can add as much as 2 million to this figure., thanks to the at least 1.2 million Afghan refugees in Quetta.
The areas where the Afghan refugees live are Pashtunabad, Khrotababad, Kuchlak, Ghousabad and Panjpai, which houses the infamous Mullahkhel Afghan refugee camp, that U.S. intelligence says is one of the nerve centers of the Taliban movement.
The Taliban are all over the place, says journalist Zulfikar. He said Baloch nationalists and militants are today the biggest supporters of the drone attacks on the Taliban leadership in Quetta. Their main concern is not the growth of the Pashtun population, but because they are fearing Talibanization of the Balochistan capital.
The Taliban have made no secret that they want shariah laws in Quetta, and if they succeed in this goal Balochistan will be on fire.
The Baloch are anguished over the posibility of the Taliban takeover of their capital and openly stated they support the drone attacks. Nawab Brahumdagh Bugti, president of the Baloch Republican Party clearly stated that drone attack is not a Baloch issue, as they battle the Pakistani army control of Balochistan. One of Balochistan's main resistance leaders Mir Hyrbyair Marri, who now lives in London, said if the U.S. and NATO target the religious extremists, who are mostly Pashtuns, the Baloch would have no issue. "Even if there are a handful of Baloch in the Taliban ranks, they need to be eliminated," Marri told me recently from London.
"The use of U.S. weapons would not be anything new in Balochistan," Hyfrbyair Marri said. "U.S.-supplied weapons have been used by the Pakistan army against the Baloch for many decades now. It would be the first time forces allied with Pakistan army will be at the receiving end."
He said this was the main reason why there is no much frenzy and furore over the drone attacks in the Pakistani media.
Marri has expressed his deep anguish over a report in the Wall Street Journal that said the Pentagon will transfer laser-guided-bomb kits to Pakistan. The WSJ report by Yochi J. Dreazen, published on March 2, said that Pakistan will soon receive equipment capable of converting 1,000 traditional munitions into "smart bombs." Marri fears the reconfigured bombs will help Pakistan battle the Baloch in Balochistan, not the Taliban. Many Baloch say the Taliban are a "B team" of the Pakistan military. They call the Pakistan military the Taliban in uniform. Despite these allegations Pakistan will also soon take possession of a dozen American-made surveillance drones and 18 late model F-16 jets fighter jets to help Pakistan military track and strike targets deep inside Balochistan, Marri cited from Dreazen's report.
Mehran Baluch, a younger brother of Marri, who has represented the Baloch voice at the U.N. Human Rights Council for a decade now, in a phone talk said Pakistan has used heavy duty ground missiles, traditionally used when two standing armies are at war, against the Baloch civilians in Marri and Bugti areas. He accused the Pakistan military of using incendiary bombs and phophorous bombs, probably belonging to the family of mustard gas, in the killing of former governor and chief minister ofbalochistan, Nawab Akbar Bugti. He said U.S. supplied F-16s with mountain capabilty have been used to target the Baloch.
According to US law (the Leahy amendment), no US military aid maybe provided to any unit of a foreign security force if there is credible evidence that such a unit has committed gross violations of human rights. Yet, military aid from the USA to security services and armed forces with a persistent record of human rights violations continues. Significant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in some of these countries are carried out or facilitated by paramilitary and armed forces equipped courtesy of US military assistance.
A wide array of U.S. weaponry for the Pakistan military includes Cobra gunship helicopters, that are being used against the Baloch on their native land, Balochistan.
Mehran Baluch said there have been widespread unconfirmed reports of use of anti-personnel mines in Balochistan.
In this backdrop, it is not only the resistance, but even pro-federation politicians like Senator Dr. Malik Baloch support the drone attack idea. When Secretary of State, Madam Hilary Clinton, visited Pakistan last fall, the lone voice of support for the drone attacks came from this Baloch senator, who is also the president of the Balochistan-based National Party.
According to Balochistan National Party (BNP) Information Secretary and former senator Sanaullah Baloch supporters of Taliban have captured land worth Rs 2 billion in the eastern and western parts of Quetta with the covert support of the Pakistani agencies to undermine the Baloch nationalist movement and promote Talibanization of Balochistan.
Baloch in a recent communication said several locations in the provincial capital have become ‘no-go areas’ where the Taliban and their supporters have consolidated their position. Baloch said the government was fully aware of the illegal land grabbing but was looking the other way as it wants to use the Taliban against the Baloch nationalists.
Baloch said the Afghan refugees, besides being a burden on the economy of Balochistan, have become the biggest cause of lawlessness and terrorism in the country’s arewise largest province, Baloch said.
To see what the Baloch diaspora is thinking about the drone attacks, I sent out a questioner on the Baloch yahoo groups about the pros and cons and also posed the question on a Facebook page of the American Friends of Balochistan, which has nearly more than 900 mostly Baloch members from all over the world. By the way the American Friends of Balochistan is a target of attacks by the Pakistani counterpart of Bill O'reilly, named Zaid Hamid.
To my query, an official in the education department on a condition of not being named said, "I am in favour of the drone attacks on Taliban in Balochistan; I am waiting for the good news of the drone attackes. But Pakistan is against the drone attacks because they have sheltered the Taliban leaders in the city and even in sensitive places like the military cantonment. The attacks will expose the Pakistani dual policies on Afghanistan and on the war on terror"
Said a second Baloch, "I think there should be drone attacks on Taliban hideouts. I think we all know Pasthun areas are under the mullas and we Baloch are very secular. We don't want the Taliban to take over Quetta like other cities of Pakistan.
Said a third, "We as Baloch residents of Quetta do not have any problems with the drone attacks as long as they are based on American intelligence and not on Pakistani information. If the Pakistanis are involved in this process, they would most certainly ask the Americans to bomb the Baloch civilian population rather than the Al Qaeda or Taliban strongholds."
Says a fourth: "Yes the drone attacks will help because Quetta will become even more like a war zone, like Bangladesh in the 1971 war, and more Baloch will join the freedom struggle."
Says a fifth: "I think these drone attacks will not help Baloch cause, but if they are done on Punjab they will help us."
Says a sixth: Drone attacks are good for the Baloch living in Quetta as it may force the Taliban, who have already obtained Pakistani documents, to go back to Afghanistan and prevent turning the Baloch into a marginalised minority. But it may affect the populairty of the Baloch resistance for siding with the U.S. designs in the region."
Fears run high Pakistan will use the drone attacks to target Baloch seculars.
Said one opponent: "Well, whenever the U.S. wants to attack surrounding areas of Quetta no one can stop them because Pakistan always gives in to U.S. demands. I think Pakistan will get the best out of a bad deal by misleading the U.S. and divert its anger toward the Baloch resistance movement."
Says a second opponent: "As a human rights activist I am totally against drone attack or any type of attack to any part of Balochistan.
Saeed Ameeri, a senior Baloch activist, now based in the Gulf, who had set up a Baloch government in exile in the early 1960s in Iraq along with another veteran Jumma Khan -- Selig knows them, I believe --, says it will be naive to think that Pakistan will allow drone attacks on the Taliban. Ameeri fears any drone attack in Balochistan will result in killing of innocent Baloch and Pashtun women and children. "Taliban are safe in sanctuaries in Balochistan under the protection of Pakistan," Ameeri said. "There is a danger that Pakistan will mislead Americans with wrong intelligence to attack Baloch sarmachars or freedom fighters instead of the Taliban."
Ameeri said he is with veteran Baloch leader and founder of the Baloch liberation ideology Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, 80, who said the drone attacks will turn the bleeding wounds of Balochistan into a cancer. Ameeri adds we must condemn any such attack on Baloch and Pashtun civilians in Balochistan. But people close to the veteran Baloch leader said he believes the drone attacks will not augur well for the baloch masses if the Pakistani military becomes a partner in the enterprise.
But Baloch intellectual Hafeez Hassanabadi, who has been close to Nawab Marri since his days in Afghanistan in the 1980s, says the veteran leader is against these attacks if Pakistani military and intelligence are involved but is open to the idea of U.S. and NATO attacks if Pakistanis do not have a say. This scenario is unlikely, however.
"Before an attack on shura, the Pakistani ISI will inform their 'friends' to move away from the targetted place," Ameeri said.
The governor of Balochistan, Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi some months ago said Pakistan cannot oppose U.S. drone strikes in Balochistan as Washington can do “whatever it pleases” because it is “paying money” to Islamabad. Magsi says Pakistan does not have an option in this matter. “You cannot oppose someone who pays you money. The U.S. is paying money to Pakistan. How can we oppose it? It will do whatever it pleases.”
The American Friends of Balochistan is deeply anguished that premier U.S. policy making and implemeneting bodies, such as the Congress, State Department and Pentagon, have failed to take the most important stake-holders in so-called AfPak region -- the Baloch --, while devising policies such as drone attacks. The Baloch feel proud of their secular politics and the myopic U.S. policy of putting all its eggs in the basket of the Pakistan military and intelligence services will gravely endanger the lives of the young men and women of the United States who are now serving in Afghanistan.
Through the MEI, established 1942, I urge Admiral Mike Mullen and Madam Secretary Hilary Clinton to personally meet the main resistance leaders Mir Hyrbyair Marri, Nawab Brahumdagh Bugti, Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch and other respectable Baloch national leaders such as the Khan of Kalat, Mir Suleman Daud and Baloch Nelson Mandela former chief minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal to see what the U.S. options are in the region before the U.S. embark on a policy of raining drones on Quetta.
Without further delay, I urge establishment of the Balochi language service of the Voice of America. This will cost less than what it costs the U.S to maintain two soldiers in Afghanistan each year and will go a long way in winning the battle of hearts in a region of great strategic value.
Without taking these baby steps, playing cheap, down and dirty and launching drone attacks might as well backfire.
I understand even secular and nationalist Pashtuns also want hellfire missiles from the drones to rain on the Taliban which have destroyed the national fabric of Pashtun society; these nationalists have been turned into sitting ducks by the Taliban, thanks to the ISI. |
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PMTA Reservations and Recommendations on Textbooks and National Curriculum of Education in Pakistan |
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Ref. No.26-pmta/10
Dated: June15, 2010
Your Excellency
The Federal Minister for Education
Govt. of Pakistan
Islamabad.
Subject: Reservations and Recommendations on Textbooks and National Curriculum Recommended by the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan.
Honourable Sir,
Greetings and well wishes from Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA).
PMTA would like to draw your kind attention on the subject cited above.
Sir, it is so sorry that the Federal Ministry of Education (MoE) has failed to create the atmosphere of peace and harmony among the people of different faiths violating Article 22 of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 that safeguards as to educational institutions in respect of religion, etc.
(1) No person attending any educational institution shall be required to receive religious instruction or take part in any religious ceremony, or to attend religious worship, if such instruction, ceremony or worship relates to a religion other than his own.
(2) In respect of any religious institution, there shall be no discrimination against any community in the granting of exemption or concession in relation to taxation.
(3) Subject to law;
(a) No religious community or denomination shall be prevented from providing religious instruction for pupil of that community or denomination in any educational institution maintained wholly by that community or denomination, and
(b) No citizen shall be denied admission to any educational institution receiving aid from public revenues on the ground only to race, religion, caste or place of birth.
(c) Nothing in this Article shall prevent any public authority from making provision for the advancement of any socially or educationally backward class of citizens.
RESERVATIONS
1. All the National Educational Policies (NEP) including NEP 2009 has been only against the minorities and their religions. They have given importance to the majority religion of Pakistan which is obvious in chapter 4 ‘Islamic Education’.
2. Only the students of minorities have been deprived of their religions which is the violation of Article 26 (3) of UDHR that describes ‘Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.’ There is violation of Article 18, 26 and 27 of ICCPR and Article 14(1) of ICRC as the students of minorities are forcibly taught Islam to convert them.
3. There is preaching of a particular religious ideology in the educational institutions due to that students of minorities have to go through persecution.
4. There are controversial contents even in the recommended National Curriculum as there is comparison between and among religions which is the violation of the recommendations of UNESCO and the Guidelines for the material developers for the textbooks. There has been comparison of Islam with the other religions and negation of the minorities’ religions.
5. There is disinformation, disrespect and propagation against the other religions other than Islam in the textbooks of Pakistan.
6. Pakistani textbooks are representative of a particular religious ideology and its followers.
7. The material is being developed in the subject of ‘Ethics for non- Muslims’ for grades III-XII by the Muslims. PMTA has repeatedly conveyed reservations to the concerned corners but no heed has been paid and Muslim authors are developing material about the fundamental beliefs and personalities of the minorities’ religions. The belief of the material developers is just the opposite of the other beliefs. How will they justify truly without any bias writing about Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism. This is really a joke with these religions. This shows that only Muslims can write better than the religious
scholars of these religions. This is indeed an insulting attitude of Ministry of Education with the followers of the minorities’ religions.
8. Minorities have played a vital role in the creation and construction of Pakistan. They have particularly played role in the fields of education, health, defense and social services. There role has been deliberately ignored considering them non- Pakistanis otherwise they are also the heroes of this sacred land who have sacrificed their lives for this land. The writers and poets from minorities are no more part of the curriculum now. It shows that Ministry of Education is not serious to create the atmosphere of interfaith harmony which is the utmost need of the time.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Ministry of Education must change her biased attitude and approach towards minorities.
2. There must be respect of all religions on the equal basis in the textbooks of Pakistan.
3. There must not be comparison between or among religions.
4. Textbooks must be developed according to the recommendations of UNESCO.
5. Teachings of any religion must be restricted only in the textbook which has been developed for the students of that particular religion.
6. Subject of ‘Ethics’ must be changed into ‘Religion’.
7. Contents in the subject of Ethics must be developed by followers of that particular religion.
8. Either there should be topics on general Ethics or values or students of minorities be exempted from the assembly so that they may be escaped from persecution.
Best regards.
PROF.ANJUM JAMES PAUL
Chairman
Copy to:
Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad
Note: A Review on Textbooks and National Curriculum Recommended by the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan attached herewith (Pages 29).
--
Prof. Anjum James Paul
Chairman
Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association (PMTA) |
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International Day of Peace Observed in Pakistan by AWAM |
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Faisalabad: September 22, 2010. (PCP) On 20th September 2010, Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) organized a seminar to mark international day of peace on the theme “Peace Building in Pakistan: Prospects, Efforts and Challenges” in collaboration with Liaison for Enforcement of Human Rights (LEHR). More than 110 Muslim and Christian participants from different schools of thought joined the seminar held at John Joseph Hall in Faisalabad. The speakers of the seminar included; Naseem Anthony (Executive Secretary-AWAM), Shazia George (Coordinator-AWAM), Suneel Malik (Executive Secretary-Peace and Human Development-PHD), Father Khalid Rasheed Asi, Nazia Sardar, Mumtaz Kousar and Afsheen Patras.
Naseem Anthony said, “It is pertinent for peace building that non-violent ways like dialogue and reconciliation rather than violent ways must be adopted to deal with the conflicts in order to build a humane, just and peaceful society.”
Father Khalid Rasheed Asi said, “There will be no religious or sectarian clash in Pakistan if people practice their own faith and respect other faiths.”
Shazia George said, “Justice is the base for building peace in the society, and social justice can only create a balanced society therefore people’s access to justice should be ensured regardless of their social status.”
Suneel Malik said, “Conflicts only arise when people do not bear the viewpoint of others, therefore there is a need to establish atmosphere of peace and respect despite religious, sectarian and ethnic differences, because survival of humanity lies in tolerance, solidarity and harmony, not in war.”
Nazia Sardar said, “We need to promote the concepts of human rights, peace and inter-faith harmony among different communities for building positive and constructive society.”
The speakers called upon the government that appropriate measures should be adopted to stop target killings and extra judicial killings; concrete steps must be taken to control inflation and subsidies on food items must be provided for relief to the poor; all political parties should adopt policy of negotiation despite political differences in order to secure the democratic system in the country; discrimination in the laws and constitution against women and religious minorities should be removed and class division must be eliminated by ensuring equal human rights for citizens regardless of any discrimination; stern action must be taken to bring an end to provocation through loud speakers, ban extremist outfits and seize the hate mongering literature in order to build the culture of peace in Pakistan; curriculum must be made free from all kinds of discrimination, prejudice and hatred, and material based on peace, human rights, tolerance and harmony should be included in the syllabus in order to create sense of respect for all human beings among students. |
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Father of Shahbaz Bhatti Federal Minister For Minorities laid to rest. By: Jawad Mazhar |
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Khushpur, Pakistan: January 14, 2011. (PCP) Mr Jacob Bhatti father of Mr Shahbaz Bhatti Federal Minister for Minorities passed away in Islamabad on 11th Jan 2011 after a protracted illness.
Mr Jacob Bhatti had been ill for some time and was hospitalized in Islamabad where he was under going treatment; however the news of Governor Taseer’s assassination last Tuesday (4th Jan 2011) further deteriorated his condition, he slipped into a depression which led to cardiac arrest, he passed away exactly a week later at 9.34 PM on Tuesday night.
Mr. Jacob Bhatti was a bold and courageous man and was the main source of strength for his son Shahbaz Bhatti. It was his father’s continuous support and motivation that enabled and encouraged Shahbaz Bhatti to take on the most risky and precarious of situations.
Mr. Jacob Bhatti served in the Pakistan Army for sometime and later entered the field of education and served as a teacher for several years. He was the former President of the Kushpur Church Council.
His funeral will be held in his native village Kushpur on 13th Jan 2011 at 1.00PM and a Memorial Service will be held in Kushpur on Sunday 16th Jan 2011 at 1.00PM
Mr. Jacob leaves behind a grieving wife and a devastated family. May God grant them courage and patience to bear this irreparable loss.
May God grant Mr Jacob Bhatti a very special place in Heaven and may his soul rest in eternal peace – Amen. |
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Rally in support of Armed Forces by Ex-Servicemen |
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MANDI BAHAUDDIN: May 20, 2011. (By Gangly Khan) A large number of people including ex-servicemen, lawyers, traders,laborers peasants and relatives’ of military personnel and martyred personnel staged a rally in support of armed forces under arrangement Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society , Mandi Bahauddin.
The rally started from press club and after marching through Sadar Bazar ended at Sadar Gate. Participants in the rally were holding banners inscribed with slogans in support of Armed Forces, while the participants also chanted slogans against the American intelligence agency CIA for its secret operation at Abbotbad. They eulogized and paid tributes to sacrifices of soldiers, airmen and sailors in defense of the country.
Before dispersal, Sher Muhammad Gondal, Major Nasir Javed and senior veterans addressed the rally stressing that Armed Forces alone could not defend the country with out the support of people.
They cited the chasm betweem masses of (former) East Pakistan and the Armed Forces that resulted in sad division of the country; accusing that similar atmosphere was being created by enemies of the Country.
They said that Abbotabad episode was a scheme of enemy to tarnish image of armed forces and pit the people against them. " We will not let this happen. We stand in support of our brave soldiers. We will live and die together" they thundered
They also appealed to the people not to forget sacrifices of the forces in defense of Motherland and services during natural calamities. " Defaming Armed Forces amounts to desecration of blood of our Shaheeds. Our survival lies in our solidarity with the Armed Forces.
The traders welcomed and appreciated the rally march, and showered flowers petals on the rally besides garlanding the participants.
Traders Association’s president Asad Qureshi, Nazar Gondal advocate and Muddasar Iqbal advocate, paid tributes to soldiers for their sacrifices and showed their complete solidarity with the Armed Forces, stressing that Armed Forces were the last hope for Nation , warning to take over those who were tryng to degrade the Army in the eyes of public. |
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18 million Egyptian Coptic Christians not safe. Voice of Copts |
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Washington DC: October 7, 2011. (PCP) Voice of the Copts strongly condemns the barbaric attack by Muslims of the Marinab Coptic Church located in Edfo, Aswan, in Upper Egypt, which resulted in its complete destruction while the military stood by and watched.
Furthermore, we strongly condemn the brutal attack by military police of Copts protesting peacefully in front of the Maspiro TV and radio building. The current military's authorization of the attack clearly indicates that the Mubarak regime is still in place in Egypt. Mohamed Tantawy who served Mubarak for almost twenty years has compromised his current position as leader of the military council for the sake of Salafi and the Muslim Brotherhood in order to protect his own interests gained under Mubarak. This new Egyptian dictator continues the Mubarak era of treachery.
The entire world has seen how the Egyptian Nazi-style police force attacked Christians standing in the construction site of the Omranya Church late last year. Furthermore, recent information from the trial of El-Adly, former Internal Minister, shows the involvement of former Egyptian authorities in the attack of the Saints Church in Alexandria early this year when dozens of innocent people lost their lives leaving worship service. Instead of justice for those innocent victims we see the interim military council, in charge now for ten months, continue to carry out and condone the same terror activities.
The Egyptian military police stood by watching the attack against the Israeli Embassy as well as the Marinab Church in Upper Egypt without intervening. This same military aggressively perpetrated a separate attack against Copts protesting for equal rights in front of Maspero, firing live bullets into the crowd.
The interim military regime is lawless and detrimental to the well-being of citizens who are made to fear for their lives and work to protect their homes and families. The current situation for the Copts of Egypt is highly volatile and now, more than ever, demands the attention of the entire international community.
Voice of the Copts calls upon all nations and NGO's concerned with human rights to activate political channels and military power if need be to protect more than 18 million Copts from religious persecution in what seems to be a plan to cleanse the true Egyptians from Egypt. |
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One-third of tuberculosis (TB) cases go undetected: WHO |
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About 3 million people fail to access TB treatment under directly-observed treatment shortcourse (DOTS), according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Control Report 2009.
Dr Mario Raviglione, Director of Stop TB Department of WHO, said to this correspondent that "more than one-third of all TB cases are not detected under DOTS. Some of these un-notified cases are never diagnosed."
Either the poor access to TB services in some African settings or people accessing TB services in private settings in Asia contribute to these cases going un-notified. There is a clear thrust to scale up new TB case detection and successfully treating those diagnosed.
"There are probably many more TB-HIV co-infection cases than we had previously thought", adds Dr Raviglione. "In 2007, out of the total 9.3 million TB cases, 1.4 million are due to HIV" says Dr Raviglione.
According to the new report released on World TB Day (24 March 2009) at the 3rd Stop TB Partners' Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, out of 1.7 million TB deaths, half a million deaths are due to TB-HIV co-infection, which is double than the number of deaths attributed to TB-HIV co-infection last year (one out of four TB deaths is HIV-related, twice as many as previously recognized). This figure reflects an improvement in the quality of the country data, which are now more representative and available from more countries than in previous years.
The report reveals a sharp increase in HIV testing among people being treated for TB, especially in Africa. In 2004, just 4% of TB patients in the region were tested for HIV; in 2007 that number rose to 37%, with several countries testing more than 75% of TB patients for their HIV status.
Because of increased testing for HIV among TB patients, more people are getting appropriate treatment though the numbers still remain a small fraction of those in need. In 2007, 200,000 HIV-positive TB patients were enrolled on co-trimoxazole treatment to prevent opportunistic infections and 100,000 were on antiretroviral therapy.
There is a clear mandate to accelerate collaboration between TB and HIV programmes at all levels.
"The incidence of TB per capita continues to go down since 2004 however the decline is just one per cent per year which implies that we will not be able to eliminate TB for centuries" says Dr Raviglione. "We need to fully implement the Stop TB Strategy" stresses Dr Raviglione.
The WHO Global Tuberculosis Control Report 2009 confirms the notion that there might be more than half a million multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases every year. "54 countries have reported extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) to us" said Dr Raviglione.
Bobby Ramakant
(The author is a World Health Organization (WHO) Director General’s WNTD Awardee 2008, coordinates the global Stop-TB eForum Resource Team of HDN and writes extensively on health and development. Email: bobbyramakant@yahoo.com) |
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Somalia and Christian Martyrs Killed by Muslims: By Lee Jay Walker |
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In some parts of the world it can be very dangerous to convert from Islam to Christianity, or any other faith. Sometimes Christians are killed by radical Muslims or sometimes by the state which sanctions death or prison. Somalia, like some other Muslim majority nations, clearly does not believe in religious freedom and the small Christian population faces an uphill struggle to survive. Therefore, it is essential to remember these martyrs because organizations like Al Qaeda would like to spread this tyranny to every nation. So why is it so dangerous to convert to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, or any other religion, from Islam?
Firstly, it is essential to remember that religious freedom is denied to other faiths in other parts of the world. For example, religious freedom is severely restricted in Laos and Cambodia. However, religious restrictions in these two nations, and other similar type of nations, is based on political ideology and no single religion is favoured.
Yet when we focus on Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and other Muslim majority nations it is clear that religious freedom is denied because of Islam itself. These restrictions are multiple, and this applies to either radical Islamic organizations or because of state sanctioned Islamic Sharia Law.
For example in modern day Saudi Arabia the Islamic establishment will not allow one non-Muslim place of worship. Also, conversion from Islam is punishable by death and you are not openly allowed to read about Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, or any other non-Muslim faith in Saudi Arabia. These laws and restrictions in Saudi Arabia are based on the Koran, the Hadiths, and Islamic Sharia Law.
Even in more moderate nations like Egypt we see state sanctioned discrimination because the Coptic Christian community is treated unequally. This applies to the very basics of human life. For example a Coptic Christian male will suffer persecution if he wants to marry a Muslim female and in child custody cases involving a Muslim male or Christian female, the child or children will be given to the Muslim male. The reasons for this are simple, it is because Christians are deemed to be inferior to Muslims and this issue threatens all non-Muslims in Sharia Islamic based nations.
Turning back to Somalia it is now “open season” to kill Christian converts from Islam because radical Sunni Islam is on the march. Last year, for example, Sunni Muslim fanatics beheaded Mansuur Mohammed who was a Christian convert. He was beheaded in the most cruel and barbaric way and at the same time Muslims were celebrating by saying Allah Akbar (God is great).
You see, for rational people or people of compassion this act was barbaric and a crime against humanity. However, for the Muslims who did this they are following the Koran and the Hadiths and to these Islamic fanatics it is they who are following Islam to the full.
Therefore, Mansuur Mohammed had done nothing wrong in accordance to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, or any other religion. Yet in accordance with Islam, Mansuur Mohammed was an apostate and despite him caring for humanity, this meant nothing. Given this, Sunni Islamic fanatics held him down and beheaded him while they were praying to Allah.
The last moments of Mansuur Mohammed were full of pain and just like the followers of Osama Bin Laden, the brutal killers video taped this murder, just like so many people who have been killed by fanatics in Iraq. Therefore, just like the complete annihilation of Buddhism in Afghanistan in past history, these Islamic jihadists desire the same outcome.
Sahih Bukhari recorded the sayings of Mohammed and the Hadiths are very important to Muslims. In volume 4, Book 52, Number 260: Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn Abbas, who said, “Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, ‘Don’t punish (anybody) with Allah’s Punishment.’ No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, ‘IF SOMEBODY (a Muslim) DISCARDS HIS RELIGION, KILL HIM,’”
Therefore, in the eyes of many Muslims, not all, it is moral and right to kill converts from Islam and in nations like Saudi Arabia this is enshrined fully within the codified law of Islamic Sharia Law. Even moderate branches of Islam face persecution, for example the Alevi’s in Turkey and the Ahmadiyya in Pakistan are also victimized by conservative Islam.
Therefore, the martyrdom of Christians in Somalia continues and in recent times we have heard about the brutal killings of innocent Christians in Somalia. The list includes Mansuur Mohammed, David Abdulwahab Mohammed Ali, Prof. Da’ud Hassan Ali, Pastor Hussein Adan Ahmed, Faarah Ibraahim Adaaweh, Pastor Liibaan Ibraahim Hassan, Ahmadey Osman Nur, and Savid Ali Sheik Luqman Hussein.
Sadly the list will continue to grow and the aim of these Islamists is to turn Somalia into a one hundred percent Islamic nation. Not that this will help Somalia because just like in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the same Islamists will then desire to kill and persecute moderate Muslims or kill Muslim minorities, for example many Shia Muslims have been killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
I can hear both liberals and Islamic apologists complaining about this article and the implications of what is written. Yet you have one simple truth, and often the truth is very hard to find. However, if any Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or Sikh, went to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, or Somalia, and they openly tried to convert people then the consequences would be death.
The Christian martyrs of Somalia died because they loved humanity but all that is evil in humanity killed them because they want to crush religious freedom, liberty, justice, and all that is positive in this world. In modern day Iraq the minority Christian population is trying to survive massive persecution and violence because Islamists, just like in Somalia, desire to destroy and crush all minorities.
Therefore, the Christian martyrs of Somalia are a testimony of the evils of a religion which fears the freedom of religion and free thought. In modern day America and Japan where I reside, people have the freedom to follow any religion or no religion and Muslims are welcome in both nations. However, in modern day Saudi Arabia and Somalia, the sword of Islam is still being used against converts to Christianity, therefore, how much longer can the world remain silent? |
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MEP Jean Lambert and Rev. Kevin Logan to Join Pakistani Christian protest in London |
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England: November 30, 2009. (PCP) British Pakistani Christian Association have announced to hold protest procession against persecution of Christians in Pakistan. The marchers shall protest in front of Pakistan High Commission in London and 10 Downing Street to present memorandum to UK premier on December 19, 2009.
MEP Jean Lambert and Rev. Kevin Logan have assured Pakistani Christian community to join in rally and support oppressed Pakistani nation suffering in Islamic Republic of Pakistan will join us at our demonstration at 10 Downing Street on the 19th December.
Meanwhile Daily Telegraph reports that march on December 19, led by the British Pakistani Christian Association, is being supported by Reverend Kevin Logan, the former vicar at Christchurch in Accrington, in his Saturday Sermon column in the Lancashire Telegraph.
And Salim Mulla, the chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, condemned atrocities against ethnic minorities and backed the protest.
He said: “It is shocking and not acceptable because everybody has the basic human right to live peacefully whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian.
“And I will support any action that is taken against persecution.”
But Canon Chris Chivers, of Blackburn Cathedral, questioned the impact of marches on community relations in Britain.
He said: “There are other ways of addressing these problems like getting in touch with the church leaders in Pakistan and asking them what we can do to help.
“Marches tend to inflame tensions in our own communities and can become ideal propaganda material for parties like the BNP.” |
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KT organize Workshop on Social Change and Development of masses |
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LARKANA: March 7, 2010. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Khaksar Tehreek (KT) Larkana chapter organized one-day workshop on the social change and development of masses regarding the capability building throughout different technical skills modern training and national awareness about the social services here on Sunday.
The Workshop presided over by Khaksar Tehreek Quaid Dr. Sabiha Arshad Al-Mashraqi and other trainers and speakers among Rana Ajmal Khan, Aneela Soomro, Zahid Ali, Abdul Qadir Sodher, Muhammad Nazir Ahmed, Sarmad Mughal, Abdul Latif and others on the occasion.
Khaksar leader Dr. Sabiha said that there are numerous challenges in our country and specially youth facing hardships of economy, unemployment, lawlessness, price hike, terrorism. We need a leadership like our prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and on his footsteps to play our role in modern world for social change and revolution he said.
She also said that we offer a critique of existing conceptual frameworks for youth development, which we call the problem-driven and the possibility-driven approaches to resolve their matters because of youth are as second class citizens and barriers to fill democratic participation she said.
On the occasion, speakers of the workshop emphasized youth and masses to unite against all social evils and said the society need attention and development of education, added that the young people have a distinct capacity for facing life challenges and achieving positive development.
The people from different social and educational fields said that there is dire need of technical skills and know-how about the professional education among the youth of country.
The participants including civil society and NGO representatives spoke high about the law and order situation, human rights issues and several other matters by the social, political, NGO leaders, journalists, columnists, traders, professors on the occasion.
The workshop highlighted the capacity development of new generation with skillful and resource based trainings, participants stressed on the quality education and character building is the need of hour they said.
They said the training workshop would be an opportunity to develop skills and capacity development youth also, it is the learning process where the skills could develop and empowerment of society through a social change. |
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Pakistan Christian Congress to challenge blasphemy laws in Supreme Court of Pakistan |
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Karachi: June 16, 2010. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said that Christians in Pakistan not trust in promises of Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities that he will bring legislation to revise blasphemy law because he claimed it in 2009 also but failed to fulfill his commitment.
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC announced that Blasphemy laws shall be challenged in Supreme Court of Pakistan to pray for repeal of it because it is like sword on necks of millions of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan.
On pretext to blasphemy law, hundreds of homes have been destroyed, pastors gunned down, Churches vandalized and Christians burnt alive in Pakistan by Muslim mobs.
Nazir Bhatt said “we appreciate campaigns of signature petition by some International and National Christian organization to press upon government to repeal blasphemy law in Pakistan but we must keep in mind that Pakistan have very weak democracy without any moral standings that a simple petition shall force government to repeal controversial laws:
“The Blasphemy law was legislated on directives of Higher Courts in Pakistan and PCC believes that Judiciary can repeal it when its contrary to basic human rights guaranteed in constitution of Pakistan” added Nazir Bhatti
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC is awaiting for draft legislation of Minority Minister Shahbaz Bhatti to be presented in parliament as he recently claimed during his visit to EU.
“PCC do not want to make Shahbaz Bhatti run away from his promises this time because if PCC files petition in Supreme Court of Pakistan before his proposed draft resolution legislation in national assembly of Pakistan, he will make it an excuse that matter is in Supreme Court of Pakistan, so, he cant present repeal legislation“ clarified Dr. Nazir Bhatti
PCC legal time is regularly monitoring situation and ready to file lawsuit to repeal blasphemy law in Supreme Court of Pakistan on any convenient time.
Nazir Bhatti urged leaders of organizations who are campaigning for signature petition to repeal blasphemy law in Pakistan to join hands with Pakistan Christian Congress and become signatory in lawsuit. |
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Kashmir’s third straight summer threatens to unleash nuclear winter. By Robert Terpstra |
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Currently the world’s most intractable problem lies in what most correspondents call ‘war’s most beautiful paradise’. The description appears at first to be an oxymoron, unfortunately this is the state that is Kashmir.
Srinagar in summer. Muzaffarabad in mid-winter. Many visiting the region will vehemently argue that there are no two places like it. Kashmir’s aesthetics are an extrinsic beauty, some now claim, as the recent death toll in the disputed territory has reached triple figures. One hundred and seven civilians killed – zero casualties handicapping authorities.
Philosophical differences began in 1947 when Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan were partitioned, at last released from the yoke of British rule. Each country soon laid claim to Kashmir — China also retains partial rule over a northeast chunk — and war erupted in one form or the other.
After both countries on the sub-continent formally became nuclear powers in 1998, the then U.S. President Bill Clinton labelled it, “the world’s most dangerous place”. The statement seemed to be a prophecy as the Kargil War in 1999 befell the countries and nuclear warfare seemed imminent. Cooler heads prevailed, but tensions remained. In 2007 under Pervez Musharraf, a solution presented itself but then vanished. ‘All bets were off’ when a group of militants financed by Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba embarked from the port city of Karachi and landed in Mumbai. The date was Nov. 26, 2008, a worldwide audience captivated, 173 killed.
Fast forward to August 2010, the third straight summer that threatened to unleash nuclear winter. Protestors’ stone throwing was met with live fire, crowds of a dozen escalating into thousands, unhappy about India’s iron fist presence in the region. Most, teens who gathered strength through social networking sites, demanded a plebiscite and the end to merciless Indian occupation in an area the majority of which is Muslim.
Parents within the territory often cannot discourage their overzealous children from participating in demonstrations because a generation ago they walked in their shoes – a sign that the unsolved problem has bridged the gap between young and old.
“We need a complete revisit of what our policies in Kashmir have been,” Professor Amitabh Mattoo at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Kashmiri Hindu said in the Aug. 13 issue of The New York Times. “It is not about money … It is not about fair elections. It is about reaching out to a generation of Kashmiris who think India is a huge monster represented by bunkers and security forces.”
Finding a common ground surrounding a problem older than the Israel-Palestine question has plagued all involved. This includes government officials ranging from Manmohan Singh and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to Omar Abdullah. The region’s critics’ common response posits that Singh chirps empty rhetoric, the spiritual Mirwaiz lacks the wherewithal to accept responsibility and the politician Abdullah simply doesn’t possess the necessary credentials.
On Sept. 21, a peace delegation of Indian officials surveyed various sites within the powder keg – it would be a stretch to state they were welcomed with open arms. It is the latest effort from New Delhi to cease activity.
One window of opportunity that does seem to be open is that this current intifada, as some on the ground are labelling it, appears to not be state-sponsored. In the past Pakistani financiers fuelled the anger of the populace, with violence the natural result. And so if demonstrators and rioters can be quelled in the short term without the further escalation of casualties, a long term solution may be viable.
Often times over the course of history, and well documented scholarly, Ramadan has played a critical factor in fitna. Bread riots in Cairo, civil war strife in Beirut, demonstrations within Kashmir, and scores of other incidents appear to have their origins within the hungry, frustrated and deprived bellies of beleaguered Muslims. This does not excuse those involved and their actions, nor pave the way for their oppressors, it simply presents a hypothesis in which a physiological symptom metastasizes into spiritually-enraged venom.
What may be needed is a change in leadership, a tribunal into unprovoked, indiscriminate slaughter, transparency in state and local media, movement in and out of the country —flights are currently grounded while the Line of Control stands firm — the world needs to learn about and understand Kashmir.
‘Never again’ it was once suggested. Unfortunately this is the state that is Kashmir and token phrases just don’t suffice. |
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Egyptian Policeman Shouted 'Allahu Akbar' Before Shooting Six Christians |
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Cairo: January 14, 2011. (By Mary Abdelmassih AINA) Six Copts were shot by an off-duty policeman on a train between Assiut and Cairo on Tuesday. One Copt was killed and five remain in critical condition. The gunman, identified as Amer Ashour Abdel-Zaher, was on his way to work in Beni Mazar police station when he boarded the train at approximately 17.00 hours in the town of Samalout in Egypt's Minya province, roughly 260 km south of Cairo. He shot the six Copts after chanting "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Great) then attempted to flee but was apprehetnded by passengers.
Fathy Ghattas, a 71-year-old Coptic Christian, died immediately. His wife Emily Hanna underwent an operation to remove her left kidney and spleen. She is in intensive care. Another Coptic woman, Sabah Saniod, 54, underwent an operation on her liver. Three of the injured Copts, Marianne, Maggie and Ashraf, were flown by helicopter to Kasr-el-Aina teaching hospital in Cairo for further treatment.
The communique issued by the Egyptian interior Mministry said the gunman shot randomly at the train passengers, while according to the Egyptian newspaper al-Masry al-Youm the assailant had checked passengers for the green cross traditionally tattooed on the wrists of Coptic Christians in Egypt. After identifying several Copts, the gunman shot at them.
The Ministry of Interior later said that the assailant was "mentally unstable" and had been undergoing medical treatment for some time. The Governor of Minya denied any sectarian motives behind the incident and said that the assailant is unstable and shot indiscriminately at passengers.
The Coptic Diocese of Minya said that the perpetrator went up and down the train compartment before shooting at the Copts while chanting Islamic chants.
Dr.Naguib Ghabrial, head of the Egyptian Union of Human Rights Organizations, described the incident as a premeditated "sectarian" attack, aimed at the Copts, since they sat together and sang Christian hymns, and the assailant shouted Allahu Akbar three times before shooting.
Ghabrial criticized the Interior Ministry for downplaying the shooting as usual. "The gunman did not shoot at random, otherwise Muslims would have been wounded as well," Ghabrial told BBC Arabic TV. "This is one in the series of attacks aimed at Copts, before this there was the Alexandria Massacre."
"I am sorry that the Ministry hastily issued a statement that the assailant was mentally unstable." Said Ghabrial. " Would someone who is mentally unstable be issued with a weapon and ammunition, would he be able to differentiate between Copts and Muslims?" he said. "I am telling the Interior Minister do not under-estimate Coptic intelligence and do not undervalue Coptic blood, for Coptic blood is not cheap." He called once again for the minister to resign after all these Coptic Massacres.
Coptic activist Mariam Ragy reported that a clash took place between Muslim youth and more than 200 angry Coptic protesters who converged outside the Good Shepherd Hospital, which belongs to the Coptic Diocese of Samalout, where the wounded were brought. The police tried to disperse the Copts with tear gas, rubber bullets and stones. Several Copts were injured. (video showing security hurling stones and firing tear gas at Copts in front of hospital.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JXzpa0-Y7I&feature=player_embedded
Father Estephanos Shehata from Samalout Diocese said in an interview on Coptic channel Hope-Sat that witnesses told him the policeman called out Allahu Akbar and shot the Copts who were in the cabin. He confirmed the clashes between Copts and security forces outside the hospital. "Security fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd. Live ammunition was also fired but not by security, we do not know who fired them," he said.
On January 11, Egypt recalled its ambassador to the Vatican for consultation over comments made by Pope Benedict XVI following the bombing of the Christian Coptic church in Alexandria on New Year's Eve which killed 23 and injured more than 100. The Pope commented that the mass attack "offends God and all of humanity." He called on world leaders to protect Egypt's Copts.
Egyptian foreign ministry issued a statement saying "Egypt will not allow any non-Egyptian faction to interfere in its internal affairs under any pretext. The Coptic question is specifically an internal Egyptian affair."
Commenting on tonight's train shooting incident, Coptic activist Mark Ebeid said "What will the government now have to say to the international community? Will they still argue that the Coptic question is specifically an internal Egyptian affair when nearly every 10 days they are massacred?" |
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Pakistani High Commission London staff assaults a British Pakistani Christian leader |
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London: May 20, 2011. (PCP) There were news in social media that Pakistan High Commission in London is reluctant to issue visit visa to a British Pakistani Christian leader and his family but detailed news have been posted on Blog of British Pakistani Christian Association leader Wilson Choudhry;
Here under are horrified details in post when Christian leader narrates that how he was attacked by Security staff of Pakistan High Commission in London in the High Commission Mansion. He was locked in a room of PHC London and assaulted by the staff on intimation of High Commissioner.
Full text of Blog of BPCA:
Many of you are aware of the ban imposed on me via the UK High Commissioner for Pakistan, yet few know the full details. I chose to refrain from divulging the full incident details until I had safely seen the return of my wife and children to the UK. Many of you may query why?.. and I promise to reveal the full facts as we proceed with this posting.
The incident first started after my wife and I decided to take a trip back to Pakistan to see her family, she is Lahore born and had not returned for 2 years, due to the work I have been undertaking for the BPCA and the heightened threat in recent years. Prior to that we had been travelling to Pakistan annually.
Whilst completing her documents the first applications were rejected as the forms on the web were not current, these subsequently were re-completed with newer forms.
Wanting to be sure about the application process, my wife took the opportunity to approach some High Commission staff at a meeting with the Interior Minister, I had been invited to in my capacity as Chairman of the BPCA. They offered her assistance before submitting the application and confirmed a date and time for her to come to the High Commission in a few days time.
In the meanwhile I published my story about the exhibited insouciance to tackle minority concerns exhibited by the Interior Minister and must have ruffled some feathers, as when my wife arrived with me at the allotted time and date we were told no-one was around to help.
I was a little frustrated with this but the officers agreed another date and time for assistance to complete the forms. Lo and behold in error the Officers had scheduled the second meeting on "Pakistan Day" a National holiday at which they could not possibly help, as they were busy with eating halwa puree, cake and other niceties. We noted no Christians were present and I opted to write a story about the lack of minority representation and the lack of desire to hold a 1 minute silence to the recently lost Federal Minsiter Shahbaz Bhatti Shaheed.
If you thought my article on the Interior Minister pulled their nose out of joint you would have been shocked at the cold treatment I was getting from High Commission staff from here on. I have always stated that I am not out to make friends, nevertheless, I find it a real blessing when friends are created as a consequence of my work with the BPCA. First and foremost however, the BPCA has been created to raise a voice for the voiceless minorities of Pakistan.
Five ensuing trips to the High Commission drew little assistance and problems such as dual parent authorisation of our children's applications, a photo that was older than 6 months old and queues too long to allow service in time for that days Visa's actions prevented success. One particularly grating and shambolic delay was caused by a Visa officer confirming that we would be able to submit our eldest daughters Visa application without a full birth certificate(using the briefer copy), as long as we paid the full cost for a visa rather than applying for a discounted visa under the provisions set for Pakistani Passport holders (My wife's). After submitting the documents we were later told this could not be done. If it was not a defined process such a scheme should not have been offered. To me it seemed as if any possible hurdle was being erected to prevent my visa and my family would suffer as a consequence. Despite the fact that the application for my visa was correct and that two of my other children had fully complete applications by our 3rd visit, all visa applications were communally assessed?
On the 4th visit I held a snap protest after hearing that another brother was accused under Pakistan's controversial Blasphemy Law, this action seemed to grate the High Commission staff. We are legally obliged to hold any protest we want in this country, however, the police prefer prior notice as it prevents a breach of the peace - we need permission to use a megaphone. I chanted on my own whilst given verbal abuse by many Muslims who could not understand why I was so impassioned about Christian persecution when they were suffering attacks form Americans? I tried to explain that one wrong does not justify another and tried to explain that Pakistans Christians were not complicit in the actions of America - to no avail.
I had by now taken 5 days of work and was rather fatigued so I asked my wife to attend the last session to get the Visa's once we knew all was complete. The High Commission staff now decided to play their final card. They informed me that I would have to have an interview with Juliet in my presence confirming that my children were allowed to leave the country. I found this a rather contrived process as the people who were interviewing me were the same that had seen me with Juliet 5 times during the week? The General Secretary and an applications officer were well aware of my attendance and support for the VISA applications. They and other officers including the Communities Officer, had promised me that the application would be a smooth process and requested that I inform them if I had any problems on several occasions?
Disappointed and discombobulated as I was, I agreed to attend an interview with Juliet and the General Secretary. A time had been set for 12:00 and on our arrival at 11:30 I informed them of our arrival. We waited in a queue to be seen and at 13:30 they then advised me that the meeting had been moved to 15:00 without any apology or reason. I had programmed another meeting for that time and was fuming that more of my time was being squandered unnecessarily. They had been holding my passport and those belonging to my family for several days now. Moreover, information such as letters from the owners of property inviting us to attend, which they had requested and had caused delay to our applications, proved to be worthless and whimsical. My application had been fine from the outset and yet they had chosen to delay return of my documents with the appropriate visa approval.
I asked the lady at the counter for a reason for the additional delay, she stated that the decision had come from the High Commissioner. I suggested that I provide a letter of confirmation which could be left with my wife which the officer categorically refused. I did not want to waste another day at the High Commission so agreed to stay. At 14:30 I asked if they could check if Mr Zecharia would be on time for 15:00. she called his office and stated their would be no guarantee. By now I felt as if I was being played as a chump. I asked the counter server if I was being treated this way due the work I was undertaking for the BPCA. She just smiled back at me other officers were sniggering at this point. My applications had been discussed with a much wider number of visa staff than was usual -a multitude had been involved in the process for some unknown reason. We had been passed from pillar to post in a visible attempt to prolong the process.
At the end of my tether I shouted out stop persecuting me for being a Pakistani Christian. I just wanted my visa and I stormed out shouting how fortunate it was to be a British Pakistani Christian and promised not to stop fighting for the freedom of my brethren.
The Security officers outside the entrance to the High Commission accosted me and asked me what was wrong, as I explained one of them pushed me back into the foyer of the High Commission, whilst the other incessantly punched me to the face, which unbalanced me. I was dragged to a corner inside the High Commission and the heavy door was shut locking me in and causing a real dread. I prayed as I was being sprayed with punches and God gave me the strength to push the two security Officer's away. The officer dealing the blows, seemed to suddenly cower and I warned him that if he decided to use his fists again that I would retaliate - this was more bravado then any real threat. I am very slight of frame and have not had a fight since I was 11 years old or younger...
I took advantage of the "temporary stay of execution" and called the local police informing them that I was being held against my wishes and had been assaulted. In the meanwhile a diplomat came in telling me he too had call the police for an alleged assault on him (he was not even in the room), the lady from the counter also arrived by now and accused me of punching her in the eye, she showed a bruise that had been covered in make-up and was rather old looking (probably the result of the usual domestic bullying in families originating from Pakistan). Unless I was Green Lantern or Mr Fantastic I cannot perceive how I could have punched her through the reinforced glass counter screen, moreover she arrived at the scene of my attack well after the blows had terminated?
The police arrived my wife and I told my part of the story, the High Commission gave their side of the story. Two further High Commission employees gave their testimonies regarding the incident and I was bemused to hear that I was to be arrested under charges of assault. Much due to the large number of witnesses. My wife heard a private conversation between the diplomat and a colleague. What he said would translate as; "If he keeps on with this campaigning we will deal with him" I assumed these were words spoken in anger when my wife first informed me and were not a deeper threat to my very existence.
The police refused to place me in cuffs despite significant clamour from high commission staff. They had already decided that I was harmless and were not going to put me through the ignominy of such loss of freedom. Moreover, they informed me that they would pursue for CCTV footage for the incident in an attempt to prove my innocence or guilt as they could see the High Commission was well equipped.
I was put in a cell but was treated exceptionally well. Police provided me with a blanket and a newspaper and the cell was rather comfortable. I prayed for God's intervention and after 2 hours I was set free as the High Commission dropped charges, probably through lack of evidence due to a reluctance to provide the very video footage that would incriminate them. I did not immediately press charges as I wanted to drop the affair as I still wished to meet my in-laws in Pakistan.
The next day I met with the General Secretary for the High Commissioner Nafees Zecharia who informed me that my wife and children could go to Pakistan, however that I was to be banned indefinitely.
As upset as I was with this decision I did not press charges against the Security officer until a further 3 days and only when my back started paining and I felt my health had been compromised. I asked for these charges to be dropped after the ISI (Pakistan's Secret Police) visit to my wife at her parental home
The ISI interviewed my wife for two days, mainly focusing on me and my life here in the UK. Today an Imam and two ISI officer's have returned to her parents home and I have grave concerns for their safety.
I never envisaged that my work with the BPCA would have such ramifications and cannot believe the duplicity shown by the Pakistani government in interviewing my wife's father, an innocent man in his 60's, who has kept a life free of trouble. I ask for Christians to pray for a ceasing of the recent attempts at thwarting justice and a stopping of the intimidatory actions utilised by the ISI.
By Wilson Chowdhry |
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Pakistani Christians National Conference demands Elections not Selection on reserved Parliament seats |
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Sambrial, Sialkot: October 10, 2011. (PCP) The hundreds of delegates representing different Christian Social, Writers, Poets and Political organizations from all over Punjab in “National Christians Conference” adopted an unanimous Resolution demanding Election on reserved seats for religious minorities in National Assembly of Pakistan and five provincial assemblies of Pakistan, instead of existing Selection system.
The National Christians Conference called by Pakistan Christian Writers Guild was held in city of Samrial on October 8, 2011.
The Christian moot was presided over by Mr. J Salik, former federal minister of Population Planning, government of Pakistan; Nominee for Nobel Peace Prize and Convener World Minorities Alliance.
Mr. Rana Asif Mahood, Member Punjab Assembly and Mr. Sarfraz Khan, Chairman SMS, a Civil Society Activist were guest of honor in National Christians Conference.
The National Christians Conference rejected practicing electorate system in which Muslim political parties select minorities’ representation in Parliament of Pakistan on seats reserved for them.
The speakers of this venue said that existing electorate system for minorities has brutally violated Christian’s rights and termed it conspiracey against religious communities.
The National Christian Conference expressed grave concern on not awarding representation to minorities from Federal Capital area in Senate of Pakistan in 18th Amendment.
In his presidential address, Mr. J Salik said that announcement of four seats for Minorities in Senate of Pakistan are not proportional to our population and without any notification of allocation and distribution of four seats among different religious minorities is creating confusing.
J Salik demanded amendment in Peoples Representation Act of 1976, to clarify limitation on Minorities seats in National Assembly of Pakistan, Senate of Pakistan and Provincial Assemblies.
The National Christians Conference expressed reservations on member of national assembly who are legislating such laws oppose ideology of Quaid-e-Azam which is creating feeling of insecurity among millions of minority individuals.
Rana Asif Mahmood, Member Punjab Assembly, in his speech demanded Dual Voting rights for minorities.
J Salik had challenged Selection on reserved seats for minorities in Supreme Court of Pakistan before national general elections of 2002.
Mr. Salik in his speech said that after democracy in Pakistan, the act to endorse Ordinance of a dictator regarding Selection System in 18th Amendment is very surprising for him when decision was pending on his petition in Supreme Court of Pakistan to challenge Selection system.
Professor Yousuf Nayyer, Yousaf Naz, Javed Yadd, Tariq Tabassum, Charles Gill, Parvez Bazmi , Aftab Javed and Zehshan Joseph also address the gathering.
Mr. Javed Gull, Ajnum Parvez Gill, Tariq Tabassum, Dr. Tajumal Fiaaz, Babar Imtiaz, Nasir Javed, Zafar Khokhar and Fazal Khiali praised delegates who traveled from far flung areas of Punjab to participate in Conference. |
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“Saleebi Kalemat” by Fr. Francis Tanveer spreads light, fragrance of peace and moderation: Dr. Maqsood Jafri |
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I met Father Francis Tanveer in Rumi Center Brooklyn run by under the supervision of eminent poet and columnist Mr.Ashraf Mian. I found him a convicted person. He believes in religious harmony and Interfaith dialogue. I have read his poetry. His poetry is religious and social. He is a practicing Christian, preaching love, peace and cordiality. I have read his Urdu book "Saleebi Kalemat" which in English means The Words on Cross. In that book I found the Biblical message of Love and Peace.
The human history is drenched in the blood of humans in the name of God. It is very tragic that even today the hard liners of all faiths have made God the apple of discord. Father Francis Tanveer spreads the light and fragrance of peace and moderation. He is a good poet and a docile priest with facile pen and sweet tongue. His Urdu poetry is regularly published in Pakistan Weekly New York whose I happen to be the Chief Editor. Besides his spiritual and human mission his poetry is metrical and praise worthy.
Dr.Maqsood Jafri |
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Peace in South Asia relates to Resolution of Kashmir. Peoples League |
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Srinagar: July 28, 2009. (PCP) Executive Member APHC and Acting Chairman Jammu Kashmir Peoples League Mukhtar Waza in a statement said that it is now a well-accepted fact that the peace process in the sub-continent is irreversible. It may move in fits and starts, but the direction is clear. There can be no denying of the fact that during the last four years, political initiatives – local, domestic, bilateral and international – have all been moving in a positive direction, albeit at a slow pace. There are a few remarkable features about this peace process, which have a bearing on its sustainability, that were not in evidence in the earlier initiatives. There is no denying the fact that there are a lot of complexities in the JK issue with the intra-state relationship between Delhi and Srinagar and between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. These intra-state relationships are further compounded by the emergence of a host of political parties and it is only peace which can guarantee perpetual peace in whole of the sub-continent whose fruits are always sweet and beneficial, Waza said. He urged that without the intervention of civilized world the permanent, honorable and durable solution of Kashmir issue can not be choked out because present world is governed by open market economy with bizarre maxim in the race of the survival of fittest and urged the result oriented parleys with the sense of meaning in the ambit of tripartite nature because in the prevalent new world order one can not live in isolation. It is only the peaceful resolution of Kashmir which can ensure peace in south Asia otherwise people in the region are doomed to face nuclear cataclysm, Waza said. |
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Asif Zardari must fulfill dreams of martyred Benazir Bhutto. Naheed Khan |
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LARKANA: November 30, 2009. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Naheed Khan, the political secretary of martyred Benazir Bhutto, said on Monday that the President Aisf Ali Zardari and his government must fulfill the promise and dream of Benazir Bhutto about the 58 2-B and 17th amendment.
Addressing the 43rd Youm-e-Tassis (foundation day) by Pakistan Peoples Party, Naheed Khan said the Federal and Provincial Ministers must depend on workers and remain intact, not alone in the bunkers she said.
She expressed that all the party workers demands for immediate probe and wants to know about the killers of Benazir Bhutto, who snatched their leader and offered money or plan behind. She along with workers still waiting to identify and arrest those culprits, otherwise Naheed demanded if the probe into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto could not be reached at, all the workers will took to the streets and roads led by her she added.
Naheed Khan said the workers are depressed due to the inactive policies of government and current situation of Pakistan is not favorable due to the crises in Northern areas and other parts of country, added that the Pakistan Army in their own motherland busy in the operation against the terrorists she said.
She said the Party workers are unite but devided and confused by the present rulers policies, she appealed all the workers to protect the asset of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and her legacy. She said the workers should take steps of accountability and protect the vision of PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto could not bow herself before the dictator of the country and step ahead for true democracy in country; she said her struggle and sacrifice for the country will remain in the golden words, who devoted herself for the cause of democracy and now there is a political gape which could be fulfilled like her braveness and acknowledged world leader she said.
She said the PPP government Ministers are responsible to protect the ideology and vision of Benazir Bhutto, she sacrificed her life and the ultimate result of present government she said.
Senator Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi, on the occasion criticized the present PPP government policies, said the party workers has lost their identity and searching their files for their sacrifices, further added that the workers are confused and unhappy with party leaders and demands for real and true spirit in the Party leaders.
He said Benazir Bhutto legacy could not be fulfilled by only with government hollow slogans but their must be a true sense and actual ground struggle with letter and spirit, so we are protector of political asset of PPP he said.
Senator Safdar said there is a conspiracy and enemy elements for PPP and spreading the regional approach and nationalist, but the PPP struggle is a federal and democratic he said.
He said all the workers are united and demands after 43 years on this day that the party workers identity is in the crises that must be maintained and put together them in democratic rule he said.
On the occasion, MPA Haji Munwer Ali Abbasi, Advisor Chief Minister Sindh Ameen Mengal, Mazhar Ali Junejo and large number of party leaders and workers were present in the gathering |
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Pakistan: Sharia Act on non-Muslims is unconstitutional. Agnes Massey |
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Toronto, Canada: March 8, 2010. (PCP) Agnes Massey, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC Canadian Chapter said here today on International Day of Women that Pakistani Christian women are deprived of their equal rights and suffering under Sharia law.
Agnes Massey said “I predicted during General Elections of 1985, just after the Referendum of President General Zia ul Haq, who announced Hadood Ordinance through Maglis-e-shora. I protested from his stage that Chastity of Christian girls is not safe. President asked me what happened? I replied that due to Qanoon-e-Shahadat, if Muslim will abduct a lady from Minority communities and commit adultery, then evidence will be from Muslim side and not from non-Muslim’s side, which is very unjust. and burning point of the day. President asked me for representation, which I handed over to him immediately, who thanked me for quick response”
Moreover I pointed out to President Zial-Ul-Haq that Constituency for the National assembly is the whole country and for the Provincial Assembly is the whole province for minorities. It’s very difficult to reach to our voters. I further suggested that there should be a double vote system. President announced from Chitral ,that he is responsible for the chastity of ladies from the minority communities.
Then Sharia Bill was tabled in the National Assembly which was passed only by120 members while mandatory majority to pass a Bill should be 2/3 members.
So practice of Sharia Act on non Muslims is illegal and unconstitutional could be challenged and it's easy for present Government to exempt minorities from Sharia act and allow them to practice their own personal laws.
According to the Constitution of Pakistan, Minorities are free to practice their religion while according to the Holy scriptures Christians are not allowed to embrace laws of other religion. You advised me to send my picture of speech with this article which I already sent you last week. |
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GAWO to launch Child Education Project in Karachi on Independence Day of Pakistan. |
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Holland: June, 16, 2010, (By Pervaiz Iqbal) ) Good Angels World Organization (GAWO) Holland has finalized to inaugurate Child Education Project for working and non school going children in Karachi on independence day of Pakistan 2010.
Mr. Gulbaz Fazal, Vice President, GAWO talking to PCP explained, project is at final touches and confidently assured classes will be started from August 16, 2010.
Replying to a question about study material, Mr. Gulbaz said books and other study material has been selected after due consultation with the Education department and other relevant institutions to ensure latest and required standard of education to raise up our children and future of Pakistan and to equip them for all success in and outside Pakistan.
Procedure for selection of Teachers will strictly be followed keeping in mind the importance of Child Education as well as sufficient qualification, experience and professional skills said Mr. Gulbz Fazal.
Lastly Mr. Fazal showed his hope that circle of this project will be enhanced to the other cities of Pakistan. |
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UK: Anti-Islam EDL Group Viewed as “New Face of Europe” By Jeffrey Imm |
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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for all people. R.E.A.L. rejects hatred and rejects the activities of those who seek to promote hatred towards identity groups and specific religions. R.E.A.L. rejects calls for violence and violence, vandalism, and protests to disrupt freedom of religion by individuals at houses of worship.
At blogs this week, the British anti-Islam group, the English Defence League (EDL) involved in numerous violent protests against Muslims and mosques, was alternatively being viewed by a Hudson Institute writer A.Millar as “the new face of Europe” or compared to the American “Tea Party” by the Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) leader Pamela Geller.
Hudson Institute’s “A. Millar” believes that the EDL has the potential of “bringing the diverse groups of society together, in support of national tradition, liberty, and democracy — the movement might one day be the new face of Europe.” SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller has sought to promote the EDL, and she states on the American Thinker blog that “The EDL is routinely smeared in the British media, as the Tea Party activists are smeared in the U.S. media.” An SIOA supporter claims that there are efforts to create an EDL-like group in America. The SIOA invited EDL members to join their 9/11, 2010 protest against the Park Place Islamic Center in New York City.
They ignore that the EDL has been involved in violent protests across the United Kingdom against mosques in that country. The EDL’s history of violence and hate can’t be ignored, or merely dismissed as just a few troublemakers buying their “hoodies.” The repeated photographs of EDL protest violence and hatred have been captured by many in the media, including the right-wing Daily Mail, the Birmingham Mail, the AFP, the Guardian, and many others. I urge readers to look at such reports and ask themselves, “is this what we hope to see as the ‘new face of Europe’”?
The English Defence League (EDL) group has been repeatedly associated with violence against police, chanting vulgar and hateful remarks, and terrorizing the elderly with their violent protests. The EDL has been associated with violent protests in April 2010 tearing down police barricades, and again in July 2010 throwing bricks at police officers.
The EDL was once again involved in a violent protest on August 28, two weeks before they came to the 9/11 NYC protest. One of those planning to come to the NYC rally EDL leader Tommy Robinson was denied access to the United States by Homeland Security. One EDL member was even arrested for suspicion a terrorist plot against a UK mosque. The EDL violent hatemongering has been captured on video and can been seen on YouTube. Some EDL members proudly display swastikas and “Heil Hitler.” Some claim this is “leftist” media – the Daily Mail, the UK Sun, are hardly “leftist” media in their reports on the violence by the EDL. |
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Bosnia and the myths of peaceful Islam and the hidden Islamic jihad. Lee Jay Walker, The Modern Tokyo Times |
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The hidden “Islamic jihad” and dimensions of Bosnia have been ignored prior to the conflict, during the civil war in the early 1990s, and afterwards. This misrepresentation of reality meant that thousands of Islamists from all over the world were aided by so-called democratic powers and the role of the mass media and many leading academics served the ambitions of Al-Qa’ida and other outside powers. Therefore, what is the reality of Bosnia and why is it claimed that all communities resided in peace and tranquility?
According to many naïve Western commentators Bosnia was a tranquil reality where Muslims and Christians lived happily together for many centuries. Not only this, the Western rhetoric claimed that in modern times it was the Muslim leadership in Bosnia which was open-minded, democratic, modernist, and which desired to maintain a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
The truth could not have been further and Western commentators and academics are clearly glossing over reality because the Ottoman Empire was not based on enlightenment. On the contrary, the Islamization of Bosnia was paid by the blood of Christians and the slavery and forced conversions of young Christian boys who were forcibly converted to Islam via the barbaric devshirme system.
John R. Schindler stated in his book called Unholy Terror that “The most hated aspect of Ottoman rule in Bosnia, and the one whose memory lingers most sharply even today, was the practice of devshirme, the blood tax imposed on Christians. For three centuries beginning with the conquest of Bosnia, the Ottomans annually levied male children as tribute; every year, up to one-fifth of Christian boys in Bosnia – usually aged fourteen to twenty, but some were younger – were forcibly taken from their families in contingents of a thousand and shipped to the imperial court at Istanbul to become warrior-slaves in the janissaries, the Sultan’s elite guard. They were converted to Islam….” Page 23 – Unholy Terror
The Christians of Bosnia clearly faced pogroms, institutional discrimination, and a system which was brutal. If Christian men happened to fall in love with Muslim women then they faced the death penalty because it is forbidden in Islam, however, countless numbers of Christian women were taken by Muslims, just like in modern day Egypt and Pakistan, and the legal authorities deemed this permissible.
In fact the myth of peaceful Islam in Bosnia could not be further from the truth because conditions for Christians in Bosnia was especially brutal because the landed elites who were Muslim, ruled over their Christian subjects with disdain. The Western hype of multi-cultural Bosnia is just that and in the middle of the 19th century you had around one hundred mosques in Sarajevo but only one Orthodox Christian church.
Non-Muslims suffered the fate of being dhimmis and converts to Islam used their power in order to maintain a system which supported every indignity that you could imagine. It was a policy based on the “superior Muslims” against the “enslaved Christians” and if the Christians did not accept dhimmitude, paying heavy taxes via jizya, and allowing young Christian boys to be converted to Islam and taken away to Istanbul, then the Islamic sword awaited them.
World War Two also witnessed the mutual support of the Muslim elites with Nazi Germany and Orthodox Christians faced the brutality of many forces. This notably applies to the Croatian Catholic Ustasha regime which was genocidal towards the Serbian Orthodox Christians and it must be stated that Muslims participated fully within the military wing and police force of this brutal and barbaric regime. At the same time Muslims served under the Nazi regime of Germany and the 13th Volunteer Mountain Division of the Waffen-SS (Handschar) was famous for killing Orthodox Christians.
John R. Schindler states that “Despite strong local support, Himmler’s Bosnian division ultimately did little to help the Nazi cause or defend the Bosnian Muslims…….the 13th Division’s actual combat record was slight, while its depredations against unarmed Serbs were impressive; the Muslim troops spent more time killing and looting than actually fighting…….the 13th Division ended the war ingloriously, plagued by war crimes and desertion.” Page 36 – Unholy Terror
Again, it must be remembered that this Bosnia is the same Bosnia that Western journalists and academics claimed was peaceful and based on religious and ethnic toleration. It would appear that these journalists and academics deem the control of land in the hands of Muslims; converting Christian boys to Islam by the barbaric devshirme system; killing Christian males for marrying Muslim women; no rights under law during cases involving Christians and Muslims; a brutal jizya tax system; the mass inequality of the dhimmitude system; and the fact that Muslims joined forces with both the Ustasha fascist regime and the Nazi SS; somehow, all this in the eyes of Western academics and journalists meant ethnic and religious bliss.
If the same journalists and academics had vindicated Western European and Arab slavery of Africans in Africa then the mass media would have ridiculed such disgraceful notions of history. However, the same mantra was used in order to vindicate the Muslim side in Bosnia during the 1990s.
The communist interlude in Yugoslavia certainly contained Islamists in Bosnia but Muslim elites like Alija Izetbegovic were waiting in the wings and his pan-Islamic dreams for the Islamization of Bosnia and then further afield remained strong. However, when the conflict broke out in 1992 the media in the West remained silent about this and other future crimes by both Bosnian Islamists and international Islamic jihadists who glorified in beheading Orthodox Christians and spreading a new Islamic jihad.
The hidden “Islamic jihad” in Bosnia was covered up because this suited the needs of interested parties and it was not productive to show America, Alija Izetbegovic, Al-Qa’ida, the global jihadist network, and other nations, working hand in hand. Therefore, the “Muslim victim card” was played and the same applies to re-writing history. The Serbians, who had been the victims of Islamic jihad under the Ottomans and then suffered so brutally under the Ustasha/Nazi/Islamic collaboration during World War Two, were once more victims, just like they had been under the Habsburg Empire, because during the 1990s it is clear that the mass media sided with all anti-Serbian forces. This applies to supporting Croatia, the Muslims of Bosnia, and the Albanian Muslims of Kosovo.
In my article called Bosnia and Clinton’s Radical Islamists, I comment that “Sky News has obtained clear and proper evidence of a major cover-up and footages of massacres against Serbian Christians have been seen. According to the investigation and footages which were shown, it is abundantly clear that thousands of radical Islamists from all over the world were given a free-reign in Bosnia.”
“This free-reign meant that innocent Serbian Christians were to meet terrible and disturbing deaths at the hands of radical Islamists who celebrated openly while cutting the heads off innocent civilians. The same Islamic forces which unleashed September 11th and which stone people to death in order to create “year zero,” were welcomed openly by ex-President Clinton and by people within his administration.”
Vojin Joksimovich in his book called Kosovo is Serbia states that “Tudjman preferred Milosevic to Bosnian Muslims and their leader Alija Izetbegovic, whom he detested and described him as an Islamic fundamentalist with ambition to create an Islamic state in Europe. Needless to say, Washington and the Germans, as appeasers of radical Islam, did not allow Tudjman and Milosevic to proceed with their plan which would have avoided the war and associated sufferings.” Page 106 – Kosovo is Serbia
Vojin Joksimovich also states that “During the war in Bosnia, Milosevic supported every single peace proposal for termination of the war, starting with the Vance-Owen plan in 1993 in contrast to President Clinton who undermined four peace proposals and thus extended the bloody conflict in an attempt to deliver victory to the Bosnian Muslims. Milosevic fired Milan Babic, Republic of Serbian Krajina president, for rejecting the Vance Plan for autonomy of Krajina which Milosevic considered acceptable.” Page 107 – Kosovo is Serbia
However, for Muslim elites the Bosnian conflict provided an opportunity and Alija Izetbegovic who had ties with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and who openly admired Ayatollah Khomeini, saw an opening for Islam in Bosnia and his pan-Islamism meant that he ignored the Sunni-Shi divide.
Izetbegovic’s Islamic Declaration made it clear that he supported a pan-Islamic state which would include vast areas of land and link Europe with the Muslim world in the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and to nations like Indonesia. In his views “There can be no peace or harmony between the ‘Islamic religion’ and non-Islamic social and political institutions.”
However, despite Izetbegovic having links with the Muslim Brotherhood and obtaining support from Iran in the 1980s during the height of a Muslim crackdown against all forces of moderation in Iran, he somehow emerges under the wings of moderation during the Bosnian conflict. The leader of America, Bill Clinton, in the early 1990s was not concerned about Izetbegovic stating that “Islamic society without an Islamic government is incomplete and impotent.”
Before the war broke out in 1992 it is clear that the Muslim leader understood full well about which direction he wanted Bosnia to go. Izetbegovic visited Iran before the conflict erupted and asked for support. John R. Schindler comments that “Izetbegovic and his entourage, including his sons, were treated royally by the Iranians, the culmination of the Bosnian Islamists’ love affair with revolutionary Iran. They wanted Tehran’s help, and they received it. Izetbegovic asked Iranian leader Rafsanjani about the views of Iranian intelligence regarding the situation in Bosnia, regarding the risks of a war, and explicitly asked for Iranian “help” if hostilities broke out. The Bosnians were pleased when they were informed that they could count on Iran’s full support; they received blank checks…..” Page 54 – Unholy Terror
Therefore, we have a whitewash of past history and how the Serbian Orthodox Christians suffered during the Ottoman Empire. This applies to the brutality of the devshirme system, dhimmitude, pogroms, and the enslavement of Christians. The reality of history is being reduced in order to meet current political trends and this collective amnesia also applies to the Muslims supporting both Croatian fascists and the Nazi Party during World War Two.
Turning to events in the 1990s it is clear that Alija Izetbegovic had an Islamic vision for Bosnia and he also spoke about the need to support all Muslims throughout the former Yugoslavia. At the same time he was welcomed with open arms by Iran and he had links with the Muslim Brotherhood. However, this meant nothing to Bill Clinton and Al-Qa’ida was given a free-reign in Bosnia by America and other forces which had vested interests.
Vojin Joksimovich in his book called The Revenge of the Prophet highlights the role of Al-Qa’ida because he states that “Osama Bin Laden saw a great opportunity in Bosnia and established a base of operations in Europe against Al Qaeda’s true enemy, the U.S. The Afghan Jihad and the Gulf War combined to produce fertile ground for 9/11. However, Bosnia became the direct springboard for 9/11, the Madrid train bombings and probably London.” Page 298 – The Revenge of the Prophet
Just like the mass media and academics had falsified history they were now ignoring the reality of Bosnia. Islamic jihadists were given the “green light” alongside terrorist networks and thousands entered Bosnia with the complicity of the Bosnian Muslim government and agencies which were serving Bill Clinton. Therefore, the beheadings of Orthodox Christians were not shown on television, nor were images of thousands of Islamists who were killing in the name of Allah and of course the real underdogs were the Bosnian Serbs because they were fighting Bosnian Muslims, Croatians, Islamic jihadists, and covert military support and training from Western nations who were involved in murky dealings with nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and a host of other nations.
The Islamic agenda of Izetbegovic before the war was ignored and then during the war the mass media and academics, alongside political leaders, all developed collective amnesia. Memories of history remained strong but somehow the Orthodox Christians of Bosnia were meant to welcome their future “dhimmi” status if Izetbegovic’s dreams were to come true.
John R. Schindler states that “How the mujahidin, bin Laden’s holy warriors, came to Bosnia, were funded by corrupt Islamic financiers, and left their unfortunate mark on Europe is a tale of fanaticism, criminality, and violence that must be explained to understand the actual course of events in Bosnia during the war and after.” Page 147 – Unholy Terror
El-Mujahid fighters in Bosnia and other Islamists enjoyed torturing Christian captives and beheading them and then sending these images to the internet. Just like Islamists have done after capturing Americans and other nationals in Iraq and other parts of the world. However, for Bill Clinton and the Western media this did not concern them because they had to highlight the “Muslim victim card.” Yet the same Americans who were disgusted when Muslim jihadists did this to their nationals in Iraq did not know that their own American government tolerated this during the war in Bosnia.
In fact it is known that billions of dollars were sent to Bosnia in order to fund an Islamic jihad and Islamists entered Bosnia freely and with tacit support. John R. Schindler states that “Izetbegovic and SDA higher-ups mendaciously claimed to have no knowledge of el-Mujahid or any such units, a pleasant fraud that nobody in the West seemed interested in unmasking. Izetbegovic’s mid-November 1993 visit to the “el-jihad unit of the Army of Bosnia and Hercegovina” was reported by Sarajevo radio, including the president’s counsel to the holy warriors to “be merciless towards the enemy,” but none of the legion of Western journalists in the capital bothered to take note.” Page 167 – Unholy Terror
Izetbegovic stated that “He who rises against Islam will reap nothing but hate and resistance” and the Bosnian Orthodox Christians new full well that he was not interested in sharing power or a democratic nation which was based on pluralism. On the contrary Izetbegovic was warning the Christians to accept dhimmitude and Islamization. At the same time he welcomed support from the Muslim Brotherhood, international Islamists, Al-Qa’ida, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Islamic channels via Sudan and other nations.
Izetbegovic also stated that “….In perspective, there is but one way out in sight: creation and gathering of a new intelligence which thinks and feels along Islamic lines. This intelligence would then raise the flag of the Islamic order and together with the Muslim masses embark into action to implement this order…..”
Chris Deliso who is the author of The Coming Balkan Caliphate: the Threat of Radical Islam to Europe and the West , comments that“…the proliferation of foreign-funded fundamentalist groups has challenged the power and legitimacy of traditional Balkan Muslim communities in unprecedented and often violent ways. Well-funded groups like the Saudi-backed Wahabbis continue to exploit internal schisms within local communities…”
Chris Deliso also comments that “The direct relation between Bosnia as a localized jihad and Bosnia as a springboard for Islamist attacks in the West became felt almost immediately. Hundreds of foreign mujahedin, treated as heroes and presented with Bosnian passports after the war, were naturalized into the country, and were awarded their own enclaves ruled by Sharia law. Veterans of the Bosnian war who had seen it as just another in a series of jihad operations proved reluctant to settle down into rural ‘retirement,’ however. Failed terrorist attacks against the 1996 G-7 Summit in Lille, France and Los Angeles International Airport in December 1999 both involved veterans of Bosnia. Indeed, “five years before the sophisticated terrorist assault on the U.S.,” the Los Angeles Times would conclude in October of 2001, “the French were starting to uncover loosely linked violent networks spreading into several countries, all tied together by a common thread: Bosnia.”
“Most disturbingly, with the seminal attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York and Washington several individuals, including fundraisers, planners, and actual hijackers were associated with the Bosnian jihad. In addition, a tight-lipped CIA source also told the Washington Times on September 18, 2001 that there was a definite connection between the 9/11 plotters and Albania-based Islamic terrorists. Finally, a group of Albanian-American imams who had gleefully predicted the attacks the month before, and who had links with Kosovo Albanian organized crime structures, were briefly detained in Kosovo by UN police; however, they were inexplicably released. In November, 2007, it was revealed that some of the 9/11 hijackers had also been trained in Turkey, which despite being a secular Islamic state had also long been a two-way conveyor belt for international mujahedin and fundraisers active in both the Bosnian and Chechen jihads.”
It is clear that Muslim demographic factors will continue to alter the landscape of parts of the Balkans and alongside this will be major investments from Islamic nations which desire to spread and create Islamic states in Europe. Added to this are Islamic terrorist cells and individuals who were welcomed into Bosnia and Kosovo by local Muslim elites and by policy makers in Washington during the conflicts of Bosnia and Kosovo.
Policy makers in Washington now have a different agenda but more recent terrorist activity is evidence that the international Islamists have spread their ideology alongside Muslim elites in Bosnia who had an Islamic agenda. The “Muslim victim card” is still being used and this needs to be challenged because the conflict in Bosnia was complex and the Bosnian Serb leadership faced a “hidden Islamic war” and a “covert war,” whereby international players openly manipulated the situation on the ground.
Serge Trifkovic (Srdja Trifkovic) who is the author of The Sword of the Prophet states that “The American intervention in the Balkans – humanitarian bombings, multicultural Muslims, and all – was the Clinton team’s exercise in counter-realism. Its end result is the strengthening of an already aggressive Islamic base in the heart of Europe that will not go away.” Page 227 – The Sword of the Prophet
John R. Schindler states that “Although Sarajevo’s supporters went to great lengths to deny it, there was no avoiding the reality that after 9/11, as al-Qa’ida attacks multiplied across the world, a disturbing number of the terrorists involved had close ties to Bosnia and the holy war waged there. The dedicated cadres bin Laden had first nurtured in Afghanistan and brought to fruition in Bosnia were ready for the all-out confrontation with the “apostates” and “infidels” that al-Qa’ida had promised.” Page 296 – Unholy Terror
John R. Schindler continues by stating that “The role of the West in the fate of Bosnia cannot be underestimated. The willful blindness of Western elites, the dishonest and mendacious representations of Bosnia and its war presented by intellectuals, academics, entertainers and journalists, decisively influenced the course of the conflict, to the benefit of radical Islam.” Page 324 – Unholy Terror
The events of Bosnia and the role of Izetbegovic and radical Islam did not fit the Western agenda and for multi-cultural media outlets which desired to maintain the “Muslim victim card myth” it suited their quaint upbringings. Therefore, while the Serbians were being demonized the international Islamic brigade was slitting the throats of Orthodox Christians and they clearly had the blessing of Izetbegovic.
The ramifications of Bosnia continues and this applies to Islamic terrorist cells; Islamization funding projects by Bosnian Muslim elites alongside funding from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations; demographic factors; the “Muslim victim card” in order to radicalize Muslim youths; and other factors.
However, despite everything it appears that America is still intent on a unified Bosnia whereby a Christian majority will be ruled by Muslim elites. Maybe the leadership in America could point to a nation where non-Muslims welcomed being ruled by Muslims and what happened once they became ruled by Islamic Sharia law?
It is clear that the Bosnian Serbs cannot trust the international community because of past deeds and the ongoing reality of Kosovo where Orthodox Christians reside in fear and in the knowledge that many Orthodox Christian churches and monasteries have been destroyed.
The past reality of Islam in Bosnia means that you have no history of mutual co-existence because dhimmitude, jizya, pogroms, and the devshirme system was brutal. Therefore, you had a Muslim landed elite and an Orthodox Christian peasantry which was taxed heavily in order to maintain Islamic power and control.
Overall, the distortions of past history and events during the war is one of international shame because the media bias was not only extreme, it was dangerous. Therefore, Islamists within the Bosnian elites were given a power base and they increased their power base by blocking any compromise and allowing thousands of Islamists from all over the world to enter Bosnia.
Today global Islamists and the followers of Izetbegovic are still dreaming about an Islamic state and Saudi funding and other policies are intent on changing the Balkans. Islamists also hope to use the demographic factor in order to achieve this. Therefore, the Bosnian Serbs need either an independent nation state or to be allowed a referendum in order to join Serbia.
If not, the Serbs face another de-Orthodox Christianization reality and this factuality can be seen in modern day Kosovo where their culture, churches, and community is under constant threat. The rich history of Orthodox Christianity in Kosovo faces a bleak future and one of little hope. If the Bosnian Serbs continue to wait or are forced by the international community to accept Bosnian centralization then surely the same fate awaits them and this applies to Islamization |
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office report notes on plight of Pakistani Religious Minorities |
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London: May 20, 2011. (PCP) CLAAS has questioned the accuracy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s annual report on democracy and human rights which makes no mention of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and the plight of the country’s religious minorities.
The report dedicates 10 pages to Pakistan but says nothing of the enormous human rights abuses being carried out against Christians and other minorities as a direct consequence of the blasphemy laws.
CLAAS has raised its concerns in a submission to the FCO following the publication of the 2010 report.
In it, CLAAS UK Coordinator Nasir Saeed says: “I don’t see this report as being comprehensive unless a chapter is included about religious minorities, who are suffering because of their faith both at the society level and the government level because of discriminatory policies.”
Whilst the FCO report praises the Pakistani government for its ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture, Mr Saeed warns that these steps still fall short of convincing the international community of the commitment of President Zardari’s administration to the promotion of human rights.
“In profound contrast with these initiatives, the human rights situation in Pakistan has greatly deteriorated particularly for members of religious minorities,” he said.
Mr Saeed raises particular concern over the murders of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who was shot dead by his own bodyguard in January after voicing support for the release of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy last November; and for Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s Minorities Minister and outspoken campaigner for reform of the blasphemy laws who was shot dead by gunmen in March.
“Following the recent killing of Governor Salman Taseer and Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, questions need to be asked about the government’s ability and willingness to protect those who speak out against extremism,” he says.
The submission raises concern over the misuse of the blasphemy laws by extremists and serious weaknesses in Pakistan’s judicial system, namely corruption.
“Judges and lawyers are often intimidated resulting in shambolic trials falling short of Pakistan’s International Human Rights obligations,” says Mr Saeed.
The amendment or repeal of [the blasphemy laws] is an absolutely necessity for the survival of religious minorities in Pakistan.
“Yet the Government is paralysed by fears of Islamist street power from those who are against any changes to these laws.
“As a result it is unable to ensure protection for those who speak against the laws".
The submission ends with a challenge to the UK government to “recognise the plight and danger” faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and “open up its doors to all refugees who have nowhere else to go”. |
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Egyptian Army, Police Kill 35 Coptic Christian Protestors |
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Cairo: October 10, 2011. (AINA) For the second time in five days military and police forces forcibly dispersed Coptic protesters. 35 Copts were killed today and over 300 injured. The numbers could rise dramatically as many bodies are still unidentified and disfigured beyond recognition. The dead and injured have been transported to the Coptic Hospital in Cairo. Bodies of 4 Copts were found in buildings and taken to the public morgue, reported al-Ahram Daily.
There were discrepancies between reports from the official State-owned TV and independent TV stations. Al-Hayat confirmed that army armored vehicles went into Maspero "in a strange way" and ran over the protesters. A video clip of the armored vehicles running amok through the 150,000 protesters was shown on Al-Arabia TV. Egyptian State-run TV said that Coptic protesters killed 3 soldiers and injured 20. They gave no numbers for the fallen or injured Copts. They also said that the Copts had weapons. This was refuted by Coptic priests and activists. Nader Shoukry, Coptic activist and journalist, said "We only had wooden crosses."
"Today occurred a massacre of the Copts," said Coptic priest, Father Filopateer Gamil in a telephone conversation with CTV Coptic Channel. "I was an eyewitness to all what happened."
According to witnesses, the army forces were waiting for the Copic rally to arrive at Maspero, near the state television building. "They arranged a trap for us," said Father Filopateer. "As soon as we arrived they surrounded us and started shooting live ammunition randomly at us. Then the armored vehicles arrived and ran over protesters."
Father Filopateer said he saw army police and affiliated thugs torching police cars, to later blame it on the Copts. He believes that the assault on the Copt was preplanned.
Copts announced a few days ago that they would stage a rally to protest the torching of the church in the village of Elmarinab in Edfu, Aswan (AINA 10-1-2011), as well as the brutal attack on the Coptic rally in Maspiro on October 4 (AINA 10-9-2011). Rallies were to be staged in Cairo, Aswan, Minya, Beni-Suef, Assiut, Suez and Alexandria.
"When we announced this peaceful rally we made it understood that it will be from 5-8pm and no sit-in and no blocking of traffic," said Ihab Aziz, Coptic-American activist, who was one of the organizers.
Aziz said that the procession started today at the Christian populated district of Shubra and went to Maspero, in front of the TV building, on the river Nile. On their way, some Muslims fired live ammunition over their heads to terrorize them and some bricks were hurled at them. By the time they arrived to Maspero there were nearly 150,000 protesters. "The army and police were waiting for us about 200 meters away from the Maspero TV building," said Aziz. "They started firing at us before two army armored vehicles came at great speed and drove into the crowds, going backwards and forwards, mowing people under their wheels." He said he saw at least 20 dead Copts around him.
"The most horrible scene was when one of the vehicles ran over a Copt's head, causing his brain to explode and blood was all over the place," recalled Aziz. he held out his hand, showing two bullets in his palm. "We got a clear message today that we are no first class citizens."
The same description of events was confirmed by Nader Shoukry. He said that when the Copts were trapped by the army forces, some threw themselves in the Nile and some just fainted seeing other people being run-over in front of their eyes. Copts ran to hide in the neighboring buildings, but the police dragged them out and assaulted them.
Michael Munier, head of El Hayat (Life) Party, said that what happened to the Copts today was a massacre. He asked why do the authorities kill the Copts who were protesting peacefully for their rights, while at the same time when Salafists blocked the trains in Qena for 10 days protesting against a Copt being nominated for governor of Qena, no one touched them?
"People are being prosecuted, including former President Mubarak, in courts presently because they killed demonstrators on January 28. Now the military police is doing the same to the Copts," said Shoukry.
A curfew has been announced tonight in several Cairo streets. |
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Government begging for help after loosing war on terror. Mumtaz Ali Bhutto |
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LARKANA: March 27, 2009. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Chairman Sindh National Front Mumtaz Ali Bhutto has said that president rulers have displayed the immaturity to push the country into the foreign war and put the sovereignty and solidarity of the country at the stake. He expressed these notions in a statement issued here from Dahesar House Larkana on Thursday.
Ex- Governor and Chief Minister Sindh Mumtaz Ali Bhutto said now the Pakistan is begging for help from the International community after loosing war against terror in NWFP and Balouchistan, he further added that the rulers have inducted thousands of security guards for their personal protection, while they did not pay any heed to the security of the common men he said.
Mumtaz said the entire world has confessed the war against terror in Afghanistan and Iraq were being fought only against the Muslims by US and his allies. He said the rulers should realize the fact about the ground reality and immediately halt the war against own people of country.
He said that the security Incharge of Bilawal Zardari are those same people, who were the security Incharge of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he prayed that may Allah to protect Bilawal Zardari’s life he added.
Bhutto criticized to the Nisar Khuhro on comparing MQM Chief Altaf Hussain with his late leader and founder PPP Z. A Bhutto, he added that he is trying to pave the way of his entry into the MQM; after all he thinks that the ship of PPP is sinking now he said.
He allegedly said that the track record of MQM has been unrealistic in the development of nation, as they are responsible of the killings of hundred and thousand people of country he said.
___Two abducted were recovered and three culprits arrested with Kalashnikovs after brief encounter in the jurisdiction of Baqa pur Police station near Larkana on Thursday.
According to the press conference by SP investigation Masroor Jatoi told media men that Larkana police led by himself along with DSP Saddar and SHO Taluka and other police contingent conducted raids for two day in the Baqa pur area and cordoned off the surrounding village and hide outs, where the criminals had kept the kidnapees Mashooq Bosan and Saleem Gopang.
Masroor told that Saleem Gopang was recovered and one day before, while during the late night police encounter with dacoits, recovered abducted Mashooq Ali Bosan from the clutches of dacoits and police arrested three accused Shabir Gadhi, Javed Chandio, Sudheer along with Kalashnikov.
He further told media men that the search operation is continue for the more arrest of criminals and soon they will be brought to book he said.
Whereas, the First Women Bank Cashier was hypnotized and looted 150000 by two old age women after change of cash.
After the 15 call, market police reached First Women Bank and enquired about incident, police tried to trace women at vehicle but they managed to escape from the scene.
While, the manager First Women Bank told this scribe that three ladies arrived branch to change money, when the cashier counted the cash after a moment the cash was short, but the women were escaped she said.
__Provincial Minister Sindh for Women Development Tauqir Fatima Bhutto said that women has an important role in the economic development in country and our heartland is full of rich resources like agriculture sector, live stock and other opportunities for women. This she said while addressing as a chief guest on the occasion of “Certificate Award and Tool-Kit distribution Ceremony” among 186 Lady Live stock Workers of Larkana and Kamber-Shahdadkot here at Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Library.
She said there is 52 percent women population and the services of womenfolk are commendable in the different field, she said UNDP and other organization to educate women in different fields of trainings. She said it was the mission of their leader Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. She said Lady Workers can work together men shoulder by shoulder for the economic development of country.
Minister said that in the rural and far flung areas our ladies working hard, so that the UNDP and Engro foods to present their proposal to the government of Sindh for the empowerment of women sector.
She hoped that under the program lady workers will be provided training in each and every village of the province. She said that the present PPP government has formed the policy for the welfare of the women, in this regard the microfinance loan facilities may be provided in the remote areas, so that they can start their small business at their home.
On the occasion Director Engro foods Shamasddin, Coordinator Sajid Baloach, General Manager Saood Ahmed Pasha, Project Director Mohammed Ramzan Buriro, Manager Riaz Hussain Shaikh, Hussain Ali, Dr. Rukhsana Bughio Live stock sindh government and other civil society also spoke in the event.
They said that the objective of this project to enhance income and employment generation of rural women through livestock skills development, improved livelihoods and food security at the household and community level. They said through a public private partnership between UNDP and Engro foods initiative program for the development of economic condition of rural lady workers to train them in Live stock. They told that program is running in 9 districts of Sindh and 12 different projects are working in the country and aim of the projects/program to control the poverty in the remote areas of the country.
On the occasion UNDP, NPM Riaz Ahmed Shaikh told that the project’s mission is to create a cadre of female rural entrepreneurs who are economically empowered and serve their communities to effectively address the livestock management issues.
___Working Social Welfare Larkana organized free medical camp for the skin disease patients at Global School new Shaikh Zaid Colony Larkana here Thursday.
On the occasion senior registrar Chandka Medical College Dr. Muzafar Hussain Shaikh checked up about 500 ailing skin patients from different vicinities of Larkana and provided free of cost medicines.
Earlier, Executive Officer Social Welfare Larkana Ghazanfar Hussain Qadri inaugurated the free medical camp of skin diseases, while on the occasion Ghulam Asghar Mahesar, president working social welfare Association, Munwer Rind, Ghulam Hyder Khaskheli, Imtiaz Jokhio and others were present. |
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Pushing TRPs Up For The Girl Child: By Anjali Singh |
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Lucknow: July 28, 2009. She epitomises the plight of girl children in India to the neglected, rejected, abused and sold off like property, "Laali", the character that Ratan Rajput plays in the popular tele serial "Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi kijo", has become an instant hit with viewers all over . No prizes for guessing why.
In Lucknow recently to promote the Zee TV serial, ‘Lalliya’ as she is widely known now spoke to Citizen News Service (CNS) about her experience of playing a village lass who goes through the travails that are forced upon a girl child in India.
“When I used to hear these stories of girls being sold off in marriage and widely discriminated against in their families I thought they were just exaggerated versions of village tales. But when I was offered Laali’s character I was taken aback at what was being described in the serial. I instantly called my mother in Patna in Bihar and asked her "kya aisa ladkiyon ke saath hota hai gaon mein" (does this happen to girls in the villages), and she said yes. That made me even more keen to do the serial so that we can tell people about it and motivate a change,” says the petite Ratan Rajput.
Recalling her shooting days in the villages she describes how the life of a normal village girl is vividly portrayed in the serial.
“I thought I would be able to act out a village lass quite well. But that was not so, every minute that I observed the girls there I learnt something new about them. The way they walked, spoke and even the way they played with their hair and scratched it was very different from what we see in the city. I tried to incorporate it all in my character,” she adds.
But did she expect it would be so difficult?
“More than difficult I would say that it was quite challenging. To put life into the Laali’s character feel exactly what she feels and get the audience to identify with the shock and pain that she as a young child goes through. Laali has changed me completely, she has made me more sensible. The life that I lived for two months in the villages roaming the gallis barefoot and actually trying to reflect the true picture of the life that a girl child lives was extremely challenging,” says the actor.
Nevertheless playing the character has been immensely satisfying for her she says, being a small town girl herself. “It’s sad that today women are women’s biggest enemy. Most of the atrocities that girls are made to go through are by women themselves. I understand that a woman has to fight for place in a man’s world. 'Magar purusho se hum apna haq tabhi mang sakte hai jab hum auratein ek jut ho' (we can only ask for our rights in a world dominated by men if we women are standing together and united)" she believes.
Food for thought though it may be to ask Ratan what does she feel needs to be addressed at once by the government to improve the life of a girl in this country? And pat comes the reply, “Education for the girl child is must. Wherever I went in the villages it struck me how much a girl wants to study but is not allowed to or has financial constraints which prevents her from going to school. So I feel that the government should do as much as much as possible to help educate them.”
While that may be a quite an expected response from the nation’s darling "gaon ki beti" (girl child of villages), steer the conversation towards a personal note and the response is just as stoic. Even when quizzed about Ajay Balara who, if the grape vine is to be believed is much more than her co-star. Ask her was that true and she surprises you with,"Ajay and me are like Tom and Jerry. We just go mad on the sets and like to pull each other’s leg. But beyond that there is nothing else going on.”
Hmmm! If you say so Lalliya.
And what are her plans for marriage? “Well marriage is definitely a part of the plan but I need to find the right guy first. More than anything else he must be a very nice guy at heart.”
So what’s her take on "Rakhi Ka Swayamwar"? “I Have not watched the show and I don’t plan to have a 'swayamwar' though,” she laughs.
We hope not too Laali!
(The author is a Special Correspondent to Citizen News Service (CNS) and also the Director of Saaksham Foundation. Email: anjali@citizen-news.org) |
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PFP demand release of four citizens in Pakistani Kashmir |
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Muzaffarabad: December 02, 2009: (PCP) The human rights organization Press for Peace (PFP) has called upon the Supreme Court to take notice of arrest of four innocent young Kashmiris in Pakistan controlled Kashmir allegedly kidnapped by state agencies.
“The PFP is concern on illegal detention of four Kashmiri citizens by state agencies from capital of Pakistan Administrated Kashmir. The chief justice of the highest court of the region must take action of such kind of violation of basic rights in order to protect the citizens”, the PFP said in a statement issued for the media here on Wednesday.
According to the details released by human rights group PFP, four persons Faizan Butt, Shahid Qayum, Ali Rathore and Shafiq Butt and were kidnapped by staff of security agencies in Muzaffarabad on gunpoint on November 21, 2009 and since that the related families of the abductees have no information about their whereabouts.
The Family members of abducted persons allege that these young men were arrested by the security agencies. They claim that the police have refused to lodge FIR regarding the incident.
Condemning the incident PFP said that this happening is an open attack on human rights and civil liberties.
“The concerned authorities must release the citizens without any delay and responsible must be brought to the justice”, it said.
“The Government of Pakistan is claiming the reconciliation on Baluchistan issue, on the other hand, its agencies are repeating the similar tactics in Pakistan controlled Kashmir to suppress and harass the public,” the statement further said.
The PFP demanded that the judiciary must take notice of such kind of occurrences where blameless people have illegally been detained by the state organs. |
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Sindh Ministers inaugurate Art and Science Exhibition |
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LARKANA: March 8, 2010. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Senior Minister for Education and Literacy Department Sindh Pir Mazhar-u-Haq along with Provincial Law Minister Mohammed Ayaz Soomro inaugurated Art and Science Exhibition at Government Girls Degree College and B. Ed, M. Ed classes at College of Education, while announced Muhtarma Shaheed Benzir Bhutto Elementary College/School Larkana regular classes here on Monday.
Provincial Minister for Education and Literacy said that he has fulfilled the promise of Benazir Bhutto to re-open 15000 non functional and closed ghost schools in Sindh. He said the deteriorating condition education in Sindh Schools is a slap on our society, while there is much difference in education system and they were not producing such results as compared to the other provinces including Punjab, NWFP he said.
He also observed corruption in the School Management Funds and declining situation of education and most of the teachers were not competent in their ranks, but they were politically recruited in past government or for drawing their salaries at home he said.
He confirmed that 60 to 80 percent merit recruitment was made during the recruitment of teachers in Sindh and the teachers training with quality and skill development is the objective of this government, he said the lack of training of school teachers and due to the deteriorating condition of education, the present government has decided to impart quality of education with trainings and trends of new concepts and good education to the teachers.
Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq said that the media and civil society should eye on the funds utilization and monitor schools activities all over Sindh and the Registration offices of private schools in Larkana and Sukkur will be opened very soon, while the scholarships by the SIDA will be offered those brilliant students who will secure 80 percent attendance in the schools of Sindh.
He said for the development of quality education in Sindh the salaries and scale revised as per new education policy and in this regard the directions have been recieved by the President Asif Ali Zardari to promote education in Sindh districts he said.
On the occasion, Law Minister Mohammed Ayaz Soomro said that the people should take step to the future and realize the experiences of past, he said political victimization discontinued the institutions like the classes of B. Ed and M. Ed were shifted to Sukkur and further started by the PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto. He said once the dream of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto once has been fulfilled and the male and female of Larkana will get their basic right of education from this institution regularly.
He said the present PPP government has given more than 50 thousand jobs to the people of Sindh and the data has been computerized according to the talent, while due to the modern edge the workers is connected with their Ministers by SMS their pending matters resolved easily he said.
DCO and Administrator Larkana Syed Hassan said the quality education for our future is a must to impart modern, technical and stardard education, in this way the Paksitan can develop with high quality education and institutional capacity in country. He said the opening of B. Ed and M. Ed classes is a first step towards the education and prosperity of country.
On the occasion, EDO Education Syed Rasool Bux Shah, Bureu of Curriculium Abdul Latif Siddiqi, PPP Vice President Larkana district Khair Mohammed Shaikh, Principal Elementray College Abdul Rasool Chandio, Principal Government Girls College Shabroz Sandeelo and others were spoke on the occasion. |
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Kalabagh Dam: By Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd) |
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The controversy regarding the construction of Kalabagh dam has been raging on since Zia ul Haq’s period and all successive governments have failed to resolve the issue. ANP fears that the reservoir lake will submerge most of the land in the KPK province including the city of Nowshera, and the Sindhis apprehend that as lower riparian they will be deprived of their due share of water from the river Indus. Both provinces think that only Punjab will stand to gain from it. The project is neither fully abandoned nor looks to be resumed in the near future and this state of uncertainty has cost the nation heavily both in terms of time lost and the money spent on it so far. A simple technical matter has been un-necessarily turned in to a political issue. I think the politicians are not the right people to decide such technical matters and it should be left purely to the professionals and technical experts to do it. As a first step, therefore, let their be a series of open debates/discussions on TV between the panels of experts, the exponents and the opponents so that the entire nation becomes aware of its details thoroughly. I am sure it will help a great deal in forming a general opinion of the masses for or against it, who will then prevail upon their representatives to take the correct and agreed decision. Unfortunately, I don’t know how our politicians think that parliament can take a decision about any matter whether it falls within its purview or not. A case in point - Parliament declaring Qadiyanis as non-Muslims. A matter entirely religious that cannot and should not be decided by the count of vote. It was a matter purely for the religious scholars – I mean real scholars – to decide.
Let, therefore, the nation decide to have or not to have Kalabagh dam. |
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Obama’s Wars in the hands of Afghan Counterterrorism Pursuit Teams. By Robert Terpstra |
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“We need to make clear to people that the cancer is in Pakistan.” – U.S. President Barack Obama, in Obama’s Wars
Sanjeev Miglani reported in Reuters on Sept. 23 of just how intricate the war within the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan really is. This observation comes on the heels of reporter-cum-demigod Bob Woodward’s book, Obama’s Wars.
Woodward, a reporter for The Washington Post, is infamous for exposing the Watergate scandal with fellow colleague Carl Bernstein. Watergate led to the impeachment and resignation of the then U.S. President Richard Nixon.
In Woodward’s latest book, the author’s usual ‘fly on the wall’ presence is evident, detailing infighting among senior officials of the administration, however more alarming is the actual gravity and importance of the discussions.
What is certain is that the U.S. is supporting or operating under the purview of an other government agency (OGA), and in military terms, this usually refers to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Granted, the U.S. and its units are officially prohibited by Islamabad from operating over the border in Pakistan. However, the book elucidates an OGA that is financing various warlords’ highly skilled and handsomely compensated foot soldiers via proxy to carry out a more sophisticated mode of operations than previously thought in Pakistan.
This information was largely disclosed in late July after WikiLeaks posted 76,000 classified U.S. military field reports on its website using various decryption methods. The reports reveal the secret war being conducted by Afghanistan’s 3,000 member Counterterrorism Pursuit Teams as instrumental. The Post paints a picture of the operations as, “a nerve centre in the covert war against the Taliban and al-Qaeda”.
The OGA’s efforts, now operating on a vast scale, have included calculated assassinations of high-threat, midlevel insurgents, execution of unmanned drone attacks – a number now totalling over 70, and while in the combat zone, the collection of sensitive intelligence materiel. Absent is the long held belief that the U.S. conducted raids by way of Special Operations (SO) forces or conventional means. A further revelation illustrates that the Afghan OGA’s paramilitary wing, also known as the Special Activities Division, has been operating since 2001, at the onset of the invasion and ground assault in Afghanistan.
The Afghan OGA has metamorphosed into a finely tuned killing machine, expanding its operations within the country and providing much needed support for SO forces.
As Woodward claims, everyone in the Obama administration, from the president down, weighed in on the OGA’s importance and understandably, with differing opinions. However, it was the president himself who initiated a directive for a proxy that would eliminate the lethality of the threats from al Qaeda. Obama deduced that the path to success simply could not be traversed without arresting the development of a force running rampant within the tribal areas of Pakistan.
On Sept. 23, The New York Times’ review of Obama’s Wars emphasized that the president, in addition to the war’s 2009 Strategy Review hoped to, “deny safe haven to al Qaeda”, “degrade the Taliban insurgency”, “[build] sufficient Afghan capacity to secure and govern their country”, while understanding that, “this approach is not fully resourced counterinsurgency or nation building, but a narrower approach”.
The president’s modus operandi contrasts what the Reuters wire story poignantly points out: That financing shoots of the Afghan OGA increases the intrinsic importance of acting warlords and their militias. Therefore, for the U.S. it becomes a slippery slope, backing the very players it once hoped to squeeze out of a resolution formula. In trying to rescue Pakistan from becoming a failed state and sustaining the infrastructure of Afghanistan, arms support is being siphoned from Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Khost and Paktika, provinces that border Pakistan.
From the major news sources’ perspectives to the WikiLeaks-made public reports, it appears that Obama’s Wars and its cancerous, rapidly growing intricacies have only just begun. |
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Two Christian women forced donkey ride with blackened faces and shoe garlands on blasphemy accusation |
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Lahore, Pakistan: January 15, 2011. (PCP) Angry Muslim mob attacked two Christian women and beaten them unconscious when a Muslim woman on an argument accused them of defiling name of Prophet Mohammad. The angry Muslims collected old shoes and made garland of it while Muslim women brought Iron plates “Tawas” on which they cook bread and then Insult to humanity began when garland of shoes were put in necks and faces were blackened with “Tawa Carbon” of Christian women. The Muslim brought donkey and forced these two Christian women to ride and rounded them in the area.
It is not any village of Punjab province of Pakistan but its capital city Lahore where police station is not far away but non approached to stop humiliation to these Two Christian women.
On the same day, an agitation of Islamic parties was being held when leaders of Jamaat Islami, Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam JUI(F) Jamaat-ul-Dawa, Sunni Tehreek, JUP, Tehreek Khatam-e-Nabuwat and Tehreek Namoos-e-Risalat were cursing Pope Benedicts on his comments to repeal blasphemy law.
It was also same day when President Obama in a meeting with President Zardari was discussing terrorism and blasphemy law in Washington DC.
According to PCP sources, two Christian women were rescued by a Civil Society activist and they left their homes with families and went into hiding for safety of their life.
PCP is waiting for more details of incident and trying to interview victim women. |
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Pakistani Christian condemn assault on Wilson Chowdhry in Pakistan High Commission in London |
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Karachi: May 20, 2011. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have strongly condemned attack of Pakistan High Commission staff on Wilson Chowdhry, leader of British Pakistani Christian Association, in premises of Commission building when he was called for presentation to seek visa to visit Pakistan for his wife which was facing delaying tactics in Counsel Section.
Mr. Chowdhry was struggling for weeks to seek visa for her wife who intended to meet her family in Pakistan but Pakistan High Commission was reluctant to issue visa on campaign of her husband Wilson Chowdhry against blasphemy law in Pakistan
According to information revealed to Pakistan Christian Post, the Pakistan High Commission security gourds who were Pakistani nationals assaulted Mr. Wilson Chowdhry and punched him down on raising voice against delay in visa to her wife and children after weeks of appointments. The Security guards locked Mr. Chowdhry in a room of Pakistan High Commission and tortured him. Instead of brutal attack on Mr. Wilson, the High Commission officials alleged Mr. Wilson to assault visa section lady officer and called London police to arrest him.
The assault case was later dropped by Pakistan High Commission when Mr. Wilson urged London Police to seek CCTV evidence to prove High Commission allegations.
Dr. Bhatti said “Its shameful for High Commissioner of Pakistan High Commission in London on such treatment with a Christian leader who is from Pakistani origin and struggling for equal right of Pakistani Christians”
“Wajid Shamslu Hassan must tender apology to Mr. Wilson Chowdhry on inhuman behavior of Pakistan High Commission, unless Pakistan Christian Congress PCC will campaign with British government and Commonwealth to declare him as racist person and expel from UK” added Dr. Bhatti
Nazir Bhatti said that Pakistani Missions in Europe and North America have engaged some tools from Pakistani Christian Diasporas as agents to spy on Pakistani Christian movements in Western countries which raise voice for equal rights of Pakistani Christians and have set policy to deny renewals of their passports and issuance of visas to their families to visit Pakistan.
Dr. Bhatti also condemned harassment of wife of Mr. Chowdhry by ISI agents in Pakistan and invited attention of International community on this incident which have created feared among Pakistani Christian Diaspora on visiting Pakistan to their families. |
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KT organizes one-day workshop on Social Cange |
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LARKANA: October 10, 2011. (By Nazir Siyal) Khaksar Tehreek Larkana Chapter organized one-day workshop tattled on “Social Change and Character Development in Society” for the large number of youth of district here at Provincial office KT on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Central Deputy Secretary General Khaksar Terhreek Pakistan Zaighum Al-Mashriqi said that the increasing illnesses and unrest in society have been developed due to the negative attitude and collective behaviors change. There is need to pick up Islamic Education, where the need of tolerance and brotherhood among all the humanity he said.
He opined that the youth could play their role in business, social life, school and college activities and various routines, there is dire need of technical training and skill and character building in these workshops.
Zaighum said the educated youth are the asset of Nation and Khaksar Tehreek can mobilize the communities for social change and charachter development of the masses, which is need of hour he said. Khaksar movement will prepare all Muslims in the most ordered way by inculcating in them religious zeal and military discipline, so that the every youth of the nation to come forward and take this responsibility to launch this campaign for social change and character development by a basic fundamental objective of organization he said.
He said the way we can struggle and serve our nation and vowed that all issues and society illnesses can be dealt through skill, technical trainings and capability building of masses in each and every nook & corner.
In order to draw attention to politicians and civil society representatives that the Khaksar terheek guarantee of discipline and austere way of life only through training of nation as well introduction and implementation of educated poor and middle enlightened class representation in the Assemblies he said.
He said there are numerous challenges of inflation, soaring commodity prices, law and order situation, unemployment and various issues can only resolve through character building in each Muhalla, area, village and cities around the country he said.
He said US and his allies in Muslim countries have been committed criminal activities and Human rights violation killed millions of human in Iraq, Afghanistan and now invading in Pakistan but he will face difficulty as Russian faced defeat. |
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ICOS Welcomes President Obama’s Sustained Development Approach to Afghanistan |
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LONDON: March 27, 2009. (PCP) The International Council on Security and Development (ICOS) today welcomed President Obama’s revised strategy for Afghanistan. The announced shift from the ‘bullets and bombs’ approach of his predecessor to one of sustained development is desperately needed. ICOS field research in southern Afghanistan over the past five years has documented the devastating impact of the previous strategy.
“We hope that this increased focus upon training ANA and ANP forces, and the placement of more civilian developmental experts on-the-ground, will see a reduction in the devastating kinetic operations that have come to characterise the military effort,” said Paul Burton, Director of Policy at ICOS. “Should this new focus not be pursued vigorously, then the hearts and minds of ordinary Afghans will be lost for a generation.”
Although President Obama’s new strategy outlined the broad goal of ending the country’s reliance upon the illicit opium economy, the announcement was short on detail regarding how this will happen.
“It is crucial that President Obama breaks from the same failed counter-narcotics policies of the past, which, if continued, will prove catastrophic to both the Afghan people and the coalition troops serving there,” said Burton.
“President Obama can send out an immediate message that he is serious about undermining the opium economy by calling for the establishment of a Poppy for Medicine pilot project”, said Burton. “This project – which converts Afghan opium into morphine - will offer Afghan farming communities a licit income and cut off a key source of revenue for the insurgents.”
"We urge the administration to undertake a wholesale review of opium policy in Afghanistan,” said Burton.
President Obama’s repeated call for an international approach to Afghanistan is welcome, says Burton, but “must be heeded by European NATO allies, many of whom are yet to pull their weight in Afghanistan.”
ICOS has proposed a Poppy for Medicine licensing initiative which calls for pilot projects that would allow Afghan farmers to cultivate poppies for the production of morphine. This would address the global shortage of painkillers in the developing world and help diversify the economy of Afghanistan's rural communities. Afghanistan’s poppy fields now provide 93% of the world’s heroin, which continues to fund the growing Taliban insurgency. |
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“Life For All” announces to observe “Black Day” on August 11, in Pakistan |
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Lahore: July 29, 2009. (PCP) The Christian leaders of “Life for All” welcomed release of Joseph Francis and declared him an asset of Pakistani Christian here today in a press conference on July 28, 2009.
Mr. Rizwan Paul, President of Life For All said that we appreciate efforts of Christian leaders who worked and dialogued day and night for release of Mr. Joseph Francis.
Mr. Paul also praised the services rendered by Joseph Francis from 20 years for uplift and Christians and to ensure justice for persecuted Christians.
A delegation of Life for All also visited Mr. Joseph Francis when he was sent to judicial custody after cancellation of his bail from Lahore High Court on July 12, 2009.
Mr. Rizwan Paul also announced to join other groups in Lahore and Islamabad to observe “Black Day” on July 11, 2009.
The “Life for All” leaders also condemned attack on Mr. William, Coordinator of Islamabad PCC in Rawalpindi and demanded actions culprits.
Mr. Rizwan Paul, President of Christian human right organization based in Lahore, named “Life For All” was addressing press conference along with Mr. Kashif Mazhar, General Secretary, Amer Anwar and other directors to express solidarity with other groups to observe “Black Day” on August 11, 2009.
The President, Mr. Rizwan Paul stressed the dire need of Unity amount the Christian Community, he briefed about the renovation and expansion of the orphanage and the school for the Christian Children so that they can be educated and become a productive citizens. Currently there are 75 Children at the orphanage and around 500 Children at the School, who are getting free education.
The General Sectary, Mr. Kashif Mazhar also made an appeal for donations for the construction of the Church at Pind Dadan Khan as the foundation stone has been laid and the boundary wall is being made. The proper construction work is starting from 30th July 2009, he requested people to donate generously for this cause as the people of Pind Dadan Khan will not be able to construct the Church on their own.
The Coordinator Mr. Amer Anwer gave the details of the Church construction work being done at Youhanabad, Lahore. |
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HIV patients protest in Pakistan |
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LARKANA: December 2, 2009. Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Suffering from HIV-Aids affected people staged protest demonstration out side the press club for non provision of Aids related health facilities as promised by Sindh government and NGOs here on Tuesday.
On the occasion, Muhammad Bachal Buledi, Mehar Ali Mirali, Abdul Qadir Mashi, Muhammad Yousif Bhutto told media men that they are suffering from HIV aids, but the government and local administration have not taken any steps to address their problems.
They said that government facilitate them as they are effected and suffering from HIV-Aids, they added there is no any rehabilitation center as various boosting by the NGOs and Hospital administration.
They demanded of government to take immediate measures to provide health facilities and resolve their other problems otherwise they will continue their protest.
Meanwhile, Sindh Peoples Youth District Larkana observed black day and took out protest rally against the unfair criticism on Sindh Culture and Sindhi Topi (cap) here on Tuesday.
On the occasion, large number of activists youth led by President Saleem Ahmed Soomro, Fida Hussain Khoso, Shabir Ahmed Hajano, Bashir Ahmed Bhutto and others holding placards, banners, inscribed slogans infavour of President Asif Ali Zardari while talking to media men they condemned the PVT TV channel and its anchor on criticizing on PPP Co-chairman wearing Sindhi Topi.
They said that such act of anchor shows his narrow minded approach and bias with Sindh Culture and its people they said that we are proud of being Sindhi, they said that Sindh was first province which had passed resolution for Pakistan.
Protestors demanded from government to take action against such private channel and its anchor on assaulting Sindh culture. |
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Watson Gill to lead Social and Political wing of Urdu Church Holland. |
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Rotterdam: March 8, 2010. (PCP) During Sunday Services of Urdu Church Holland, in presence of large number of congregates, Pastor Eric Sarwar made announcement that Watson Gill will be leader of congregation in Social and Political services of Urdu Church in Netherland.\
Mr. Watson Gill in his speech presented brief of his meetings with Pakistani Ambassador in Holland in Shazia murder case. The video of his meeting with delegation was also shown to congregation.
Press Release
Pastor Eric Sarwer blessed Mr. Watson Gill as a Community leader and extended his support for him in future events.
Mr. Nadeem Din, Elder Michael William, Mr. Robin Javed, Mr. Johnson William and Mr. Serfraz Ijaz also shared about their previous meeting with Pakistani Ambassador in Den Haag regarding Shazia Bashir Masih’s case. |
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Asghar Masih Gill, another Christian victim of blasphemy law in Sialkot |
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Sialkot: June 16, 2010. (PCP Report) After accusation and killing of young boy Robert Danish in Police custody under Blasphemy Laws in September last year, now another young man named Asghar Masih Gill resident of neighboring village of Jethy kay from where last year Robert Danish was put to death in police custody and church was set on fire by the Muslim Extremists and religious workers.
A family member of Asghar Masih Gill talking to PCP explained that Arshad Masih Gill was appointed as Coordinator by an International NGO working for Christian Freedom and Rights for Christian Community in the the area as he remained in the font line for protests and struggles for Christian Rights and Freedom. Arshad Masih Gill now hiding himself to safe his life and avoid troubles to his family.
After incident in Jethy Kay Village and death of Rober Danish in Police custody, Arshad Masih Gill is living life of an alian in his own country from village to village and city to city.
Muslim Religious workers continuously searching and pressurizing local police for arrest and after death of Arshad Masih Gill on the same ways of Robert Danish and family members of Arshad Masih Gill trying to save his life but until when they will succeed? this is greatest question to Minority leaders, Human Rights Workers and Government of Pakistan itself. This is one of the chain of accusation of Christian Youth, Men, women properties and honour under Blasphemy in Pakistan.
PCP has decided not to mention name of family member who is source of this news and to refrain from publishing his photo of Arshad Masih Gill due to safety reasons and protection. |
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“Anti-Islam Action and Speech Resolution“ in UNHRC by Pakistan is to globalize Radical Islam |
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Karachi: September 25, 2010. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have urged member states of United Nations Human Rights Council to block “Resolution against Anti-Islam action and Speech” submitted by Pakistan on behalf of Organization of the Islamic Conference because it will end Interfaith Dialogues and damage Religious Freedom.
The government of Pakistan through its Federal Minority Ministry is staging drama of “Interfaith Dialogues” in Pakistan and on other hand with such Resolution in UNHRC plans to end dialogues among different faiths.
“The government of Pakistan never condemn burning of Holy Bibles and destruction of Churches by extremist Muslims nor have ever brought culprits before court of law to ensure justice and OIC have been also silent on violence against religious minorities in Islamic countries” said Nazir Bhatti
Dr. Nazir Bhatti added “In thousands of mosques in Pakistan on every Friday Sermons the Imams use derogatory remarks about Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Ahmadi and call them infidels but government of Pakistan have never legislated to stop such hate against their citizens but moves a resolution in UNHRC which proves its double standard on religion freedom”
The Islamic Cleric or Speaker is free to spread hate in public gatherings or in Seminars in Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Malaysia but Organization of the Islamic Conference OIC have never urged its member Islamic states to ensure safety of places of worship of religious minorities.
Nazir Bhatti said that it is strange behaviors of Pakistan and OIC that they call Islamphobia to comments of other religions on Islam but feel themselves free to call others Infidel and have not legislated any law to punish Islamic extremists in their respective jurisdictions.
“It is feared that if Anti-Islam Action and Speech Resolution is adopted by UNHRC, then radical Islam will be at liberty to being preached and spread terror around globe” said Nazir Bhatti |
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Christian not feeling safe in Pakistan. By Nazir S Bhatti |
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After broad day light murder of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer by his bodyguard in Islamabad and threatening marches by Islamists in Pakistan have created feeling of insecurity among millions of Pakistani Christians.
The undue support of lawyer fraternity to killer of Salman Taseer and slow pace of investigation in this high profile murder of a leader who was a strong man of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party have confused poor Pakistani citizens in particular.
There was murder of Mir Murtaza Bhutto in Karachi but his sister Benazir Bhutto was unable to bring her brother’s killers to justice during her premiership. Benazir Bhutto was martyred in Rawalpindi and her husband being President of Pakistan from two years is unable to disclosed her wife’s killers. There is continued episode of murders in PPP leadership but non is punished. The PPP leadership also not seem serious in investigation of assassination of Salman Taseer, who acted to highlight moderate and enlighten Islam agenda and met Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, sentenced to death on accusation of blasphemy.
The PPP leadership not dared to take stand on his commitment but took U-Turn on blasphemy law repeal issue to prolong their rule in Pakistan.
What a country, Pakistan is? The Chief Minister of Punjab remains absent from funeral services of Chief Executive of his province on threats of Islamic elements who issued decree that Governor Salman Tasser is “Murtid” after commenting on blasphemy law and Muslims should not participate in funeral of Murtid. The head of Pakistan Peoples Party and President of Pakistan Asif Zardari not bothered to attend last rituals of his dedicated party leader. It seems as “Stay in Rule” is only motive of political parties and Pakistani leaders, for which humanity is on sale also.
The Pakistani Christians were surprised on silence of Federal Minority Minister Shahbaz Bhatti after his appointment from Pakistan Peoples Party PPP. There were always directives from President House in print and electronic media for Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti like “Go to Gojra” “Go to Sialkot to visit family of martyr Danish Robert” “Go to Lahore to help murdered housemaid Shazia” “Go to Karachi to meet raped Christian Student Nurse” which created impression that Federal Minority Ministry is run from President House not by Shahbaz Bhatti. We see a big change in statements of Shahbaz Bhatti now, he is put on helm to face blasphemy law saviors while Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani have openly announced not to amend or revise blasphemy laws.
The Prime Minister and President of Pakistan have disowned private bill submitted in national assembly secretariat by PPP leader Sherry Rehman and she is under constant life threat after murder of Salman Taseer, then what’s game of PPP to encourage Shahbaz Bhatti to issue statements to revise blasphemy laws.
Why PPP government not presented revision in blasphemy laws in draft of 18th Amendment when scraped other laws legislated by military ruler Zia-ul-Haq? Why demand of millions of Pakistani Christians was not considered who have been complaining on misuse of blasphemy laws since 1986?
After murder of Salman Taseer and threats to Sherry Rehman from extremist Muslims, common Christian in Pakistan is so fearful that he is thinking to fled from Pakistan. |
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Pakistan: Christian women manhandled, pressure over land and daily persecution |
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Islamabad: May 20, 2011. (Xavier William, Modern Tokyo Times) Pakistan, two more shocking cases have surfaced in Punjab which is the hub of extremism and hatred towards the Christian community. Two Christian women, Nusrat Bibi and Muneeran Bibi, are female sanitary workers at the Fatima Memorial Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.
A source from the Fatima Memorial hospital said that Nusrat Bibi and Muneeran Bibi were assaulted and unlawfully detained for several hours by a Muslim officer at the medical facility.
First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against the medical officer at the Ichchra Police Station, Lahore.
According to the sources, the man allegedly snatched a cellphone from Nusrat Bibi and money from Muneeran Bibi, when the women resisted, he began assaulting Muneeran Bibi. Then Nusrat Bibi was slapped and attacked with a wooden stick which the alleged attacker had pulled out from a stand placed in his room. He also tore up her shirt when she raised an objection to their physical search.“They were kept in illegal detention for about 9 hours,” said the source.
According to the hospital administration, Nusrat Bibi and Muneeran Bibi were allegedly accused of theft, but nothing was recovered from them.
Activist from Life for All, Mr. Rizwan Paul said, “This is indeed a brutal act, the victims must be provided justice, and the accused must pay for the inhuman act. Both women are sanitary workers, but they are human beings as well, they are not animals. They had said that they had not stolen anything, then why weren’t they trusted? Because they are Christians, just because they are Christians, they were subjected so brutally. We strongly condemn the act and demand that the authorities take immediate action.”
Another disturbing case took place in Jalal Pur Jattan, a town located in the Gujarat District of Punjab. Allegedly a Muslim group on the behest of a former MPA (Member Provincial Assembly) invaded two Christian houses in the city.
Father Naveed Dominic an activist from Jalal Pur Jatta said, “The local former MPA had his eyes on the agricultural land in the heart of Jalal Pur Jatta. This land belongs to local Christians and they had been receiving threats from various groups to vacate the land, but they didn’t.”
The group threw out the belongings and physically assaulted the women present in the houses. The locals contacted the police, but they refused to get involved.
Father Dominic further said “The Church is also being pressurized not to get involved in the matter, the authorities have kept a deaf ear to the situation. The hatred towards the Christian community and the growing cases of persecution has been reported to the authorities……. but the authorities don’t seem to take an interest.” |
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Dalai Lama Interview on Tolerance. By Anne Stiens |
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It was one of those few perfect sunshine days when you can smell the summer, flowers, trees and grass, and feel the warm touch of sunlight on your skin with temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius as you expect in India, when His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama met friends and Tibetans in the park of the Villa Goetzfried in Wiesbaden in Germany.
The introduction was a moving performance by a charming Tibetan woman named Dechen Shak-Dagsay, who is a famous mantra-vocalist from Tibet. Her songs and graceful appearance in original Tibetan dress moved the hearts of the visitors and transported their emotions from Germany to far away Tibet.
Afterwards he arrives. The Dalai Lama welcomes everybody and sits down on a small podium in front of us. There is no distance or aloofness between the Holy Man and the people. You feel his warmth and friendliness directly.
He starts his speech by underlining our own responsibility for our world: “We are the same human beings and share this small blue planet”. Therefore he demands that we forget all differences between religions and nations, find the roots of violence and also decrease the gulf between the poor and the rich. “There is no me and they”, the Dalai Lama said, “the whole world is me”.
In connection with his speech I got the chance for a unique interview with the Dalai Lama about his main ideas: to promote tolerance, learn from different religions and establish close contacts. As The Human Codes of Tolerance and Respect (www.codesoftolerance.com) is the most important project of the World Security Network Foundation, I asked him about his experience and proposals.
How can we promote tolerance and respect towards other religions and ethnic minorities, Your Holiness?
Dalai Lama: “I always mention that the concept of one single truth and one religion is itself a contradiction.
But on the level of the individual it is very relevant and can be very helpful. You should keep a single-pointed faith for yourself.
In the reality of different communities and religions with so many people the concept of only one religion is irrelevant.
In reality we have different religions and a concept of one truth seems irrelevant to me.
From the personal point of view everything is relative and one truth for a single person is relevant.
But when you have many people with different values and backgrounds this concept is not convincing as there are many truths and religions - and this is good so.”
What can we all as simple human beings do?
Dalai Lama: “We must develop close contacts with others and their traditions.
In India for over 1000 years - besides the home-grown religions - all major religions were established there as well and lived together. Generally they lived together in harmony and friendship for a long time.
One researcher found a Muslim village with a population of 2000 with only three Hindu families there. But the Hindus had no fear and everybody was very friendly. That is India. Sometimes there are problems as in all populations. That can happen and is understandable.
Basically a spiritual sense of brothers and sisters existed. India kept 1000 years of religious harmony - why not in other areas in the word?”
What can we learn from others?
Dalai Lama: “The more close contacts we have on the personal level the deeper is the understanding and mutual respect. You need close contacts to learn about the values of other religions from each other like Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindu or Buddhists. The deep understanding of their values develops a basis of mutual respect.
We Buddhists are eager to learn more about mutual respect and the practise of tolerance and compassion.
Some Christian friends have implemented these things already in their religion.
Thus we develop a spiritual brother-and-sisterhood.”
When will the situation in Tibet change for the better?
Dalai Lama: “When Mahatma Gandhi and other great leaders started their work nobody gave them any guarantee of success. But they were very determined and full of will-power whatever the obstacles were.
When my Indian friends started their freedom-fight no one knew when freedom would come - they were determined as well and advised me to follow it. Nobody knows when things will change but you must keep your determination - that is important.”
What impressed me most is that you cannot find intensive missionary thoughts in the Dalai Lama’s speech to conquer people for his Buddhist belief. He is a general missionary for humanity and the good cause of peaceful coexistence, integrating all major religions into global codes of tolerance. For him there is no right or wrong religion. He stated:
“All major religious traditions carry basically the same message: that is love, compassion and forgiveness; the important thing is that they should be part of our daily lives. We can't say that all religions are the same, different religions have different views and fundamental differences. But it does not matter, as all religions are meant to help in bringing about a better world with better and happier human beings. On this level, I think that through different philosophical explanations and approaches, all religions have the same goal and the same potential.” For him moral action means not to interfere in the people’s desire for happiness and joy. Everybody must also consider the interests of others. Sensitivity is needed to take care of other people.
He teaches that “Good fortune arises from spiritual qualities like love or tolerance which make us more happy”.
Also, I like his other ideas :
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
“In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.”
“It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them.”
“It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.”
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness and my philosophy is kindness. This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple.”
“Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.”
“With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.”
The Dalai Lama grounds humanity in all of us, in our kindness and responsibility as human beings.
(Anne Stiens is Vice President Media of the independent global www.worldsecuritynetwork.com , the largest social media in foreign affairs) |
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ROD activist of women rights attacked and implicated in a case. |
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Sargodha: March 31, 2009. (By Jawad Mazhar reporting for PCP from Pakistan) A ‘Rays of Development Organization’ (ROD) feminism activist sustained critical head injuries from the hands of Robin Alfred in a bid to broker a reconciliation deal, between him, his spouse and Children. ROD activist was immediately taken to Divisional Head Quarters (DHQ) Hospital for first aid. The sad episode took place on March 13th at 3:30 PM, at Rehmat Park University road, Sargodha, Pakistan Christian Post established from the well placed sources of ROD and family members.
Robin Alfred son of Alfred Charles divorced his Pakistani National wife Noureen Bibi before he left for Germany several years back, said Waseem Dean the brother of Alfred’s wife.
Waseem Dean added that Robin Alfred who inflicted barbarian torture on ROD’s women rights activist used to visit his Pakistani wife Noureen Bibi alias Noori from time to time and she gave birth to his two (02) Children, though he had divorced her.
The brother of Robin Alfred’s Pakistani wife said that this time on his arrival in Pakistan, Robin Alfred tortured his Pakistani wife and two Children ruthlessly and threw them out of house saying ‘Go and pool money for me to buy return ticket to Germany.’
ROD Chairman Mr. Ferhan Mazher told PCP that on March 13th ROD feminism activist Imran Mazher, Waseem Dean the brother of Alfred’s Pakistani wife and other eminent local elders including Dr. Rashid, Mr. Naseem Shafqat and Billu Thakedar were trying to broker a reconciliation deal between Robin Alfred and his Pakistani national wife Noureen Bibi alias Noori and Children.
During the peace dialogue between the opponent parties, Robin Alfred and his sister’s son Humayun alias Chhootu, Dr. Rashid and Billu Thakedar got fiery for apparently no reason, said Waseem Dean and Naseem Shafqat, and they started hurling glasses at them and left the peace process threatening of dire consequences.
Both respected elders also said that after a few minutes Robin Alfred and Humayun alias Chhootu returned brandishing a pump action rifle and pounded the gate of Naseem Shafqat’s home with bricks and stones and broke the security bolt of the steel gate and abused the family members and ROD activist.
Naseem Shafqat said that Humayun alias Chhootu and Robin Alfred attacked ROD’s feminism activist and thrashed him with iron rods and deadly Pump Action riffle butt warning to stay away from this matter. Shafqat and Chief of ROD Mr. Mazher said that this attack left two ROD activists injured including Imran Mazher with critical head injuries and Ashir Emmanuel sustained minor injuries. Chief of ROD said that both the ROD feminism activists were rushed to DHQ hospital where Imran Mazher is still bed ridden and under the observation of doctors of DHQ.
Chief of ROD Mr. Ferhan Mazher slammed the local Cantt Police Station officials saying they have not registered Case against the culprit Robin Alfred and Humayun alias Chhootu for inflicting immense torture on Imran Mazher and Ashir Emmanuel and ransacking the house of Mr. Naseem Shafqat.
ROD Chief alleged that Mr. Alfred has bribed the Cantt Police Station’s investigating Officer Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Shameer and he is continuously threatening ROD members and family members of Mr. Naseem Shafqat. Mr. Mazher added that Robin Alfred and his nephew Humayun alias Chhootu self-flagellated and obtained a fake Medico Legal Certificate (MLC) from DHQ Hospital and registered a fake case against ROD activist, Mr. Naseem Shafqat and Waseem Dean under article 337 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
ROD Chief urged that Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti and Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Minorities Mr. Kamran Michael and other Christian parliamentarians should look in to this matter and ensure that Cantt Police Sargodha does not harass innocent Christian family members of Mr. Naseem Shafqat and ROD activists. He also underscored that Christian Ministers and parliamentarians should ensure that justice is served to the Children and Noureen Bibi the wife of Robin Alfred. |
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Chief Minister stresses to eliminate corruption in Sindh |
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LARKANA: July 29 , 2009. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) The Chief Minister Sindh advised the Anti Corruption Establishment to inject bud rampant corruption in Government Departments causing colossal losses to the province, henceforth the Chairman enquires and Anti Corruption Establishment informed that in a recent meeting of A.C.C-I, it was decided that civil servants who are facing the registration and prosecution in corruption cases, shall also be arrested for getting loss to the Sindh province and its precious resources. This he said by the Chairman Enquires and Anti Corruption Establishment Sindh Munawar Opel presided over a high level meeting with five District Coordination Officers of Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kamber-Shahdadkot regarding to review the progress of the cases and further its prosecution.
On Wednesday at Circuit House Larkana, ACC-II Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Kamber Shahdadkot @ Kamber districts’ about 300 cases were presented on the occasion and DCOs including Larkana Mohammad Jaffer Abbasi, DCO Kamber-Shahddkt Zahid Hussain Memon, DCO Jecobabad Kazim Hussain Jatoi Deputy Director Anti Corruption Establishment Larkana Region Fakhur Din Abro, Circles Officers of Larkana Region and other concerned officers attended the meeting and briefed the Chairman E& ACE Sindh.
The meeting was informed that all 19 cases were decided for Challan, out of which 12 cases of Larkana District, 3 in Shikarpur and 4 cases were challaned in Jacobabad districts during the year 2008, while 5 cases were approved for departmental action, 1 in Larkana district, 1 in Shikarpur and 1 in Kamber-Shadadkot, in this regard 7 cases were decided to dispose of under section 173 CrPc, out of which 5 cases of Larkana district, 2 cases of Shikarpur and 6 complains were converted into the cases in which 4 in Larkana and 2 in Shikarpur districts.
The meeting was also informed that during the year 2008 the 67 complains were decided for departmental action out of 43 in Larkana 8 in Shikarpur 16 in Kamber Shahdadkot, meanwhile 38 complains were decided to dispose off, which 29 in Larkana, 02 in Shikarpur, 07 in Kamber-Shadadkot.
The meeting was also informed that 144 applications were received and decided by the ACC-II to initiate open enquires out of which 77, in Larkana, 34 in Shikarpur and 34 in
Kamber-Shahdadkot.
It was also informed in the meeting that 34 applications were received and decided for departmental action out of which 7 in Larkana, 27 in Kamber Shahdadkot and 82 applications were received and decided to dispose off which 79 in Larkana, 01 in Shikarpur and 02 in Kamber Shahdadkot.
In this regard all 280 complaints were received out of which 221 were finalized in Larkana region as per details received in official meeting said the sources.
Chairman Enquiries and Anti-Corruption Sindh has urged upon all the DCOs that they must ensure to hold regular meetings of ACC-II, so that the cases may be decided in time and relief and justice may be provided to the common people without any discrimination.
Earlier, the Chairman Enquires and Anti Corruption Establishment Sindh Munawar Opel while presiding over a meeting of Circle officers of Anti Corruption of Larkana region to gear up their efforts and after completing all the legal formalities, arrest the accused persons without any delay and FIRs may be lodged against such guilty persons at once.
He also directed them to work without fear and favour and show performance and provide relief and justice to the people without any delay, so that corruption may be controlled in various departments.
He also said that all possible facilities may be provided to the circle officers and their problems will be resolved on priority basis, the meeting was attended by all concerned. |
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Catholics fight over language used in liturgy: Bible quiz cancelled |
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MANGALORE: December 2, 2009. The Bangalore Archdiocese cancelled its annual Bible Quiz as the Tamil speaking Catholics and Kannada speaking Catholics had a raw over the language used in liturgy.
The quiz had become a vital part of the cultural events of the archdiocese for some years now. Thousands of students gathered from various parishes of the Archdiocese used come together in St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary for the quiz including several cultural activities like dances, drama and singing. The event usually comes to a close with the students visiting the Bible Museum within the Seminary premises.
This year the venue had been set at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Bangalore. And the Kannada, the state language, speaking Catholics threatened to disrupt the event saying that most of the prizes last year were given away to the Tamil Students. The migrant Tamil speakers are from the neighboring Tamilnadu, and the majority in the Catholic archdiocese while the native Kannada speaking people form the minority. Both demand their language to be the official language of the liturgy practiced in the archdiocesan churches. The fight has been on for sometime now.
Some priests who are involved in the controversy also had been arrested earlier for disruption of the liturgy and an Episcopal ordination. The priests who wish to have peace in the diocese say that the Quiz programme was intended to unite the fighting groups, and lately it had become a cause for division among the catholic fold.
The rector says that the seminary cancelled the event as the dispute defeated its ‘original motto.’ |
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Nigerian Jihadi Muslims slain 500 Christians in Dogo Nahawa village attack. ICC |
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Washington, D.C. (March 8, 2010)–International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that yesterday, Nigerian Muslims murdered 500 Christians in village of Dogo Nahawa, near the city of Jos. Most of the victims are women and children.
The Muslims invaded the village yesterday at 2 AM local time and slaughtered the Christians with machetes. In some cases the Muslims wiped out entire members families. They also burned down the homes of several Christians.
A local government official told ICC that around 380 Christians were buried in one mass burial space. He added that other victims were buried by their families and there are still bodies being collected. The official, who requested to remain anonymous, also said that police have arrested 93 people and recovered guns, knifes and other types of weapons from the suspects.
“The genocide committed by Muslims against innocent women and children is another clear demonstration of Muslims brutality and intolerance of Christians in northern Nigeria. The Nigerian government must bring those responsible to account for this evil crime against humanity. The right to freedom of religion must not just be written in our Constitution but must be seen to be in practice. We are appealing to Christians all over the world through ICC and continual prayers for believers in Northern Nigeria,” said Reverend John Hayab. Reverend Hayab is the Secretary General of Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State.
This latest anti Christian Jihad came on the heels of a conflict between Christians and Muslims in Jos in January of this year. During that conflict, over 300 people were killed. Over 13, 750 Christians have been killed by Muslims in northern Nigeria since the introduction of Sharia laws in 2001.
ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa and South Asia, Jonathan Racho, said, “We condemn in the strongest words this latest Jihad attack against Christians. It’s both unconscionable and extremely heinous for the Muslims to slaughter women and children in the middle of the night simply because of their religious belief. This is yet another example of danger of Islamic fundamentalism. The international community must assist the victims and their families. Nigerian officials must be held accountable for their failure in protecting Christians from Muslim aggression.” |
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Public Forum on “Forms of Gender Discrimination-Struggle for Just Society” |
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Faisalabad: June 16, 2010. (PCP) ) On 12th June 2010, AWAM (Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation) in collaboration with LEHR (Liaison for Enforcement of Human Rights) organized a public forum titled “Forms of Gender Discrimination-Struggle for Just Society”. Naseem Anthony (Executive Secretary-AWAM), Shazia George (Coordinator-AWAM), Zafar Iqbal, Nazia Sardar, Mumtaz Kousar, Shahzad Rafiq and Nabila Emmanuel were among the speakers of the public forum held at Wazir Khan Wali in Faisalabad.
Naseem Anthony said, “The customary practices such as; vani, wata satta, early marriage, honour killing and marriage to the Quran, cause decline instead of development for the citizens, therefore, key to progress of the nation is the exclusion of such traditions and customs from the society.”
Shazia George said, “Male dominating society defines roles for females and confines females to household chores due to widespread gender discrimination in society, therefore females are bound to recluse from the development process.”
Zafar Iqbal said, “Patriarchal system is the main reason behind the prevalence of different forms of gender discrimination in the society; therefore, it is pertinent for citizens of Pakistan to struggle for bringing about a positive change in social behaviours and for building a just society free of any kind of discrimination by elimination of gender discrimination.”
Nazia Sardar said, “The basic obstacle in the empowerment of women is the mounting tendency of discrimination in the society on the basis of gender, therefore, exploitation of women’s rights and male dominance has increased due to negligence of existing discrimination on the grounds of gender in the society.”
At this juncture, the speakers demanded that: public awareness about laws against Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment at Workplaces must be multiplied and implementation of these laws must be ensured; discrimination in laws against women like Evidence Act and Citizenship Act must be amended; customary practices against women must be banned and jirga system must be outlawed; women’s representation as per their proportion of population must be ensured in every field of life by increasing reserved quota for women; govt. must ratify ILO convention 177, must acknowledge working women such as; peasant workers, domestic workers and home based workers as labourers, and must ensure protection of their rights through legislation and formation of union. |
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Koran burning furor has only made life more difficult for Pakistan’s Christians: CLAAS |
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London: September 27, 2010. (PCP) No Christian in Pakistan expects life to be easy but there are times when life is harder than usual and right now is such a time. Since the threat made by a US church to burn copies of the Koran, Christians have been living in greater fear for their lives than usual.
Despite the fact that the church cancelled its plans, our colleague in Pakistan says that Muslim groups have been holding protest rallies across the country almost every day, burning the American flag and effigies of the US President Barack Obama.
Naeem says the worst of the protests are taking place in the Khyber Pakhtoon region and that the level of anger on display is “frightening”.
He has told us how on September 13 he was distributing aid among flood victims in Pubi and Noshera Kalan, when he saw a large rally by Muslims who were shouting chants against the US and brandishing guns and axes. He says it is the first time he has seen Muslim protestors so openly brandishing their weapons.
He gave us this report: “We were scared and prayed that the rally would remain peaceful as they were passing through the Christian area. We knew anything could happen and there have been previous occasions when extremists have sought revenge in the wrong places.”
It is not uncommon for Muslim extremists to seek revenge in Christian communities for the actions of the US or other Western countries, as they have the misconception that local Christians are allies of the West simply because they share the same religion.
Pastor Terry Jones cancelled the burning of the Korans but sadly similar events have taken place in other parts of the US, angering millions of Muslims. It is almost certain that extremists will take advantage of these actions to take their revenge out on innocent Christians. |
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MYS holds seminar on Martyrdom of Salman Tasser and Future of Pakistani Christians |
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Lahore, Pakistan: January 17, 2011. (By Samuel Nazir) The Mashal Youth Society MYS held a seminar on January 16, 2011, in Lahore to pay homage to Martyr Salman Tasser here today.
In opening comments of Mashal Youth Society MYS, President Mr. Saleem Shakir welcomed Christian leaders and other signatories from different walks of life and expressed importance of seminar subject to “Martyrdom of Salman Taseer and our Future”. He said that sacrifice of Salman Tasser leads Christian youth to unity because we can only be successful with our unity.
Saleem Shakir said that Salman Taseer is Hero of Christian community of Pakistan and his martyrdom is ray of light for oppressed Pakistani Christians.
Mr. Pervaiz Jamal, a Writer, Mr. Zeshan Joseph, President of Pakistan Christian League, Mr. Yasir Barket Khokhar of Revival internestion Monthly Magazine. Mr. Sohail Jonson of Shairing Life Ministry, Mr. Martin Javed Michael, Gen. Secretary Pakistan Christian Democratic Alliance and Bishop Yaqoob Paul (President Pakistan Christian Democratic Alliance also spoke in seminar and paid tributes to Salman Taseer.
After message from speakers Mr. Sohail Jonson from "Shairing Life Ministry" Showed the documentary of different incident happened in Pakistan, like Bahmani, Gojra, Faislabad, Asia Bibi and others.
Some Leaders suggest that Christian youth should also take step against Muslim community, But mostly leaders delivered message for peace, unity and also ability for choose good leaders for Christians community in Pakistan. |
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Muslims Surround Church in Egypt, Prevent Its Reopening |
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Cairo: May 24, 2011. (AINA) -- On the morning of May 19 two Coptic priests went to St. Mary and St. Abraham Church in Ain Shams and opened it together with some of the Coptic residents, but later in the day thousands of Muslims surrounded the church to protest its opening, hurled stones at the church building and the Copts, who responded by throwing stones. The army and the police stood there watching and did not intervene (video).
Unable to secure the church, the army and police closed it and arranged for a "reconciliation" meeting between the Coptic priest and the Salafi sheikhs. They also arrested eight Copts, one of them 13-years old, and three Muslims. They were all charged with rioting, violence and causing injury to citizens. Three Copts were also charged with having cartridges but no guns and one 15-year-old boy with possessing two knives. The 3 Muslims were charged with throwing stones at the army.
Father Filopateer Gameel, one of the organizers of the Maspero sit-in, said that during a meeting with the Minister of Interior he was told he cannot choose the churches to be reopened because it was all "planned with the Salafis and the security authorities so that when we go, there will be no problems." He confirmed the minister had himself suggested the names of the three churches to be reopened.
The "reconciliation" session was held in a tent by the Islamist imam Kerdassi, the main opponent of the reopening of the church, who also recently built a mosque facing the church. Next to the tent was another one hosting Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi sheikhs, among them the renowned Salafi sheikh Hassan and over 3000 guests all chanting "Islamic, Islamic."
The session lasted for 5-hour, and was attended by sheikhs, imams, priests, lawyers and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, in which the Muslims insisted the church was a factory and the Christians explained that it was a church, although it has no dome or bell, and has been used as a place for worship and has a consecrated alter.
The Coptic diocese bought the building, which used to be a clothes factory, in 2004 and used it for worship until November 22, 2008, when it was closed by State Security after nearly 3000 Muslims surrounded the church, pelting it with stones and terrorizing thousands of parishioners inside.
"The atmosphere of the meeting was belligerent," said attorney Ashraf Edward, "and one of the sheikhs threatened us by saying that should the church be opened without their permission it would end up like the church in Soul which was demolished by Muslims." He said the church was offered a larger place to relocate to away from the Muslim families as the imams said. "They presented us with a petition from the Muslim families against the opening of the church."
The representative of the Ministry of Endowment suggested the church be closed until permission is granted for its opening from the relevant authorities, to which all sides agreed.
At the end of the session a joint statement was read by the Imam Kerdassi, which said "It was decided to close the place and no Christian prayers is to take place there until permission is granted. If there is permission then we should respect it and since there is no permit at present then all parties agreed to close the place permanently, no one to approach it and no one of us to harm it until the authorities have issued a ruling. We all have to love each other, so that Egypt would remain strong and secure as Allah wanted it to be."
The Muslims demanded that should the church be reopened, it should be without cross and dome.
Coptic attorney Dr. Ihab Ramzy said the army and the police did not participate in the "reconciliation" meeting. "This shows the government is ignoring the problem. Am I there to get the Salafis' permission to open the church? If they say no, does this mean I should not open the church?"
"The joint statement linked the opening of the church with the consent of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces," said activist Mark Ebeid, "so the military council has to know that if the church is not opened, this means the dignity of the State has been lost in front of the Salafis. Everyone believes the government should have carried out its decision to open the church whatever the outcome. The big question now is will the government give us a written permission or not?" |
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Coptic Christians massacre: Obama praised the new Egypt? By Lee Jay Walker and Joachim de Villiers, Modern Tokyo Times |
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Hosni Mubarak lost power in Egypt earlier this year and the former friend of America was rebuked by President Obama of America. Obama stated that “Egypt will never be the same” and that the peaceful movement “bent the arc of history.” However, words are cheap because the military maintained its power and the Muslim Brotherhood is the most powerful Islamic movement in the world when it applies to ideology.
Recent footage shows a different Egyptian military which appears anti-Christian and willing to use force against the Christian minority. This is a dangerous period for Egypt and a far cry from Obama’s words which stated that people could create a new democratic government which “represented their hopes and not their fears.”
It may well be that Egypt becomes a democratic nation in the future and that Christians will have equal rights one day in a nation which favors the Muslim majority. However, the Muslim Brotherhood clearly desires an Islamic state irrespective of any manipulation of language that they may state.
Christians suffered from institutional discrimination during the period of Mubarak but forces which desire to crush the Christian minority were kept under a leash. In the “new Egypt” Islamists are demanding more constraints against the Christian minority and the military doesn’t fear driving into a mainly Christian crowd and killing people.
David K. Kirkpatrick (New York Times) in his article called Church Protests in Cairo Turn Deadly comments that “The protest took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Muslims and Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the population. Christians had joined the pro-democracy protests in large numbers, hoping for the protections of a pluralistic, democratic state, but a surge in power of Islamists has raised fears of how much tolerance majority rule will allow."
“But the most common refrain of the protests on Sunday was, “The people want to bring down the field marshal,” adapting the signature chant of the revolution to call for the resignation of the military’s top officer, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi.”
David K. Kirkpatrick in the last paragraph comments that “Father Ephraim Magdy, a priest fleeing the tear gas, said he saw soldiers fire live bullets at protesters, and showed a journalist two bullet shells. “It is up to the military to explain what happened, but I see it as persecution,” he said. “I felt that they were monsters. It’s impossible for them to be Egyptians, let alone members of the army that protected the revolution.”
However, it was the army with support from security officials in plain clothes and Muslims who turned against Christians. The original demonstration was based on the recent partial dismantling of a Christian church in Aswan and some Muslims also joined in on the side of the Christian demonstrators.
It is clear that elements within the army are biased against the Christian community and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Sunni Islamic extremist organizations seek an Islamic state. It is wishful thinking to believe that pluralism will be guaranteed in the short-term because you have too many negative forces in Egypt which seek power and to crush democracy.
The German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle condemned the violence against the Coptic Christian minority. He stated that “It is about time that the Egyptian leadership understands the importance of religious plurality and tolerance.”
Clearly the comment “It is about time…” is aimed at constant anti-Christian agitation by Islamists and Muslim rulers who are opposed to religious equality.
Therefore, this comment is widely appreciated because Guido Westerwelle is making it clear that he fully understands that the recent massacre is not an isolated case against the Christian community.
Meanwhile, turning back to Obama and democracy, then despite anti-Christian attacks and growing fears of the role of the Muslim Brotherhood in a future government; America is intent on arming the current military of Egypt despite the delays to democracy and their role in doing little to protect Christians.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency “notified Congress Friday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt for 125 M1A1 Abrams tank kits for co-production and associated weapons, equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.329 billion.”
"The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale that includes 125 M1A1 Abrams tank kits for co-production, 125 M256 Armament Systems, 125 M2 .50 caliber machine guns, 250 M240 7.62mm machine guns, 125 AGT-1500 M1A1 series tank engines and transmissions, 120mm test cartridges, spare and repair parts, maintenance, support equipment, special tool and test equipment, personnel training and equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. Articles may be provided in furtherance of a co-production agreement. The estimated cost is $1.329 billion.”
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”
“The additional M1A1 tanks will provide Egypt with a modern tank fleet, enhancing its capability to meet current and future threats. This will contribute to Egypt’s goal to update its military capability while further enhancing interoperability between Egypt, the U.S., and other allies. Egypt, which has co-produced the M1A1 Abrams tank, will have no difficulty absorbing the additional tanks.”
Therefore, before democracy is installed and during a period of constant attacks against Christians throughout various parts of Egypt, it is nice to know “the real Obama” and restate his naïve comments after the demise of Mubarak.
Obama stated that “Egypt will never be the same” and he said this like a child and with glee but he wasn’t in any position to know if this would become a reality after the downfall of Mubarak. Then while democracy is being stalled by the military and Islamic attacks continue against the Christian minority, the “democratic President” of America is in full knowledge about possible military sales.
It is clear that Egypt could go in many directions and not all of them are positive. Therefore, the world doesn’t need Obama making empty promises and nor does it need governments to sell military hardware during times of such uncertainty in Egypt.
http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2011/Egypt_10-67.pdf MILITARY SALES
http://www.copts.com/english/ COPTIC WEBSITE
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/world/middleeast/12diplomacy.html
http://moderntokyotimes.com |
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Bishop Michael Nazir Ali stepping down on differences with Archbishop Dr. Rowan |
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UK. April 1, 2009. (PCP) The divided Church of England after 2008 Lambeth Conference of Bishops on homosexuality among clergy was failure of Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan William as a leader to keep united largest Christian congregation of protestants around world. The difference on theology followed by statement of Bishop Dr Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, on ’No Go Areas” in UK for evangelists and favor of Archbishop to Islamic Sharia Courts surprised Christian on shaky administration.
Bishop of Rochester and first colored bishop in UK, Bishop Michael Nazir Ali received death threats after saying that parts of Britain had become “no-go areas” for non-Muslims was living under police security.
“The UK media reports have hurt Christians living in Islamic states when newspapers quoted Bishop Ali as Radical Bishop” said Nazir S Bhatti, Chief of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC in statement here today.
Nazir Bhatti added “ Bishop Michael Nazir Ali is true servant of Lord and his services for Anglican Church shall be ever remembered weather he leads holy prayers or steps down for persecuted congregates in Muslim countries”
“The resignation of Bishop Nazir Ali shall be warning call to clergy who are abandoning true Christian teachings in favor of radical ideology under so-called Christian-Muslim dialogues” said Dr. Nazir Bhatti
PCC Chief said, “ Can Archbishop of Canterbury demand Saudi Arabia to permit building of Churches in kingdom after his undue favors to UK Muslims on Sharia courts”
Acceding to one UK media commentator Melanie Phillips said it was “a shocking rebuke to the church, that Bishop Ali has to leave his post of influence and authority as a bishop in order to carry out the church’s core duty to defend its own against attack.”
Bishop Dr Nazir-Ali came under Lambeth pressure to resign after speaking on Islam and homosexuality in light of biblical teachings.
Another media outlet reports that in a letter to clergy in his diocese, the bishop said: “I have decided that the time is now right for me to step down as Bishop of Rochester. I have valued my modest part in the life of the Church locally, nationally and globally.”
While a spokesman said: “Bishop Michael is hoping to work with a number of church leaders from areas where the church is under pressure, particularly in minority situations, who have asked him to assist them with education and training for their particular situation.”
Born in Pakistan to Christian parents who had converted from Islam, Dr Nazir-Ali is the Church of England’s first and only Asian bishop. |
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3rd August deadline by Chak Shehzad victims to burn belonging |
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Islamabad: July 29, 2009. (PCP) “If we failed to get justice for our three main issues till 2nd August, we shall set on fire our 30 tents and house holds on 3rd August” it was announced by former Federal Minister J Salik, after burning 7 tents along with beds, clothes, furniture and other hose holds on the same place in Chak Shehzad from where slum dwellers were evicted by a brutal Police action on 18th May.
A rally of hundreds of Chak Shehzad efffectees with their 7 tents and house holds reached the same venue from where they were evicted in result of a Police action 70 days back. Julius Salik Convener World Minorities Alliance was in lead. They set on fire seven tents along with beds, clothes, furniture and other house holds. Protesters were carrying place cards with pictures of Chief Justice of Pakistan and Great Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
A man in rally said talking with our reporter that it is J Salik who has cool down Christians especially youngsters in the touchy issue of detention of 47 young Christian women all night in private camps of Police after 18th May brutal action. He added that its J Salik’s patriotic nature that he is keeping the matter in low pace, so concerned quarters should take positive step to solve the issue at earliest before it is too late.
I feel very sorry to say that in last 70 days non of any persons belonging to so called human rights lovers, NGOs or Government officials appear to even utter words of sympathy to these effectees of such shame full illegal Police action, said J Salik when he was standing by the burning tents at Chak Shehzad, Islamanbad. He warned “If we failed to get justice for our three main issues till 2nd August, we shall set on fire our 30 tents and house holds on 3rd August”. And an other option is still on board that we shall give a Nation wide call for strike with the help of our Muslim forces, which has always sowed solidarity with Christians in past. |
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HRCP condemns attack on columnist |
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LAHORE: December 2, 2009. (PCP) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the attack on the house of renowned columnist Kamran Shafi and described it as a cowardly bid to stifle the country’s media.
An HRCP statement issued on Wednesday reads as following:
The attack on journalist Kamran Shafi’s house in Wah on the eve of Eid cannot be dismissed as an ordinary crime, it constitutes a cowardly attack on the country’s media, and a threat to all independent-minded journalists. Shafi, himself a retired major of the army, is a vocal critic of defence services’ role in affairs of the state and had suggested in a recent column that the country’s premier intelligence agency, the ISI, should be headed by a civilian. The columnist said he received abusive e-mails on this point of view soon after he had expressed it. Then on Nov 27, a gunman fired six times at his house late at night. In his complaint to the police, Shafi said the attackers were linked to unidentified ‘agency.’
The attack on Shafi is not the first of its kind. Several other noted journalists have faced similar threats and abuses in the past and umazingly the culprits always remain unidentified and go unpunished. Besides, the targets happen to be journalists whose views disagree with those of the security establishment. Not a single perpetrator of such crimes has been apprehended, which strengthens the belief that some rogue elements within the establishment are involved.
Whatever freedom Pakistani media enjoys today has been gained after an arduous struggle and it should now forge unity to safeguard that freedom. HRCP demands the authorities must hold a credible and independent inquiry into the attack and punish severely those found guilty. Needless to say, that in the age of information technology attempts to muzzle the media are self-defeating |
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Establishment of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto medical university discussed |
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LARKANA: March 9, 2010. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) Chairman Sindh Peoples Development Committee Dr. Shafqat Hussain Soomro has urged upon the officers of NHA and Works and services Department Larkana to realize their responsibilities and complete development work being carried out in different sectors and ensure the quality of the work. This he said while presiding over a high level meeting regarding the SPDC at circuit house Larkana on Tuesday.
The meeting reviewed and discussed the progress of schemes in detail including establishment of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical University, establishment of Shaheed Zulifqar Ali Bhutto, Engineering College Larkana and establishment of Industrial zone Larkana.
The chairman Dr. Shafqat Hussain Soomro directed the NHA officers to complete the survey work of the land that was utilized in the construction of link of Larkana-Khairpur Indus Bridge so that timely compensation may be provided to the land owners.
The chairman directed the highway officers to complete the roads and ensure the quality of work and according to the PC-I of remaining portion of circular road Larkana may be prepared and sent to the Government for approval.
During the meeting the representatives of NHA told that the work on 247 km roads costing Rs. 4.25 billion will be spent for the completion of roads.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana Prof: Sikandar Ali Shaikh informed that the Chief Minister Sindh approved an amount of Rs. 88 million land purchase for the University, which was enhanced by experts and revised PC-I of Rs. 150 million prepared and sent to the Chief Minister Sindh and he also demanded for providing regular budget for the University.
During the meeting the Project Director Qaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulifqar Ali Bhutto Engineering College, informed the meeting that the college is consisting of 80 class rooms and two halls and there is need of two buses for pick and drop to the students of college and other problems were also pointed out in the meeting.
During the meeting the representatives of industry department of Sindh informed the meeting that there is a need of 500 acres of land for establishment of industrial zone at Mohen-Jo-Daro airport road Larkana after acquiring the required land the development works will be started.
In the meeting administrator TMA Larkana Ghulam Mustafa Hullio informed that the work of street lights will be completed in due course of time in this regard he has written a letter to higher authorities for release of funds.
The meeting was largely attended by MPA Haji Munawar Ali Abbasi, Ghulam Serwar Siyal, DCO/ Administrator Larkana Syed Hassan Naqvi, Khair Muhammad Shaikh, Abdul Fatah Bhutto, Ghulam Mustafa Laghari, Ameer Bux Gaad, and large numbers of concerned officers were present. |
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President Zardari to participates in 57th Birthday Anniversary of BB |
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LARKANA: June 20, 2010. (By Nazir Siyal) 57th Birthday Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto former Prime Minister of Pakistan is being celebrated in respectable manner at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto and President House Naudero on Monday (today).
The President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and other Federal and Provincial Ministers reached here to participate in the birthday celebrations of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux and Naudero today. Sindh Chief Minister Sayed Qaim Ali Shah, MNA Faryal Talpur, Bakhtawer daughter of Benazir Bhutto and other Ministers visited the Bhutto Maesolium and offered Fateha and laid floral wreath.
On the 57th birth day of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the Quran Khuwani and recitation of Holy Quran, as well as the fateha at the Mazar of Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto and floral wreaths will be laid on the Mazars of Shuhda, while “Guard Of Honor” will be presented at Mazars of Shuhda and National anthem will also be presented by the children of different Schools at Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto on June 21st, 2010 morning.
While at evening, 57th pound Cake Cutting Ceremony will be held at the President House Naudero, where the party leaders, MNAs, MPAs and Ministers will paid glowing tributes to the martyr PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and also a cake cutting ceremony will be held at the residence of Haji Munwer Ali Abbasi at Waleed Larkana.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah along with his cabinet members has finalized all the arrangements of birthday celebrations, besides the Central and Provincial leadership of PPP will also continue the birthday anniversary programs at Garhi Khuda Bux and Naudero House on June 20 and 21st, 2010.
On the occasion Blood Bank donation Camps will be established at Ratodero, Naudero, Bakrani, Dokri and Badah from today, the security arrangements have been put ensured by the Law enforcing agencies and the administrators of the city and towns of the district. |
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Delegation from Ireland meets Larkana administration on flood relief |
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LARKANA: September 27, 2010. (Nazir Siyal) The Ireland Delegation under the leadership of Dr. Mary Mc Loughlin Country Director held a meeting with DCO Larkana Abdul Aleem Lashari here in Larkana on Monday.
The delegation informed that they are engaged in long-term relief activities for three years and above, in order to re-establish, needy flood victims of Sindh Province who were affected by recent floods.
They also informed that delegation have conducted very successful distribution of food stuff among the homeless flood victims in remote areas of Thatta, Makli and Sajawal and distributed five thousand (5000 kg) of flour, Ghee, Tea and hand-fans among the flood affectees.
The delegation also informed that currently we have started a relief operation in Larkana and surrounding area in order to distribute food stuff and clothes, as well as the relief camps, the Medical relief may also be provided by the visiting health care workers they informed.
The delegation also discussed with DCO Larkana for the rehabilitation of flood victims about long-term plan on the occasion.
Later, the delegation visited the different relief camps established at Municipal Stadium Larkana and relief camps at new Sabzi Market, Old Bus-Stand, New Bus-Stand, Arts Council, Railway-Station and distributed food stuff, clothes and medicines among the flood victims.
On the occasion, EDO Revenue Larkana Asadullah Abro briefed the delegation about relief and rehabilitation plan, which is being prepared by District Government Larkana, the District Officer Revenue Larkana Tariq Anwar Khokhar was also accompanied the delegation. |
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Pakistani Christian Diaspora in UK calls on former President Parvez Musharraf |
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London: January 17, 2011. (Taskeen Khan Exclusive) Rather than amend the law (section 295 of Pakistan Penal Code) punishing those convicted of insulting Islam, Pakistan should ensure the laws were not abused, said Pervez Musharraf, former Pakistan president and currently the head of the newly-formed political party All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).
The laws have come under scrutiny after a Christian mother-of-five, Asia Bibi, was sentenced to death for allegedly defaming the prophet Mohammed in her Punjab village.
Salman Taseer, governor of the Punjab, was then killed by one of his own bodyguards, Mumtaz Qadri, for backing reform of the law, in an assassination exposing deep division between liberal and conservative Pakistan. Later the killer declared hero by some hardliners in the country.
Pervez Musharraf said blasphemy laws are deeply sensitive in the country and doing away with them is not possible. He did say however that Mumtaz Qadri, the killer, must face court trial. "The killer of the governor, he is a culprit, he is a criminal, he must be tried and he must be punished," he said during a packed party meeting in London secretariat of the APML.
Before the press briefing Pakistani minorities’ representatives met Pervez Musharraf to share their view point on recent events and the expectations from his party APML.
During a special ceremony Kashan W. Bennett had been named as the president of the Minority Wing of UK Chapter of APML.
Taskeen Khan Exclusive (Draft: APML Minority Wing UK requests the following proposals to be accommodated within APML manifesto)
1. Basic human rights of all religious minorities will be assured, as they must be treated as equal citizens of Pakistan.
2. Minorities will have full religious freedom in line with the spirit of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech of 11th August 1947.
3. Transparent census of religious minorities to be ensured for determining their adequate representation in the parliament, senate and provincial assembles in accordance with their population.
4. Adequate quotas for religious minorities to be allocated in all walks of life in line with their population;
a. Quota for plots to be allocated in all urban housing societies, residential colonies and kachi abadies
b. Quota to be allocated in distribution of all agricultural land
c. 5% quota in job to be implemented, passed by the current government.
d. Quota to be allocated for admissions in the professional universities and colleges, i.e. engineering & agricultural Universities, medical colleges etc.
e. Quota to be allocated for all scholarships for overseas studies
5. Religious minorities to be given the right of dual vote for electing their minority representatives while staying part of the mainstream politics.
6. Religious minorities to be entrusted with the key ministries within Federal & Provincial Governments.
7. All discriminatory laws, including the blasphemy laws, hudood laws, qanoon-e-shahdat, qisas-o-diyat and condition to be Muslim for becoming President, Prime Minister etc., to be repealed from the constitution.
8. Minorities’ representation to be ensured in all delegations sent overseas; be they political, educational, diplomatic, business or cultural.
9. Contribution of minorities in the creation, progress & service of Pakistan should be included in the academic curriculum
10. Denationalisation and returning of all Christian educational institutions, especially Murray College in Sialkot, Gordon College in Rawalpindi and Edward College in Peshawar.
11. The Christian identity of all missionary welfare institutions, including schools and hospitals, should be protected and rights of their employees be safeguarded.
12. The largest religious minority should be addressed as Masihi and not Esai
13. Christian students in educational institutions to be given option for Biblical studies as a subject, just like Muslim students are to study Islamic studies.
14. An anti-discrimination law to be passed for the protection of religious minorities and incitement to hate should be made punishable offence. A complete ban on all provocative hate literature against religious minorities to be enforced. |
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Extremist Muslims lodge blasphemy case against handicap Christian: By Jawad Mazhar |
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Lahore, Pakistan: May 24, 2011. (PCP) Police in tehsil (administrative division) Cheechawatni, of district Sahiwal have registered a fake Blasphemy Case, against a mentally ill Christian person for hurting Muslims’ religious feelings, under Pakistan’s black controversial blasphemy laws.
The Christian families elated to 25-year-old Christian youth identified as Babber Masih – the only other Christian families in the area – have fled their homes after a Muslim mob threatened to harm them, relatives of the accused told PCP.
Cheechawatni police in Pakistani Punjab Province registered the blasphemy case against Masih on May 02nd after arresting him at about 2200 hrs.
The Christian family handed over the Christian youth over to the Police as Muslims and radicals Muslims had gathered there to kill him.PCP learnt through Rana Sardar, who had informed the Shakir Masih’s family that they must hand over Masih to the police for his own safety.
Islamic clerics attacked the police van in bid to kill Masih on the spot, Local sources on condition of anonymity told PCP.
Well placed and reliable sources went on say Muslim mob of fanatics continued chasing after the Police vehicle as it carried him away.
But by the grace of God this gave an opportunity to the Babber Masih’s related families to escape in order to save their lives.
PCP was apprized by sources at present the Christian families were in hiding.
Masih’s brother, Amjad Masih, said that after fleeing from their home, he talked with neighbors who told him that several other neighbors had been pressured by Muslim clerics to go to the police station to provide testimony against the accused.
“These neighbors were of the opinion that they could not refuse to give evidence after the Muslim clerics forced them, telling them that they were coming out of the mosque after prayer when Babber Masih used abusive language against the prophet Muhammad,” Amjad Masih said. “They told me, ‘It is such a sensitive matter that we could not refuse.’”
He said Babber Masih has suffered a mental illness for the past six or seven years typified by fits of unprovoked rage. He said that his brother’s loss of mental balance was reflected in abusive language and lack of concern for food and clothing.
Amjad Masih told PCP that he had learned from witnesses that Babber Masih was walking by the Canal Mosque looking upward and calling out names as the mosque leader was coming out and heard him using abusive language about Muhammad. He said he did not learn about the alleged incident until he had returned from an area bazaar.
“When I reached home I saw a large number of Muslim clerics that had gathered outside our house,” he said. “I believe they had come from other cities, because I cannot identify them and they were not of our area.”
When he asked why they had gathered there, he said, the clerics told him that Babber Masih had used insulting language about Muhammad, which can be punishable by death in Pakistan. His older brother James Masih, he said, had locked the accused in a room. He confirmed that neighbors believed that the clerics would kill Babber Masih unless police were informed.
Police were not available for comment at press time. Representatives from a human rights organization have met with Babber Masih in Sahiwal Central Jail, where he has been since Tuesday (May 3).
Masih was charged under Section 298 of Pakistan’s blasphemy statues for “uttering words . . . with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings” and Section 298-A for “use of derogatory remarks . . . in respect of holy personages.”
Attorney Khurram Shehzad Maan of the ‘European Center for Law and Justice’s office’ in Pakistan said that the complainant in the case was not the cleric who allegedly saw Babber Masih speaking ill of Muhammad and other Islamic figures, but rather a dairy farmer named Zeeshan Arain whose property is on the same street as Babber Masih’s. He said the police should have examined him to confirm whether he was insane, as Babber Masih’s family had informed them.
Maan said that Section 84 of Pakistan Penal Code states, “Nothing is offense which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, by reason of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the act, or that he is doing what is either wrong or contrary to law.” Therefore, he said, police had the option of sending him to a mental asylum rather than registering a First Information Report.
In the FIR, Arain clearly states that Babber Masih was addressing the stars as he allegedly cried out against the prophet and holy personages of Islam, Maan said.
“It means that the police must have come to know since the beginning that Babber was not a sane person, who was addressing stars, and also Babber never meant to injure feelings of any Muslims,” Maan added.
Amjad Masih said that the few neighbors who were not siding with the murderous mob had told him not to return home, as police out of uniform, the clerics and several others were visiting their houses to see if they had returned.
“I want to go back home,” he said. “We have business there, and we don’t want to leave the place, but we fear that the people will attack us. We do not have any idea how to respond in this situation.”
With tensions running high in the area, on Thursday May 5th there was a meeting known as a panchayat (gathering of local elders parallel to the Courthouse) in which Islamic clerics from all major mosques of the local and surrounding areas gathered with Christian representatives.
Muslims in the Panchayat were not willing to allow the Christian families return their homes. |
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Pakistan Christian Congress Condemn massacre of Egyptian Christians |
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Karachi: October 11, 2011. (PCP) The Central Council Secretariat of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC has strongly condemned Egyptian Security Forces on massacre of Coptic Christian in Cairo on October 9, 2011.
Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said that to kill peaceful Coptic Christians under armed vehicles of Egyptian army is heinous crime against humanity and international community must rise up to condemn barbaric act of Egyptian Security forces.
Thousands of Coptic Christians were peacefully protesting in Cairo against burning of Churches by extremists Muslim sect when two armed vehicles of Egyptian Army ran over them murdering on streets where Coptic Christians had joined Muslims for so-called Arab Spring to topple Hussnie Mubarak regime. The live rounds of army soldiers also killed many protestors.
Dr. Nazir Bhatti said that Coptic Christians have been expressing feelings of insecurity after incidents of setting their worship places on fire by fundamental Muslims but government instead of adopting adequate security measures for their life and property indiscriminately gunned down innocent protestors.
Nazir Bhatti said “So-called Arab Spring have unleashed monster of Islamic extremism which is trying to swallow religious minorities in these Islamic countries and it must be caped in down by forces which supported this Arab Spring unless situation of anarchy and chaos will be at peak”
“The killing of Iraqi Christians after democracy in Iraq and now massacre of Egyptian Christians have created grave concerns among religious minorities in Islamic states” added Nazir Bhatti
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC demanded security of life and property of Coptic Christians and urged resignation of Defense and Home Ministers of Egyptian government. |
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South Asian Outreach Ministry of the Presbytery of Florida on devotion at Palm Sunday |
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Florida: April 1, 2009. (PCP) The leader of SAOMP Musarrat Nasir issued a devotional message for Palm Sunday. In a message she wrote “As we are approaching Palm Sunday, let us remember what happened in that week. There was stir in Bethany and along the road leading to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of the Pass over. What is Passover? This was the feast in remembrance of the day in which Lord brought Israel out of the house of bondage after the first born of the Egyptians died. Children of Israel were asked by God to take a Lamb without blemish and scarify it and put some blood on the lintel and the two doorposts of their houses. And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the Land of Egypt, but He Passover the doors with the sign of the blood. Those were the houses of the Israelis. Jesus and His disciples were going to the Jerusalem for this celebration of the feast of the Passover. Crowd was gathered, disciples threw their robes over a colt and placed Jesus upon it and the procession started. Jesus got the public recognition and celebration of His right as Messiah king. It was different than a coronation of a king. In their enthusiasm, people tore off branches from the Palm and Olive trees and carpeted the highway. There were three types of people in that crowd”
The ones who were overjoyed and amazed by His teachings and His miracles.
They believed in Him and proclaim Him king. Shouts rang through the air,
Hosanna, blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21: 9
2. The ones who questioned, who is He? They never heard of Him or never paid attention to His teachings.
Pharisees, who said to Jesus, teacher, Order your disciples to stop. Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out” Luke 19: 40
Let us ask a question to ourselves, which group do I belong to?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Who is the king of Glory? The Lord Jesus Christ, He is the Lamb without blemish, the lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world. Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb. |
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PMM and PCWO shall observe “Black day on 11 August” in Pakistan |
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Sargodha: July 30, 2009. (PCP) We condemn statements of Federal Minister of Minority Affairs Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti on different forums and his policies related to minorities issues. To continuous protest on whole week, Pakistan Minority Movement (PMM) organized a big Procession (Jalsa-a-aam) on 12 August, 2009 at Sargodha , Eid-Gaa Basti, time 6:00 PM. Whole program is organized by PMM and many Minorities leader of different parties will come on the occasion. This program is presided by Mr. Taro Mall, Chairman of PMM.
Chief Guest of this program is very respectable Political Leader Professor Salamat Akhtar, President Pakistan Meshihi League.
Other speakers of the day are: Suneel Waqas Chohan Chief Organizer Pakistan Minority Movement, Dr. Salmeem Humdard, Pakistan Iqlaiti Party, Danial Bhatti, Pakistan Iqlaiti Prame Party, Younas Iqbal President Anjuman-a-mazarain Punjab, Ashiq Bhatti Chief Organizer Pakistan Meshihi League, Sulman Rindahawa, Youth Wing , Pakistan Minority Movement.
Meanwhile, President of Pakistan Christian Welfare Organization (PCWO) has announced to support the idea of observing Black Day instead of Minorities Day. Mr. Shamas, President of PCWO said that all our sympathies on this occasion are with our oppressed and suppressed community in Pakistan who are being continuously
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