Black faces, white faces + APDM’s weapon

Black faces, white faces

A PESHAWAR lawyer, Advocate Khursheed, sprayed black paint on the face of Ahmed Raza Kasuri, an advocate for the federation. Khursheed said that he was provoked by Mr Kasuri’s outburst at a TV talk show where he said that when he could make an example of Z.A. Bhutto, Aitzaz Ahsan and Muneer Malik could meet the same fate.He said there could be no other civilised reaction against Kasuri. Every action invites a reaction of the same intensity; but no one can be deprived of the right of expression.However, there should be a difference between freedom and unbridled expression.…Lack of tolerance has become the hallmark of society; hence we are braving unpleasant, undemocratic and non-parliamentarian reactions, which are dangerous, and everyone should be concerned. These should be stopped. This can only be done when we build a tolerant, healthy and democratic society.…The absence of democratic and healthy values and norms and a situation where justice is not dispensed and excesses against the people are on the rise makes one intolerant. Instead of blaming the people, there is a dire need to make conditions conducive to justice, freedom of expression and tolerance. If there are healthy conditions, the reaction of the people will be healthy. There are many people who are black while others are white. But it is their character that determines…Regardless of the fact that Mr Kasuri’s provocative, condemnable outburst invited insult, we conclude that Mr Khursheed should learn a lesson, be accountable to himself and admit his mistakes. —Awami Awaz (Sept 28)


APDM’s weapon
TO BLOCK the re-election of Gen Pervez Musharraf, the All Parties Democratic Movement... has decided that all its legislators would resign en bloc from the national and provincial assemblies on Oct 2...The alliance has decided that the legislators would hand over their resignations to the central leaders of the parties in the APDM, while members of the provincial assemblies would send their resignations to the provincial heads on Sept 29. Maulana Fazl announced that the NWFP chief minister would send an advice to the governor on Oct 2 seeking dissolution of the provincial assembly. ... the government has options to block the APDM strategy regarding the dissolution of the NWFP assembly.Though such a decision was not expected from Maulana Fazlur Rahman…his approval is quite surprising. The decision would have a far-reaching impact on the country’s politics, if it works well. If the NWFP assembly is dissolved, it may affect the presidential elections...If the NWFP assembly is dissolved, there would still be some legal and political complications. Even after the resignations, the presidential elections would be held. What are the options before the APDM?When the APDM announced the resignations, its leaders and activists were arrested. Like previous governments, this regime too resorted to excesses and the use of force. However, the CJP took suo motu notice and these workers were released. It was judicial activism for which the people had been waiting for the last 60 years.— Ibrat (Sept 28)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi

Sindhi Press-2 ( Sep 2007)

Sindhi Press-2
Tameer-e-Sindh
Election Commission is to announce presidential election as President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s term draws closer whereas apex court is seized of this contentious issue as well after having admitted Jamat-e-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed’s petition for regular hearing. It asked president’s counsel to disclose when president’s term will come to an end. While legal discussion is adjourned, controversy outside court gains momentum.
Pending the court verdict, manoeuvring for president’s re-election is in final phase as his allies are poised to get him re-elected in uniform from existing parliament though chances are getting dim. Perhaps that’s was why government-Benazir Bhutto parleys continue in this backdrop for getting Musharraf re-elected though sans uniform.
Besides political activities at home, countries like US and UK which spearheaded war on terror are keen to have Musharraf re-elected for another term in their own interest.
A constitutional and legal method can only decide Musharraf’s eligibility of holding offices of president and army chief for second term. Some fundamental queries need answers. Whether constitution allows Musharraf to continue for another term or not for another term? If so, then will he doff uniform? A government employee neither can indulge in politics even after two years of retirement nor can he contest presidential election. Since no government employee constitutionally can become president, he too can’t hold two offices.
Constitutionally, post-presidential election’s announcement EC is bound to follow constitutional process for presidential election. Any constitutional deviation would make it doubtful. Given present complex situation the country could ill afford any controversial decision so constitutional line should be adopted to find solution. (Sept 6)

Awami Awaz
Thanks to artificial wheat shortage by traders threat of price hike looms large over common man. Before advent of holy month of Ramdhan prices of edibles have registered increase. Analysts hint at more wheat shortage that would see further surge in prices. Apparently traders and hoarders had government’s backing as government remains silence spectator.
Government itself seems to be instrumental in increase in prices of petrol, electricity and gas that led to rise in transport fares and cost of production. Reports suggest that government is contemplating a further raise in tariffs of electricity, gas and patrol.
Traders already increased sugar prices and any review of rates of flour and other commodities or flour crisis by government would break the backbone of common man.
The government’s role in market economy is that of regulatory body to ensure balance between supply and demand. Regrettably during last five years of present regime people kept raising hue and cry against record price hike while policies of government have led to further deprivation of masses. It is price hike that is mainly contributing to social decay in shape of unemployment and poverty in our society. Besides, rising crime, violence and an upward tendency in suicides is also largely due to inflation.
Contrary to ground realities discussed above the present rulers continue to make claims that they will emerge victorious in forthcoming general elections on the basis of their performance. People demand a change in policies that may lead to provision of relief to common man. (Sep 6)
----------- Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
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Others voice
Sindhi Press-1
http://www.dawn.com/2007/09/02/ed.htm#5
Adjustments must be for the people
Daily Kawish
THE ‘deal’ has emerged as a critical issue. The PPP-Musharraf dialogue is not only of topical importance in politics, it is also a hot topic in the media. There are also reports about meetings between Musharraf’s aides and the Sharifs.After initially maintaining a silence on the Benazir-Musharraf meeting, both confirmed it. Benazir’s version was that a meeting was held but no agreement was reached. While speaking to PML-Q members at the CM Punjab House, Musharraf said that if the opposition was strong, it would create problems for the government. He asserted that as a result of his meeting with Benazir, the opposition has been divided. But political analysts interpret the meeting as an indication of his weakness.Meanwhile, mistrust between Nawaz Sharif and Benazir has deepened as a dent has been created in their grand alliance. Musharraf who is facing a crisis has had to take the initiative. He admitted that his meeting with Benazir was a political strategy which has brought him success.Musharraf lamented that his B team had deserted him. The team, which negotiated with Benazir, comprised his non-political subordinates. A patch-up with Benazir suits him. Notwithstanding his earlier claim that Benazir’s and Nawaz Sharif’s political role is over, Musharraf has had to make a move to seek an understanding with the PPP…We do not say that the government should not have political contacts with any party or the PPP should not attempt a reconciliation with the government. But these adjustments should not have a restricted discourse.This adjustment should not be for them to accommodate each other. It should be in the larger interest of the people. — Aug 29

Why foreigners decide our political fate
Daily Ibrat
SAAD Hariri, son of a former Lebanese prime minister, brokered the deal between Nawaz Sharif and Musharraf as a result of which the former lived eight years as a royal guest instead of languishing in jail.As the situation in the country changed and the apex court allowed the Sharif brothers to return home in keeping with the law and the Constitution, a shadow was cast on the deal.There are many influential foreign personalities who are engaged in bringing about a settlement among Musharraf, Nawaz Sharif and Benazir.In the case of the Benazir-Musharraf deal, officials of the US State Department … and former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw had also played a role.Interestingly our intelligentsia who are deadly opposed to the influence and intervention of the US in Pakistan’s domestic affairs and consider it as negating our sovereignty, do not adopt a stand when it comes to guarantees, reconciliatory efforts or deals involving a Muslim country.It is regrettable that whenever a political understanding or deal is concluded it is through foreign intermediaries. This amounts to deciding each partner’s share in the power cake and this is settled outside the country.Later, this is formalised through elections. This exercise is just a ritual. How can one describe this but as a deplorable state of affairs?The people of Pakistan have no role in the political change that is brought about through these foreign intermediaries. Political changes in Islamabad are decided in Washington DC, with Saudi Arabia being the guarantor and are stringed from Lebanon.— Aug 28 –– Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi