BB's reception: blasts and Sindhi press

Unconditional love of people deserves response

Kawish

THE river does not ask the way to the sea. It flows crossing the mountains and goes through the plains to reach the sea. It is the pull of the sea that attracts it. Same was the case on Oct 18 when a sea of people bubbling with emotions and love moved to Karachi — a sight never witnessed before. The Arabian Sea also looked on with a tinge of jealousy. Here was Benazir Bhutto in the city, and advice issued by the government and threats to her life could not stop her. She came and met the sea of masses.

This historical welcome proved that her vote bank is intact. The PPP leadership has not forgotten the art of mass mobilisation.

Who enjoys popular support? This question is answered by political leaders at different times through rallies and public meetings. But it is also to be seen how many people who are there really come voluntarily and how many constitute a ‘rent a crowd’. The gathering at Karachi was of those who had reached there voluntarily.

Jobs and economic opportunities are created by establishing industries and institutions and not selling these units.— (Oct 19, 2007)


Karachi carnage and its political implications

Awami Awaz

UNDEMOCRATIC forces once again unleashed bloodshed in Karachi, and the occasion was the reception accorded to a popular leader during her homecoming after an eight-year exile. After witnessing a peaceful reception, the hope was raised that in contrast to the May 12 incident, democratic forces would be tolerated. But all of a sudden two blasts rocked Karachi leaving 140 people dead and 540 injured.

The first reaction from the interior of Sindh to this tragic incident in Karachi came in the form of protests. The people of Sindh are used to such incidents. But when mourning becomes the order of the day, with no let-up, then people will not only want to mourn or wait to be killed. People are conscious; they can identify those responsible for the tragic incidents.

Now democratic political activities have been made more difficult, and the election campaign will not be with the massive mobilisation and activation of the public as this incident has blocked political activities, processions and gatherings, which are otherwise the basics of the poll process. — (Oct 20, 2007)

–– Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
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Sindhi Press8
Unconditional love of people deserve response
River does not ask the way of sea, it flows crossing the mountains, and passing through plains reaches at sea. It was a pull, an attraction which was pulling it to sea. The October 18, was the same case, there was a sea of people, unhindered, a sea of emotions and feelings and love which Karachi never witnessed earlier. The Arabian Sea also saw it with a bit jealous. Here was Benazir Bhutto, the government’s advices and threats issued to her life could not stop her. She came and met with the sea of masses.
This historical welcome proved that her vote bank was in tact. PPP leadership had not forgotten the art of mass mobilization. Let us see what PPP is going to offer to the people of this country against their unconditional love.
Who enjoys popular support? This question is being answered by political leaderships at different times through rallies, public meetings. But it is also seen that how many people are there who had really come voluntarily and how many other who are “rent a crowd”. The gathering at Karachi was of those who had reached there voluntarily. May this do not clarify the future political scenario, but it definitely predicts some big political changes.
Benazir Bhutto has promised to provide jobs, and eliminate poverty. Apart from official figures, the country has witnessed rise in poverty, unemployment. People prefer death to a torturous life; hence homecoming of Benazir raised hope.
If Benazir comes in power, she will have to work hard to translate this promise as international forces were busy to control the resources in the name of globalization. To achieve this goal, privatization, liberalisation, downsizing had remain popular tools. ... those rulers who had hindered agenda of these international forces, what happened to them. While, fighting a war of USA in the name of war against terrorism is another test. The privatization process started from Nawaz Sharif era was expedited in Musharraf regime, while Musharraf has vowed to continue these policies. In this situation little is left for BB to do for the people.
Job and economic opportunities are created by establishing industries and institutions and not selling these units. Presently, a number of industrial units were lying closed, jobs for fresh labour force is distance cry while people already in jobs were being sacked. If she is getting power in the continuity of Musharraf’s policies, then she should think what benefit the people will get.
Kawish – October 19

Karachi carnage and it political implications
Undemocratic forces once again unleashed bloodshed in Karachi, and the occasion was reception of a popular leader’s home coming after eight year exile. After witnessing this peaceful reception a hope raised that in contrast to the May 12 incident, now democratic forces would be tolerated and different political parties will get an atmosphere of free political activities. But all of sudden two blasts rocked Karachi leaving 140 people dead and 540 others injured.
The first reaction from interior Sindh to this tragic incident in Karachi was protests. People of Sindh are used to be ready to after such incidents. But when mourning becomes order of the day, with no let up, then people will not only want to mourn or wait to be killed. People are conscious; they can identify those responsible for tragic incidents.
How technically the historic reception of Benazir was sabotaged, who was instrumental, all this would be probed, but the basic point, those hands were behind it who felt endangered of Benazir’s massive reception and mobilisation.
May be, it would be put under the carpet by terming suicidal attack and the real reasons may not see light of the day. However, people are fed up of calling every thing as suicidal attacks. ….. Poplar belief is that it was planted and target was Benazir. Hence this part of the game remained incomplete as she remained unhurt, though she could not address the scheduled public meeting.
There are some more implications which are no less than the purposes. Now democratic political activities have been made more difficult, and election campaign will not be with massive mobilisation and public activation as this incident had blocked the holding of political activities, processions and gathering, which are otherwise essentials of poll process. Actually undemocratic forces are afraid of such massive public gatherings and mobilisation. These undemocratic forces are well organized, and resourceful to carry out such blasts and many more terror actions. However, this should be ensured that mass mobilisation and poll campaign should not be held hostage on the pretext of terror threats. This needs a political consensus which political parties should evolve. Awami Awaz, October 20, 2007
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi

National Reconciliation Ordinance

National Reconciliation Ordinance
Ibrat
PEOPLE were rejoicing after the recent political developments. They had high hopes that a new political era would begin with a change in the present set-up. Meanwhile, the National Reconciliation Ordinance that provides relief to politicians emerged as a controversial issue and is being questioned by civil society and rational elements. The NRO is not considered a good omen as criminals will get indemnity. It amounts to the crime and corruption of the elite being institutionalised.The NRO provides relief to Benazir Bhutto and her colleagues but at the same time people who were involved in criminal cases are also among the beneficiaries… Later, the situation changed and all of a sudden the rulers were attracted by the liberalism of the PPP and a deal was struck between them being labelled as the road to democracy.… The deal has been concluded, but the sword of 58 (2) b is hanging over parliament and the bar on Benazir from becoming prime minister for the third term is still there…There are clear indications that the US wants a role for Benazir in the new set-up, hence it is hoped that the issue of a third term for Benazir as prime minister will be resolved with one stroke of the pen like the NRO. Insofar as Article 58 (2) B is concerned, this could be left to parliament to decide, as it had repealed the controversial article during Nawaz Sharif’s time.The apex court is hearing the petitions regarding the election of President Gen Musharraf and the NRO. Until the court gives its verdict on these two important issues the situation will remain uncertain. — (Oct 8)


Price hike and order of Supreme Court
Tameer-i-Sindh
THE Supreme Court’s bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has rejected the reports of provincial governments regarding the prices of consumer items. The court observed that the rulers were issuing orders for their personal benefits but were not ready to provide any relief to the common man. The court expressed displeasure over the performance of the government and directed it to take action against the hoarders.The apex court’s directive has come on the occasion of Ramazan when a record price hike was witnessed. There should have been a decrease in prices particularly of food items during the holy month. On the contrary, people braved a record increase in the prices of fruit, pulses, flour, etc.Rulers are busy saving their power. They have no time to think about the common good and ensure that food items are sold at fixed prices. The price committees constituted by the government have proved ineffective.Providing relief to the common man is the prime responsibility of the government. But we have the government of the elite class; therefore all benefits go to this class, while the poor are left to God’s mercy. If the rulers continue to bask in their luxuries, we will definitely not see any decrease in prices. Taking notice of the issues which are directly related to the problems of the common man is laudable….the chief secretaries and all heads of concerned departments should be called and made answerable as to why the common people were allowed to suffer and no action was taken. — (Oct 10)
–– Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi

Apex court’s order to withhold presidential election results

Apex court’s order to withhold presidential election results
Supreme Court’s Friday’s order did not end the uncertainty regarding presidential election and future course of the system in the country. Although the apex court did not stayed the presidential elections but ordered to with hold the results till the verdict on petitions filed challenging the eligibility of Gen Musharraf to run for the office of president.
One day before this short order, the remarks of some judges created a hope that the court might stay the presidential election. But withholding of elections results had created a news situation. The results have been postponed for indefinite period as court will not resume the hearing on the petitions before October 17. People were expecting that the apex court would settle issue of holding dual office by Musharraf once for all. But the SC order has prolonged the wait.
In the new situation different circles had got sufficient time to resolve the political crisis. At this juncture what stand political parties are taking and what Gen Musharraf is offering package to parties.
Till the announcement of results, it will be test of patience for Gen Musharraf; this could also worry the government circles.
However, this order has given sufficient time to political parties, and government to find out reasonable solution of present political crisis, at the same time Supreme Court too has time to hear and consider these sensitive petitions thoroughly and give a acceptable verdict in this sensitive case. -Ibrat October 6

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi

Another settlement of local people demolished

Another settlement of local people demolished
The officials of KDA and Karachi city district government with the help of 20 police mobiles attacked 300 years old settlement of Juma Goth in Ibrahim Haidri, Karachi and demolished some 50 houses. One villager was killed while 10 others were injured in police firing when the villagers tried to protect their shelters.…. The action of district city government is deplorable as it has touched a very sensitive issue, which may once again flare up linguistic riots in the city.… Earlier too, over a dozen old settlements were demolished by KDA and district city government Karachi and demolition of Juma Kalmati Goth is seen in continuity of the same plan. Some months back when district city government demolished some villages in Karachi, as chief executive of the province the Sindh Chief Minister had held assurance that no such action would be taken in future. But the assurance of the Chief Minister proved hallow when once again the city government and KDA bulldozed 50 houses in Juma Kalmati Goth in violation of CM’s directives. … It appears that the KDA and City government enjoy backing of some influential hidden hands; hence they were violating the directives of the chief executive of the province. It is strange that there were hundreds of katchi abadis constructed illegally, but whenever, KDA and city government choose to demolish some settlement, it is always some Goth of indigenous people who had been living their since pre partition days or since centuries. This is discriminative attitude towards the locals and Sindh chief minister and other higher authorities should take notice of it and ensure that local people should not be disturbed in the name of development. -Mehran, October 5. ( Translated by Sohail Sangi)

Situation leading to political reconciliation

SINDHI PRESS Octber 2007

Situation leading to political reconciliation
Three days before the presidential elections, two major developments were witnessed, which would affect the political scenario as well as future course of politics in the country. The first one is a move to promulgate an ordinance granting a blanket amnesty to all politicians and government functionaries who held office between 1988 and 1999 and who were accused in court of corruption but not convicted. Apparently this amnesty is an attempt by the government for ‘national reconciliation’ but Nawaz Sharif would not be among the beneficiaries. Another development is nomination of General Kiani as new army chief, which indicates that Gen Musharraf will step down as the army chief following his election as president.
…. Although we have parliamentary system but practically it was presidential, and now for this office elections are being held. The opposition was showing its cards step by step and the opposition including friendly opposition has gave a tough time to the government, which was complemented by the internal as well as external situation. Hence rulers were compelled to set a reconciliatory mood, and they decided to withdraw the cases against opposition leaders, politicians and former bureaucrats.
….. The very basis of registration of corruption mainly had been political victimization and to keep them away from launching political movement against the rulers. We see even after 10 years these cases have not been proved in the courts. These cases provided an opportunity to every new ruler to claim himself honest and label his predecessors as corrupt.
Withdrawal of cases against the politician will pave way to a reconciliatory atmosphere in the country. Though it has been done on the eve of presidential elections while accepting the demands of opposition, this could have been done much earlier. If this had been done so, this could have avoided confrontation which the country witnessed in recent past. However, now there should be an end to the political confrontation.
- Kawish, October 4