Sindhi Press for April 20
People’s representation by keeping quiet!
Kawish
Sindh Assembly after completing first parliamentary years has entered the second year. During first parliamentary year a majority of Sindh MPAs i.e. 99 out of 169, fulfilled their responsibility of people’s representation by keeping quiet in the House. If at all they spoke it was not the issue of public interest. In all eleven sessions of the provincial assembly were held which passed 12 bills presented by the treasury benches. Of them ten were signed by the governor were enacted as law and one of them pertaining to the educational boards was referred back with objections, while one is still waiting for signature by the governor. Throughout parliamentary years out of 293, only eight resolutions were passed.
How much it cost the people? It is important to note that each member of the provincial assembly gets honourarium of Rs41000, while other fringe benefits, TA, DA and expenses incurred on protocol are in addition to that.
The peculiarity of the incumbent Sindh Assembly is that it is not only graduate assembly but except one group all the members are part of the government. The opposition in House is only for the sake of name. Earlier there had been a strong opposition and people have witnessed uproars and the slogans of “No No and Go Go”. In such a situation it was difficult for government to pass a bill or adapt a resolution.
In today’s changed situation when all are “ours” and practically no opposition exists, the performance of the House is poor. It passed only 12 bills that means at an average one bill per month. This was the all performance of our elected representatives, who in fact deserve to be congratulated for keeping silence in the House. Can this be considered that they failed to fulfill responsibility- representing people- for which they were elected? Is it justice with the people’s mandate? Did they not see any problem faced by the people of their constituency or some pressing issue over all about Sindh? If calculated, the nation had to pay Rs6.888 million for a member on account of salary only. Likewise in all members were paid Rs82.62. We will not comment further on the issue because it might tantamount to harm his/her privilege.
The members kept quiet silence on the public issues. It is really painful that 99 members failed to speak and also failed to find out some issue or problems of public importance. We do not want to wash away the joy of completing one parliamentary year. Though the House remained peaceful but in the province the situation was contrary to it.
Whether it was law and order situation or jirgas held under the official patronage, issues of NFC award and natural resources, there were much louder voices out side the House as compared to the within the House. Despite loss of one year and huge spendings made on the legislators, we still hope the voice of Sindh and its people would echo in the House in the second parliamentary year. The treasury as well as opposition benches would get them recognized as people’s representatives. It will not treat the subjects which are vital, as banned one and will break the fast of silence. (April 19)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Friday, April 24, 2009
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Sindhi Press – For April 12
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Ibrat
Since installation of present democratic government, two major parties- PPP and PML-N have been in dual type of relations. Some times they demonstrate friendly, while some others times locked in confrontation. People hoped, following restoration of judges both the parties would have cordial relations. PPP while taking the lead filed review petition regarding disqualification of Sharif brothers, which led to a court and restoration of Shahbaz Sharif government in Punjab. It was expected that PML-N would drop the path of confrontation and opt for friendship and reconciliation. Unfortunately that did not happen.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) does not plan to join the Pakistan People’s Party-led federal government. The apparent reason behind this decision seems to be deepening economic crisis, load shedding, lawlessness, unemployment and other pressing problems. At this juncture who ever would rule the country, he will have to suffer loss politically.
Nawaz Sharif has conditioned the joining of federal government with implementation on Charter of Democracy and the 17th Amendment. In retaliation PPP was taking position to sit in the opposition in Punjab. PPP has indicated that it would the PPP would only join the Punjab government if the Sharifs’ party agreed to join the cabinet at the centre. President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to make a last ditch effort to coax the PML-N into joining the federal cabinet; otherwise the PPP would sit on the opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly. PPP leadership considers it an ideal situation, if PPP joins PML-N led Punjab government, and PML-N joins cabinet at centre. Further more there was a clear difference between the central and provincial government over Swat agreement.
What else can be reconciliation? Such reconciliation never was witnessed in the history. President Zardari has complained about aggressive position taken by the PML-N. It was the very aggressive attitude which has endangered the democracy. A few weeks back, we witnessed many a speculations giving an impression that any thing would happen at any time.
We think, that it is responsibility of Nawaz Sharif to adapt path of reconciliation. To government in Punjab was his biggest wish which was fulfilled. There are number of pressing problems which needs earlier attention of all the responsible people. This list includes drone attack, terrorism, financial crises and many more. Presently it is only PPP which was facing all these problems. Cooperation is essential for the welfare of the country. ANP is a coalition partner at centre, but it is only limited at the provincial level.
There is no way out of the problems facing Pakistan except for cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. Strange enough, Nawaz Sharif despite understanding this critical situation faced by the country is not extending cooperation. This would tantamount to confrontation in the name of reconciliation.
PML-N which claims to be democratic and well wisher of the country should come forward and instead of verbose take some steps practically in the greater interest of the people and the country – (April 11)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Ibrat
Since installation of present democratic government, two major parties- PPP and PML-N have been in dual type of relations. Some times they demonstrate friendly, while some others times locked in confrontation. People hoped, following restoration of judges both the parties would have cordial relations. PPP while taking the lead filed review petition regarding disqualification of Sharif brothers, which led to a court and restoration of Shahbaz Sharif government in Punjab. It was expected that PML-N would drop the path of confrontation and opt for friendship and reconciliation. Unfortunately that did not happen.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) does not plan to join the Pakistan People’s Party-led federal government. The apparent reason behind this decision seems to be deepening economic crisis, load shedding, lawlessness, unemployment and other pressing problems. At this juncture who ever would rule the country, he will have to suffer loss politically.
Nawaz Sharif has conditioned the joining of federal government with implementation on Charter of Democracy and the 17th Amendment. In retaliation PPP was taking position to sit in the opposition in Punjab. PPP has indicated that it would the PPP would only join the Punjab government if the Sharifs’ party agreed to join the cabinet at the centre. President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to make a last ditch effort to coax the PML-N into joining the federal cabinet; otherwise the PPP would sit on the opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly. PPP leadership considers it an ideal situation, if PPP joins PML-N led Punjab government, and PML-N joins cabinet at centre. Further more there was a clear difference between the central and provincial government over Swat agreement.
What else can be reconciliation? Such reconciliation never was witnessed in the history. President Zardari has complained about aggressive position taken by the PML-N. It was the very aggressive attitude which has endangered the democracy. A few weeks back, we witnessed many a speculations giving an impression that any thing would happen at any time.
We think, that it is responsibility of Nawaz Sharif to adapt path of reconciliation. To government in Punjab was his biggest wish which was fulfilled. There are number of pressing problems which needs earlier attention of all the responsible people. This list includes drone attack, terrorism, financial crises and many more. Presently it is only PPP which was facing all these problems. Cooperation is essential for the welfare of the country. ANP is a coalition partner at centre, but it is only limited at the provincial level.
There is no way out of the problems facing Pakistan except for cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. Strange enough, Nawaz Sharif despite understanding this critical situation faced by the country is not extending cooperation. This would tantamount to confrontation in the name of reconciliation.
PML-N which claims to be democratic and well wisher of the country should come forward and instead of verbose take some steps practically in the greater interest of the people and the country – (April 11)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Who controls IRSA
Sindhi Press April 6
Who controls IRSA
Kawish
River System Authority (IRSA) is hit by its dualism. Whenever issue of due share of Sindh water is raised, IRSA poses itself as a powerless body. But in case of Punjab, it is much effective and active. Apart from repeated demands by the smaller provinces it is not implementing the 1991 water accord. It has turned down the requests of federal government. This year too the IRSA has adapted same attitude. It refused to distribute water under Water Accord of 1991 Para 2, and turned down the request of federal government and two provinces- Sindh and Balochistan. And it opted for historical- use basis ((1977-82) formula that benefits Punjab and reduces Sindh’s share by about five per cent. Sindh will get 31.908 MAF water instead of 33.94 MAF. Hence Sindh would be deprived of 2.032 MAF water share.
Since years Sindh have been deprived of its water share, hence Sindh lost its identity of green and prosperous land. Promises and accords are not implemented. The lands of Sindh turned barren while non release of water down stream Kotri caused sea intrusion affecting agriculture and entire eco-system of the lower Sindh and delta region. The water accord is put in cold storage. When accord is not implemented then how some other guarantee could withstand. The tale of vows does not end here.
Right at the time when farmers, especially those of the lower regions, critically needed water, the supplies were stopped on the pretext of filling up reservoirs.
Similarly, the apportionments to the provinces and the flows in two link canals were being controlled most arbitrarily ever since the country had gone under the military rule.
Beside less water than its due share Sindh is getting, water theft from this share also continues. Therefore water while reaching upto Sindh further reduces. Sindh has been demanding that its share should be ensured up to Sukkur. But his is not heard.
Ill intentions is exposed with artificial failure of multi million telemetry system installed to monitor the water flow in the rivers, which proved inefficient within a period of two months. This system was installed to monitor 23 waters in the country through satellite, but this too was made ineffective. So that Sindh may not get any documentary proof of water theft.
When there is question to supply due share of water, IRSA appears to be ineffective. It is not complying with the directives of federal government. If directives of federal government are not implemented, who other is deciding the issues? It is only Punjab, what to say.
We have history of injustices which is equal to the inception of the country. Undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions have been thrust upon. We do not only find such decision in the undemocratic government but it is not difficult to find out such during the democratic period also. The successive un democratic governments committed excesses and injustices with Sindh in water share and distribution of financial resources also. But it is irony that Sindh is not getting its share during present democratic government.
Sindh has recorded protest for not implementing para two of the 1991 Water Accord, but from Sindh may reach for justice? For that federal government which is not ready to heed it? Sindh is not demanding any thing excess, but only its due share. It is suggested that distribution arrangements proposed may be corrected accordingly and the water may be apportioned as per para-2 of the accord. The people of Sindh and government should raise effective voice to get its share according to 1991 water accord. -(April 2)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Who controls IRSA
Kawish
River System Authority (IRSA) is hit by its dualism. Whenever issue of due share of Sindh water is raised, IRSA poses itself as a powerless body. But in case of Punjab, it is much effective and active. Apart from repeated demands by the smaller provinces it is not implementing the 1991 water accord. It has turned down the requests of federal government. This year too the IRSA has adapted same attitude. It refused to distribute water under Water Accord of 1991 Para 2, and turned down the request of federal government and two provinces- Sindh and Balochistan. And it opted for historical- use basis ((1977-82) formula that benefits Punjab and reduces Sindh’s share by about five per cent. Sindh will get 31.908 MAF water instead of 33.94 MAF. Hence Sindh would be deprived of 2.032 MAF water share.
Since years Sindh have been deprived of its water share, hence Sindh lost its identity of green and prosperous land. Promises and accords are not implemented. The lands of Sindh turned barren while non release of water down stream Kotri caused sea intrusion affecting agriculture and entire eco-system of the lower Sindh and delta region. The water accord is put in cold storage. When accord is not implemented then how some other guarantee could withstand. The tale of vows does not end here.
Right at the time when farmers, especially those of the lower regions, critically needed water, the supplies were stopped on the pretext of filling up reservoirs.
Similarly, the apportionments to the provinces and the flows in two link canals were being controlled most arbitrarily ever since the country had gone under the military rule.
Beside less water than its due share Sindh is getting, water theft from this share also continues. Therefore water while reaching upto Sindh further reduces. Sindh has been demanding that its share should be ensured up to Sukkur. But his is not heard.
Ill intentions is exposed with artificial failure of multi million telemetry system installed to monitor the water flow in the rivers, which proved inefficient within a period of two months. This system was installed to monitor 23 waters in the country through satellite, but this too was made ineffective. So that Sindh may not get any documentary proof of water theft.
When there is question to supply due share of water, IRSA appears to be ineffective. It is not complying with the directives of federal government. If directives of federal government are not implemented, who other is deciding the issues? It is only Punjab, what to say.
We have history of injustices which is equal to the inception of the country. Undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions have been thrust upon. We do not only find such decision in the undemocratic government but it is not difficult to find out such during the democratic period also. The successive un democratic governments committed excesses and injustices with Sindh in water share and distribution of financial resources also. But it is irony that Sindh is not getting its share during present democratic government.
Sindh has recorded protest for not implementing para two of the 1991 Water Accord, but from Sindh may reach for justice? For that federal government which is not ready to heed it? Sindh is not demanding any thing excess, but only its due share. It is suggested that distribution arrangements proposed may be corrected accordingly and the water may be apportioned as per para-2 of the accord. The people of Sindh and government should raise effective voice to get its share according to 1991 water accord. -(April 2)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Media and Politics
Sindhi Press March 2
Media and Politics
Ibrat
Relationship between the media and the political sphere is very deep as well as old. A strong thought exists that how the media should work in the service of democracy, while rulers have always tried to use media to achieve their political goal and personal interests. With the development of all social and applied sciences this branch of science also grew and its uses also changed with the passage of time. What we see the role, shape and affectivity of the media today it had never been before. Its effectiveness is also great, which have never been in the history earlier. This affectivity has roots in technological revolution as well as other social and applied sciences development.
Now politics has become impossible without media, as the media has important role to play in running the government affairs. The media try to explain the government's goals and policies, helping to mobilize and reinforce public support necessary for effective political action. In reporting on politics, the media help select the issues that are to receive public attention and help shape the public agenda.
In today’s world with the help of media it has become easy to prove truth as lie and vice versa. Political parties are aware about it. Therefore they had got expertise in using mass media in their interests.
Electronic media and private TV channels are new phenomena in Pakistan... In a very short period the weaknesses of electronic media have been exposed. The major weakness is the uses and misuses by the political parties. We have seen electronic media had given undue importance to some issues. Some times they had buried the real issues and did not receive any mention whatsoever. A section of electronic media had been indulged in this practice.
It has been observed, if any event or political decision is not reported in the media, that means it had not taken place. It is surprising that importance and very existence of events and decisions depends on media. If some one is not in media means he does not exist in the world.
The electronic media presented crisis cropped up after disqualification of Sharif Brothers ten times larger than its original size. So much so with over playing the Sharifs disqualification all the other issues went down the drain and were buried. Live coverage of protests created a perception as if protests have broken out all over the country. Its size, scale and affectivity were presented larger than life.
President Asif Ali Zardari pointed out, PML-N was playing a media game and the media should stop this game.
There are number of political parties which are alive only in media or through media, otherwise, they have little existence in society. They issue statements to media and try to affect the crisis. In fact, such political parties do not represent a sizeable section of society would not live longer but for time being are complicating the situation….
This power of media can be used in constructive manner. The media can play an important role while highlighting the real issues to finding their solutions. This would restrain politicians from misuse of media but would also develop pressure on politicians to pay due attention to these real issue. It is media that can check and criticize this negative role of media. - (March 1)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Media and Politics
Ibrat
Relationship between the media and the political sphere is very deep as well as old. A strong thought exists that how the media should work in the service of democracy, while rulers have always tried to use media to achieve their political goal and personal interests. With the development of all social and applied sciences this branch of science also grew and its uses also changed with the passage of time. What we see the role, shape and affectivity of the media today it had never been before. Its effectiveness is also great, which have never been in the history earlier. This affectivity has roots in technological revolution as well as other social and applied sciences development.
Now politics has become impossible without media, as the media has important role to play in running the government affairs. The media try to explain the government's goals and policies, helping to mobilize and reinforce public support necessary for effective political action. In reporting on politics, the media help select the issues that are to receive public attention and help shape the public agenda.
In today’s world with the help of media it has become easy to prove truth as lie and vice versa. Political parties are aware about it. Therefore they had got expertise in using mass media in their interests.
Electronic media and private TV channels are new phenomena in Pakistan... In a very short period the weaknesses of electronic media have been exposed. The major weakness is the uses and misuses by the political parties. We have seen electronic media had given undue importance to some issues. Some times they had buried the real issues and did not receive any mention whatsoever. A section of electronic media had been indulged in this practice.
It has been observed, if any event or political decision is not reported in the media, that means it had not taken place. It is surprising that importance and very existence of events and decisions depends on media. If some one is not in media means he does not exist in the world.
The electronic media presented crisis cropped up after disqualification of Sharif Brothers ten times larger than its original size. So much so with over playing the Sharifs disqualification all the other issues went down the drain and were buried. Live coverage of protests created a perception as if protests have broken out all over the country. Its size, scale and affectivity were presented larger than life.
President Asif Ali Zardari pointed out, PML-N was playing a media game and the media should stop this game.
There are number of political parties which are alive only in media or through media, otherwise, they have little existence in society. They issue statements to media and try to affect the crisis. In fact, such political parties do not represent a sizeable section of society would not live longer but for time being are complicating the situation….
This power of media can be used in constructive manner. The media can play an important role while highlighting the real issues to finding their solutions. This would restrain politicians from misuse of media but would also develop pressure on politicians to pay due attention to these real issue. It is media that can check and criticize this negative role of media. - (March 1)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Confrontation is no solution
Sindhi Press Feb 23
Confrontation is no solution
Kawish
The political temperature in the country is rising. But the government, lawyers and other parties are trapped in ego chains and are unable to come forward and closer to each other. The lawyers are going to stage sit in on March 16 in Islamabad, while PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has committed himself to joining the lawyers’ sit-in for restoration of former chief justice Choudhry Iftikhar Mohammed and other judges and vowed to go beyond sit in, if need arises. He advised the lawyers to launch long march from Lahore to Islamabad. The government is also forwarding a mixed reaction. It says that protest is democratic right however, political forces should mind it that their action should not invite the intervention of third force.
The issue of restoration of judges is lingering on since the day the present government came into power. Once again lawyers have decided for long march and they are trying to win support of political parties. They succeeded to win over Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif while committing to join lawyers sit in went a step ahead and came down hard on President Asif Ali Zardari, accusing him of orchestrating a campaign to disqualify him.
A While accusing President Asif Ali Zardari, Mr Sharif talked about going beyond sit si. His outburst is also quite understandable….. issuing threats would not remain static and opposition may soon take the form of an all-out confrontation. Both parties would try to go further. If that happens, it would be harmful for democracy.
Nawas Sharif’s party is in power in Punjab. If lawyers are taking his advice and they are launching long march from Lahore, it is but natural that they will get official patronage. It means a long march under patronage of provincial government would lead to federal capital. This would result into confrontation between provincial and federal governments. If sit in of thousand of lawyers and political activists continues for a longer period, the federal government would reconsider its attitude towards this protest in the capital. In the wake of threats of terrorism which country is experiencing and Mian Nawaz Sharif’s outburst for going beyond sit-in would aggravate the situation.
It has been practice, whenever law and order situation arises in capital, federal government calls police force from Punjab. In case of confrontation there is little hope for getting police force from Punjab. This will create a confrontation between the state institutions, which should be avoided. History is witness to it, when ever confrontation has increased in the democratic era and some one has tried to be superman, it has always invited intervention of third force. Therefore every step should be taken carefully to avoid undue intervention in the democratic and political process…. It is advisable, the third forces should also not opt for adventure as such actions had pushed the country for many years to dark era. It is not the solution of any tension or confrontation taking place during democratic government. The problems created in democratic set up should be resolved democratically and some way out of negotiations and reconciliation should be founded.
- (Feb 22)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Confrontation is no solution
Kawish
The political temperature in the country is rising. But the government, lawyers and other parties are trapped in ego chains and are unable to come forward and closer to each other. The lawyers are going to stage sit in on March 16 in Islamabad, while PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has committed himself to joining the lawyers’ sit-in for restoration of former chief justice Choudhry Iftikhar Mohammed and other judges and vowed to go beyond sit in, if need arises. He advised the lawyers to launch long march from Lahore to Islamabad. The government is also forwarding a mixed reaction. It says that protest is democratic right however, political forces should mind it that their action should not invite the intervention of third force.
The issue of restoration of judges is lingering on since the day the present government came into power. Once again lawyers have decided for long march and they are trying to win support of political parties. They succeeded to win over Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif while committing to join lawyers sit in went a step ahead and came down hard on President Asif Ali Zardari, accusing him of orchestrating a campaign to disqualify him.
A While accusing President Asif Ali Zardari, Mr Sharif talked about going beyond sit si. His outburst is also quite understandable….. issuing threats would not remain static and opposition may soon take the form of an all-out confrontation. Both parties would try to go further. If that happens, it would be harmful for democracy.
Nawas Sharif’s party is in power in Punjab. If lawyers are taking his advice and they are launching long march from Lahore, it is but natural that they will get official patronage. It means a long march under patronage of provincial government would lead to federal capital. This would result into confrontation between provincial and federal governments. If sit in of thousand of lawyers and political activists continues for a longer period, the federal government would reconsider its attitude towards this protest in the capital. In the wake of threats of terrorism which country is experiencing and Mian Nawaz Sharif’s outburst for going beyond sit-in would aggravate the situation.
It has been practice, whenever law and order situation arises in capital, federal government calls police force from Punjab. In case of confrontation there is little hope for getting police force from Punjab. This will create a confrontation between the state institutions, which should be avoided. History is witness to it, when ever confrontation has increased in the democratic era and some one has tried to be superman, it has always invited intervention of third force. Therefore every step should be taken carefully to avoid undue intervention in the democratic and political process…. It is advisable, the third forces should also not opt for adventure as such actions had pushed the country for many years to dark era. It is not the solution of any tension or confrontation taking place during democratic government. The problems created in democratic set up should be resolved democratically and some way out of negotiations and reconciliation should be founded.
- (Feb 22)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Change in US policies
Sindhi Press Feb 16
Change in US policies
Awami Awaz
US President Barack Obama telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari, a day after his special envoy met the Pakistani leader with a message from his boss urging Pakistan to be a ‘stalwart ally’ in the fight against terrorism.
The two leaders reportedly agreed on the need for a strategy to try and resolve the region’s problems.
Telephonic talk between two leaders was in the backdrop of US decision to reviewing its Afghan and South Asia policy…..
US might be changing its policies in its own interest but it would also have some positive effects in the region. Since last nine years entire international community have been demanding of US to change its infamous policies of Bush governemnt. These policies had not only destroyed the world peace and brought instability and uncertainity in the world but also tarnished the image of US. President Obama contested the election on the slogan of change. It would be correct to say, US public voted for change while voting to Obama. Now time has come that Obama should fulfil his promise which he made during election campaign….The review of the US strategy should include new ideas, better coordination with allies and other concerned countries.
PPP has also contributed for bringing change in US policy about Asia and Afghanistan, because PPP has been complaining against Bush policies, and persuading the US to review harmful policies. It appears today results are coming out. US should adapt a policy of live and let others to live. – (Feb 13)
Disown infamous identity
Ibrat
Historically, Sindh is known for custodian of women. But now a new identity is being foisted on it. Killing of sisters, daughter, wife, sister in-laws etc over some petty matter have become order of day. Newspapers daily carry number of painful stories......
In Sultankot district Shikarpur. One Arbab Shar shot dead his wife in the presence of his minor daughter and later buried her body without formal funeral. The parents of deceased woman said that the accused was gambler and used to subject the torture to the deceased. On the same day Ahmed Ali Janwari injured his wife Habiban over some domestic matter. Makhan Khatoon was killed near Dakhan. One more painful aspect of this incident is due to non availability of lady doctor the heir of deceased were running from pillar to post to conduct autopsy.
Sindh has held values time when beating or torturing a woman was considered as crime and such offender was termed as coward one. But today, woman is sold and chopped into pieces on one or the other pretext. What has gone wrong with the nation which claims to be inheritor of 5000 year old civilisation? as it was not hesitating to such painful and shameful acts.
In fact these all incidents are attack on peace, honour. This should be checked at all levels and by all the stakeholders.
The government should take notice of these incidents and deal with iron hands to those who are playing with woman like a football.– (Feb 15)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Change in US policies
Awami Awaz
US President Barack Obama telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari, a day after his special envoy met the Pakistani leader with a message from his boss urging Pakistan to be a ‘stalwart ally’ in the fight against terrorism.
The two leaders reportedly agreed on the need for a strategy to try and resolve the region’s problems.
Telephonic talk between two leaders was in the backdrop of US decision to reviewing its Afghan and South Asia policy…..
US might be changing its policies in its own interest but it would also have some positive effects in the region. Since last nine years entire international community have been demanding of US to change its infamous policies of Bush governemnt. These policies had not only destroyed the world peace and brought instability and uncertainity in the world but also tarnished the image of US. President Obama contested the election on the slogan of change. It would be correct to say, US public voted for change while voting to Obama. Now time has come that Obama should fulfil his promise which he made during election campaign….The review of the US strategy should include new ideas, better coordination with allies and other concerned countries.
PPP has also contributed for bringing change in US policy about Asia and Afghanistan, because PPP has been complaining against Bush policies, and persuading the US to review harmful policies. It appears today results are coming out. US should adapt a policy of live and let others to live. – (Feb 13)
Disown infamous identity
Ibrat
Historically, Sindh is known for custodian of women. But now a new identity is being foisted on it. Killing of sisters, daughter, wife, sister in-laws etc over some petty matter have become order of day. Newspapers daily carry number of painful stories......
In Sultankot district Shikarpur. One Arbab Shar shot dead his wife in the presence of his minor daughter and later buried her body without formal funeral. The parents of deceased woman said that the accused was gambler and used to subject the torture to the deceased. On the same day Ahmed Ali Janwari injured his wife Habiban over some domestic matter. Makhan Khatoon was killed near Dakhan. One more painful aspect of this incident is due to non availability of lady doctor the heir of deceased were running from pillar to post to conduct autopsy.
Sindh has held values time when beating or torturing a woman was considered as crime and such offender was termed as coward one. But today, woman is sold and chopped into pieces on one or the other pretext. What has gone wrong with the nation which claims to be inheritor of 5000 year old civilisation? as it was not hesitating to such painful and shameful acts.
In fact these all incidents are attack on peace, honour. This should be checked at all levels and by all the stakeholders.
The government should take notice of these incidents and deal with iron hands to those who are playing with woman like a football.– (Feb 15)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
In defense of our tolerant life style
Sindhi Press Jan 20
In defense of our tolerant life style
Ibrat
President Zadari has warned that we have to defend our life style and there is no option of defeat. While talking to president of NWFP Chamber of Commerce said that some militants wanted to capture the state power and impose their agenda…. Who are these militants and what are their stakes in the state? They have become so strong that they were dreaming to capture state power. Would our army be able to stop these elements?...
What is agenda of these militants and terrorist which they want to impose in this country? This needs not many explanations. One had seen this agenda in Afghanistan during Taliban rule and some glimpses we are witnessing in Swat and Bajaur. Thousands of girls were deprived from education in FATA as extremists had threatened to explode the schools with bombs if they were opened for girls education…. Some time back CD and music centres were set ablaze and restrained the promotion of music, art, and literature. Their agenda is clear: either obey them or die. And to implement these agendas they resort to suicide bombs, firing, kidnapping, public hangings etc.
As Islam is peaceful religion, it prohibits such acts which lead to killing of innocent people. Islam also allows every one to lead his/her life according to the belief. Contrary to this some extremists had found interpretation of Islam of their own choice and to translate this interpretation they adapt fascist means…
Contrary to it our life style is of tolerance, peaceful and moderate. A majority of people of this country are leading a moderate life style. Our approach is humane and humanitarian. It is to take on board all the people without any discrimination of faith, belief, race or caste.
This region has remained under influence of Sufis. These Sufis preached to avoid extremism and live with peace and love with other people. These Sufis had set a number of examples of religious tolerance. The people of this region belonging to different religions have a common culture….. They never resorted to kill any one to accept a particular belief.
Our history of recent past also tells that till the Z.A Bhutto period there was no such extremism. It was in the dictator Zia era sectarian riots broke out and touched to insanity level.
We witnessed a number of events including PNA movement against elected government of Bhutto to operating militant camps, run by particular school of thought hence we saw many groups operating under this particular thought. On behest of USA, we fought war against Soviet Union and religious frenzy was used to fuel this war. This all continued with the backing of the state machinery till the war against terror started. After 9/11, it became difficult to live with it. Some reforms were made and the state separated itself from this thought. It is still to be seen, whether Gen Musharraf really separated itself from this thought or it was only for show off.
In brief one can see how extremism was imposed on the people of this region. People were forced to live a life according to the philosophy of extremists. Despite continuous pressure and poisoning for decades people still want to live a moderate life. That is why the extremists are resorted to militant and fascist means.
Its true that we have no option in the war against terrorism but to win it. But this all should be seen and done, while keeping away American interests. – (Jan 18)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
In defense of our tolerant life style
Ibrat
President Zadari has warned that we have to defend our life style and there is no option of defeat. While talking to president of NWFP Chamber of Commerce said that some militants wanted to capture the state power and impose their agenda…. Who are these militants and what are their stakes in the state? They have become so strong that they were dreaming to capture state power. Would our army be able to stop these elements?...
What is agenda of these militants and terrorist which they want to impose in this country? This needs not many explanations. One had seen this agenda in Afghanistan during Taliban rule and some glimpses we are witnessing in Swat and Bajaur. Thousands of girls were deprived from education in FATA as extremists had threatened to explode the schools with bombs if they were opened for girls education…. Some time back CD and music centres were set ablaze and restrained the promotion of music, art, and literature. Their agenda is clear: either obey them or die. And to implement these agendas they resort to suicide bombs, firing, kidnapping, public hangings etc.
As Islam is peaceful religion, it prohibits such acts which lead to killing of innocent people. Islam also allows every one to lead his/her life according to the belief. Contrary to this some extremists had found interpretation of Islam of their own choice and to translate this interpretation they adapt fascist means…
Contrary to it our life style is of tolerance, peaceful and moderate. A majority of people of this country are leading a moderate life style. Our approach is humane and humanitarian. It is to take on board all the people without any discrimination of faith, belief, race or caste.
This region has remained under influence of Sufis. These Sufis preached to avoid extremism and live with peace and love with other people. These Sufis had set a number of examples of religious tolerance. The people of this region belonging to different religions have a common culture….. They never resorted to kill any one to accept a particular belief.
Our history of recent past also tells that till the Z.A Bhutto period there was no such extremism. It was in the dictator Zia era sectarian riots broke out and touched to insanity level.
We witnessed a number of events including PNA movement against elected government of Bhutto to operating militant camps, run by particular school of thought hence we saw many groups operating under this particular thought. On behest of USA, we fought war against Soviet Union and religious frenzy was used to fuel this war. This all continued with the backing of the state machinery till the war against terror started. After 9/11, it became difficult to live with it. Some reforms were made and the state separated itself from this thought. It is still to be seen, whether Gen Musharraf really separated itself from this thought or it was only for show off.
In brief one can see how extremism was imposed on the people of this region. People were forced to live a life according to the philosophy of extremists. Despite continuous pressure and poisoning for decades people still want to live a moderate life. That is why the extremists are resorted to militant and fascist means.
Its true that we have no option in the war against terrorism but to win it. But this all should be seen and done, while keeping away American interests. – (Jan 18)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
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