Saturday, November 20, 2010

An extremely confusing state of affairs

It is an interesting issue to keep eyes on, probably the world is but at the same time it surely is a confusing one too. Peace in South Asia has to come, all efforts being made for its gradual occurrence but the way states are torn apart due to pressures and self interests really confuses the state of affairs around here.

Pakistan has a strategic importance due to which Mr.Obama said as his answer to an Indian girl over why Pakistan is not termed as a terrorist state by the US. Pakistan has all the pressures to do more, cooperate, curb terrorist networks in Pakistan, back policies for Afghanistan and what not! Even working on these terms blames and harsh comments are aired every now and then against Pakistan. US Defence Secretary Robert Gates states that US has no plans to send troops into Pakistan. Agrees that US is impatient and himself tells that Pakistan has put 140,000 troops on its Western borders to fight Taliban and other terrorists networks. Something if told to him 2 years back he won’t believe. It was also interesting to learn from his statements at the discussion at the Wall Street Journal’s CEO council meeting that Pakistan had withdrawn six divisions from the Indian Border to deal with this problem. Yet, Pakistan’s presence was invisible in the Nato Lisbon Summit, while discussing Afghanistan.

US wants India, Pakistan to support a transition in Afghanistan in view of its new Afghanistan strategy but still the Lisbon Summit, billed as the most important meeting in the 61-year history of the alliance failed to give Pakistan its due credit and role. Pakistan is needed for cooperation on bringing stability to Afghanistan by the US yet its presence was ‘uninvited and invisible’ generally in the summit.

It is also interesting to hear the rare confession of Nato’s senior civilian representative to Afghanistan Mr. Mark Sedwill that talks with the Haqqani network weren’t going well as “the kind of demands they are making cannot be met by any Afghan government”. So that explains how difficult the talks and fulfilling demands are and hence even aren’t as easy thing for Pakistan. Yet Mr.Sedwill has to say that ‘scale and pace of transition’ would depend upon on quickly Pakistan ends the terrorist sanctuaries in its tribal areas.
Earlier this year, Afghanistan had a major policy shift deciding to send officers to Pakistan for training as the major commitment Nato is expecting from its member countries is training programme. The pilot programme could not take place because of fears in Afghanistan and the West that the move may annoy Indians.

Wow! The US really thinks about not to annoy the Indians and has plans to include India later on as a permanent member of the Security Council but conveniently forgets to consider Pakistani sentiments at all. These confused moves and statements about knowing Pakistan is doing a lot which they might not believe if told to them 2 years back and are just impatient, knowing talks aint easy and demands unacceptable to meet, yet putting the increased continuous pressure that Pakistan should do more and back US strategies, cooperate with India and help in the reconciliation process to make peace in Kabul are the most weirdest, strangest contradictory statements to hear!

They surely annoy the Pakistani sentiment a lot. The country is struggling with internal issues yet doing its best as an international responsibility but decisions made are just so bias. Pakistan is taken so much for granted. I don’t think anything would work out for Afghan, War on terror, India, Taliban, etc if Pakistan is not given it’s due share of respect and importance. Underestimating Pakistan and taking it for granted would only give rise to resistance and hatred among the Pakistani who would not want to pursue US policies which fail to acknowledge any Pakistani interests or security and peace to its people. These controversial statements surely demotivate Pakistan to comply with working for peace in the given scenarios. I don’t blame you Pakistani government, we put in a tough dilemma among such confusing state of affairs.

Women’s Cricket Team Makes Nation Proud!



Pakistani cricket fans were amazed by the wonderful performance by the women’s cricket team at the Asian Games, creating history by bagging gold. The first gold medal for the country in the present Asiad was won by crushing Bangladesh in the finals by 10 wickets.


While the crazy cricket fans around the nation were suffering hopelessness with the increasing controversies and scandals among the cricket board, and the unsatisfactory performances of the players, their hopes have surely got a new life with this win! It is surely amazing how these girls in green have put up an amazing performance and earned the nation the honour. Women are always underestimated; this win surely answers a lot of people who hold the biasness within them and great news for believers in women’s power.

Go girls! May you never lose the spirit and bring about loads of such victories to the nation!

Pakistan is surely proud of all of you J

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Power Corrupts: Ministry Should pay Saudi Fine

The annual pilgrimage of Hajj has surely seen enough scandals and controversies every year, the recent ones including the problems caused by corruption of real estate agents however, the ways by which elite in Pakistan get highly discriminated privileges is another unfair bias. Power surely corrupts and Pakistani politicians have attracted enough attention towards corruption in Pakistan especially in the hands of our dear politicians. Chartered planes and doing Hajj with support of government expenses in the most luxurious ways by families and friends of our dear politicians have already been a source of agony for the general masses, who are burdened with inflation and having a hard time coping with all the shortages of the country making their life miserable. However, the ever increasing taxes and stressed life of the masses is an alien phenomena to the elite class to seem to exploit masses fully to pay for their ever luxurious unjustified trips.


The chartered plane of PIA carrying friends and families (189 people-passengers and crew) of Interior Minister Rehman Malik flew to Saudi Arabia after the deadline for the last Hajj flight had passed. This special flight landed in Jeddah with the delay of 14 and a half hours just because some close friends and relatives had to be accommodated.Without securing permission from the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, the plane left for Jeddah under pressure from higher authorities. Knowing that  it would lead to a fine by the Saudi authorities and could lead to confiscation of the plane. After diplomatic intervention, the flight was not confiscated but a fine of Rs. 4.8 million has been imposed by the Saudi government. The PIA facing unprecedented losses already has asked the interior ministry to pay the fine as it is unable to do so. Interestingly, it is also learnt that the expenses were actually borne by some other people including a real estate developer however the impression given was that they are being met by the Interior minister. 


This special flight not only upset the PIA schedule for Europe and other important regions but is also an embarrassing incident for the nation. The use of power to self advantages have always been a source of unfair discrimination and hopelessness among the masses, but the politicians that should be guarding the state's interests and working for the welfare of the people seem to have long forgotten their duty. Such incidents damage the reputation of Pakistan internationally as well as break the hopes of the people when it comes to these politicians. With the image of Pakistan already suffering internationally, such irresponsible and arrogant behaviours by our ministers is the worst of the things happening. One can only wish system changes and they can be held accountable!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Japanese Vice Minister Nakayama Says ‘Sorry’ for Gaffe Against Women

Mr.Yoshikatsu Nakayama, the vice minister of economy, trade and industry sent his regrets via email to women who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit (APEC) in early October and who were taken aback by Mr. Nakayama’s old-fashioned remark about Japanese women’s role in society.


Mr. Nakayama remarks faced heated criticism made before an audience of about 300 business women and other participants representing the 21 member economies of APEC last month He stated that “Japanese women find pleasure in working at home and that has been part of Japanese culture.”
Adding to it he said  “That should be given more credit through (raising their husbands’) salaries, but it has become impossible as the situation surrounding men became severe.” 


His infamous remarks hummed back the gender bias existing in the modern era and hence made the listeners feel unpleasant. The apology may be for whatever reasons possible but the remarks are a hard to forget as they reflect upon the existing thinking even in high profiled people containing bias against women. It reflects upon the thinking that women's role is confined to home and the hurdles culture creates for women's freedom and development. The remarks though targeted to Japanese women aren't confined to them. They address a wider picture of the portrayed image. When policy makers or people in influential position bear this mindset then progress towards a free, fair and equal society seems a distant dream and an on-going fight. Surely it has been an on going fight and a battle with such mindsets and a restructuring of the role of women is essential. These remarks would surely strengthen the cause and is an eye-opener to the modern day existing biases towards women even in a developed society like that of Japan.

China catches the cricket bug !


The Chinese have finally discovered cricket! 

Cricket was never known to Chinese. They did not grow up watching or playing it. However, the sport has now gained momentum in the country. Students gather everyday after university classes at different fields such as football pitch, volleyball pitch, etc to practice cricket. And, are liking the sport too!

The sport is surely new to the Chinese but they are pretty determined and focused on their efforts towards it. Having targets set already for not just playing but winning from major cricketing nations. Observers say that when China chooses to develop a sport it always gets result. The question of gathering talent and developing on it for the sport to achieve the set targets is however a story time has to tell. The Chinese students portray impressive enthusiasm for the sport and I really look forward to seeing the Chinese cricket team compete with the world in the coming time.

For the world, look out! A competitor is about to set foot in the cricket fields and may steal the show with its new-found cricket craze

Another Girls School Burned down in Afghanistan, Several Qurans burned

Education is the right of every girl and everyone on this Earth. The right however has been long denied by several societies in time to girls as females have been victim to injustice, inequality and discrimination since ages. The trend still lives on and the reflection of the miseries of women reflected nowadays with not just violence towards women but also denying education to them. Parents in many cultures and societies fail to understand the value of education and it's dire importance for a girl and hence, ignore and are unwilling towards sending them to schools. Those who do however have got reluctant with yet another of bombing of girls school especially in Afghanistan.


Several girls schools has met the same fate of being blown off and depriving it's student from the gift of knowledge. The frequency of such incidents is also heart breaking. The strong resistance by the Taliban towards female rights and threat to education is an injustice that largely affects the world. The Taliban claim highly for orthodox Islamic rule however, Islam gives immense respect to women, high importance towards education and strict discipline towards justice in society.


Taliban are far from knowing and practicing Islam. They breed a battle ground and promote hatred. It is a huge injustice to impose self-opinion and create fear in the minds of these young girls who have a heart and great hopes towards attending school and getting education. Its their right! These claims towards Islam made by Taliban are a disgrace now as they have created and promoted an extremely negative image in the world of Islam, a religion that preaches peace and brotherhood. The burning down of several copies of the Holy Quran present in the libraries of these Afghan schools is yet another sin arousing agony among the people.


May Almighty Allah free the world from the plague of Taliban and protect us all from their ill intentions!

Lasbela Land sold to Arabs for hunting: A state attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty

It is known that Arabs come each year to Pakistan for hunting purposes. This interest of theirs is not much publicized to be known to all or the timings of the visit or duration known but it has been going on since long now. The practice has no doubt issues to it as going to another country for hunting down its birds and animals, a cruel practice indeed just for fun is surely unethical and infuriating. It has however been allowed to remain and flourish just because of the revenue the government earns out of it.

Attacks on Pakistan’s sovereignty have been immense but this is also a concern arousing issue. The sale of land and assets of Pakistan and its people so easily to foreign nationals is an unappreciated action and a huge issue. When Pakistan’s assets should be its power and Pakistani efforts should be towards progress and development through building upon its resources, our government has made an extremely wrong measure towards damaging Pakistani sovereignty and hurting its people’s sentiments. 

This time about 70,000 hectares of land in the coastal district of Lasbela is sold to Arab princes for hunting. Earlier Gwadar Port was given to Singapore Port Authority and Reko Diq gold and copper project to foreign companies. This is a huge injustice to the people of Balochistan and largely an adverse decision towards Pakistan. The government may lack funds and technology to develop the country resources but selling it to foreigners for their pleasure or to exploit and benefit from the resources of our country is a decision that isn't in anyway in the interest of Pakistan. When the province of Balochistan is largely ignored for a long time, efforts should be concentrated towards means to curb such feelings and unite Pakistan towards progress and development rather than take such decisions and add to the misery.






US panel calls for Pakistan membership of G20…Really?

A US panel led by Richard Armitage and Samuel Berger has suggested Pakistan’s membership to the Group of Twenty of at least granting of an observer status stating it would enable “to connect with new power structures and familiarize it with emerging norms and responsible international behavior”. The headline published in DAWN newspaper on Saturday, November 13, 2010 caught my attention to go through thinking of it as a positive call. However, it had little to do so with my intentions.

The idea was more about the increased pressure on the call of ‘Do more’ on the war on terrorism. The panel has surely focused on threats to US from terrorism networks in Pakistan and had idolized ‘two realistic scenarios’ which could force change in US policy and strategy towards Pakistan. The focus was more of bringing attention to the ‘what if tomorrow US is attacked’ and then it would be too late and so that Pakistan should be dealt with fiercely or completely isolated and closer ties could be made with India at the expense of Pakistan. The heavy risks and costs to both Pakistani and Americans of these actions were though also termed.

Pakistani sovereignty is already under discussion of being invaded due to the drone attacks which may be targeted at the militants but kills other innocent people too. This is bound to cause a reaction in the long run. When President Obama talked about why Pakistan isn’t termed a terrorist state as an answer to a school girl during his visit to India, it had some ray of hope in it for Pakistan. But this news was a severe blow. Pakistani society which faces high inflation, insecurity, economic burden increased due to the floods and foreign debt is already struggling with internal domestic issues. The menace of terrorism has affected it more than anything else. Several innocent people fall victim to these attacks in Pakistan who have increased in frequency and more than anything else make life extremely insecure for the common man in Pakistan. The interest in terrorism is vested with few hands; the whole nation is already suffering from it and in a tragic state because of it. In this state, such news coming from the US is a tremendous blow to the surviving hopes within the nation.

There surely is a huge need for efforts to fight terrorism but the military expenditure is something Pakistan just can’t afford currently. It not like that terrorism is an admired thing in Pakistan, it surely is not, it is one of the most hated things but replying to it with fire would only increase the reaction. The already done actions of curbing the menace have brought drastic increase in the attacks already because of which the Pakistanis have suffered losing precious human lives, their homes and loved ones. When the fight on terrorism is for everyone’s benefit towards a better world and so many concerns are aired over it than the Pakistani sentiments, conditions and sovereignty should also be taken in to considerations.  Statements of strategy and pressure would only demotivate the efforts towards the war on terrorism. Pakistan may have its differences with India but I personally think that with sincere political will on both sides they can bring peace and harmony in the region. The war on terrorism can be better fought with united efforts and strategies against terrorism. The blame game, pressure tactics and such statements would only extend matters to an adverse end. A change in the policies and strategies is surely essential against terrorism and towards peace building however, it should be free from biasness to do the trick.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Terror visits Karachi: Blast at CID Building rocks metropolis


Karachi was rocked with a huge explosion at about 8.30pm when a truck full of explosives hit the Crime Investigation Department (CID) building. The terrifying sound that was heard at a radius of 15 kilometers was also heard at my home at boat basin when the windows of my home opened and closed making a terrifying sound due to the heavy wind pressure caused by the powerful blast. At that very instant, I knew it was a bomb blast. I rushed to watch updates on the television after getting SMS from a few friends with “Blast near PIDC” in it, the scenes of television were heart breaking. My beloved country was yet victim to another act of terrorism that has plagued its economy.

The blast was so intense that people in Nazimabad and Mazar-e-Quaid also heard it and the earthquake recording authorities claim to have recorded it at a magnitude of 1.3. Surely was huge as nearby building were damaged, about 12 houses succumbed to rubbles, the complete front portion of the head office of the CID building was flattened, 2 huge craters were made in the ground, several cars in the busy area were moved from their positions in the traffic jams to hit other cars on the side, 21 people killed and about 115 injured. The bomb disposal experts say around 1,000 kg explosives were used in the blast.

The blast was said to be a reaction to the arrest of 6 people of the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi that were present at that time in the CID office for interrogation and after the blast, witnesses say that some terrorists may have escaped. Similar to the previous attacks such as the Marriot blast in Islamabad, this attack too involved heavy firing before the blast. However, this time the area of blast was a very crucial one. The Red zone is location to the Chief Ministers house, Governor’s House, Qasr-e-Naz, three luxury hotels, the US consulate and governments, etc. 

Blasts have become a common thing is Pakistan as the frequency of their occurrence has increased steadily over time. However, the losses of innocent lives is an irreparable loss and a pain their families have to live with for long. The frequency of such attacks has made lives of the common man highly insecure.Strict measures are needed to curb this menace of terrorism from society and value human lives as providing security to it's citizens is the duty of the state and the measures for this on part of the state yet needs serious attention.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Childhood Abuse Linked to Diabetes Risk in Adult Women

New findings suggest that women who were victims of childhood abuse may be at increased risk of developing diabetes in adulthood.


Lead author Janet Rich-Edwards, director of developmental epidemiology at Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said in a Center for Advancing Health news release that "Much, although not all, of this association is explained by the greater weight gain of girls with a history of abuse. The weight gain seems to start in teenage years and continues into adulthood, increasing the risk of diabetes". 


As child abuse leaves an enduring imprint on the health in adulthood careful measures need to be taken against child abuse to protect them in the long-run, as the experience of the abuse gets incorporated in the body in some way or the other. 


"One theory is that abused women develop disordered eating habits as a compensatory stress behavior, leading to excess weight gain," Rich-Edwards said. "Another theory suggests that child abuse may increase levels of stress hormones that later cause weight gain and insulin resistance, characteristic of diabetes."


In either way, the risk remains of long-term health burden. Such issues existing in society need urgent attention to address the needs of the people and make lives easier for everyone. For child abuse the best ways to learn to prevent them involve helping families to be careful regarding the occurrence and alerting clinicians the possible role of abuse in pre-diabetics and diabetics patients.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Youth of Kashmir play their role and remind Obama of Kashmir

It was wonderful reading about the work of Kashmir Children Assembly (KCA) just before President Barrack Obama’s visit to India. Hundreds of young children paraded with banners and placards and addressed the press to raise voice and concerns against repression in Indian held Kashmir. Calling on the President to intervene in Kashmir to bring an end to reign of terror as the reason of 10,000 people missing expected to be killed by the Indian troops and 2,700 unmarked graves in three towns was enough a reason for intervention and the need to secure the future of the Kashmiri Children. The children who started their parade from a graveyard laid floral wreaths at the mausoleums of the freedom movement pioneers and flowers petals on the graves of the martyrs.

It was great to see children of Kashmir aware and worried over the plight of their state and actually making an effort to voice themselves. The power of youth was relived in the efforts made by KCA as they proved that the state of affairs is a matter of grave concern as youth being the future of the state is bound to get affected by these circumstances. I really hope their efforts bear fruits and their goals strengthened to securing a safer and better future for themselves, which is their right.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Visa biasness towards Pakistanis: The image of Pakistan in the international society

Pakistanis has faced a severe blow to their image in face of the recent threats of terrorism that have adversely affected the way Pakistanis are portrayed in the international society.  Pakistani visiting foreign countries are subjected to humiliation in terms prolonged waiting, checking, etc as they are eyed upon with suspicion and fear of possibility of a threat to peace and security. This generally negative image of Pakistani has been frowned upon by many Pakistanis who had to go through discrimination and pain-staking measures just because of the created image although it certainly isn’t true for all individuals residing in Pakistan.

One of the discrimination faced by Pakistani nowadays is in terms of difficulties in getting visas. The procedures made complicated stating security reasons; visa rejection has also become a common fiasco. Pakistani were denied visas during the common wealth games in India and it has also been learnt now through independent inspector John Vine that the UK Border Agency may also be illegally discriminating against Pakistani for visas to UK. Pakistan is the fourth largest source of applications to enter UK and higher evidential requirements are put up for Pakistanis which isn’t clear. They give the reason of the process being designed to target visa fraud and made ‘worryingly inconsistent visa decisions’.

In is tragic to see many suffer because of the actions of few. The finger at the Pakistanis is the finger at everyone living in Pakistan and when we collectively suffer, we need to forego the divides among us to guard our honour and dignity, correcting our image to be able to live with pride.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Insecurity in the lives of women: Bangladesh a recent example


Students of colleges and universities in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka took the streets to protest the practice of ‘Eve-teasing’ that involves sexual harassment towards women with the use of verbal abuse, taunts and stalkers. The practice is wide spread in Bangladesh and the protests were for better security of women by the government as the practice has led to women being bullied, committing suicides due to the frustration and embarrassment or being murdered due to raising voice against the injustice. The ones who harass them are usually men on the street or their own school colleagues. The accused often go unpunished because parents do not want to pursue the case due to the prevailing social stigmas and harm to the honour of the girl. Without better legislation surely the menace cannot be curbed.

Women to this day suffer being victims to violence in all broad forms. This example illustrates just how hard the life of women can be that they aren’t even able to study without being wrongly targeted. The harm of insults is surely tremendous as women chose to commit suicide and end their lives rather than live with them. The society too makes it hard for them to become bold and raise voice against them due to traditions, culture, stigmas and of course the inability of providing them justice through properly enforced law in society. Young women when faced with such violating incidents in their lives if do not commit suicide suffer from frustration, insecurity, low self-esteem and lack of confidence. In the starting phases of development if circumstances fail to give them a chance to grow the way they want it would leave a mark on them which may never be cured and in the long run would make resources for the country in terms of educated, motivated and skilled people at a loss. The story depicts the cruel side of society and a picture reinforcing the centuries of violence and inequality towards women. It however is inspiring that youth, colleges and universities girl students have took up the initiative, gathered the will and boldly accomplished a protest to raise alarm to the situation in a society where raising voices for this practice has led to 24 death in this year.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The clash of religion and politics in the Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabia, a state strictly adhered to following Islamic law and practices is currently faced with a hard situation. The state faces outrage due to the Islamic fatwa, religious ruling by Saudi clerics that make cashier jobs for women not permissible. Challenging the government initiative to create jobs for women as the state is faced with 60,000 women graduates looking for jobs, the ruling came in terming it not permissible due to allowing the opportunity of mixing with unrelated men and the chances to attract them or get attracted towards them. The ruling caused outrage and confusion by Saudi women activists. It is surprising though that the ruling has come in months after supermarkets and clothing stores have began hiring women under the authorization of the labour ministry.

The Saudi women are naturally to be outraged as the opportunity and possibility of getting a job for themselves in a state where there aren’t really any has faced a strong attack on it. Religion in the Saudi state has strong political weight and the clash is between political and religious society putting the government in a difficult situation over an important issues.

There are many debates that religion should be kept separate from politics as it is rather misused and being a sensitive issue causes problems of all sorts. The hurdle it has created in this situation is preventing the economic well-being and independence of Saudi women who are unable to find a job and work just because of religious fatwas. Religion is surely important and should be considered in policies to not anger or arouse the sentiments of the masses. However, its role should be rather limited to influencing decisions that are important issues in the society and call for urgent measures. Women’s rights shouldn’t be suppressed and their struggles ended with hopelessness and deadlock due to situations as these. Solutions should be discussed to find out possibilities through discussions at dialogues considering all stake holders upon implementation rather than regretting efforts later due to a certain stakeholder’s stance or action, as that too hurts and arouses the sentiments of the masses who then feel their problems are not paid heed to and it’s injustice to them.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Exhuming of Ahmadi's body from the graveyard in Bhalwal

The body of Shehzad Waraich had to be exhumed from the graveyard of Bhalwal, a small town with the population of few thousand people in Punjab’s Sargodha district on the pretext of being objected for burial in a Muslim graveyard. Ahmadis by Pakistani law are barred from calling themselves Muslims and form a minority in Pakistan. This case is another injustice to minority rights and indifferent treatment towards minorities living in Pakistan. The graveyard Shehzad was buried in is home to bodies of several members of his family including his parents and grandparents whose burial wasn’t objected to but the Pakistani police forced the exhumation of Shehzad’s body. Since 1984, this is the 30th incident of forceful exhumation of Ahmadi bodies by the administration to satisfy opponent components and with the convenient argument of trying to maintain peace.

The Ahmadis may have controversies with the Muslim majority on the basis of their beliefs but this by no means allows humiliation of their dead bodies. Such an act nobody can tolerate happening to their loved ones therefore the sentiments of all minorities should be considered on the basis of humanity. Such acts would only promote hatred and intolerance in society. Minorities too have rights and are equal residents of the Pakistani state. People are even hesitant to comment or say what is right on such a issue but the basics shouldn’t be forgotten. Muslims are a minority in many states too and a broader thinking of humanity should be considered with law protecting all citizens of the state. Such actions only add further harm to the state and religion’s image to the world and would by no chance do any good to anyone in the long run.